For several years now, I’ve practiced what some call radical honesty. I chuckle even using that term, as if there is something radical about being honest. And yet, in our world of socially acceptable truths and polite evasions, it is. Somewhere along my path of evolution, I was introduced to the transformative power of living… Read more »
This summer, five Palm Springs High School (PSHS) students left the desert to compete on the national stage at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Sports Medicine and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). These passionate students pushed themselves to proudly represent their school. HOSA – Future Health Professionals, previously recognized as Health Occupations Students… Read more »
In July, more than 600 licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), students and supporters of whole-person care gathered at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells (and virtually) to celebrate the 40th Annual Convention of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). The landmark event, “The Heart of Naturopathic Medicine,” honored four decades of collective work to… Read more »
In the Coachella Valley, an extraordinary transformation has taken root. One that weaves together health and education—nurtured by community support for a rising generation of aspiring scholars. Through a collaboration born of goodwill, lives are being changed. This summer, during the 4th Annual Pulmonary and Critical Care Conference of the Desert, the Desert Institute of… Read more »
Burnout is no longer just a workplace buzzword. It’s a full-blown public health crisis. Whether you’re a professional, caregiver or volunteer, the emotional toll of constant responsibility can quietly erode your energy, empathy and sense of purpose. Originally coined in the 1940s to describe engine failure, “burnout” now captures the human experience of emotional and… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Coachella have kicked off a series of interactive community events designed to create a happier, healthier, more vibrant community. Many of these are built around Moais, organized groups launched and run by Blue Zones Project teams that meet regularly around healthy habits such as walking, gardening and nutritious potlucks.… Read more »
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder best known for its motor symptoms, such as resting tremor and rigidity. However, many non-motor symptoms often appear years before movement changes begin.1 Fatigue, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances can have a profound impact on quality of life, and these are areas where mental health professionals… Read more »
On a quiet Saturday morning in May, a bomb went off just steps from where I perform surgery every week. It didn’t happen in some distant city. It happened here, at the intersection of Highway 111 and Las Palmas, right across the street from our surgical center. The target was a fertility clinic. One person… Read more »
Ask any parent or teacher what they feel are the most significant influences on the emotional state of their children and students and you’ll probably get various answers. However, most polls and surveys measuring happiness and depression cite social media use as a leading cause of depression, loneliness and isolation. To address this concern, the… Read more »
This September, our community comes together once again to shine the light on environmental issues affecting our valley at the second annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit. The solutions-oriented gathering will take place September 11-12 at the Westin Mission Hills Rancho Mirage and is free for all to attend. Presented by the Desert Healthcare District… Read more »
In the past, radiation treatment for breast cancer typically required a long course of daily therapy. Many women developed painful burns and unsightly skin changes toward the end of treatment. Advances in technology over the past 10 years now allow radiation therapy to be given in as little as five treatments to only a small… Read more »
Blue Zones Project Coachella: Meet the Team Coachella is making a tangible move towards a healthier future with Blue Zones Project up and running. This initiative, drawing insights from the blue zones regions of the world whose residents have experienced remarkable healthy longevity, aims to integrate healthier choices into the systems, policies and places that… Read more »
Have you ever wondered why your dentist suggests a crown? Dental crowns are unique restorations that can address multiple issues. They are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its function, strength and appearance. Dental crowns are prescribed for various reasons, but most commonly to treat teeth that have been largely compromised due… Read more »
Throughout the years, I’ve encountered many clients who repeat dysfunctional behaviors like they are on autopilot. They rarely question or challenge their choices because people usually do what is familiar. For many of us, the known is preferable to the unknown. We’re more likely to remain in dead-end situations than to deal with change. There… Read more »
If you have been keeping up with the news, then you have heard that there have been over 700 cases of measles across several states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus has been spreading mostly in people who are unvaccinated. How serious is contracting the measles? Two children have… Read more »
Nursing students at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus (CSUSB) are stepping into leadership roles through a new Nursing Peer Mentoring Program designed to inspire and support local high school students interested in pursuing health care careers. The mentorship and career guidance program is part of OneFuture Coachella Valley’s Regional Healthcare Initiative to increase… Read more »
Learning is the cornerstone of human progress, enabling us to adapt, innovate and thrive. It is about acquiring knowledge and engaging deeply with experiences, facts and concepts to draw meaningful conclusions. The true essence of learning is revealed in reflection—when we take a step back, process what we’ve encountered, and connect it to our lives… Read more »
As a junior at Palm Desert High School, it feels like the future is approaching faster than ever, and the only thing we can truly control is how we prepare for it. One of the most impactful ways I’ve been preparing is through the Health Academy, an outstanding program that has left a lasting impression… Read more »
New Gallup data, conducted in collaboration with the Blue Zones Project, offers a snapshot of well-being in Palm Springs and Coachella. This research, done between October and December 2024, examines five key dimensions of well-being: career, community, social, physical and financial health, providing localized intelligence. The data highlights positive mental health scores in Coachella, with… Read more »
Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue that affects millions of children across the country. Children with obesity are at higher risk for other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In this article, HARC provides Coachella Valley statistics and… Read more »