The Coachella Valley Health collaborative kicked off its 2012 Healthy Lifestyle Challenge in early January. Currently, over 1,600 Coachella Valley residents are participating in the challenge, including our valley school districts who have challenged each other for the top spot. The spirited, good-natured challenge is lead by school board members, teachers and staff, providing healthy… Read more »

At some point in life, every person wonders what it would be like to be a genius–to have an intellectual capacity beyond compare. When we say “genius,” the great cultural icon for towering intellect, Albert Einstein, comes to mind. Did you know that Einstein, whose e=mc2 changed the way we think about the workings of… Read more »

You just have to take the first step. I have been a competitive equestrian since I was 9. I rode hunters and jumpers and would clear fences with grace, stamina and enthusiasm. In my teens, I competed internationally and my first trip to the desert was to show at HITS. But in my early 30’s,… Read more »

The internationally-acclaimed Clinton Foundation chose the Coachella Valley for their annual ‘Health Matters’ conference bringing industry and local leaders together to discuss our country’s health crisis and the need for change. The message was clear. Change starts with each and every one of us. “We hope that through the work that we are doing with… Read more »

Happy New Year! Human beings are funny. We know that good health comes down to making the right choices. But bad habits are hard to break, and we tend to be drawn to things that are bad for us. Sometimes it’s cultural or lack of knowledge, but more often it is just plain old ‘human… Read more »

The Desert Diabetes Club has launched a weekly exercise program designed specifically for those with diabetes. The classes are held each Tuesday from 11am – 12pm at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus in Rancho Mirage. Classes will be led by certified fitness instructor, Lisa Manning, C.E.T., a desert… Read more »

A team of valley health care professionals have come together to offer a free monthly golf clinic for stroke and Parkinson’s patients at Country Villas Rancho Mirage Healthcare Center. Patty Curtiss, golf professional, certified athletic trainer, and founder of Bounce You Back and Golf Rehab; Stacy Hennis, a physical therapist specializing in neurological issues and… Read more »

Many of us know ginger from the dollop of pinkish shaved root plant on our sushi tray sitting next to the wasabi. This root plant has a hint of lemon and a hint of pepper taste with an aroma that heightens the senses. The stem of the ginger plant has been used for centuries. Ginger… Read more »

This 6th edition of Desert Health[sup]®[/sup] marks the culmination of our first year in publication. We could not have gotten here without the continued support and contributions of the many health care companies, professionals, contributing writers and community groups featured within our pages. I am truly grateful to all of you. Desert Health[sup]®[/sup] was created… Read more »

Many answers we seek to feel vibrant and take care of our health and wellness, exist as natural remedies dating back 5,000 years. There is a science of self-understanding that originated in India called Ayurveda, translating from Sanskrit to mean “Science of Life.” It is a system of empowerment that looks at everything affecting a… Read more »

One third of people over the age of 65 take a fall every year. 74 percent of those who fall obtain injuries that require medical attention.[sup]1[/sup] Many of these falls, and the life altering consequences that ensue, can be avoided. In the spirit of National Fall Prevention Awareness Day (always the first day of Fall),… Read more »

As we near the end of a mild summer and celebrate the upcoming season, let’s each take a look at how our lifestyle affects our physical well-being. I have to admit that lately, my workout routine has given way to a busy schedule. After hearing “take a deep breath” from several loved ones, I stopped… Read more »

As you read this article, take a deep breath in through your nose. Deeper. Now let it out through your mouth in one long breath. Empty to the bottom of your lungs. As you complete this conscious breath, do you feel yourself start to smile? Does a feeling of satisfaction or relaxation start to peek… Read more »

This year I had my 39th birthday, and I was feeling the ravages of time in ways such as superficial lines and sun damage. I have been mindful of sun exposure, yet am physically active and enjoy an outdoor desert activity. The early sun exposure, when I was younger and less aware, is also now… Read more »

In this issue, we take a look at living with cancer. It seems that everyone knows at least one person affected by this prevalent disease. My moment of realization came upon walking into a local oncologist’s office only to find it more crowded than Clark’s Nutrition. It truly made my heart sink. In researching our… Read more »