what’sinside 10 Natural Options Silent Retreat: Wisdom Beneath the Noise Through the Generations I Wish I Knew a Nine-Year-Old 16 Fresh Cuisine Eat, Drink and Be Healthy: Satisfying Sugar Substitutes 20 Desert Events A Fall Full of Healthy Happenings in the Desert! 21 Fitness Cardio Versus Strength Training After 40 19 Medical News Do I Really Need the RSV Vaccine? 3 http://www.deserthealthnews.com/ September/October 2026 Continued on page 9 Integrative Medicine Should We Return to Full-fat Dairy? 12 Learn more on page 15 Meet Edith Jones-Poland, M.D. Family and Integrative Care Physician Looking for an integrative primary care physician? In our March/April (2026) edition, we shared the results of the 2025 World Happiness Report. And because there is no such thing as too many “key to happiness” reminders, we thought we’d share this year’s report as well. For more than a decade, the annual World Happiness Report has examined why some countries consistently rank among the happiest. Its findings repeatedly point to trust, relationships, generosity, health and a sense of purpose. However, the 2025 and 2026 reports reveal fascinating new dimensions: The 2025 report highlighted the remarkable power of kindness and social connection, while the 2026 report examined the modern challenge of how our digital lives can affect happiness and well-being. Imagine two people living in the same city. One spends evenings sharing dinner with family, laughing with friends, taking a walk and helping a neighbor. The other spends hours scrolling through social media, comparing their life with everyone else’s carefully edited images. Who is more likely to feel happier and perhaps even live longer? The answer emerging from the 2025 and 2026 World Happiness Reports is reassuring: Human connection is a greater factor for happiness than money, notoriety or perfect circumstances. A striking finding in the 2025 report involved a simple experiment: lost wallets. Researchers examined how often strangers returned wallets deliberately lost in different countries. Expectations were often pessimistic. Yet wallets were returned far more frequently than people anticipated. The lesson? People may be kinder and more trustworthy than we think! And trust matters. Communities where people help one another, volunteer, share meals and look out for their neighbors tend to report greater life satisfaction. Now comes the digital dilemma. Yes, technology can bring us closer. A grandparent can watch a grandchild grow up from thousands of miles away. Friends separated by oceans can remain connected. Online communities can provide friendship and support. But excessive social media use, particularly among young adults, has been linked with greater loneliness, lower life satisfaction, poor sleep and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life Aren’t Found in Your Phone By Susan Murphy, PhD Choosinghealth futureself for your (thereˊs an AAP for that) Congratulations! You’ve just picked up a treasure trove of tips and resources for living long—and living well. Great start! We know that making healthier choices today for a better tomorrow takes discipline, and isn’t always fun. And knowing which choices to make can sometimes feel overwhelming. Eat this, not that. Move more. Stress less. Get enough sleep. Stay connected. Keep learning. The list goes on. We hope the information in our pages inspires you to find the choices that work best for you. But when the alarm goes off for that morning walk, the dessert menu arrives or the couch looks more inviting than the gym, you may find yourself asking: Is it really worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. Aging isn’t for sissies, and the choices we make today can help pave the way for an easier and more enjoyable tomorrow. Think of it as a gift to your future self—one with more vitality, greater independence and more years to enjoy the people and experiences you love. Need a little motivation? There’s an AAP for that: Aspirations. You have dreams ahead of you. Places to go, people to see and things to accomplish. A strong body and mind can help you get there. Appreciation. When you feel good, it is easier to see the good in life. And gratitude, as we know, is nature’s happy pill. Purpose. Remember the reasons you rise each day—the people, passions and pursuits that make life meaningful. They are worth making the healthier choice. Of course, nobody is perfect. We will wander. We will falter. The “old college try” may down us a time or two. And that’s okay. Healthy living isn’t about perfection; it’s about making choices that honor ourselves and all we have to live for. So, enjoy these pages. Try something new. Take one small step. Then another. And when you need a little extra motivation to make the healthier choice, remember there’s an AAP for that. Editorial by Lauren Del Sarto
www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Desert Health® The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 2 Lauren Del Sarto Founder/Publisher An Independent Publication www.DesertHealthNews.com lauren@deserthealthnews.com • (760) 238.0245 @DesertHealthNews Distribution: Desert Health is distributed at 350+ locations throughout the Coachella Valley, including but not limited to grocery stores, doctors’ offices, cafes and restaurants, spas, fitness centers and clubhouses. Please call for delivery to your retail location. Desert Health® is a California Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the Publisher is prohibited. The opinions and views expressed in these pages are those of the writer or persons interviewed and not necessarily those of Desert Health®. Desert Health® hereby expressly limits its liability resulting from any and all misprints, errors and/or inaccuracies any advertisement or editorial may contain. This publication is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests and farms. Thank you to the Desert Health® team and all our marketing partners! Home delivery subscriptions available. Call (760) 238.0245. Get free delivery to your place of business. MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR ADVERTISERS THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THEIR BUSINESSES! *Photo by Lani Garfield Lauren Del Sarto* FOUNDER/ PUBLISHER Trish Lounsbury DISTRIBUTION Benjamin Katz WEB MASTER benjaminkatzcreative.com Doris Steadman A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING Carlotta Rinke* MD, MBA CONTENT EDITOR James Thomas DISTRIBUTION Heather McKay GRAPHIC DESIGN mkaydesign.com Julie Makinen GUEST EDITOR FOUNDING OFFER (FIRST 200 MEMBERS): • Full diagnostic workup: