Desert Health News - November-December 2024

. A mong the many favorable reasons to live in the Coachella Valley, air quality is not one of them. The condition has worsened since tropical storm Hillary made landfall in August of 2023. Since then, concern has grown about the health effects of the air we breathe. Many are committed to elevating the conversation, a goal of the first annual Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit presented by the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation. The two-day event brought over 300 community members together to educate and “catalyze innovation” to find solutions and improve population health. “The summit created a space for academics, researchers, health care systems, community- based organizations and government agencies to come together to listen and learn fromeachother,” saidpanelist AnnCheney, PhD, an associate professor at the University of California Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine. “The conversation is imperative to improve the quality of life for everyone across theCoachellaValley,” addedDesertHealthcare District Director Leticia De Lara. As an attending journalist, I found the summit extremely educational and fascinating. Taking part in the conversation is something everyone can — and should — do, so let me share what I learned. What is in the air? That “rotten egg” smell is hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless gas that produces the odor at low concentrations (ironically, at higher concentrations, the odor is described as “sickeningly sweet.”) It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. There is no formal EPA standard for H2S, and the California Air Resources Board 30 ppm standard was adopted solely for odor control, not to reflect health risks. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports prolonged exposure to levels as low as 2 to 5 ppm may cause nausea, eye tearing, headaches, loss of sleep and bronchial constriction for some asthma patients. www.humineral.com 1 what’s inside Complimentary Natural Options Medicinal Soups 101 12 Integrative Medicine A Modern Approach to Enhancing Mobility 15 Through the Generations Know the Options Before the Time Comes 17 Fresh Cuisine Healthier Holiday Pie 22 Fitness Blue Zones Project Community News 20 Desert Events Events to Evoke Confidence, Community and Calm 23 Health & Beauty Aging Gracefully: The Power of Personal Choice 16 Financial Health Can You Afford to Die? 19 Medical News New Holistic Cancer Support Group 3 Let go an d float See p. 23 2025 DATES ANNOUNCED! http://www.deserthealthnews.com/ November/December 2024 F rom the moment we first crawl, we spend our entire life moving forward. We progress toward things that bringus joy and set goals for our next accomplishments. We greet each new season with anticipation and sail into January with aspirations for the new year ahead. As 2024 comes to a close, shouldn’t we give pause to all we’ve enjoyed and experienced this year? We’ve spent the past 300+ days growing, struggling, celebrating and feeling. Shouldn’t we look back on all we’ve embraced and learned? Reflecting on the people, places, actions and reactions that brought us to where we are today can be beneficial — and really fun. Beyond spurring fond memories, it can help develop stronger self-awareness and understanding of interpersonal relationships. It can strengthen our appreciation and help us live happier, more fulfilling lives. What is the funnest thing you did this year? Who was the most fascinating person you met? What pushed you farthest outside of your comfort zone? Did you love learning something new? What was the biggest decision you made? Have you flagged your favorite photos? What new (or maybe old) song stuck in your head? Did you kindle a new friendship worth nurturing? What things do you want more of and what do you wish to leave behind? During this busy holiday season, take a solitary moment to look back on your calendar, scroll through pictures on your phone, review your journal and jot down memories. Ask yourself questions to inspire curiosity and deeper appreciation for the year gone by. This simple practice is certain to evoke gratitude for where you’ve been and growth for the positive path forward. Minutes Matter Check-in online at DesertCareNetwork.com/ERCare Hospitals in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree Head to Desert Care Network in an emergency Minutes Matter Check-in online at DesertCareNetwork.com/ERCare Hospitals in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree Head to Desert Care Network in an emergency Continued on page 3 Let's REFLECT The AIR we breathe By Lauren Del Sarto Desert Healthcare District team with Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit participants (Photo by Andrew Cabral)