EDITOR’S NOTE
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re you ready to thrive? In this issue of Healthy Life Choices, we’re happy to direct you to living your best life and embracing your best self. It’s the predominant theme throughout the magazine, in fact, and yet another opportunity to revisit some of our health and wellness goals we set in motion at the beginning of the year. So, let’s begin with something fun. Allow me to direct you to some
of the best health and wellness activities or events that are unfolding in the months ahead. Turn to page 4 and you will discover an array of inviting possibilities that could help you make the next few months some of your finest this year. Speaking of “finest,’ for sustainable chef Stephen Lee, every season seems to be a healthy one. The popular local, who garnered a great deal of attention as a contestant on “Master Chef,” chats with
us about the healthy life choices we all can make when it comes to sustainable food sources. Dig into that one on page 10. But there are a slew of tips, tidbits and fancy footnotes in between. So, dive in. Here’s to your vibrant health. Enjoy the issue. Carry on, Greg Archer Editor
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SPRING FLINGS Things are heating up—literally. Explore our guide to some of the best health and wellness activities this season.
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FACT OR FICTION? Brush up on your knowledge for good health. It’s mythbusting time.
10 DIVINE FOOD Chef Stephen Lee’s celebrity rose on TV’s “Master Chef.” Now the local shares his insights on being a sustainable chef and the importance of “clean” eating. 12 LET IT FLOW The lowdown on water sources. There may be one thing you never considered.
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22 LOVE YOURSELF
Why resident country club memberships have become the latest Coachella Valley trend.
Trust us. These tips for self-love will make you swoon—over yourself!
16 DENTISTS DO GOOD Volunteers help kids in need obtain healthier teeth—and big smiles. 17 HEALTH COSTS AND YOU As 2017 continues to generate change, so do the costs of healthcare. Read the latest update. 18 MATTERS OF THE HEART The latest findings on heart health may surprise you. 20 NEW FRONTIERS Your go-to guide on how to live a gustier life. Go for it.
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DATEBOOK
THE TOP TEN THE BEST, HEALTHY ‘MUST DO’ ACTIVITIES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER BY ALISON ELSNER
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ost everyone wants to stay fit and healthy, and fortunately the Coachella Valley lends itself well to this lifestyle. There are health-oriented activities all around us that also happen to be fun and beneficial to our bodies and our minds. Even though summer is just about upon us, we can’t get away with the excuse that “it’s too hot out.” There are numerous ways to ramp up your health while avoiding the intensity of the desert heat. Here are some of our favorites:
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10. RECREATIONAL SWIMMING AT PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER On a scorching hot day, nothing feels as good as plunging your heated body into cool water. And PDAC is the place to do it, with lap swimming in an Olympic-sized pool, water slide, wading and recreational pools, diving boards, senior and adult exercise classes, kids’ swimming lessons, cardio boot camp, pool yoga and a slew of special events. Affordable fees, all-day hours, state-of-the-art design and palm tree-
lined parking make this a top summer destination for lounging or working out. Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr., Palm Desert, 760-565-7467, pdpool.com.
9. LEARN HEALTHY COOKING AT ‘COOKING WITH CLASS’ Their inviting tagline is “Eat, Drink, Laugh, Learn.” This modern facility offers sessions
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Desert Ice Castle, 68800 Perez Rd., Cathedral City, 760-324-0400, deserticecastle.com.
with titles like, “Scrumptious Summer Seafood,” “The Whole Enchilada” and “Cooking With Fresh Herbs.” Pretty much any class you select will channel some creative inspiration for a healthy diet as well as equip you with tasty recipes you can recreate at home. Show the kitchen who’s boss! Fees run between $55-$75 per person for a session. Cooking With Class, 47875 Caleo Bay Dr., La Quinta, 760-777-1161, cookingwithclasslq.com.
7. INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING AT DESERT ROCKS
8. ICE SKATING AT DESERT ICE CASTLE If you’re over 3 years old, this activity is for you. The rink has a wide variety of ice skating sessions available for fun and recreation for all ages, from open skate sessions, to summer camp, to adult hockey leagues to special events. If you’re not already a skater, it’s no problem because skating lessons are offered for every age range—beginner to advanced. This get you in shape and it’s a way to beat the summer sizzle.
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Much more than a trend, rock climbing is an invigorating sport that builds strength and agility, sculpts muscles, increases flexibility and improves endurance. You’ll meet other climbers in this air-conditioned facility. All ages and abilities take part, from teens to super seniors, and there are even women-only training sessions. For those new to the climb, there are classes to get you shimmying your way up both the boulder and harness walls. Next stop: Half Dome? Desert Rocks, 19160 McLane St., North Palm Springs, 760671-1101, climbdesertrocks.com.
6. BLISS OUT AT BLISS CHAKRA SPA Setting aside this so-called exercise thing for a minute … let’s focus on pampering. Look at the luscious offerings here: reiki, massage, ayurvedic treatments, Tibetan sound bowl healing, and even raindrop therapy—the an-
cient Indian ritual assists with freeing the “spirit” with the assistance of essential oils and much more. There’s also an ongoing roster of sound bowl healings that take place at other locations. In its new digs, along the Paseo, this is quickly becoming a noteworthy portal to reboot, recharge and re-align. Have at it. Bliss Chakra Spa, 73896 El Paseo, R-12, Palm Desert, 760-733-3521, blisschakraspa.com.
5. FULL MOON DRUM CIRCLE AT THE ACE HOTEL Drummers, dancers and observers are welcome at this free, monthly full moon celebration on the patio by the pool. Everyone is part of the action—no rehearsal, no audience. Facilitators help build the musicality of the group while encouraging a sense of community and connection. They also offer psychic and tarot card readings, mini-spa treatments and food and drinks. See, good things do happen during a full moon—just ask the coyotes who attend. Ace Hotel and Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-3259900, acehotel.com/fullmoon.
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PATHFINDER THE VIEW AFTER YOU GET OFF THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY IS GREAT. BUT SO ARE THE HIKING TRAILS. GET GOING. PHOTO COURTESY OF PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMAY
4. YOGA AT BIKRAM YOGA PLUS-COACHELLA VALLEY Located at University Center, this spa-like yoga studio features Bikram, Yin, Vinyasa, Trapeze and Pilates. Other activities include “Yoga on a Ball” workshops, dance classes, sound baths and deep tissue massage sessions. Yoga is a great way to balance spirit, mind and body as well as to promote muscle toning, stress reduction and flexibility. The facility has attractive locker rooms with showers, and if you need some sweet yoga gear, you can get that here, too. Bikram Yoga Plus-Coachella Valley, 36869 Cook St., Ste. 101, Palm Desert, 760-346-2988, facebook.com/pg/BikramYogaUniversityVillage.
14,000 acres of pristine wilderness. After exiting the Mountain Station and descending a pathway to Long Valley, visitors are greeted by picnic tables, ranger station, flush toilets and numerous trails—from easy to intense. When you’re finished hiking in the fresh mountain air, you can stop off for an adult beverage at The Lookout Lounge, a delicious dinner at Peaks Restaurant or a snack at the more casual Pines Cafe. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, 888-515-8726, pstramway.com.
3. GOLF PRACTICE, PLAY OR LESSONS AT TAHQUITZ CREEK GOLF RESORT Sure, it’s summer, but that’s what makes the mornings so glorious. Head over to the 50-stall grass driving range at this scenic public facility with a world class view of the mountain. You can also take advantage of the chipping green, two large putting greens and PGA/LPGA golf instruction. The venue is ideal for newbies, pro level players and everyone in between. Clubs available for rental. When you’re done, keep it healthy with a turkey burger and craft beer in Traditions Café. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, 1885 Golf Club Dr., Palm Springs, 760-325-1008, tahquitzgolfresort.com.