DEXA, VO2, comprehensive bloodwork • Quaterly provider consults and a plan built around your results • Advanced recovey, including hyperbaic oxygen therapy • Founding rate: $225/month* OPENING THIS FALL · PALM DESERT Humanaut is a proactive, provider-led practice built around your biology. Deep-dive diagnostics, quarterly provider consults, and advanced recovery, all designed to keep you strong, sharp, and independent. A new frontier in longevity medicine is opening in the desert. *Billed annually 73010 El Paseo, Suite 1 Palm Deset, CA 92260 760 2084011 Rese ve your spot for $49. Only 200 founding memberships. Scan to claim yours. Support Front photo: Locals Valinda Martin, Sharon Glasser, Lisa Schneider and Catharine Phillips enjoy connection, mental stimulation and fun with floating mahjong. Thankyou for your Fall always makes me think of new beginnings. Maybe it was returning to school or nature’s explosion of colorful leaves growing up on the East Coast. To this day, it remains a reflective time, and certainly one filled with gratitude. I continue to be incredibly grateful for Desert Health’s success. Uniting our valley’s medical and wellness communities while providing a valuable resource for readers is an honor, and we are most grateful for your support. For 16 years, Desert Health has always been free. Advertising and paid mailed subscriptions have been our sole source of revenue. When readers ask how they can support us, I request that they please support our advertisers, as we wouldn’t be here without them. This year, we have experienced significant increases in printing costs and are working hard not to pass them on to our advertisers. Keeping our rates affordable ensures that smaller clinics, companies and practitioners can continue to have a voice in our pages—and helps maintain the diversity that makesDesert Health what it is. So, we’ve created another way for readers who value what we do to show their appreciation: an opportunity to “throw us a carrot.” Desert Health will always remain a complimentary publication, but if you enjoy and appreciate what we bring to our community, we invite you to consider supporting our work. On our website, you’ll find a new support button (pictured above), with options for either a direct contribution or a tax-deductible donation through our new fiscal sponsor, the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation, which supports independent publications across the country. And thank you for continuing to support our advertisers. We choose them carefully, and many have been with us for all 16 years. Just wow. Desert Health is a labor of love for all of us who write, design, edit, contribute, distribute, promote and print. Your readership is our greatest compliment. Your contribution is the carrot on top. Here’s to your health ~
Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 As record heat rises, many wonder how our desert community will fare. The City of Palm Springs is taking proactive measures with its first Extreme Heat Summit taking place Friday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event aims to educate government entities, stakeholders, business owners and residents alike on strategies to help communities prepare for hotter days ahead. Organized by the city’s Department of Sustainability in partnership with the Office of Emergency Management, the summit features four primary sessions exploring the challenges we face: the human cost of extreme heat, where people go when systems fail, scaling heat resilience investments, and how to design cool cities and heat-safe places. Experts will discuss climate resilience, strengthening critical infrastructure, public health, urban planning, emergency preparedness and community engagement. The lineup includes: • Naomi Soto, mayor, City of Palm Springs • Diane Morales, public policy lead, Blue Zones Project • Elizabeth Felter, climate planner, Environmental Science Associates • Ari Simon, founder, Inner and Outer Engagement • Shelley Jiang, associate principal, Climate Advisory Services, infrastructure company AECOM • Christian Rodriguez Ceja, community principal, Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) • Ladd Keith, PhD, director, Heat Resilience Initiative, University of Arizona • Jenna LeComte-Hinley, PhD, chief executive officer, Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) • Anuj Desai, senior advisor, Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Southern California Edison “I’m delighted that this conference is bringing together different perspectives in a solutions-oriented platform,” says Morales, the keynote speaker and a Coachella Valley native. She will address the importance of ensuring that underserved residents, who are often disproportionately impacted by extreme heat, are included in the conversation. Bringing community and experts together will encourage collaboration to identify and create long-term solutions that can help the Coachella Valley become a more heat-resilient region. Tickets are $25 and available on Eventbrite (search “heat Palm Springs”). The City of Palm Springs is also seeking volunteers. Those interested can contact Director of Sustainability Jasmine.Fields@palmspringsca.gov. For more information, visit https://engagepalmsprings.com. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 www.desertcarenetwork.com We’re making it easy to get your annual mammogram with Mammo Mondays by extending business hours for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Why Desert Care Network? • Mammogram screenings • Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound • 3D ABUS-Automated Breast Ultrasound System • Breast MRI • Breast biopsy systems Extended hours in October for your convenience. Make Time for Your Mammogram with Mammo Mondays Mammo Mondays are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments Only Schedule a mammogram at DesertCareNetwork.com/Mondays or call 844-780-3299 Diane Morales Ari Simon, PhD Ladd Keith, PhD Before delving into the RSV vaccine, let’s clarify what RSV is—and what it isn’t. