Desert Health News - March-April 2025

and suburban youth. Experts agree: It is a shared responsibility, and with empathy, innovative ideas and collective action we can all help teens. “Their future — and our collective well-being — depend on it.” Wellness Tackles Addiction. From alcohol to technology, wellness practices are increasingly being incorporated into all types of treatment for addictions. More and more, companies are focusing on harm-reduction to help people make healthy, balanced decisions for themselves and their habits. Likewise, medical treatment centers are also integrating wellness alongside doctor-supervised programs through the use of massage, meditation, equine therapy and more. Luxury retreats and addiction treatment resorts are also on the rise globally as people are seeking holistic support in picturesque locations. And while there is still work to be done, experts are seeing that addiction has largely become destigmatized, especially as people realize how strong attachments are being formed to many different stimuli besides alcohol and drugs (i.e., phones, food, pornography and more). As a result, wellness products are emerging that may act as antidotes or in some cases replacements for vice products, such as nonalcoholic beverages. In addition, medical providers are increasingly using innovative and wellness-focused therapies to treat mental health conditions and addictions. Wellness on the Line. Fueled by a desire for slower, more relaxed travel, both cruises and train travel are surging in popularity, and increasingly adding creative wellness offerings to their travel itineraries. Established cruise lines are partnering with integrative health advocates like Deepak Chopra, MD, and Andrew Weil, MD, to help guests navigate their wellness journeys. These enhanced wellness additions have proven to have positive results on travelers. A 2024 study conducted onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 showed “in just five days at sea, the 40 guests who took part in the neuroscience research showed remarkable results, with improvements in memory, problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional well-being.” Another trend is sustainable travel, particularly with trains as more passengers are concerned about their carbon footprint. Many are calling it a “rail renaissance,” including luxury train travel with dedicated spa carriages taking travelers to age-old spa towns, and increased use of Amtrak with more than 24 million travelers using the U.S. train company between October 2023 and July 2024. More and more people are prioritizing the journey over the destination. This trend shows they are placing higher valuer and importance on making choices that are sustainable, enjoyable and mindful — and enhance their sense of well-being overall. Wendy Fink is lead editor of Desert Health. For more information on the Future of Wellness 2025 Trends, visit www.globalwellnesssummit.com. References: 1) https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/practice-briefs/wellness.pdf; 2) 2025 Wellness Trends Report and Summary from Global Wellness Summit www.livewellclinic.org www.justusskincare.com www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2025 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 10 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 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org www.livewellclinic.org @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director Live Happy, Live Well Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care ProLon FMD (Intermittent Fasting Diet) Photodynamic Therapy Sound Baths Last Wednesday of each month $30/person Weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound have revolutionized weight management, offering what seems to be a quick path to results. While these GLP-1 medications are life-changing for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes, their long-term impact on those without these conditions is still being studied. One thing is for sure: Medication alone isn't the answer for lasting change. To truly maximize their benefits and maintain progress, pairing medication with healthy lifestyle habits is key. Think of it this way: The medication is the engine, but healthy habits are the steering wheel and the fuel. You are the driver and to assist you in navigating this journey, the guidance of a health and wellness coach can be very beneficial. Amplifying effects with healthy habits. GLP-1 medications offer undeniable weightloss benefits, but combining them with a balanced diet and regular exercise is like adding a jetpack. This synergy amplifies the medication's effects, leading to more effective and sustainable weight management. Taking weight-loss medications is about more than just shedding pounds; it's about cultivating a healthier, more vibrant you. A holistic approach to well-being. The advantages of healthy habits extend far beyond the scale. They positively impact your overall health and well-being. A balanced diet and regular exercise can naturally boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, sharpen mental clarity, strengthen your immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Setting the stage for lasting change. Working with a health coach empowers you to build the foundation for a sustainable lifestyle. They can provide guidance on making informed food choices, incorporating regular exercise and prioritizing sleep, managing stress effectively and fostering healthy relationships. This holistic approach is crucial because research indicates that without lifestyle modifications, individuals often regain weight after discontinuing weight-loss medications. In a recent study, it was noted that “most patients who start weight-loss medications will discontinue use, and without meaningful behavior change, there is a high probability of weight regain.” Health and wellness coaches are experts in behavior change; they understand that lasting weight management involves more than just medication. They empower you to: • Make healthier food choices. • Discover enjoyable activities and develop a realistic exercise routine. • Develop strategies to improve sleep quality and manage stress effectively. • Identify a strong support system, an essential factor in maintaining healthy habits. A strong, patient-centered coaching relationship, built on key coaching skills, is crucial for successful weight-loss interventions, especially when medication is involved. Lasting behavior changes and sustained healthy habits are essential for the long-term success of medication-assisted weight loss. Cynthia Kangos is a national board certified health and wellness coach at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. For more information, call (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org. 1) The Crucial Role of Balanced Nutrition and Exercise with Weight Loss Medications. Wellness Connections, 2024.news.cuanschutz. edu. 2) Health and Well-Being Coaching Adjuvant to GLP-1 Induced Weight Loss. American Journal Lifestyle Medicine. 2024 Nov 19:15598276241302273. 3) Combining Ozempic, Exercise, and Nutrition for Well-Rounded Fitness. Planet Fitness Blog. www.planetfitness. com. 4) The Importance and Role of Health and Wellness Coaches. Healthcore Clinic, 2024. healthcoreclinic.org. 5) Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. 2022. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 6) Health and Well-Being Coaching Adjuvant to GLP-1 Induced Weight Loss. American Journal Lifestyle Medicine. 2024 Nov 19:15598276241302273 Support for Weight Loss Medications By Cynthia Kangos, NBC-HWC Luxury train travel is on the rise. Top Wellness Trends for 2025 Continued from page 5

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