2. ACUPUNCTURE AT IDYLLWILD COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Loyalists maintain that acupuncture helps combat chronic pain, pinched nerves, sports injuries and other ailments. Treatments here also include acupressure, massage, cupping techniques, herbal therapies and traditional Chinese medicine. Squeamish? Don’t be. Tradition holds that acupuncture aims to unblock and realign energy pathways, however modern medicine shows that the practice also stimulates blood flow to vital body points, triggering endorphins. After you’re finished, visit the beautiful sites and scenery of Idyllwild and stay for dinner in a quaint cafe, Idyllwild Community Acupuncture, 54445 N. Circle Dr., Idyllwild, 951659-2500, idyllwildcommunityacupuncture.com.
1. HIKE THE TRAILS ATOP PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY The ride up the mountain in the world’s largest rotating tramcar is an eye-opening adventure and it strengthens our appreciation of nature and wildlife. It’s an added treat to encounter 54 miles of hiking trails within
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SPOTLIGHT
FACT CHECKER
5 HEALTH FACTS THAT ARE ACTUALLY MYTHS
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ou get eight hours of sleep every night, eat your vegetables, and consume an apple a day to keep the doctor away. These are all common health sayings you’ve heard and probably believe to be true. But are they? While commonly told health myths may have some truth to them, there are some that don’t hold up to further examination. Take a look.
1. Starve a Cold and Feed a Fever This one has been told for years, though most people can’t remember which one you starve and which you feed. However, the best professional advice out there is to starve neither. You’ll recover from the flu or a cold more quickly with a healthy, balanced diet, so eat sensibly and you’ll be yourself again in no time.
2. Small and Soft Toothbrushes Make for an Ineffective Clean This one isn’t true. The American Dental Association actually recommends using a small brush head with soft bristles. Using a brush like Oral-B’s new Compact Clean provides a small
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brush head that can get to those hard-to-reach places and provide a precise clean. Because of its unique ultra-dense feathered bristles, which offer multiple cleaning tips per filament, Compact Clean will also gently remove plaque in a comfortable, effective way. “As a hygienist, one of the biggest obstacles my patients face is finding the balance between using a brush that is soft enough and achieving an effective clean,” says Andrew Johnston, RDH. “Compact Clean’s design allows you to remove plaque while keeping your teeth and gums safe against toothbrush abrasion.”
3. Cold Weather Increases Your Chance of Catching a Cold It seems to make sense, but it’s not true. There is no proof colder temperatures increase your chances of catching a cold. Instead, research shows the spike in colds during the winter months is actually due to people spending more time indoors, around one another, making it easier for the cold to spread from one person to the next.
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4. Reading in Poor Lighting is Bad for Your Eyes While it certainly makes it more difficult to focus on what you’re reading, there is no evidence that reading under such conditions will cause any permanent structural or long-term damage to your eyes.
5. An Aerobic Workout Significantly Boosts Your Metabolism All Day Long? Nope, but you will enjoy a nice boost while you’re actually doing the workout along with a small boost throughout the day, though only about 20 extra calories according to WebMD. If you want improved all-day benefits, strength training is actually the better way to go because it conditions your body to burn calories more efficiently. So the next time you’re tempted to starve your cold, or only read a book with lights blazing, remember that these five commonly held health myths are now debunked.