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus of the upper respiratory tract that causes mild, cold- and flu-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and a sore throat. It is a hardy, highly contagious pathogen that is spread through the air and on hard surfaces. An infected individual can continue to spread the disease for up to a month after recovery! Many think of RSV as primarily a childhood disease. Although it is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, older populations are also vulnerable. In fact, those over age 74 face the highest risk of RSV-associated deaths, and certain underlying conditions place seniors at an enhanced risk of RSV-related respiratory failure and hospitalization. High-risk conditions include immune and neurologic diseases, diabetes, severe obesity and nursing home residency. Chronic disorders of the liver, blood, kidney, heart and lungs also fit the high-risk definition. In vulnerable individuals, a run-of-the-mill RSV “cold” can suddenly invade the lower respiratory tract as unchecked inflammation and multiplying viruses travel down the windpipe into the lungs. Severe blockage of the airways is then triggered, leading to hospitalization, vital organ complications and a diminished quality of life. When compared with the flu, RSV causes longer hospital stays, higher ICU admission rates and more pneumonia. Unlike the flu, there are no adult-approved anti-RSV medications. It is believed that the incidence of RSV is vastly underestimated, as most outpatient lower respiratory tract illnesses are not identified. Bluntly stated, RSV is best managed through prevention. The vaccines prevent the virus from penetrating the lower respiratory tract and causing pneumonia, which can be severe in at-risk populations. RSV vaccines just became available in 2023, and guidelines will continue to evolve as more people become educated and opt in. The three FDA-approved RSV vaccines are all egg-free: Abrysvo, Arexvy and the messenger RNA option, mRESVIA. Side effects include headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. Both influenza and RSV viruses follow a seasonal pattern of fall through spring, and vaccinations for both are encouraged. Although the Centers for Disease Control has approved both flu and RSV vaccines for safe and effective co-administration in late summer/early fall, temporary post-vaccine aches and fatigue may intensify when taken together. If administered separately, no waiting period is required between vaccines. In 2025, RSV vaccination advice was updated to recommend a single lifetime dose for high-risk candidates ages 50–74 years, and vaccination for all adults 75 and older. It is covered at no cost for qualified recipients under Medicare Part D and by most commercial insurance plans. Currently, all three RSV vaccines are equally recommended. Although no RSV vaccine can guarantee you will not get RSV, immunization offers the best chance at avoiding hospitalization. As always, check with your healthcare provider for individualized vaccine guidance. Judi Shor is a board-certified senior care manager with advanced expertise in geriatric medication therapy. She operates a senior care management practice in the Coachella Valley and can be reached at (760) 271.2284 or www.ShorCareSuccessfulAging.com Sources: 1) Ambrosch A, et al. Focusing on severe infections with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults: Risk factors, symptomatology and clinical course compared to influenza A / B and the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. J Clin Virol. 2023 Apr;161:105399. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105399. Epub 2023 Feb 14. Erratum in: J Clin Virol. 2023 Jul;164:105443. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105443. PMID: 36863135; PMCID: PMC9927795; 2) Perez KK, et al. Outpatient RSV Testing Rates Among US Adults with Lower Respiratory Tract Disease, 2017-2024. Infect Dis Ther. 2026 Mar;15(3):809-834. doi: 10.1007/s40121-026-01300-z. Epub 2026 Jan 29. PMID: 41611956; PMCID: PMC12924803; 3) Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV),” updated September 5, 2025; 4) Britton, Amadea, et al. “Use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines in Adults Aged ≥60 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 73, no. 32 (August 15, 2024): 696–702. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.5) https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/ index.html#content-sources Do I Really Need the RSV Vaccine? By Judi Shor, PharmD, CMC, ACP Valley Prepares for Rising Temps By Lauren Del Sarto
www.capcomts.com www.movementforlife.com/desert www.palmdesertsmiles.com There is hope in finding the way out. Let’s explore a few ways to attain freedom from codependency. Love your inner child. Codependent behaviors develop to cope with painful, unanswerable questions. Young children cannot think abstractly or outside the box until approximately age 12. After a traumatic experience, they may hold onto feelings of inadequacy or fault that don’t go away. It’s time to develop a safe, loving relationship with your inner child. Let the child within know they are loved unconditionally and safe from harm. When you champion your inner child, you can allow yourself the gift of finally exploring life through an adult lens. Prize and praise yourself. Instead of getting lost in the abyss of another, it’s time to acknowledge your own gifts and attributes. There is no one like you, and it’s your time to shine! Read the Codependent Bill of Rights. I encourage you to read the Codependent Bill of Rights, a therapeutic concept promoting self-care, self-worth and the right to emotional safety that has evolved over time within the recovery movement. Attend CODA meetings. Codependents Anonymous also offers in-person and online meetings. Take advantage of the support, nurturing and understanding these groups can provide. Isn’t it time to come home to yourself? Breaking free may feel challenging, but you won’t regret the journey. Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 4 Codependency can cause emotional conflict within. www.palmdesertsmiles.com The latest technologies for a healthier, more youthful smile 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 offer: 760.568.3602 44239 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert • PalmDesertSmiles.com Sarah A. Khoshniyati, DDS "Dr. Sarah" Nicholas S. Baumann, DDS "Dr. Nick" We select • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital Services 44239 Monterey www.movementforlife.com/desert • Orthopedic rehab with board certified PTs to restore mobility and strength • Sports performance to boost your game including pickleball • Work injury recovery to get you back on track Power up your game Cathedral City 35325 Date Palm Dr. Ste 131 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 202-0368 Indio 81557 Dr Carreon Blvd. Ste C4 Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-6195 www.capcomts.com HIPAA Compliance Backup/Disaster Recovery Network Design & Support Cyber Security Help Desk Support and more! It is our mission to ensure your business success through