Desert Health News - January-February 2024

www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 10 www.livewellclinic.org 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org • www.livewellclinic.org Live Happy, Live Well @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care ProLon FMD (Intermittent Fasting Diet) Photodynamic Therapy Sound Baths Last Wednesday of each month • $30/person Delaney Quick, ND Naturopathic Resident Annissa Ceja, ND Naturopathic Resident Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director While health conversations predominantly revolve around weight loss , there is a frequently overlooked group whose goal is to achieve healthy weight gain . This includes athletes or fitness enthusiasts, patients recovering from illness or surgery, some elderly individuals, people with medical conditions that contribute to weight loss (e.g. cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, hyperthyroidism) and those who are underweight due to naturally fast metabolism. The journey to healthy weight gain requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits. Healthy weight gain isn't merely about consuming more calories. It's about gradually increasing your bodymass in away that promotes strength and vitalitywhileminimizing the risk of health complications. This is done by emphasizing whole-food ingredients and focusing on adequate protein intake. Begin by consulting with a health care professional, such as a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to determine your ideal weight gain range and individualized dietary needs. Establishing a clear plan will help track and keep you motivated throughout the process. Daily protein and calorie intake totals should take into account your height and weight, activity level and weight gain goals. Specific food choices and dietary requirements should be prioritized based on underlying health conditions, nutrient deficiencies and even personal skill level and time restraints. It's essential to focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than empty calories and ultra-processed products. Whole foods are rich in protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that fuel biochemical processes in our body and keep us feeling nourished. Highly processed foods contribute to inflammation, lack the micronutrients that our bodies need to maintain health and hinder balanced digestive function. Protein plays a pivotal role in muscle development. Muscles are essential tissue for maintaining strength and function, healthy blood glucose, preventing injury and bone health. Adults need approximately 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for muscle mass gain. Top sources of organic protein include chicken and turkey, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, tofu and tempeh, lean beef, legumes and dairy products for those who tolerate it. Protein shakes or bars can also supplement daily intake, however it's important to read nutrition labels and opt for the cleanest sources possible. Clean products have minimal additives, artificial ingredients, and fillers and are as close to the whole-food source as possible. While nutrition might be the most critical component of health weight gain, lifestyle factors also play an important role. Chronic stress can hinder weight gain efforts by suppressing appetite, so incorporating relaxation techniques like breath work, meditation, yoga and journaling can help reduce cortisol overload. Daily movement is a crucial player in reducing stress, and strength training at least three times a week increases muscle mass. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and stay hydrated to support overall health and muscle recovery. Healthy weight gain is achievable through a balanced approach that prioritizes nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits. It's not solely about the number on the scale, but rather about building a stronger, healthier version of yourself. Embrace patience, consistency and positivity in this journey, knowing that the effort invested in a healthy weight gain will yield lasting benefits for your overall well-being. Dr. Delaney Quick is a primary care naturopathic doctor at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. For more information, call (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org. A Guide to Healthy Weight Gain By Delaney Quick, ND Leah A. Wiltgen LMT, CDT, HHP Trained & Certified in the Dr. Vodder’s Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Holistic Health Practitioner 760.449.7855 leahwiltgenmld@gmail.com Our lymphatic system is key to sustaining homeostasis throughout our bodies. It works silently and consistently to maintain fluid balance while serving as a main pathway for eliminating toxins via our lymph nodes. The strokes applied in MLD stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluids to assist in cleansing our bodies. How MLD Works • Assists in increasing lymph drainage from areas with impaired lymphatic function • Eliminates lymph fluid from extremities and aids in contraction of the lymphatic system • Increases systemic effect on affected areas and local regions Benefits of MLD • Removes toxins, wastes, bacteria, proteins, and fluid from body tissues • Decreases pain • Decreases stress with relaxation of sympathetic nervous system • Enhances immune support • Faster healing from trauma, surgeries, and injuries MLD Improves Many Conditions Including: • Relieves swelling and skin tightness • Primary and secondary Lymphedema • Non-infected inflammatory conditions (sprains & strains) • Post-cancer treatments • Pre/post-cosmetic procedures • Pre/post-orthopedic procedures Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Offering All Massage Modalities in the Comfort of Your Own Home Do you remember “Puff the Magic Dragon” who lived by the sea in a faraway land called Honah Lee? The 1963 song by Peter, Paul, and Mary is about the ageless dragon playmate for little Jackie Paper and his imaginary dragon daydream adventures. Well, you may hear more of Puff as we enter 2024, the Chinese Year of the YangWood Dragon which officially begins February 10. You or a loved one are a Dragon if born in the years 2024, 2021, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, or every 12 years earlier. What do these mythical flying, fire-breathing creatures mean in dreams? They may symbolize everything from protection to wealth in your current and future life.± The personalities of Dragon people may even be present in your dreams. Traits of Yang Wood Dragon people and characteristics for 2024 are charismatic, intelligent, confident, lucky and gifted.² Dragons have power, vigor and charm, and all of this can spill over into dreams. Chinese zodiac compatibility rules show that Dragon people get along well with Rooster, Rat and Monkey signs. However, Ox, Sheep or Dog signs should be avoided when choosing a life partner. Watch for these animals in your dreams. Many of us have animal or angel dream guides. Some of us have Dragon dream guides that empower us with Dragon energy. They come in various colors, shapes and sizes from the five Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, water and metal. They are magical shapeshifters that take on different colors and shapes to hide in dream backgrounds while the Dragon's cousin, Lizard, can change color and blend into its surroundings, making it seem invisible. The 2024YangWoodDragon is green and symbolic of heaven, maleness, light, activity and penetration, which may appear in dreams, not as dragons but as dragon-symbolic objects. Green is health, wealth and energy. A Dragon spirit animal can symbolize self- love and empowerment to help you tap into your strength. Dragon dream energy is present in odd numbers, mountains, azure color and an unbroken line. Symbolic dragon dreams leave positive residual power energy felt by others. You don't have to be born in the Year of the Dragon to have Dragon energy. People may be naturally attracted to your wisdom and trust your judgment because you can shift the shape of your perception to see both sides and offer a fair assessment. Look for the play on words in dreams because these legendary beasts have left a deep- rooted mark on our collective imagination that flows into our dreams. Puff the magic daydream dragon gave out his final roar when little Jackie Paper didn't come to play anymore. However, Puff may reawaken soon because what goes around comes around, and this year, the Dragon is back. Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos of Rancho Mirage is a survivor, author, dream expert, speaker, TV/radio host/producer and has been featured on Dr. Oz and The Doctors. Her new book Dreams That Can Save Your Life is available now. For more information, visit www.KathleenOkeefeKanavos.com . 9eference! https! www.unravelingdreams.com dreams about dragons " https! timesofindia.indiatimes.com astrology vastu feng shui/chinese-horoscope-2024-the-year-of-wood-dragon-check-all-zodiac-signs/articleshow/105550670.cms?from=mdr. Dragon Dreams and Chinese New Year By Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos This new Dragon year may bring dreams of confidence, luck, vigor and charm.