Desert Health News September-October 2024

an asset in promoting overall mental well-being. Pets also promote fitness. We get out of our chairs and away from our screens to play with them, walk them and throw the ball again and again (and again?). Cats purr in our laps, birds perch on our shoulders and talk with us, and fish can provide a calming presence. Equine therapy is also used widely for clinical practice. Pet companionship can give people with depression and anxiety a reason to push past their diseases. The responsibility of a family pet can assist children in developing their sense of competence and healthy ego. Pets bring so much joy and reduce loneliness. During COVID, the shelters were emptied and for some people today, their pet is a primary companion. When clients lose a pet unexpectedly, we explore the possibility of not “waiting to grieve,” but rather to rescue another animal to project their love and caring onto. Pets are often the best medicine we can prescribe to enhance emotional and mental well-being. Kelly Lewallen is CEO of Desert Marriage and Family Counseling and a member of Desert Doctors. She can be reached at (760) 777.7720. For more information visit www.desertmarriagefamily.com or www.DesertDoctors.org . www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2024 Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 4 Pets add joy and can contribute to a reduction in mental health issues. www.palmdesertsmiles.com The latest technologies for a healthier, more youthful smile Sarah A. Khoshniyati, DDS "Dr. Sarah" Nicolas S. Baumann, DDS "Dr. Nick" Technology in dentistry is very exciting and evolves as new materials and equipment are introduced. We select only the most proven, effective, patient and comfort-focused technologies. • CEREC Same Day Crowns • Implants • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital X-Rays • Modern Periodontal Care • Hard/Soft Tissue Laser • Mercury-free Practice • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation • TMD/TMJ Support • Conscious Sedation • Fountain of Youth Dentures • KöR ® Teeth Whitening Services and products we o er: 760.568.3602 44239 Monterey Avenue • Palm Desert PalmDesertSmiles.com Follow us! Bachir Younes, MD, MPH Younes Medical 760.636.1336 Desert Hyperbaric Medicine 760.773.3899 Roula Younes, DNP Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is recommended for treating a variety of medical conditions including expediting wound healing. Desert Hyperbaric Medicine is a part of Younes Medical offering comprehensive care for patients. The company encompasses an infectious disease clinic , a state-of-the-art wound care center and the largest independent IV fusion therapy facility in the valley—Desert Infusion Center. Immerse yourself in healing The fear of recurrence is one of the greatest challenges of surviving cancer. Sometimes fleeting, sometimes lingering, the uncertainty can be a source of concern for many cancer survivors, including myself. Recent advancements in medical technology now offer new ways to monitor for recurrence, giving people a sense of control and peace that once seemed out of reach. When I first learned about circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing for recurrence monitoring, it felt like a monumental breakthrough. Here is a way to detect the earliest signs of cancer’s return through a simple blood sample long before it shows up on a scan or causes symptoms. Studies on the new technology continue and released results are very promising. As a doctor, I understood the science behind it—small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells floating in the bloodstream; their presence, if detected, directly correlates with an increased risk of recurrence or metastasis. As a naturopathic doctor with a focus on integrative oncology, I have thought about all the possible interventions if a test came back positive. But as a survivor, what resonates most with me is the reassurance that a negative test could offer. The power of ctDNA testing lies in its specificity. It’s tailored to the individual’s cancer, analyzing the unique genetic material of their tumor biopsy. This powerful tool can monitor for residual disease post-treatment and early recurrence in a very personal way. For my patients and myself, this means a way to stay vigilant without being consumed by anxiety—a way to live our lives with a little less fear. Desert Health Publisher Lauren Del Sarto has written about her cancer journey and experience with the multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test Galleri, so let me touch on the difference. While Galleri also detects DNA circulating in the blood, which may be ctDNA from a cancer tumor, its focus is on methylation rather than identifying specific mutations in ctDNA. The difference is that tests like Signatera (ctDNA) look at your tumor tissue and look for those particular mutations in the circulating DNA. It is more specific for cancer recurrence because you must have a previous tumor biopsy as a reference before running a ctDNA test. So, the main difference is that the ctDNA test focuses on identifying and tracking specific mutations linked to a patient's known cancer. Another important note is that while Galleri is yet to be covered by insurance, as of February of this year, Natera tests are covered for several stage II-IV cancer types including breast, colon, ovarian and as monitoring for immune checkpoint inhibitors. But ctDNA is just one part of the picture. In my residency, I’ve also seen the benefits of functional lab testing, which looks at a broader range of biomarkers that can indicate potential health issues before they become serious. These tests can reveal underlying imbalances, like chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to cancer recurrence. By working closely with cancer survivors to proactively address these issues, naturopathic doctors help empower them to create a healthier internal environment, making it less likely for cancer to return. Combining ctDNA with functional lab testing provides a comprehensive approach to post-treatment cancer care. While ctDNA keeps a close eye on any possible recurrence at the molecular level, functional testing helps us manage the broader aspects of health that might influence recurrence. Together, they form a powerful combination, empowering cancer survivors to address identified risks and take charge of their health. Cancer Recurrence Monitoring Advancements offer peace-of-mind By Annissa Ceja, ND Continued on page 9 We often get calls to our office from prospective clients interested in meeting specific staff members featured on our website. Those receiving the most requests include Bobby, director of fun; Tug, VP of treat acquisitions; and Miss Lulu, our anxiety specialist. You guessed it; they fall under the professional category of Canis lupus, aka dog. These three associates work diligently for their kibble. Tug works off-site, at our administrative offices providing stress release to those teams of humans. Lulu is in high demand with our younger clients, who find her calm presence reassuring. And clients can’t help but snuggle the adolescent Bobby, who simply wants to wiggle with happiness. Why are these people (and most of us) drawn to animals? We evolved together and have had mutually beneficial relationships for tens of thousands of years. But pets are a lot of work! We must house them, feed them, take them for walks…the list goes on. Still, somehow they make us stop what we are doing, or scroll social media endlessly to watch their playful and precious antics. Numerous studies have shown that having family pets can significantly contribute to the reduction of mental health issues. The presence of a furry companion in the household can offer companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of routine and responsibility. Interacting with pets has been linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as increased levels of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone. Pets can offer unconditional love and support, creating a comforting and calming presence in the home. In essence, welcoming a family pet into your life can be Pets as Medicine By Kelly Lewallen, LMFT, CED-S