Desert Health News - January-February 2025

www.movementforlife.com/desert . li . / Blue Zones Project, a first-of-its-kind population health initiative, is making exciting progress in Riverside County with the announcement of its local leadership for Palm Springs and Coachella. Geoff Kors, former Palm Springs mayor and city councilmember, has been appointed executive director for Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, while Angela Zepeda, recently re-elected Coachella city clerk and long-time advocate for community well-being, will lead as executive director for Blue Zones Project Coachella. This development follows years of community anticipation and planning. In our May/June 2023 edition, Desert Health detailed the Blue Zones Project's feasibility assessment for Riverside County, which culminated in a total of five Blue Zones initiatives simultaneously launching in Riverside, Banning, Coachella and Palm Springs, while Mead Valley began a policy-focused Blue Zones Activate initiative. This strategy was devised for maximum impact on the county. With sponsorship from Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), IEHP Foundation, Eisenhower Health, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, Riverside University Health System-Public Health, and Riverside County, this evidence-based initiative is designed to transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play and lead to measurable improvements in community well- being, economic vitality and resilience. As executive directors, Kors and Zepeda will guide their respective communities in implementing policies and programs rooted in Blue Zones evidence-based principles. These efforts will focus on promoting active living, improving access to healthy foods, fostering social connections and addressing health disparities. Kors shared, “The City of Palm Springs has established goals of increasing access and opportunity, improving the health and happiness of residents, and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion and sustainability goals into all areas of government policy. This project does not simply align with these goals, but supports and furthers them as it will reduce health disparities, increase active transportation options, improve parks and recreation, and address longstanding issues such as access to healthy food. This significant investment in creating community-wide change will have a long-term impact on our residents. By bringing resources and a proven program to create change, this collaboration is truly a gift to our communities.” Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 5 www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2025 Continued on page 6 www.desertvascularassociates.com Personalized quality care delivered with compassion and integrity 760.902.1511 74000 Country Club Dr. • Suite G-3 • Palm Desert DesertVascularAssociates.com Special Interests: • Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency • Carotid Artery Disease • Aortic Aneurysms • Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) • Dialysis Access • Chemotherapy Port Insertion Accepting new patients and most major insurance plans Before After Anna Gasparyan, MD, FACS Vascular Surgeon Desert Vascular Associates Community News we’re here to keep you on the court (because sitting out isn’t an option) Cathedral City 35325 Date Palm Dr. Ste 131 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 202-0368 Indio 81557 Dr Carreon Blvd. Suite C4 Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-6195 We believe in movement—at every age, for every stage of life. Our approach to physical therapy is designed to keep you active, pain- free, and living your best life. We offer: Orthopedic rehab with board-certified PTs to restore mobility and strength Sports performance to boost your game (including pickleball!) Work injury recovery to get you back on track Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Blue Zones Project Coachella Announce Local Leadership and Hiring Opportunities Geoff Kors Angela Zepeda