effective management, continuity and stability of all your technology needs. CapCom has a 25-year track record of innovative work, creating complete IT systems and solutions for companies in the healthcare sector. CapComTS.com 760.424.2216 info@CapComTS.com CapCom / Desert Health / one-eighth-page horizontal ad / size: 4.875” W x 3.562” H It’s been said that when you die, a split-second tape of your entire life plays in your head. There’s a joke among codependents that when they die, the tape that plays in their head is someone else’s life. A codependent will sacrifice their thoughts, wants and needs for those of another. They will give and give some more, subconsciously searching for approval and/or validation to fill a void. That emptiness is a sensation of not feeling valued or feeling like they are not enough. Codependents are addicted to another person (sometimes called “relationship addiction”) and believe they cannot function without the relationship. The need to manage, fix, caretake and problem solve becomes paramount in their lives. As harmful as substance abuse, the compulsive nature of codependency can lead one down a dark path of emotional conflict and turmoil, wreaking havoc on a daily basis. A codependent’s sense of self becomes blurred, and it can be almost impossible to discern where they end and the other begins. Last on their list of priorities is self-care. Codependency, at its core, is not a negative trait. We hopefully seek to extend ourselves beyond the narrow confines of our egocentric selves to find meaning, fulfillment and purpose in performing selfless acts. But for individuals who have grown up with an insecure attachment to their primary caregivers, filling an emotionally empty vessel can become an unresolved lifelong need. Poor boundary setting, people-pleasing and difficulty asserting wants and needs are but a few of the dysfunctional challenges that codependents face. Break Free from Codependency By Amy Austin, PsyD, LMFT Activities that promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming and reorganizing neural connections, are at the forefront of dementia prevention and intervention. Regular exercise is widely known to stimulate neuroplasticity and may play a protective role against dementia, but what is less known is that dancing offers unique benefits.1,2,3 In the early 2000s, researchers examined data collected in a previous study for potential relationships between participation in leisure activities and dementia risk. The first study, The Bronx Aging Study, tracked participation in various leisure activities (six cognitive and 11 physical) and the frequency of participation in adults ages 75-85. Researchers conducted extensive evaluations every 12 to 18 months for up to 21 years. This analysis was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and the results were surprising. Regular dance (defined as once a week) was the only physical activity associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia—a staggering 76% lower! Dancing also outperformed all cognitive activities, including crossword puzzles (four times a week or more) by 50% and reading by 100%. What makes dance so special? Dance stimulates neuroplasticity through “dual-task” activity, simultaneously activating both physical and cognitive areas of the brain. It is more intricate than other activities such as swimming or walking, as it involves bilateral motor skills, balance, advanced coordination, rapid weight change, pattern recognition and memorization, auditory processing and timing and spatial awareness. 4,5 Recent research also shows dance as a promising intervention. A 2024 randomized control trial found that a six-month dance program helped preserve cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, while such fitness declined in the control (non-dancing) group.¡ A 2017 study of older adults found that six months of dance training produced greater changes in measures associated with neuroplasticity than a conventional fitness program involving repetitive exercises.¢ And a 2025 review found that dual-task training (such as dance) improved both attention and speed of processing by up to 14% in people with neurodegenerative disorders.£ Dance is not just physical exercise. It enhances non-verbal communication, supports social and emotional well-being, allows for creative expression and activates systems associated with empathy, emotion and understanding of others. (5) Common symptoms of dementia (anxiety, agitation, and depression) can also be reduced from being in a structured and predictable environment.¤ The beautifully distinct blend of complex physical, mental and emotional processing that is unique to dance is good for body and mind. This social activity could be considered as part of a holistic approach to health, wellness and longevity. So, dust off those dancing shoes and get out on the dance floor! Dr. Shari Jainuddin is a naturopathic primary care doctor at One Life Naturopathic and also offers biofeedback training and craniosacral therapy. For more information, call (442) 256.5963 or visit www.onelifenaturopathic.org. References available upon request. Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes Dance is medicine for the mind By Shari Jainuddin, NMD, BCB
www.desertvascularassociates.com Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 5 www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Personalized quality care delivered with compassion and integrity Special Interests: Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency Carotid Artery Disease • Aortic Aneurysms Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Dialysis Access • Chemotherapy Port Insertion 760.902.1511 74000 Country Club Drive, Ste. G-3 Palm Desert Accepting new patients and most major insurance plans “If I could give Dr. Gasparyan a thousand stars I would... even a million.” — Jay B. Anna Gasparyan, MD, FACS Vascular Surgeon DesertVascularAssociates.com Normal Vein Valves Diseased Vein Valves www.desertdoctors.org Your Health. Your Choice. Find trusted independent doctors throughout the Coachella Valley. Insurance accepted • Hospital privileges For direct access to quality care, visit DesertDoctors.org, or call 760.232.4646 Edith Jones-Poland, M.D. Eric Sickinger, D.O. Sports and Regenerative Medicine Vince J. Kambe, PT, DPT, OCS Doctor of Physical Therapy Anna Gasparyan, M.D. Vascular Surgeon PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS including: FULL SPECTRUM OF SPECIALISTS including: VARIETY OF ALLIED MEMBERS including: Local Doctors. Independent Care. Scan to search our provider directory