Desert Health News - November-December 2024

. Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 www.desertcarenetwork.com/ercare Combining pioneering therapies with modern technology, a new support group has recently formed for those affected by cancer. Named New ECaP (New Exceptional Cancer Patients), it offers online sessions hosted by local integrative medical hypnotherapist Roger Moore in partnership with Cancer Pathways, and features guest appearances by renowned author and revolutionary wellness guru Bernie Siegel, MD. All those affected by cancer are invited to join and there are no costs to take part. This new program pays homage to Siegel’s ground-breaking group therapy approach formed in 1978 called Exceptional Cancer Patients. His therapy focused on “living between doctor’s appointments,” and offered a holistic approach to healing and well-being utilizing patient drawings, dreams, images and feelings. Siegel authored many well-known books focused on healing including Love, Medicine & Miracles (1986), Peace, Love & Healing (1989) and A Book of Miracles (2011). He is also known for his enlightening children’s literature including Smudge Bunny (2005) and Love, Magic & Mudpies (2006). Based on the theory that psychological response has a powerful impact on outcomes, Siegel sought to empower cancer patientsmentally, physically and spiritually. He called the therapy “carefrontation, a safe, loving therapeutic confrontation, which facilitates personal lifestyle changes, personal empowerment and healing of the individual’s life.” Despite the fact this therapy was a departure from traditional medicine and questioned by critics, Siegel saw awe-inspiring results that spawned his desire tomake everyone — young, old, healthy and ill — aware of their individual healing potential. These theories are well regarded in medicine today and the re-emergence of ECaP is a welcome addition to the trove of holistic healing modalities now available to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families. “New ECaP is more than just a support group,” says Moore. “It’s a transformative experience combining mindfulness techniques, emotional support and community connection. The group provides a safe and sacred space where participants can share their experiences and emotions without fear of judgment.” TheessenceofNewECaP lies in its commitment to fosteringa supportivecommunity, he adds. “Participants are encouraged to listen generously, embrace silence when needed, and respect the diversity of experiences shared within the group. This empathetic environment ensures every participant feels valued and heard, creating a strong sense of connection and mutual support.” The meetings are open to all, and the virtual format makes the group accessible globally, creating a diverse community united by shared experiences. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2024 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 nline at DesertCareNetwork.com/ERCare At Desert Care Network • Three Trauma Centers, including th only Level 1 Trauma Cent r in our Desert • Highest Leve 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 i t s Matter Check in nline at DesertCar Network.com/ERC At Desert Care Network Three Trauma Centers, including th 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 Author and wellness pioneer Bernie Siegel, MD A New Holistic Support Group for Those Affected by Cancer By Lauren Del Sarto Continued on page 5 While there is extensive literature on health impacts of short-term exposure, little is known about chronic effects. However, those living near the Salton Sea where there are higher levels of H2S report an elevated number of asthma cases in adults and children. This region had one of the largest mortality rates from COVID due to already compromised lungs according to Juan De Lara, PhD, director of the Center for Latinx and Latin American Studies at University of Southern California. An art display at the event effectively demonstrated air-quality effects on people’s lungs in that region. The “big dusty problem” is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10) which can be extremely hazardous when inhaled. Levels of PM10 have been on the rise in our valley over the past decade, and the number of days they have exceeded the federal health standard (150 micrograms of PM10 per cubic meter of air) has increased significantly since Hillary. That tiny silt that hangs in the air and covers everything is particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). It can cause the greatest health risks, getting deep into your lungs and even your bloodstream. There are increased efforts of valley-wide street cleaning not just for aesthetics but for managing this particulate. There was also a discussion of lithium mining planned for the Salton Sea region and the concern of building new industry in an already fragile ecosystem. While impact reports state little effect on air quality, lithium mining is known to produce H2S and particulate matter, in addition to hazardous waste byproducts and potential seismic activity through geothermal extraction. We are certain to hear more on this as it develops. The most impactful presentation for me was from young activist Nalleli Cobo, winner of the 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize. The keynote speaker grew up in Los Angeles and became an activist at the age of 9 when she began getting sick from the chemicals (including H2S) released from an oil well hidden in plain sight in her underserved community. She gave her first public speech on the topic at age 10 and quickly became an outspoken leader on banning oil extraction in the city. She shared the disturbing fact that oil rigs throughout LA are disguised as large office buildings (the Packard Well site), art structures (the Tower of Hope) and even places of worship like the Cardiff Tower disguised as a synagogue in the historically Jewish neighborhood of Pico-Robertson. The gaseous smell was also disguised, she said, as chocolate or guava. Cobo co-founded People Not Pozos (“Wells”) and in March of 2020, her organizing efforts resulted in the permanent closure of the AllenCo drilling site across the street from her childhood home. On a larger scale, Los Angeles City Council also voted unanimously to phase out oil drilling over the next 20 years. But it wasn’t without personal cost for Cobo. At 19, she was diagnosed with a rare reproductive cancer and faced chemotherapy, radiation and three surgeries alone in a hospital during the pandemic. She is now living cancer free but still struggles with health issues. Fortunately, her story and leadership also inspired the enactment of Senate Bill 1137, which bans all new oil wells within 3,200 feet of communities in California. Cobo’s presentation emphasized that change takes efforts “of the many over money,” and one small voice can make a very large difference. The conversation on environmental health challenges and solutions will continue as the Desert Healthcare District explores ways to further engage with community partners, stakeholders and residents into 2025. A Healthy Desert, Healthy You podcast and updated summit website are among these plans. To learn what you can do to improve air quality and for more information, visit www.HealthyDesertHealthyYou.com. The Air We Breathe Continued from page 1