Desert Health News - January-February 2024

Before the days of social media (was there a time before social media?), there wasn’t the constant and perpetual inundation of the “go here, see this, try that, buy it now” culture. Back then, “slowbriety,” or taking things one day at a time, seemed to be more the norm because you had to wait to call, respond or RSVP. There seemed to be a more go-with-the-flow attitude about life and the way life was lived. Declining an invite is tough because we visualize what fun it will be, and heaven forbid we ever disappoint anyone. This burdensome mindset can quickly turn into a 24/7 negative feedback loop of the dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out). The over bombardment of fun, glamour and amazement can wet the social appetite while creating unrealistic expectations. The pressure from overcommitting can lead to feelings of increased angst and anxiety, not to mention possible financial constraints. So, how do you forego feelings of missing out on all the fun, and even worse, that dread of letting others down? I believe an in-depth look at what we deem important and what we can gently let go of may help. However, this is easier said than done in a culture of “more is better” instead of more is just more. It might be a good time to explore what truly matters so that our lives and memories are not crowded together, but instead savored like a fine, aged wine. Here are some tips to forego FOMO: • Take a step back and breathe: It’s okay to delay a response. You don’t have to reply as instantaneously as the invite was received. ASAP can then mean, After Some Appropriate Pondering. • Be more present and in the moment: There’s “great-full” abundance and enough in the NOW! • Consider future You: You’ve RSVP’d to a potluck and the day arrives and you forgot you agreed to make the casserole. Where did the time go? Ann Marie Roepke, PhD, founder of Evoke Training and Consulting states, “Sometimes we overcommit because the future seems far off and abstract and we feel disconnected from our future self. They’re a hypothetical stranger to us, and we’re not invested in their needs.”Sheadvises youdosome“mental gymnastics” andthen respondaccordingly, such as asking yourself what you’d decide if the event was today instead of a month from now. • Your children are watching: How we live our lives teaches children the importance of being human beings and not human doings . What a gift to replace FOMO with SOMO: Seek Only Meaningful Opportunities. Can life be reframed to embrace quality and not quantity? One, “No thank you – I’ll kindly pass,” and you’re on your way. Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047. In the dynamic realm of weight loss and health, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have emerged as transformative agents, offering renewed hope for individuals seeking effective weight loss solutions. Celebrities in Hollywood and the influence of social media have generated both excitement and misconceptions surrounding these new weight loss alternatives. Let’s delve deeper into the science behind these medications to better understand their potential and limitations. Semaglutide, initially designed to manage diabetes, has exhibited remarkable weight loss outcomes. Operating as a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonist in the gut, it enhances insulin production, delays gastric emptying and reduces appetite. Clinical trials showcase its potency, with participants experiencing an impressive 15% reductioninbodyweightcomparedto 3% with diet and exercise alone. The innovative approach of Semaglutide extends beyond traditional weight loss methods, emphasizing appetite control to foster sustainable lifestyle changes. On the other front, Tirzepatide utilizes a dual action of bothGIP (Glucose-dependent, insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. By simultaneously targeting two key hormones involved in glucose and appetite regulation, Tirzepatide boasts impressive results in both weight loss and metabolic improvements. Its dual action not only aids in shedding excess pounds but also supports glucose control, making it an invaluable tool for those navigating the complexities of weight management and metabolic health. In clinical trials, Tirzepatide boasts evenmore impressive weight loss results with participants losing greater than 20% of body weight over the 72-week trial. Now that we have explored the individual characteristics of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, let's highlight their shared attributes: • GLP-1 receptor agonists. Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications. This commonality means that they work on the same biological pathway in the body. • Weight loss benefits. The primary reason these medications have gained popularity is their ability to promote significant weight loss. They achieve this by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2024 Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 8 www.palmspringsendodontics.com www.ranchomirageendodontics.com Laser Endodontic Treatment Laser energy enhances the effect of disinfectants used in the canals further eliminating bacterial infection. Ozone Therapy for Endodontics An advanced preventative therapy that fights off bacteria and pathogens which typically cause most oral health problems. 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F Palm Springs, CA 92262 PERSONALIZED CARE FOR THE ENTIRE COACHELLA VALLEY Freedom From FOMO Dr. Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT New Weight Loss Alternatives Semaglutide and Tirzepatide unveiled By Pam Gossman, DNP, APN, BC-FNP, CPHQ Subcutaneous drugs are transforming the weight loss industry with some options that can be administered orally. Overcoming feelings of missing out can generate new appreciation for staying in. Continued on page 24