SPOTLIGHT
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tephen Lee leads a delicious life. Literally. The local who has morphed into one of the area’s—and country’s—remarkable sustainable food advocates really captured our interest when he appeared on the Fox TV hit “MasterChef” in 2015, surviving the rambunctious tirades of its host, Gordon Ramsay. But how did a man who led a self-described “gypsy lifestyle, hitchhiking city to city” manage to acquire extensive cooking chops in a slew of inspiring environments? Small diner cooking helped. So did cooking on farms. Treks across the Atlantic, specifically Rome, Italy, also helped him perfect his cooking techniques. Now the dynamo offers a rare kind of catering experience and speaks on the issues of sustainable farming and its vital importance for the planet—and our own healthy life choices. He discusses his fascinating evolution here. Dig in: Greg Archer: Why is it so vital, especially now, to know about and to use sustainable food sources? Stephen Lee: At the top of the list is the idea that “food is medicine” and the farmer is your “family doctor.” A person can only get out of their physical body what they put in their body. It’s about quality of life, it is also about prevention—pay now for a better quality of food or pay later. Diet is a powerful tool with which you can optimize your life. Sustainable food is more nutritious and contains glyconutrients which are super good for your health; essential building blocks to a healthy happy life. There’s an economic element to it as well. From an economic standpoint it makes more sense to invest in your local community. A dollar you spend in your local community is invested back into your community, as opposed to a dollar spent towards a trans national corporation, which will enrich them, that corporation, as opposed to enriching us and our peers. There are significant environment factors to consider as well. I could on and on and talk about soil, the environment, the list on why it is better to buy sustainable is a long one. I hope to see a paradigm shift where we go backwards a bit, to the days of knowing exactly where our food comes from and the farmers who grew or raised it because it was all done locally or by growing it ourselves. What can people in Coachella Valley be more aware of in this regard? You can grow a lot more vegetables and herbs than you may be aware of in the desert, even in
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SPOTLIGHT
the summer months. Know where your markets are and when they are held. They have a farmers market in La Quinta, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. Next, start to build a connection with the farmers at the stand and he/she will take good care of you and your family. There are also lots of activities sponsored by the farmers market. For instance they had screenings of two outstanding films on Sustainability in April. To stay updated on special events like this, you can look online at the farmers market website, certifiedfarmersmarket.org, or ask for Meghan at the farmers market and she will give you all the information. When you buy food at the farmers market and cook for yourself and/or your family, it is a very good time investment. It can be very fulfilling to start from scratch and be creative in the kitchen, not making some boxed item from the grocery store, but making something with your hands and creativity. The more you make it a habit to shop and cook fresh food from the farmers market, or grow your own food, it will become a habit and you will begin to easily notice how much better you feel and how much better it tastes. When did you realize that life in the culinary world was for you? Was there a defining moment? My defining moment when I realized that I would be a chef. It all started at the “Ave” Ristorante in Seattle’s University district. If I hadn’t mentioned before that I am a punk rock baby. I was washing dishes, doing prep as a side job to help supplement my screaming career, which was bringing in zilch for money. So one day the lunch cook didn’t show up for his shift, so I
jumped on the line and commanded lunch that day, doing it all, sauté, grill, pizza, and from there I quickly moved into a dinner sauté cook. It has been a journey of passion and love ever since.
sible and as quickly as possible.
What is it you love most about gardens, about cooking, about bringing or sharing your creations with people?
I recently discovered a local mill out of Pasadena, Grist & Toll, that is purchasing whole heirloom grains and milling small batch whole grains like Sonora white, red fife, polenta, to name a few. I have been having a lot of fun making flat breads, pita, pizza dough, rolls and cakes from these grains with huge amounts of success as the flavor is so rich. The breads pair well with summer grilled veggies and they are actually good for you and your digestion.
Of course, the selfish reason is the fresh smell of dirt, the humming of bees, the chirping of birds. It is soothing, calming and peaceful, and from that comes something bigger than myself. I am able to gather from nature all of the best ingredients and share them with people I care about, bringing smiles, good taste and nutrition. I always say that the real star of what my dishes, before skill and technique, is the starting ingredients. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about life, or nature, or the environment, by having worked in this field? Working as a farmer and a chef, I’ve learned that truly, the only constant in life is change. Everything in life is always changing. Food changes with the season, the seasons change from year to year—hotter, colder, more rain, less sun, it is inevitable. The humidity level changes which can effect a bread you are baking, different seasons provide changing foods so you have to alter a recipe according to what is available, crops can thrive or die from season to season depending on weather change, so many changes always. All of my compadres are changing daily from one moment to the next. Having been a farmer and being a chef has taught me to be ok with change and learn to adapt as well as pos-
What’s one of your favorite things to create lately?
