Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 For people living with chronic knee or shoulder pain from osteoarthritis, Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) now offers a treatment that doesn’t involve surgery, injections or daily medication: low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT). The use of LDRT for arthritis dates back over 100 years. While it remained a common treatment in Europe, its use in the United States stalled in the 1980s as pharmaceuticals became more prominent.³ Recent clinical trials have fueled a resurgence in thinking about its role in managing osteoarthritis, particularly in the early stages of disease. Radiation is best known as a cancer-fighting tool, where high doses are used to destroy cancer cells. But at a much smaller dose, approximately 5% of that used to treat cancer, it can also work as a safe, non-surgical option for joint pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 32.5 million adults in the U.S. live with the condition,´ which gradually wears down the joints and typically brings pain, stiffness and swelling to the knees, hands, hips and back. There’s currently no cure, but a recent placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that a single round of lowdose radiation could meaningfully ease symptoms for many patients.µ LDRT can be used for osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, ankles and elbows. Right now, the CCC offers this treatment for knees and shoulders, with hand treatments available soon. “This is for patients with mild to moderate pain from osteoarthritis,” says Amir Lavaf, MD, medical director for the clinical oncology research program at Desert Regional Medical Center. “Low-dose radiation can stop the inflammatory process that drives the disease, the same process that breaks down cartilage in the joint, which can lead to real reductions in pain.” Despite using the same equipment as cancer treatment, the radiation dose involved is far smaller. Patients receive just 50 cGy (a unit of radiation dose) every other day in a 15-minute session for a total of 6 treatments over two weeks. That works out to a total dose of 300 cGy, compared with the 3,000 to 6,000 cGy a typical cancer patient might receive over a full course of treatment. If pain returns in the future, the treatment can be safely repeated with no reported damage to the targeted region. The future of healthcare leadership is built not only through textbooks and classroom instruction. It is built through compassion, mentorship, service and meaningful human connection. At Coachella Valley High School (CVHS), the Health Academy students involved in HOSA–Future Health Professionals continue to demonstrate that leadership in healthcare begins long before entering a hospital or clinic. For the second consecutive year, CVHS earned Gold recognition statewide at the HOSA California State Leadership Conference. The recognition reflects the Health Academy’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for careers in healthcare, public health and community service. Beyond academic achievement, students are learning the importance of empathy, civic responsibility and supporting the well-being of others. One recent example came during the latest LifeStream blood drive hosted at CVHS. Blood donation can create anxiety for many first-time student donors. To help provide comfort and emotional support during the event, Leslie Flores of La Quinta brought Jasper, a trained service pet from Animal Samaritans, to the campus. Flores, a volunteer with both CVHS and Animal Samaritans, has seen firsthand the positive impact Jasper has on individuals experiencing stress or isolation. She regularly brings Jasper to visit her mother’s memory care facility, where his calm presence consistently brightens residents’ days and creates moments of joy and connection. Recognizing the same potential benefit for students, Flores introduced Jasper to participants at the CVHS blood drive in May. The response was immediate. Smiles spread throughout the building as students, staff and donors interacted with Jasper before and after donating blood. For nervous donors, Jasper helped reduce stress and created a more relaxed and supportive environment. Experiences like these highlight an important lesson for future healthcare professionals: healthcare extends beyond clinical skills alone. Compassion, emotional support, communication and community engagement remain essential components of patient care and public health. Programs like HOSA and partnerships with organizations such as Animal Samaritans help expose students to these broader dimensions of healthcare service. Whether students ultimately become nurses, physicians, therapists, prehospital care providers or public health leaders, early exposure to compassionate service helps shape the kind of professionals and community members they become. At CVHS, mentoring the future means teaching students not only how to succeed professionally, but also how to care for people with dignity, empathy and humanity— sometimes delivered with four furry legs. Editorial by Simon Moore, CVHS Health Academy coordinator and HOSA advisor. He can be reached at simon.moore@cvusd.us. www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2026 New options for joint pain management can enhance everyday life. Mentoring the Future Through Compassion and Service CVHS Health Academy students work with Jasper to help induce calm. Continued on page 6 In the Coachella Valley. Choose the When comparing 2024 Medicare.gov data from Coachella Valley hospitals. In an emergency, every minute matters. At Desert Care Network, we’re committed to delivering quality care – fast. With three locations in the Desert, we’re here, close to home, with the medical care you need when you need it most. And that’s just the beginning. • Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs • JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio • Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree Non-Invasive Option for Osteoarthritis By Lauren Del Sarto
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