Our warm summer days offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and do “a bit of nothing,” as Dr. Shannon prescribes in our front-page quote. It’s a good time to rest our busy brains, and make space for personal reflection. We need it to recharge, renew and rebalance.

Reading through this new edition, I am reflecting on just how far we have come. When starting Desert Health 12 years ago, I never would have imagined an international conference on food as medicine coming to the desert. A naturopathic physician’s conference, yes, but not one attended primarily by MDs, DOs and RNs. I am excited to be a part of the September event and hope many from our local health care community will attend.

We also revisit Eisenhower Health’s residency program. We covered the first in-coming class in 2013 and are impressed with how much the program has grown and continues to support the ongoing need for family physicians locally.

I also reflect on the growth of our natural health community which was the original inspiration for Desert Health. Their services are in high demand as people gain a better understanding of their work. The medical community is also embracing their knowledge and value as part of the international movement towards addressing root causes of disease through lifestyle medicine.

Whether you find summer joy in faraway places or local staycations, check in and check out. As we reflect, we are full of gratitude, and thank you for taking this journey with us. It certainly appears that the best is yet to come!