Desert Health News - March-April 2024

Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 www.desertcarenetwork.com/ercare Here is an edited summary of a few of the trends as provided by GWS: Climate-adaptive wellness. With an increasingly heat-crushed planet, and air conditioning that is erasing climate change progress, we will see a new wave of innovations that cool our bodies, homes and cities: more green space, tree cover and rooftop gardens; high-tech building materials and heat-reflective paint for roads and roofs; cities building cooling centers and public pools, with many cleaning up waterways for public swimming; and smart-tech clothing and wearables that monitor the body’s heat indicators – from core temp to hydration to electrolytes. So much will change in this traditional wellness space, from a new focus on hot/cold therapies to the rise of (cooler) “night-time wellness” programming at hotels and resorts, such as stargazing and full-moon yoga. The power of the pilgrimage. A silver lining of the pandemic was that many people rediscovered the simple joys and health benefits of walking and a purposeful connection with nature, which have led to today’s exploration of ancient pilgrimage trails. Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago saw record numbers of travelers in 2023. Others were drawn to Shikoku 88 and the Michinoku Coastal trails in Japan, as well as destinations in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India and Italy, all of which have undergone extensive restorations thanks to government efforts to promote holistic tourism. From manning up to opening up. Wellness has long provided a space for women to open up, explore their emotions and build community, but the same can’t be said for men. However, a cultural shift is underway as the dire consequences of rising male loneliness are exposed. The wellness industry is responding with solutions designed to help men reconnect with themselves and each other including retreats, apps and social acceptance of this “softer” form of self-care. The rise of postpartum wellness. Following childbirth, new parents are largely abandoned by the medical system, and postpartum depression rates are on the rise. Change is now here as cultures around the world develop postpartum retreats for mom and baby that focus on deep rest, healthy food, baby-care education, massage and more. Governments and corporations are also taking action with new home care apps and an expansion of targeted consumer goods and resources. www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2024 Continued on page 15 At Palm Desert High School (PDHS), students in the three-year Health Academy program have the incredible opportunity to explore human anatomy with a hands-on experience using their new syndaver. By working on a life-like human model, students gain a deeper understanding of the human body and its intricate systems. One of the major pros of using a syndaver is that it allows students to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. They can see firsthand how different organs and structures connect and interact with each other. This practical experience helps students develop critical thinking skills and a better understanding of medical procedures. Another advantage is that working with a syndaver fosters a sense of empathy and respect for the human body. Students learn to appreciate the complexity and fragility of life, which can greatly impact their approach to patient care in the future. It also gives them a chance to overcome any fears or discomfort they may have about working with human anatomy, as the syndaver replicates the human body in incredible detail. Another extraordinary benefit is the encouragement towards teamwork and collaboration among students as they work together to examine and explore the different parts of the body, sharing their knowledge and insights. This collaborative learning environment enhances communication skills and prepares them for future health care professions where teamwork is crucial. Damien Gamboa and Leticia Gastelum, two PDHS seniors, now in their third year of the Heath Academy program, explained how the syndaver prepares them for their future. “Our job is to sterilize the syndaver. It is not particularly difficult, but it does take a large amount of time. One factor is due to the syndaver taking approximately 100 gallons of water. The first step is to drain all the water. Next, we put on gloves and apply an antibacterial soap, lathering up the syndaver to get into every organ, joint, muscle and artery. Then, we begin to rinse the syndaver and remove the soap. This is to prevent any sort of bacteria that could potentially form. Lastly, we incorporate Algae Guard into the water to add an extra layer of protection, preventing other bacteria from seeping in. One main reason why this is beneficial for us as medical students is because it helps us understand where each organ is, what specific roles they play in the human body and how they would look, as the organs are extremely life-like. In all honesty, maintaining the syndaver takes lots of time and effort. With this job you must be fully committed to the process, but we love the responsibility because we know it will only benefit us moving forward.” Overall, having a syndaver in PDHS’s Health Academy provides invaluable learning opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in health care. It allows them to gain practical experience, develop empathy and learn essential skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors. Violet David is the sophomore class president for the PalmDesert High School Medical Academy program and in her first year of a three-year biomedical program. For more information on our valley’s medical health academies, contact Kim McNulty at kim@onefuturecv.org . The Human Body Unveiled: PDHS’s Health Academy Harnesses the Power of the Syndaver By Student Violet David Check in online at DesertCareNetwork.com/ERCare At Desert Care Network • Three Trauma Centers, including the only Level 1 Trauma Center in our Desert • Highest Level NICU for newborns in the Coachella Valley • Only DNV-Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center • The Comprehensive Cancer Center • Hospitals in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree Emergency care, close to home Minutes Matter Check in online at DesertCareN twork. /ERCare At Desert Care Network Three Trauma Centers, including the only Level 1 Trauma Center in our Desert Highest Level NICU for newborns in the Coachella Valley Only DNV-Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center • The Comprehensive Cancer Center • Hospitals in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree Emergency care, close to home Minutes Matter Students at PDHS’s Health Academy with their new syndaver The Future of Wellness Continued from page 1 Wellness will include more resources for new parents.