Anna Vascular OCS MEMBERS Edith PRIMARY Medicine SPECIALISTS In June, high school students in Palm Springs’ sports medicine internship program gathered to get to know each other on a deeper level. Palm Springs High School offers this internship opportunity to juniors and seniors in the Palm Springs Academy of Learning Medicine. In the program, second-year interns mentor firstyears as they navigate this new experience. High school sports launch with the start of the school year, and sports medicine interns must use teamwork and communication to solve daily challenges. That includes helping injured athletes and assisting with recovery at practices and games. The opportunity to connect and bond over the summer makes it easier to collaborate, overcome these challenges and find solutions efficiently. On our summer Bonding Day, everyone brought potluck items to share. Students introduced themselves and participated in an icebreaker activity. Then the water activities began. Students answered questions in groups, and if they answered incorrectly, they were drenched with water balloons. With leftover balloons, a war broke out; some students even dumped water jugs on one another. As the day came to a close, students were tested to see who really paid attention. Students gathered in a circle with each stating their name before a volunteer was placed in the middle and challenged to repeat everyone’s name, or get drenched again. This game encouraged students to be confident, remember one another's names, and communicate with the group in the future. This Bonding Day is essential for helping student interns get to know one another and feel comfortable in the unfamiliar sports medicine environment. Those who have participated in the past say the experience helped them ask peers for assistance and to feel more comfortable by seeing familiar faces. One student said, “Bonding Day helped with knowing the majority of everyone’s names and being able to talk to them during my work shifts without having any awkwardness.” The impact of Bonding Day is long-lasting, helping students feel more secure in the sports medicine internship environment. Gloria Camacho-Montoya and Genesis Martinez Aldama are students in the Palm Springs Academy of Learning Medicine program. For more information on the valley’s high school medical academies, contact Kim McNulty with OneFuture Coachella Valley at kim@onefuturecv.org. PSHS sports medicine interns on Bonding Day Sports Medicine Interns Connect on Bonding Day By Gloria Camacho-Montoya and Genesis Martinez Aldama
In August, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert's Community Food Bank and Aziz Farms gave our valley a great example of what it means to be a good neighbor. In a newly formed partnership, the food bank purchased fresh produce directly from a Coachella Valley farm, with the shared goal of making these local purchases a monthly commitment. This partnership brings together two ends of the Coachella Valley to address gaps in access to healthy food while supporting our local economy and agricultural community. Through the collaboration of Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, Aziz Farms, and The Center's Community Food Bank, we are seeing what “good neighbors” truly look like. One valley, one community. Too often, the Coachella Valley divides itself into the east end and the west end. But hunger doesn't recognize city boundaries, and neither should healthy food. When we come together as one community, we create solutions that benefit us all. The Center's Community Food Bank serves more than 500 families each week. By providing locally grown, fresh produce, this partnership gives more of our neighbors the opportunity to enjoy healthy food that may not have always been affordable. It also strengthens our local food system by investing in the farmers who grow the food right in our own backyard. This is what wellbeing looks like in action. The Center has long been committed to providing nutritious food, healthy recipes and a healthy food pantry environment. While this first purchase is something worth celebrating, we hope it marks the beginning of a lasting partnership. The vision is to make locally sourced produce a regular, monthly part of The Center's food distribution efforts, and Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is proud to support and build upon the incredible work they are doing. Growing a stronger local food system. Our hope is that this partnership inspires other food pantries and organizations in the Coachella Valley to consider purchasing locally whenever possible. When we invest in our local farmers, increase access to fresh, healthy food, and support one another, our entire valley becomes stronger, healthier and more connected. And that is what being a good neighbor is all about. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 6 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 Community News The True Meaning of ‘Good Neighbor’ By Diane Morales, Policy Lead, Blue Zones Project Palm Springs The Center, Aziz Farms and Blue Zones Project team members celebrate the newly formed partnership. Blue Zones Project Coachella (BZPC) celebrated August with its Ultimate End of Summer Wellness Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Rancho 51 in Coachella. Over 780 community members and 40 community partners came together for a day of wellness, family fun and valuable resources. The festival demonstrated an important part of the Blue Zones Project approach: improving community health by building community partnerships that can continue creating impact well beyond the BZPC term. Families enjoyed water slides and activities, a foam party, yoga, meditation and other opportunities for movement and connection. Guests enjoyed a cooking demonstration by local chef Carlos Duarte, who showed that healthy eating doesn't have to sacrifice flavor. Blue Zones-approved foods and healthy refreshments were provided by El Tranvia restaurant, while Hidden Harvest and FIND Food Bank provided fresh fruit, vegetables and food resources. Families also received backpacks, school supplies and clothing. Beyond the festivities, the event created meaningful connections to health care and social services. Riverside University Health System (RUHS) made 92 connections with individuals and families, provided seven referrals for additional services and collected eight Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)-related surveys, which measure performance on important dimensions of care and services. Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) connected with approximately 130 individuals and families and provided eight referrals for additional services. St. John’s Community Health reached 125 individuals and families, resulting in 12 appointments, seven physicals, three vaccinations and two connections to other services. The Autism Booth made 120 connections, with two people registering for services, while Visión y Compromiso reached 125 individuals and families and generated nine mental health service sign-ups. These outcomes show how community events can turn engagement into action. Connecting residents with physicals, vaccinations, referrals, screenings and followup services can also support health care organizations working to improve HEDIS performance, particularly measures focused on preventive care and access to appropriate health services. “Events like this show what is possible when our community comes together,” said BZPC Executive Director Angela Zepeda. “The Ultimate End of Summer Wellness Festival created a place where everyone could have fun, connect with their neighbors, discover wellness resources and experience that healthy living can be enjoyable and accessible.” The festival highlighted BZPC’s larger goal of creating sustainable community change by building a network of healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations and residents. Through collaboration, this network can help make the healthy choice the easy choice and create lasting pathways to healthier families. To get involved in Palm Springs, contact bzppalmsprings@bluezones.com, or in Coachella, bzpcoachella@bluezones.com. Visit www.bluezonesprojectps.com or www.bluezonesprojectcoachella.com. Wellness Fest Turns Connection into Action By Cassandra Teran, Marketing and Engagement Lead, BZPC Families frolic in the foam party at the Ultimate End of Summer Wellness Festival.
www.eisenhowerhealth.org/awards As September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d check in with Bernadette M. Greenwood, RT(R)(MR), (ARRT), PhD(c), chief research officer at HALO Precision Diagnostics in Indian Wells. HALO’s team continues to produce cutting-edge research on diagnostics and treatments that deliver improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients. We first reported on HALO’s advanced diagnostics and image-guided treatment program in 2011 as they completed their first year of the Phase II laser focal therapy clinical trial. The study evaluates MRI-guided laser focal therapy for men with localized prostate cancer, using imaging to place and monitor a laser that destroys cancer within the prostate while limiting injury to nearby healthy tissue. The concept is simple: instead of treating the entire prostate gland, laser focal therapy is designed to treat only the cancerous area plus a safety margin. This targeted approach may help preserve quality of life, especially urinary control and sexual function, while still treating the disease in appropriately selected patients. Now in its 17th year, the study's published outcomes have been notable: 100% prostate cancer-specific survival, 99% metastasis-free survival, and 98% of patients avoiding whole-gland treatment at 10 years. HALO’s published summaries also describe very low rates of major side effects, including less than 1% risk of erectile dysfunction and less than 1% risk of urinary incontinence. These outcomes matter because, while traditional prostate cancer treatments can be effective, many also affect long-term function and recovery. Laser focal therapy is presented as a minimally invasive, outpatient option that avoids surgery and radiation for carefully selected men, while preserving the possibility of other treatments later if needed. You can read more on the study in our May/June 2024 edition at www.DesertHealthNews.com. Last year, Greenwood received an international speaker award from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Foundation. The distinction included an invitation to share HALO’s work with imaging professionals worldwide at the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists annual conference earlier this year. “I am honored by this award, which highlights an area of cancer care that many patients do not see directly: the role of advanced imaging in choosing and delivering treatment,” Greenwood said. “My presentation topic, ‘Imaging in Prostate Cancer: The Role of the Technologist,’ reflects how radiologic technologists support the imaging precision needed to identify tumors, guide procedures and help care teams target treatment more accurately.” That precision is central to HALO’s work, which tells a broader story about modern prostate cancer care: imaging is no longer only a tool for diagnosis, but a key part of precision treatment itself. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 7 U.S. News & World Report has ranked Eisenhower Medical Center as the #1 “Best Hospital” for the region! This honor reflects the hard work and dedication our care teams and hospital workers put in, day after day. We’re also proud to be recognized as #1 in the region in orthopedic care, and for exceptional care in 16 additional specialties, surgeries and procedures. • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair • Aortic Valve Surgery • Colon Cancer Surgery • Gynecological Cancer Surgery • Heart Bypass Surgery • Hip Fracture • Hip Replacement • Knee Replacement • Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma • Lung Cancer • Maternity • Pacemaker Implantation • Prostate Cancer Surgery • Spinal Fusion • Stroke • TAVR We will continue to raise the bar for high-quality care and look forward to another year of keeping our community healthy and well. Learn more about our accreditations and recognitions at EisenhowerHealth.org/Awards. The Region’s #1 Hospital Care that puts patients FIRST. Targeting Prostate Cancer with Precision HALO’s long-running trial uses imaging to guide therapy By Lauren Del Sarto Bernadette M. Greenwood Continued on page 15 Contact us to join the TRANSFORM study today! Scott O’Conner scott.oconner@halodx.com (760) 766-2053 NOW ENROLLING Study Population: • Men 55 years or older, or Women 65 years or older • Have diabetes, prediabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome • No known symptomatic cardiovascular disease Study Details: • Be part of cutting-edge research aiming to prevent cardiovascular events • Participation is approximately 3.5 years (minimum 2 years, maximum 5 years) • Receive a CT scan during screening and at 2 years paid for by study A new study for patients at risk for heart disease DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE HEART DISEASE?
