Desert Health News - May-June 2024

www.cvalzheimers.org www.DesertHealthNews.com May/June 2024 Kevin Richardson, PhD Hypnotherapist Weight Control • 760.902.2274 Jade Bedard, RN, MSNEd Travel Nurse Consultant 760.895.4097 DESERT HEALTH REPORT Desert Health Report is a local, award-winning 30-minute TV show produced by Windsor Broadcast Productions since 2017. Keerthy Sunder, MD Psychiatrist TMS Depression Treatment 951.365.5018 Benjamin Wehrli, DPM Podiatrist Bunions • 760.848.8231 Lisa Bellows, MA, CCCA Hearing 760.469.4420 Wendy Roberts, MD Dermatologist Skin Cancer • 760.346.4262 Elliot Lander, MD, CHt Stem Cell Therapy 760.346.0145 Bryan Stone, MD Nephrologist • Kidney Stones 760.416.4819 Hetal Bhakta, MD Cardiologist Watchman Procedure 760.883.1600 Christian Luzar, DMD Robotic Implants 760.674.8883 Eric Presser, MD Thoracic Surgeon Lung Cancer • 760.424.8224 Broadcasted daily on Channel 4 NBC & Channel 7 ABC Check your local TV guide listings • (760) 831-4770 Through the Generations The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 19 (760) 776-3100 l i ers.org 75105 Merle St., Suite 800, Palm Desert, CA 92211 Offering support services, free of cost, to families struggling with dementia in the Coachella Valley since 2017. Become part of the ACV Family by donating, volunteering, or becoming a business partner or event sponsor! Contact us to learn more about Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV). We are , your community partner “Only I can set her free; my inner child, the deepest part of me.” - Dr. Amy In 2004, when I wrote my doctoral dissertation, “Study of Attachment – The Impact of Early Attachment and Current Functioning Through Relational Models of Therapy,” I could not foresee the impact and importance this work would have in my psychotherapy practice today. Although I utilize many different and individualized theoretical orientations with my clients, inner child work has proven to be a viable path towards discovery, healing and self-care. The first question one might ask themselves is, do I deserve love? The wounded inner child might be more familiar with negativity, conflict, chaos, trauma and abandonment if they were unable to form strong attachment bonds of trust with a primary caregiver. A child that grows up in a toxic, stressful environment might think they are responsible for their family dysfunction and may wonder if they are bad, wrong, ugly, dumb, a failure and not worthy of love. In this type of mentally and emotionally unhealthy environment, a child can dissociate or shut off from their emotional pain and only exist living in survival mode. The wounded child molds to the expectations of their environment forming a “false self” as relayed in the book, Home Coming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child , by John Bradshaw. Fast forward to adulthood. When your inner child feels ignored and unsafe, watch out! It's no surprise when someone presents to therapy anxious, afraid, emotionally stunted and/or angry, utilizing codependent, addictive or other maladaptive behaviors to escape their emotional pain. John Bradshaw posits, “The wounded inner child contaminates intimacy in relationships because he has no sense of his authentic self.” He goes on to say, “It is impossible to be intimate if you have no sense of self.” Many people form relationships feeling like half-empty vessels, hoping their partner will fill their unmet and unrealized needs. If a child doesn’t feel that they are enough or unconditionally prized and cherished, they will subconsciously seek relationships to fill the emptiness. No one can fill the emptiness but you – and there is hope. Recognize your inner child. Visualize her. What age is she? What is she wearing. What’s the expression on her face? Re-parent her by telling her you’re there for her and that she’s enough. Tell her you love her and that no one will ever hurt her again. She might be wary, as she’s not used to being championed. Don’t give up on her. Practice patience and give her time. The gift? Dialoguing with your inner child can allow your core adult self to mature and flourish since your inner child can now have… you guessed it, a childhood. We all want to be purposeful and productive, and yet keep the sincerity and spontaneity of the child within. You’ll know when your inner child is happy and emotionally safe. Mark Twain said it best, “Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it is heaven on earth.” Your child within can help you see the miraculous in the mundane and the extraordinary in the ordinary. Don’t wait too long to start, for the child within is waiting right inside your heart. Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047. Consoling Your Inner Child By Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT wristbands, handkerchiefs, etc., to deployed service men and women overseas. There are multiple benefits to this kind act. Of course, a soldier getting free swag keeps their brand top-of-mind and also provides something to remind them of home. But, this program, along with other community events, also helps keep Harley- Davidson employees connected to a mission – a mission of caring for Veterans - rather than just working for a paycheck. If you were to ask a Harley Davidson employee what they like about working for the iconic motorcycle brand, it’s likely you’ll not only hear about the products they sell, but also about their mission to serve veterans. Having a mission mindset is a great motivator. What mission beyond the paycheck are you giving your team members? Michael Barnett is the author of Customer Relationship Imprinting and founder and president of Six-Sided Service. He can be reached at michael@sixsidedservice.com or (949) 245.0300. For more tips on achieving exceptional customer service, visit www.sixsidedservice.com. You’ll know when your inner child is happy and emotionally safe. Purpose Beyond the Paycheck Continued from page 17 A Woman with Muscle Reaps Rewards Continued from page 11 Joints cravemuscles. Our joints crave strongmuscles for proper support. If muscles are underdeveloped and not working as they should for proper movement, there is increased atrophy and an overload put on joints. After 30 years of age, there is a decline in muscle signaling us to do our part to initiate a strength program, and 45% of older adults in the U.S. suffer the effects of increased muscle loss. Bones crave muscles. Our bones are dynamic tissue and respond to the weight and structure of our body. When muscles become stronger, bones adapt and strengthen. Muscle mass is a predictor of longevity. Falls in older age are a top cause of death, therefore muscular health is paramount to support healthy bones – and longevity. Strong body, strong mind. One of the residual effects, aside from physical strength, is the gift of mental health and confidence. When the body is strong, the mind is strong, thereby building confidence and assurance in witnessing one’s proof of physical strength. Resistance training requires and enhances concentration which strengthens our abilities in other tasks, such as achieving our goals or staying disciplined and committed. A strong woman in body and mind is unmatched. The research yields positive information for women who partake in strength exercises. Remember, a woman with muscle reaps rewards. Jennifer Di Francesco is a wellness explorer and desert adventurist and can be reached at www.coachellabellaboho.com. Reference: 1) https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.019