Desert Health News July-August 2024

. As a health coach deeply immersed in the intricacies of natural health, I've often pondered society's fixation on youthful appearances. From a tender age, my perception of aging has always diverged from the mainstream. I remember being 8 or 9, captivated by the older individuals around me. Their wrinkles and lines were not signs of degeneration; they were stories etched with years of experience and wisdom. I would catch snippets of their conversations and tales from different eras, and found myself daydreaming about the wealth of knowledge and insight that would come with growing older. To my young mind, age was a privilege. I wondered why some people lived much longer than others, and growing older seemed like an adventure. I imagined I would become more interesting as I aged, just like the older adults I admired. I looked forward to getting older as I watched myself and those around me mature. Growing up as a Gen Xer, I was bombarded with images and messages that glorified youth and shunned aging. I vividly remember the Oil of Olay commercials that promised to ward off the dreaded wrinkles. To me, these advertisements seemed strange. Why were we so afraid of something as natural and inevitable as aging? Aging is not something to be feared, but rather embraced. It is a journey that enriches our lives with depth and character. Each wrinkle is a testament to our life, the heartbreak and pain we have overcome, and the wisdom we have gained. I prefer to embrace this aging process, always encouraging myself to see the unique beauty in every stage of life. Recently, my thoughts on aging have been profoundly influenced by my 92-year- old grandmother. She has lived independently for as long as I can remember, but due to some mysterious neurological issues, she can no longer safely reside alone. The decision to move to an assisted living facility has been incredibly challenging. She has had to part with many of her material possessions, and losing her independence has been difficult. This transition is challenging; it feels like a societal admission of her 'old age,' a label she has always resisted. Despite these setbacks, I am thrilled she will now live close to my mother and me back home in the desert. Being with her during this transition is an honor I hoped would be possible. I'll cherish spending more time with her, learning from her resilience and strength as she navigates this new chapter. As I continue aging, I find inspiration in the women who came before me. My grandmother and mother are forging a path I am proud to follow. At 51, I look in the mirror and love every wrinkle on my face. I feel more youthful, vital and alive than ever, knowing that age has nothing to do with it. I embrace who I am, celebrating my journey and finding beauty in every stage of life. Let's celebrate aging as the privilege it truly is. After all, the lines on our faces are not marks of time lost, but lives fully lived. Stacey Michele Blackwell, owner of Barefoot Balance Holistic Health, is a certified health coach specializing in integrative nutrition, digestive and hormone health. She can be reached at (760) 401-1568 or through www.barefootbalance.com . "The distributions are particularly important in a community where many families have one or more full-time jobs, but still struggle to make ends meet," says Galilee co- founder Claudia Castorena. "The families often face difficult choices between paying for housing, utilities, health care and food," she continues, "and while we also can help with rent and utility assistance in emergency situations, the food distribution is a cornerstone of the community support we offer." The long-term benefits of nutritional support The rising cost of food and the economic hardships families face in the eastern Coachella Valley have severe implications for children's health and education. Ensuring children have access to healthy food is critical for long-term success. Proper nutrition supports cognitive development, improves school performance, and enhances overall well-being. While the challenges are significant, the efforts of organizations like the Galilee Center provide crucial support. By offering healthy food options and addressing food insecurity, they help ensure that children have the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive. Evy Hanson is founder and CEO of Leap Marketing. For more information on the Galilee Center and volunteer and donation opportunities, visit their website at www.galileecenter.org . References: 1) https://censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US0606590520-coachella-valley-ccd-riverside-county-ca/; 2) https://censusre- porter.org/profiles/16000US0614260-coachella-ca/; 3) https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/coachellacitycalifornia/PST045222 Many families in the eastern Coachella Valley, particularly in cities like Mecca and Coachella, face daunting challenges in providing nutritious meals for their children. The rising cost of food has exacerbated these difficulties, leaving many households struggling to afford healthy groceries. This situation is particularly critical in a region where poverty rates are high, and many families live below the poverty line. Economic hardships and rising food costs Coachella's median household income is approximately $52,466, significantly lower than the state median of $91,905. Around 11.2% of the population lives in poverty. 1,2 Mecca faces even starker economic conditions, with a median household income of just $28,638.3 These financial constraints make it increasingly difficult for families to afford rising food costs. The escalating prices of groceries disproportionately affect low-income families, who allocate a larger portion of their income to food than wealthier households. As prices rise, the ability to purchase nutritious foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains becomes more challenging. Instead, families may resort to cheaper, calorie-dense, but nutritionally poor food options, which can have severe health implications. Impact on children's health and education Poor nutrition during childhood has profound effects on physical and cognitive development. Children who lack access to nutritious food are at higher risk of developing chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies can lead to developmental delays and compromised immune systems, making children more susceptible to illnesses. Beyond physical health, poor nutrition can also affect educational outcomes. Children who do not receive adequate nutrition are more likely to experience difficulties in concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. Inadequate nutrition can lead to poorer academic performance, lower test scores, and reduced school attendance, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Mitigating food insecurity Amidst these challenges, organizations like the Galilee Center play a crucial role in supporting local families. TheGalilee Center's weekly food distribution program provides essential relief by offering healthy food options to families in need. The Galilee Center distributes bags of fresh produce and kitchen staples such as rice and canned goods every week. On Tuesdays, Galilee staff and volunteers pack over 300 food boxes with kitchen staples, and on Wednesdays, the bags of fresh produce are packed. The food is sourced from distributors at bulk prices, enabling the Galilee Center to provide food for a family of four for four days on a budget of only $40. A typical food box will include rice, pasta and canned goods, while the produce bags will offer seasonal fruits and vegetables. The drive-thru distribution itself happens on Thursdays, and a long line of cars will form an hour before the distribution starts at 4 pm. Working with volunteers, the Galilee staff efficiently expedite the line in approximately an hour, putting food boxes and produce bags in the trunk with a friendly smile. www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 13 760-401-1568 barefootbalance.com Bryan Paul & Stacey Michele Blackwell Certified Health Coaches We practice a holistic and balanced approach to health and wellness considering how all areas of your life are connected. Personal ized Integrat ive Heal th Coaching Stay balanced Gut health and hormone health for men and women Personalized nutrition planning Targeted meal plans Complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation Non-invasive therapy for Neuropathy and Chronic Pain from diabetes, trauma, chemo and more Non-Invasive • No Drugs • No Surgery! Cutting-edge electrical signaling treatment uses a special pneumonic electrical system with suction cups placed on the skin to regenerate nerves by increasing blood flow. Call us today to determine if your pain can be successfully treated. (760) 766-7200 1492 N. Palm Canyon Drive • Palm Springs Physician managed therapy covered by Medicare, PPOs and other insurances. “There has been a substantial difference in the feeling in my feet – for the better! Less numbness, tingling and burning!” — Bob H. Hope for a better quality of life Creating Hope and Healthy Options Local families challenged with rising food costs By Evy Hanson Weekly food distribution plays a crucial role in ensuring local kids receive nutritious meals. (Photo by Zyra Raguro) Grandma Cox, 92 years young Embracing the Beauty of Aging By Stacey Michele Blackwell, CHC