Have to ask, because we all have a connection with food, right? So, what was your favorite kind of food or meal growing up? My favorite foods are always associated with my favorite memories and I have a special fondness of one in particular. It is a memory of my mother spreading out newspapers all about the dinning room floor. She looks like the photos I’ve seen of her, no specific details, I was too young to remember those. She spread the newspapers all about and we sit on them and segment some grapefruits with our hands. We make a huge mess. It felt like we sat on the floor for hours peeling and eating and laughing, watching old movies while we ate. There is nothing quite as delicious as making a mess while eating some grapefruit. Craving more Stephen Lee? Keep up to date on his latest events, happenings, and so much more at stephenleecooks.com.
MASTER MEETS MASTER “MASTER CHEF’S” GORDON RAMSAY INSTRUCTS STEPHEN LEE DURING A SEGMENT OF THE HIT SHOW. (RIGHT) LEE IN HIS ELEMENT—THE GARDEN.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
TO CAP OR TAP WHAT’S THE SMART CHOICE? BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
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nce upon a time, drinking fountains slaked our thirsts all over town. Now, everywhere you look, a bottle of water is lurking, promising a clean, organic, healthy way of rehydrating our bodies. But how much of this is ad-speak and how much is true? Is bottled water really better than tap water? Because it’s a billion-dollar business, you’d think that bottled water is the most pristine of liquids. Actually, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), bottled water is no more highly regulated or safer than tap water. Okay, some bottled water started its life in a mountain spring, but more than 25 percent is pumped from a public system. Sometimes the water is filtered and purified, sometimes not— but it is always sold to the consumer at about a thousand-fold cost increase. Forget that exotic name, you’re really drinking highfalutin tap water. Of course, you’ll never know this because bottlers are not required to disclose their source. Note: Beginning in 2017, some bottlers will reveal source information voluntarily on their packaging.
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Pure as the Driven Snow? Recently, the NRDC tested more than 1,000 bottles of water from 103 different suppliers. Scientists found that “at least one sample of a third of the brands contained bacterial or chemical contaminants, including carcinogens, in levels exceeding state or industry standards.” Even so, no new laws or regulations have been passed since the study’s completion and bottlers haven’t upgraded their processes. The NRDC also discovered two brands that contained chemicals called phthalates in greater percentage amounts than allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for tap water. These endocrine disrupters can adversely affect certain functions of the human body. And while tap water is overseen by the EPA, bottlers answer to the FDA, except in cases where water is packaged and sold within the same state. No surprise; between 60 and 70 percent of bottled water is not subject to testing of any kind. The states can set up regulatory commissions but often lack funding for even the most rudimentary supervision, with many bot-
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tling plants escaping even annual inspection. The industry uses polyethylene terephthalate bottles, indicated by a number 1, PET or PETE. When stored in hot or warm temperatures, this type of plastic can destabilize and be drawn into the water. Makes you wonder how long that water bottle sat on a shelf before it even got to you. Elevated temps in storage areas represent one risk—there are others. You probably shouldn’t keep water in the garage near gas fumes, pesticides and other chemicals. And that bottle that’s been rolling around inside your car for the past two weeks … or the emergency bottle in your trunk … Are they safe to drink? Remember, heat can change a bottle’s chemical balance.
The Eco Component While single-serve bottles are convenient, less than 20 percent are actually reincarnated, according to the Container Recycling Institute. We see the rest in our parks and on our streets, along our highways and in our landfills, where
HEALTH & WELLNESS
they’ll be hanging around a thousand years or more. Some companies have begun using lighter-weight bottles that contain up to 30 percent less plastic but this also means they’ll leach chemicals quicker. Also, some brands of water travel thousands of miles and some bottling processes require a ton of water that is neither reused nor recycled.
