In my former career, I worked for a chamber of commerce, where networking was part of everyday life. I watched business owners, nonprofit leaders and community members build relationships, exchange ideas and create opportunities simply by showing up and speaking with one another. But I noticed someone was missing: people under 30, our future workforce. I didn’t feel it was due to a lack of ability or ambition. Quite the opposite. I wondered whether technology, changing communication habits and fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction meant young people weren’t getting enough practice walking into a room, introducing themselves, making eye contact, listening and building relationships. It felt important to me and in February of 2020, I founded Konnections. Then came the pandemic. Talk about timing! Suddenly my concerns about technology isolation were compounded by the physical isolation we were all experiencing. What began as a workforce concern soon became part of a much larger conversation about health. Research shows that strong social relationships and meaningful human connections are linked to better health and well-being, while social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of serious physical and mental health concerns. For me, that makes bringing people back into the room about much more than exchanging business cards. Through Konnections, young people we call Konnectees learn and practice introductions, eye contact, listening, conversation and follow-up. Then they take those skills into real-world community environments: ribbon cuttings, mixers, nonprofit events and volunteer opportunities. They don’t do it alone. Our Konnections Champions are businesses and community members who help open those doors, create opportunities and encourage Konnectees to make introductions and share their experiences. The shared goal is to help young people feel comfortable participating in their community. But the benefits aren’t one-directional. The different generations learn from one another. A young person may walk into an event nervous, make an uncomfortable first introduction and share a little uneasy laughter. A few conversations later, they’re standing taller, asking questions and making introductions themselves. Meanwhile, a Champion has the opportunity to mentor, listen and experience meaningful connection. We call these community environments “neutral turf.” They aren’t at a school, home or someone’s workplace. Everyone may feel a little uncomfortable and that’s intentional. Moving beyond that comfort zone provides opportunities to practice confidence, communication, empathy and belonging. Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 5 www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 Continued on page 16 Krause provides encouragement to students at a community event. www.palmspringsendodontics.com www.ranchomirageendodontics.com www.palmspringsendodontics.com www.ranchomirageendodontics.com www.jordanptcenter.com www.palmspringsendodontics.com www.ranchomirageendodontics.com Laser Endodontic Treatment Laser energy enhances the effect of disinfectants used in the canals, further eliminating bacterial infection. Ozone Therapy for Endodontics An advanced preventative therapy that fights off bacteria and pathogens which typically cause most oral health problems. Cone Beam CT Scan Cutting-edge 3D imaging of teeth, nerve pathways, soft tissue and bone that allows for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment of dental infections. Surgical Microscope Endodontics require significant attention to detail and precision. This advanced dental microscope is instrumental in providing the best outcomes for our clients. RanchoMirageEndodontics.com PalmSpringsEndodontics.com Offering Biological Root Canal Therapy for Optimal Oral and Whole Body Health We use advanced technology and biological techniques to greatly reduce ambient bacteria and protect the overall health of our patients. Eddie Al Halasa, DDS, MSD Board Certified Endodontist Rita J. Hung, DMD, MPD, MSD Board Eligible Endodontist Advanced Technology Root canal therapy • Endodontic retreatment Apicoectomy • IV and oral sedation dentistry RANCHO MIRAGE (760) 779-0350 71780 San Jacinto Dr., Ste. B3 Rancho Mirage PALM SPRINGS (760) 318-0101 558 S. Paseo Dorotea, Ste. 9 Palm Springs PERSONALIZED CARE FOR THE ENTIRE COACHELLA VALLEY Cancer has a way of touching nearly every family, sometimes more than once. Many of us in the Coachella Valley have sat in a waiting room with a parent, a spouse or a friend, hoping for good news that didn’t always come. What if some of those diagnoses could have been caught earlier, simply by understanding a person’s genetic risk ahead of time? That question sits at the heart of a new area of research now available right here in Palm Springs: genetic cancer screening. DPMG Clinical Research is currently enrolling participants in a study evaluating genetic screening approaches designed to identify inherited risk factors for certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer, among others. Unlike a standard screening test that looks for cancer that already exists, genetic screening looks at the blueprint itself, searching for inherited mutations that raise the likelihood of developing cancer over a lifetime. Armed with that knowledge, patients and their physicians can make more informed decisions about surveillance, prevention, and, when necessary, earlier intervention. This kind of research matters because our understanding of hereditary cancer risk has advanced faster than most people realize. A decade ago, genetic testing was largely reserved for patients with a strong family history or those already diagnosed with cancer. Today, researchers are working to determine how broader, more accessible genetic screening might help identify at-risk individuals long before any family history becomes apparent, potentially saving lives through earlier detection and prevention strategies tailored to each person's unique genetic profile. I want to be clear about what participation involves, because I know these conversations can bring up real emotions. Joining this study involves a saliva sample and communication with our research team. There is no financial compensation offered but you do get the results of the genetic test at no cost to you. I also recognize that genetic information can feel deeply personal, even vulnerable. Questions about privacy, insurance implications, and how results might affect family members are common. United States federal protections exist specifically to guard against misuse of genetic data in employment and health insurance decisions, and our study protocols are reviewed by independent ethics boards to ensure participant rights and privacy are protected at every step. Palm Springs has long been a community that values wellness and looking ahead, whether that means our commitment to outdoor living or our embrace of preventive health. Genetic cancer screening research is a natural extension of that spirit. In order to get this genetic test, you must currently have a diagnosis of cancer or previously had any form of cancer. Only adults who are 65 or older are eligible to participate at this time. If you have a family history of cancer or simply want to better understand your own genetic risk, I invite you to reach out to DPMG Clinical Research to learn whether this study might be right for you. Every genetic discovery that helps prevent or catch cancer earlier begins with someone willing to ask, “What can we learn?” I hope our community will consider being part of that answer. Dr. Tran is a principal investigator at DPMG Clinical Research in Palm Springs. To inquire about study participation, call DPMG at (760) 459.2193 or email info@dpmgcr.com. To learn more, visit www.dpmgcr.com. Local Study Accepting Participants Genetic cancer screening for earlier detection By Andy Tran, MD Reaching Beyond the Comfort Zone By Kimberly Krause
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