November/December 2025 www.DesertHealthNews.com Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 16 www.cvalzheimers.org (760) 776-3100 l cvalzheimers.org 75105 Merle Dr., Suite 800, Palm Desert, CA 92211 Prepare for your future with free, comprehensive and conndential assessments and counseling. The ACV Screening center is here for those with a family history of or questions about cognitive impairment. Schedule your screening, today. www.myhealthmyadvocate.com Our goal is to improve patient experience and outcomes by ensuring clients understand and receive appropriate treatment, quality care, and accurate billing. • Talk with doctors on your behalf • Review treatment plans • Unravel medical billing • Provide in-hospital bedside care • Assist with hospital discharge to home or other facilities • Oer wellness visits O ering 30 years of experience navigating the health care system. Tammy Porter DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM (760) 851-4116 myhealthmyadvocate.com Serving Coachella Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino and the surrounding areas, and nationwide virtually. A Nurse Advocate Your Trusted Guide Through the Health Care System by ensuring treatment, • Simply Caring For You visits The holiday season often prompts reflection on the relationships that matter most— our partners, family and close friends. But are you expressing love and gratitude in ways that truly resonate with them? This year, consider exploring the “Five Love Languages” developed by Gary Chapman, PhD. For over three decades, the Five Love Languages have been part of pop culture, offering a simple yet powerful way to understand how people give and receive love. While not rooted in scientific research, it offers a practical, heartfelt approach to strengthening emotional bonds. It’s less about psychology and more about meaningful conversations: what works, what doesn’t and how we can better support one another. Here’s an introduction to the Five Love Languages: Words of Affirmation. Some people feel most loved through verbal appreciation. Compliments, encouragement and affirming phrases like “I’m proud of you,” “I love you,” or “You mean the world to me” can have a deep impact. Physical Touch. Hugs, cuddles, handholding and a reassuring pat on the back speak volumes to those who value physical closeness. In a world where loneliness is prevalent, touch can be a powerful antidote. Acts of Service. For some, love is best expressed through helpful actions. Whether it’s running errands, fixing something around the house or simply doing the dishes, these gestures show care and commitment far beyond words. Receiving Gifts This isn’t about materialism; it’s about thoughtfulness. A surprise bouquet, a handwritten card or a small token of affection can become cherished symbols of love and remembrance. It’s the intention behind the gift that matters most. Quality Time. Undivided attention is key here. It’s not just about being physically present; it’s about being emotionally available. Meaningful conversations and shared experiences make these individuals feel cared about and important. Understanding which language speaks loudest to your loved ones can transform your relationships. If your partner thrives on quality time, a quiet evening together may mean more than any wrapped gift. If your friend lights up from words of affirmation, a heartfelt note or text could make their day. This season, ask yourself: How do the people in my life feel most loved? Maybe your brother values acts of service, but you’ve been focused on giving gifts. Or perhaps your partner craves physical touch, yet you’ve been expressing love through words. These small shifts in awareness can lead to deeper emotional bonds and interactions. So, as you gather with loved ones, make this season not just about celebration, but about deepening your connections and interactions. Use the Five Love Languages as your guide—not to be perfect, but to be present, curious and open to growth. You may find that your relationships flourish in ways you never anticipated. Afterall, love is a language and learning to speak it fluently is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Dr. Susan Murphy is a best-selling author, business consultant and speaker on relationships, conflict, leadership and goal-achievement. Her newest book, Leading Successful Teams, is out now. Other books include LifeQ and In The Company of Women. She can be reached at Susan@DrSusanMurphy.com or visit DrSusanMurphy.com. Deepening Your Connections By Susan Murphy, PhD Climate change is more than an environmental concern; it’s a public health challenge that affects us all. Older adults face special risks with age-related changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys, along with the body’s natural ability to keep cool. The addition of chronic conditions and certain medications can make heat, smoke, poor air quality and extreme weather even more dangerous. The good news: practical steps and smart selfadvocacy can lower risks and strengthen your support network. Here are a few ways climate change affects health: Heat and humidity. More frequent, longer heat waves raise risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion/heat stroke, kidney strain and hospitalizations. Some medications (for blood pressure, fluid balance, bladder issues, Parkinson’s and certain psychiatric conditions) can increase heat sensitivity, so ask about yours during a medication review with your doctor. Air quality and wildfire smoke. Fine particles and ozone can worsen asthma/COPD, trigger heart attacks and strokes and strain mental sharpness. Check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI), which is included in most weather apps on your phone, and adjust activities. An AQI over 101 is unhealthy for some older adults, especially those with asthma and chronic lung conditions, and worsens for all with higher levels. Extreme weather and outages. Storms, floods, and wildfires disrupt power, medicine refrigeration, oxygen/medical devices, caregiver access and transportation. After floods, mold exposure, which can be insidious, may harm lungs. Changing disease patterns. Warmer climates expand the range of ticks and mosquitoes that spread illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Older adults with weaker immune systems face higher complication risks. The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) urges clinicians to integrate climate risks into everyday geriatric care and to advocate for safer communities. You can use these GAPNA recommendations to speak up for yourself and your loved ones by asking your provider: 1. Ask for a climate-informed care plan •Request “heat and smoke day” instructions (when to stay indoors, fluids, cooling strategies, when to call). •Build an emergency call plan to cover power outages, oxygen/back-up power, refrigerated meds, dialysis/infusions and caregiver access. 2. Get a medication and safety review before heat season • Ask whether any current meds raise heat/sun sensitivity or dehydration risk. • Create a hydration and cooling plan; review blood pressure/weight self-monitoring during hot weeks. 3. Prepare your home environment •Confirm your A/C works; identify the coolest room and a backup location (friend, library, cooling center). •Improve indoor air on smoky days: close windows, use a HEPA room air purifier and track daily AQI number. 4. Strengthen your support network •Enroll in wellness checks through a senior center, set up a “buddy system” for heat waves and storms. • Keep an updated list of meds, allergies, providers, emergency contacts, and device serial numbers in a go-bag. The health threats of climate change are real, but action is possible. Use this Daily Safety Checklist to protect yourself: Heat alerts. Drink regularly (unless on fluid restriction), wear light clothing, use fans/AC, take cool showers and plan activities in the morning. Know signs of heat stroke: confusion, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, fainting, very hot/dry skin and call 911. Stay inside on smoke days (AQI >101). Stay indoors with filtered air, limit exertion, consider a well-fitting N95 mask if you must go out, and keep rescue inhalers refilled and handy if prescribed. Power planning. Register with your utility’s medical baseline/priority program if eligible, store ice packs and have a plan for charging phones and medical devices. Don’t stop or change medications without talking to your provider. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and action make a real difference. By staying prepared, protecting your health and speaking up for your community, you can help shape a safer, healthier future. Older adults have a lifetime of wisdom, experience and resilience—qualities our world needs now more than ever. Every step you take, from checking air quality to sharing your story, helps build a stronger, more caring planet for generations to come. Dr. Porter is CEO and founder of MyHealth.MyAdvocate in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 851.4116. Visit www.myhealthmyadvocate.com. (Sources available upon request). Healthy Aging in a Changing Climate By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
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