For many Latino families, healthcare has traditionally extended beyond the doctor’s office. Herbal teas, home remedies, traditional foods, prayer and other healing practices have long been part of family health traditions, and this has been supported by research. In one Southern California study, 90% of Latino patients reported using herbs, while another study found that 63% of Hispanic patients had used at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine.1,2 This familiarity with natural approaches creates an opportunity for naturopathic medicine to bridge traditional healing practices with modern healthcare. One of the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine is the healing power of nature, which recognizes the body’s inherent capacity to heal and uses therapies that support this process. Another is identify and treat the causes, which focuses on understanding and addressing underlying contributors to illness rather than simply managing symptoms.3 This does not mean avoiding conventional medicine. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and may use a broad range of therapies, including prescription medications, when appropriate.3 The naturopathic principle of doctor as teacher emphasizes educating patients about their health and treatment options, helping them make informed decisions and understand when conventional medications, diagnostic testing or referral to another provider may be appropriate. Naturopathic medicine also emphasizes treating the whole person. Physical health cannot always be separated from emotional and mental well-being. Stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances can influence physical symptoms and overall quality of life. A naturopathic doctor can recognize when mental health support is needed and encourage appropriate counseling or referral. This can be particularly meaningful in communities where stigma, cost and language barriers may make seeking professional mental health care more difficult.4,5 Perhaps most importantly, naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention. Many chronic diseases are influenced by modifiable factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.3,6 These are areas where naturopathic medicine places significant emphasis, helping patients develop practical, sustainable habits before illness develops or progresses. Naturopathic medicine does not ask patients to choose between traditional healing and conventional medicine. Instead, it can create a space where culture, prevention, education and evidence-informed care work together. For Latino communities, this approach can honor familiar traditions while providing a trusted, medically informed pathway toward lifelong health. Cristal Salcido is a primary care naturopathic doctor with a focus on the gut-brain connection in holistic health at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. She can be reached at (760) 771-5970 or www.livewellclinic.org. Se habla español! References available upon request. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 8 www.acqpoint.com Get relief from pain and stress now! Traditional Chinese Medicine Meets Modern Healing Cupping Chinese Herbs Acupuncture K-Laser Cupping Chinese Herbs K-Laser Call 760.345.2200 Text 760.404.0194 45-190 Club Drive • Indian Wells Book online at AcQpoint.com Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBS www.hfhcv.org www.swahayoga111.com Step Inside. Retreat and Revive. We look forward to welcoming you. (760) 408-5454 39935 Vista del Sol Drive • Rancho Mirage Introductory offer 3 classes for just $33 swahayoga111.com www.livewellclinic.org 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org www.livewellclinic.org @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director Live Happy, Live Well Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care Photodynamic Therapy GLP Weight Loss Integrative Cancer Care For Latino cultures, prevention has always been rooted in nature. Why Naturopathic Medicine Resonates with Latino Communities By Cristal Salcido, ND
wwwdesertintegrativewellness.com Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 9 www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2026 Mindfully Crafted Culinary Ingredients | Artisanal Teas Wellness Supplements | Natural Body Care | Gifts 115 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA | 442.998.4085 PALM SPRINGS A WOMEN’S WELLNESS IMMERSION WORKSHOP REGULATE THE BODY Experience e Light Room Discover Internal Family Systems (IFS) and your inner world Learn the Self-Trust Approach™ and the YES AND Practice™ UNDERSTAND THE MIND STRENGTHEN SELF-TRUST Learning to Trust Yourself Again 760.349.1248 • Indian Wells desertintegrativewellness.com RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Dr. Linda Olson, PsyD Clinical Psychologist, Developer of the Self-Trust Approach™ Gwen Washington, LCSW Internal Family Systems Therapist Curated circles, gatherings and retreats for women drawn to connection, reflection, and community Visit SacredWomanCollective.com to learn more. (760) 485-3433 alison@sacredwomancollective.com sacredwomancollective Alison Mullins, IPHM International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine Many women I meet say some version of the same thing: “I knew something didn’t feel right, and I couldn’t explain it,” or, “I saw the signs, and I still didn’t leave.” If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. Unhealthy relationships rarely begin with something obvious. More often, they begin with a feeling; something just seems off. And yet, there are also moments that feel good: connection, hope, reassurance. You might question yourself, and you might try harder to make things work. Over time, that quiet confusion