www.swahayoga111.com www.truepathwellness.coach www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2026 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 9 Empowering women seeking balance, vitality and inner peace Individualized support to help you move forward with confidence: Start the journey on your True Path to wellness with a complimentary discovery call. Tracy Townsend Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach 951.454.1648 • One-on-one coaching • Home wellness resets • Pantry clean-outs • Meal prepping tracy@truepathwellness.coach • www.truepathwellness.coach www.livewellclinic.org 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 Photodynamic Therapy GLP Weight Loss Integrative Cancer Care Sound Baths Last Wednesday of each month $30/person Step Inside. Retreat and Revive. We look forward to welcoming you. (760) 408-5454 39935 Vista del Sol Drive • Rancho Mirage Introductory offer 3 classes for just $33 swahayoga111.com Living with Jennifer Di Francesco Wellness We live in an era defined by a polarizing news environment, leaving many in our society feeling deeply exhausted. In response to this inundation, many turn to a "news detox," setting strict consumption limits or attempting to disassociate entirely. Technology apps such as Freedom and News Detox offer a much-needed hiatus from the deluge, promising mental recharge. However, we must examine whether this intention to unplug is enough. Current marketing frequently frames "self-care" as superficial soothing: bubble baths and aromatherapy that offer only temporary relief. This approach often mirrors the act of stepping away from pressing global issues just to feel better. Yet psychological studies suggest a healthier way to combat apathy: resting in “agentic behavior” rather than inaction. Agentic behavior turns you from a passive observer into an active participant through three key pillars: 1. Intentionality: choosing your actions deliberately. 2. Responsibility: viewing yourself as a cause of change, not just an effect of the environment. 3. Belief in influence: knowing that your specific actions shape outcomes. The Persian poet Rumi famously observed, "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." With this perspective, we can stay engaged with the world in a healthy, sustainable manner. Throughout history, individuals have reclaimed their power through small yet potent actions that improve outcomes for both individuals and society. True self-care in this moment can be found through active engagement: Artistic creation. Use your voice. During the French Revolution, romantic poetry became a "moral megaphone," and during the Vietnam War, folk music served as a powerful cultural connector. Creating anything, whether a song, a poem or a painting, restores your sense of agency. Meaningful volunteering. Action is transformative. Whether it is providing "street medicine" to marginalized populations or working at a local food bank, community work heals the helper as much as those helped. The T.H.I.N.K. Method. Before reacting to or sharing any news, pause and ask: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind? This intentional pause fosters both self-care and healthier relationships. The next time you feel disenchanted by the state of the world, try leaning in rather than pulling away. By finding purposeful ways to engage, you increase your own receptivity and resilience. The world doesn't just need your attention—it needs your involvement. Jennifer Di Francesco is a wellness explorer and desert adventurist and can be reached at www.coachellabellaboho.com. A New Path for News Exhaustion sleep patterns and behavior. Any elimination diet should be undertaken carefully and ideally with professional guidance to ensure nutritional adequacy. Vitamin and mineral-rich foods. Certain vitamins and minerals play a particularly important role in supporting individuals with autism. Magnesium may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality and can be found in dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Zinc supports immune function and may help with attention and hyperactivity; good sources include red meat, fish and seafood. Vitamin D, found in fortified foods, oily fish and egg yolks, supports brain function, mood regulation and immune health. Recommended foods to limit or avoid Artificial additives. Food dyes, preservatives and artificial sweeteners have been linked to increased hyperactivity or irritability in some individuals. Reducing processed foods where possible can be beneficial. Sugar. Excessive sugar intake can cause energy spikes and crashes, negatively affecting mood, focus and behavior. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help promote more stable energy levels. Highly processed foods. Highly processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt while lacking essential nutrients. They may also contain additives that can be problematic for individuals with autism and should be limited in favour of whole, nutrient-dense foods. Tips for implementing dietary changes •Individualized approach: Every person with autism is unique, so dietary changes should always reflect individual needs, sensitivities and preferences. •Gradual changes: Introducing new foods slowly can help reduce resistance and avoid overwhelming sensory sensitivities. • Involvement: Involving individuals in meal planning and preparation can increase interest in food, encourage independence and foster positive experiences around eating. Ultimately, nutrition is one part of a broader, holistic approach to supporting individuals with autism. Readers' Corner Question From Owen in La Quinta: I struggle with sleep and often wake up feeling exhausted. Can nutrition really make a difference to me? Foods rich in magnesium, like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can help you relax at night. Eating a meal with protein and complex carbohydrates will stabilize your energy and help you wake up feeling more refreshed. Autism and the Power of Nutrition Continued from page 6 Monica Price is a nutritional therapist and a European health expert. She is a television and radio presenter for numerous media outlets and host of “The Monica Price Show.” Monica invites your questions and can be reached at monica@monica-price.co.uk. www.monica-price.co.uk. References available upon request
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