Lauren and Dakota

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 specifically to promote the convergence of conventional medicine and alternative modalities. Our growth and success supports our strong belief that the Coachella Valley is a leader in “integrative medicine.”

I would like to once again thank those who have supported our vision. As I stated in our inaugural issue, “many members of the medical community, as well as those practicing natural and alternative therapies, understand the challenge of providing a communication medium in which both practices can comfortably co-exist. I respect their insight and do not take this responsibility lightly.” A year later this statement still rings true, however, as the use of integrative medicine grows, and we stand by our mission of providing reliable, science-based information, this task becomes less and less of a challenge. I always have, and always will, consider it an honor.

As we grow, Desert Health[sup]®[/sup] will continue to recognize accomplishments, celebrate our health care community, educate our readers, and encourage you to “get out and do!” The addition of our Desert Events section presents opportunities to do just that. These local sporting and health-related events also bring us and our participating practitioners to you. We enjoy meeting you, hearing from you, answering your questions, and helping you succeed in living your healthiest – and happiest — life possible.

Very special thanks goes out to Heather McKay of M.Kay Design, those graphic creativity truly sets Desert Health[sup]®[/sup] apart. To Chanin Cook, whose “word smithing” helps our readers enjoy medical editorial and whose friendship I couldn’t live without. To Jo Ann Steadman whose fine tooth editing (at all hours) delivers a precise end result. Thank you for joining our team. To my husband, Tommy, for putting up with me through the many deadlines. And last, but certainly not least, to my best friend and mom, Doris, who many of you have already met or will meet at Desert Health[sup]®[/sup] events. She is by my side, always smiling and helping whenever needed with editing, events, and overall support.

My greatest sense of accomplishment comes from readers who tell me they truly enjoy reading Desert Health[sup]®[/sup]. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and look forward to meeting each of you throughout the season!

Best of Health,