The Smart Moves Your Water Supply. Your public water purveyor issues an annual report detailing the quality of your water, a document that tells you all you need to know about the state of your most precious natural resource. Well owners should test at least once a year. For more information, call the EPA’s toll-free Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visit the website for the Campaign for Safe and Affordable Drinking Water. How About a filter? The water that comes out of your faucet is usually safe. Why? Because most water providers are closely monitored by the EPA and/or state and local agencies and are required to test samples from pumps, boosters, tanks, etc. every week. If a biological or chemical contaminant appears, it can often be stopped in its tracks. Invest in a Multi-use Bottle or Canteen. Reusable stainless steel or lined drinking containers work well – be sure to clean yours thoroughly after every use. Cool It. Don’t drink from a bottle that’s been sitting in your car and don’t store water long-term near heat or chemicals. Glass is Good. Choose glass containers whenever possible and when you’re finished, recycle.
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OUTDOORS
Fantastic Fore
Why resident country club memberships have become the latest Coachella Valley trend BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAPARRALCC.COM
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ttention golf lovers: The recent drop in golf’s popularity globally and nationally could provide attractive opportunities right here in the Coachella Valley. Wondering how? Read on … For the past few years, golf participation in the United States has dwindled. For a host of reasons, what used to be considered the sport of kings, a TV ratings monster and one primary grease of corporate deal-making has suddenly acquired the sour taste of too long, too costly and too many “odd” rules. Recent research analysis conducted by reputable sources like Bloomberg and the “Washington Post” have collated millennial opinions about the sport into “a slow-going, expensive, old-fashioned pastime.” Yikes. Worse, Pellucid, a consulting giant specializing in golf’s Big Picture, tells us that the number of American golfers has dropped 24 percent since its 2002 heyday … which translates to about 23 million players. Think about it: Any video game can be purchased and mastered by spending a few hours and a modest investment. But a series of
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$100-per-session lessons combined with hours on the practice range might or might not result in stroke or score improvement. (I speak from personal experience.) Quite simply, golf is pricey and demanding and, more importantly, is becoming more widely perceived as such. Here in the Coachella Valley, another set of circumstances has “piled on” this scenario. Many of the area’s gated golf communities were built between 20 and 30 years ago, when buyers were in their forties, fifties and sixties. Now, those same folks are in their seventies, eighties and nineties and are therefore probably playing less golf—or maybe none at all. The current generation of vacation home buyers, at times younger and less affluent than their predecessors, often opt out of golf memberships altogether. The result? Golf membership fees may no longer cover the entire cost of maintaining a golf course, causing a rise in Home Owner Association (HOA) dues to cover the shortfall. Mix this with a dash of housing crisis and low oil prices that have affected some Canadian spending habits and you have the perfect CV storm of What Now?
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However, if you love golf, as tens of millions of us still do, I have excellent news: A number of clubs in the Coachella Valley have begun offering limited numbers of memberships to people who live “off campus.” These “guest” or “non resident” memberships can represent great deals—and great experiences—just waiting to be discovered. Some opportunities are golf-heavy while others are more wide-ranging. I have included a couple of examples here but by making a few phone calls or doing some web research, you and your family can enjoy even more of what this gorgeous desert resort area has to offer.
Chaparral Country Club Palm Desert The executive course is owned by Chaparral residents. Contact: chaparralcc.org or 760-340-1893. • An annual off-campus golf membership is $3,900/single, $4,900/couple, payable in three installments. The number of these memberships is limited.
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• There is no initiation fee but there is a trail fee for using your own cart. • Tee times can be made up to seven days in advance. • Chaparral CC is a no-cash club. Members charge all food & beverage purchases and events as well as any additional golf related expenses and receive a statement at the end of each month. • Golf members enjoy full social member benefits, allowing entrée to the Dining Room, Lounge, Tennis/ Pickleball Venue (along with access to two robust racquet sport programs), Fitness Facility and Activities Room along with all social events and golf
Contact: palmvalley-cc.com or 760-345-2737.