can turn into self-doubt, and self-doubt can keep you stuck longer than you ever expected. In my work, I’ve come to understand this pattern differently. I call it “dangerous hope,” when you see the signs but don’t yet fully believe what they mean. A woman may see it long before she completely grasps it, and in that gap, it becomes easy to minimize what you’re noticing or explain it away. We’ve been taught that if you see something, you should know, and if you know, you should leave. But in personal relationships, it doesn’t always work that way. Many women see the signs early on, but still can’t fully take in what they mean. You notice the tension. You walk on eggshells. You notice subtle shifts in control. Yet, at the same time, you hold onto hope; hope that it will get better, that you can fix it, that you’re just misunderstanding. Both things can be true. You care about the relationship, and something doesn’t feel right. You see the signs, and you still want to believe the best. This isn’t weakness. It’s a common human response. We are wired for connection, and we want to believe in the people we love. When something doesn’t make sense, it can feel easier to question yourself than to question the relationship. But learning to trust your own perception is where things begin to shift. That might start with something simple: Pausing when something feels off. Noticing patterns, and not just isolated moments. Allowing yourself to hold two truths at once: I care about this person, and something doesn’t feel right. You don’t need all the answers right away. You don’t have to figure everything out at once. You can begin by trusting what you’re noticing. Because seeing is not the same as believing, and understanding sooner can change everything. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Support can make a difference by helping you rebuild self-trust, understand these patterns and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Linda Olson is a psychologist with Desert Integrative Wellness and creator of the SelfTrust Approach™ and Yes And Practice™. She helps women understand why they stay in unhealthy relationships and how to rebuild self-trust and break free. (760) 349.1248. Why Women Stay Even when they see the warning signs By Linda Olson, PsyD Endless scrolling often encourages unhealthy comparison, making people feel that everyone else is happier, healthier and more successful. This is a troubling trend for the youngest generations. The solution isn't to throw away the smartphone; it's to make sure technology serves our relationships rather than replaces them. Think about replacing unhealthy screen habits with things that meet the same underlying needs of connection, belonging, stimulation and purpose. Happiness may do more than lift our spirits; it’s part of a healthy lifestyle. Research has associated strong social relationships and positive emotional well-being with healthier blood pressure, better sleep, lower chronic stress and stronger resilience. Optimism and social connection have also been linked to healthier aging with better cardiovascular health. The encouraging news is that happiness doesn't require winning the lottery or taking a dream vacation. The World Happiness Reports suggest it is built through daily habits that almost anyone can practice, and the world's happiest countries offer powerful examples. In 2026, Finland again ranked at the top, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. Costa Rica also demonstrates how strong families, community ties and optimism can foster remarkable well-being without relying solely on wealth. Let’s share more helpful tips for enhancing happiness: Put people first. Schedule time each week for family, friends or neighbors. Face-toface conversations nourish emotional health. Practice one act of kindness every day. Hold a door, write a thank-you note, help a neighbor or volunteer. Kindness benefits both the giver and receiver. Share meals whenever possible. Eating together strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories—and the food tastes better. Move your body daily. Walk, garden, dance. Exercising improves mood while supporting heart health and brain function. Protect your sleep. Seven to nine hours of quality sleep improves emotional resilience, memory and overall well-being. Keep your phone in another room at night. Put your phone down. Limit social media. Replace some screen time with reading, conversation, hobbies or time in nature. Real-life experiences create deeper satisfaction than endless scrolling. Practice gratitude. Before going to bed, write down three good things that happened during the day. This simple exercise trains your brain to notice life's blessings rather than its disappointments. Ultimately, the 2025 and 2026 reports point toward a timeless truth: The happiest lives aren't necessarily the richest or easiest; they are the most connected. A smartphone can connect us to the world, but it cannot replace a friend's laughter, a family dinner, a walk outdoors or the comforting words, “I'm glad you're here.” Perhaps the best prescription for a longer, healthier life is something we can’t download or scroll through. It's something we can give: our time, our attention, our kindness and our presence. Dr. Susan Murphy is a best-selling author, business consultant and speaker on relationships, conflict, leadership and goal-achievement. Her 13th book, Leading Successful Teams (used at Harvard, Stanford and the Mayo Clinic), is available online. www.DrSusanMurphy.com Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life Aren’t Found in Your Phone Continued from page 1 Technology should serve our relationships, not replace them.
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