Associate Golf Membership Access to the Championship Course Monday-Friday and unlimited access to Challenge Course and practice facilities. Full clubhouse and social privileges included. Non-resident monthly dues/initiation: $627/ $4,800.
Trial Platinum Membership (First 25 who sign up). No Initiation Fee plus complimentary 2017 Premier membership (50 percent off dining at Palm Valley, Travel discounts and Concierge, Worldwide Reciprocal Play). $537.50 per month through Dec. 31, 2017.
Sports Golf Membership Unlimited access to the Challenge Course and practice as well as use of the Athletic Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis Club and Clubhouse with full social privileges. Non-resident monthly dues/initiation: $505/$2,400.
Platinum Full Golf Membership Unlimited access to Championship and Challenge Courses plus practice facilities. Platinum Members also enjoy the Spa & Athletic Club, Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Tennis Club and have full Social and Clubhouse privileges. Monthly dues/initiation: Non-resident: $750/$6,500.
Tennis & Athletic Club Membership Tennis Club playing privileges and access to all tennis events and activities as well as use of the Athletic Club, Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi, plus full Social and Clubhouse privileges. Nonresident monthly dues/membership deposit: Single: $130 /$100 Family: $205/$200.
Junior Platinum Full Golf Membership The same as Platinum Full Golf Membership amenities with oldest member age 45. Non-resident monthly dues/initiation: $585/ $4,800.
Athletic Membership Full access to the Athletic Club, swimming pool, jacuzzi, plus full social and clubhouse privileges. Non-resident monthly dues/membership deposit: $170/$200.
tournaments including the Club Championships.
Palm Valley Country Club Palm Desert
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HEALTHCARE
Dentists Do Good Volunteers help kids in need obtain healthier teeth—and big smiles
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id you know half of all children in this country enter kindergarten with tooth decay? Tooth decay is the number one chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S., affecting 42 percent of children aged 2 to 11 years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, nearly half of minority children and children receiving Medicaid benefits suffer from untreated tooth decay. Good oral health is connected to good overall health. In fact, problems in the mouth can impact the rest of the body. If the tooth decay isn’t fixed - or prevented in the first place - the consequences are much broader; children with untreated tooth decay often have more school absences, difficulty paying attention in school and lower self-esteem. The good news is that with proper management and intervention, early forms of tooth decay can actually be stopped and reversed. Oral care habits start at home. Children should: • Brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste • Floss once a day
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• Eat healthy meals • Visit the dentist once a year Unfortunately, despite improvements in children’s access to dental care, many children continue to suffer. Leading the charge to address the gap in children’s oral health care is Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), a national grassroots movement of passionate volunteer dental professionals and dental industry employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes to address this problem. Dr. Timothy Kinnard, dental director at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, has seen GKAS in action first hand. “The Give Kids A Smile program gives children critically necessary dental treatment they may otherwise may not be able to access,” Kinnard says. “It’s a wonderful demonstration of how access to dentistry helps reduce the oral health disparities that exist in underserved communities.” Kids who attend one of 1,300 annual GKAS programs receive free oral health services including education, screening, preventive services and/or treatment from GKAS volunteers. GKAS
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is the largest children’s oral health charitable program in the U.S., already providing 5.5 million children in need with services since the first national event in 2003. More than 500,000 volunteers, including almost 140,000 dentists, have volunteered their time and resources at thousands of sites nationwide to help children who may not otherwise have access to dental care.
Taking Action More needs to be done to teach families how to prevent childhood tooth decay. GKAS volunteers are working year-round to educate kids and families in their communities, and to provide free dental care to kids in need. Give Kids A Smile is part of the American Dental Association’s Action for Dental Health initiative, highlighting the need for improved access to dental care for kids. The ADA Foundation continues to support GKAS volunteers so they can focus on what they do best—caring for those in need. You can help. Find out more at ADAFoundation. org/GKAS.
HEALTHCARE
REVAMP AND REVITALIZE
Are you ready to reduce your healthcare expenses?
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ealthcare costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Healthcare is getting more and more expensive and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs. While some treatments simply have to be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time. Employ these five tips today and you’ll enjoy the care you need without breaking your budget. Focus on Your Health First When it comes to controlling your healthcare expenses, you actually have more control than you think—a lot more. The decisions you make every day—what to eat, whether or not to smoke, how much to exercise—all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run and kick that nicotine habit for good. Each of these little decisions will benefit your health and your budget. Be Decisive with Your Deductible Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year before receiving network coverage support. But once it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full coverage of your plan. Thus, if you have another treatment or procedure coming up, don’t put it off any longer than you have to. Undergoing additional procedures in the same year means you get more coverage while paying only one deductible. Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible.
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Be Smart About Where You Go for Care While healthcare facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on out-of-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Ask Questions Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense. Sometimes there may be something you can do on your own that supports your health and lessens your costs at the same time. Embrace an HSA Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a costeffective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for co-insurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your healthcare spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about the The Health of America Report, visit bcbs.com/ healthofamerica.
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SPOTLIGHT
TWIST OF FATE SHAWN DUKES (SECOND FROM RIGHT), PICTURED HERE WITH HER FAMILY, REVEALS A REMARKABLE TALE OF SURVIVAL WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE.
Tackling Heart Health Head On
One woman’s journey to coronary artery disease diagnosis and her stunning treatment
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n 90-degree heat and with her heart pounding, Shawna Dukes was in her happy place as she sprinted up and down stadium stairs during the annual University of Texas women’s football training clinic. With determination in her stride, the physically fit, 58-year-old Texas native looked like she could take on anything. However, just a few short months prior, Dukes came toe-to-toe with an opponent she didn’t know how to tackle—coronary artery disease (CAD), which led her to a coronary stent procedure to help re-open a 90-percent blocked artery and restore blood flow to her heart. But Dukes’ story is not uncommon. The American Heart Association (AHA) esti-
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mates that Dukes is just one of the 15 million Americans affected by CAD. The disease causes the blood vessels that feed the heart to become narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart, according to the Heart Foundation. The AHA reports that CAD is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. A recent AHA study found that, for women specifically, heart disease takes more lives than all cancers, respiratory diseases and Alzheimer’s disease combined. Despite these staggering statistics, only 42 percent of women aged 35 and older are concerned about heart disease. Dukes had been diligent about seeing her
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doctor regularly, exercising and eating a healthy diet, so heart disease was far from her mind, until one day when she began to experience excruciating chest pain that made her struggle to catch her breath. As plaque builds in the coronary arteries of people with CAD, potential signs and symptoms may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, nausea or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic. The AHA study also found that for some women, indications of CAD can be unpredictable: nearly twothirds (64 percent) of women who die suddenly from CAD have no physical warning signs. As her symptoms persisted, Dukes visited multiple doctors who recommended typical
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first-line treatments, including aspirin or blood thinners, beta-blockers and nitroglycerin tablets, but nothing seemed to help alleviate her pain. Unable to enjoy her daily walks with her dog or participate in exercise classes, Dukes continued to research her symptoms and ask questions, refusing to give up her active lifestyle and let this debilitating condition be her new normal. Her persistence led her to seek out the advice of interventional cardiologist Dr. Colin Barker at the Houston Methodist Hospital. Upon her first clinic visit, Dr. Barker performed tests to confirm a CAD diagnosis and told her she would need an immediate medical procedure to re-open her blocked artery. Within two hours of meeting Dukes, Dr. Barker initiated a minimally invasive procedure called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a new stent, called the SYNERGY(TM) Bioabsorbable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent System. “The primary goal in treating coronary artery disease is to open arteries that have become clogged and restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible,” Dr. Barker says. “For Shawna, I chose the SYNERGY Stent, which is the only FDA-approved coronary stent
with a bioabsorbable polymer, a special coating which dissolves along with the drug in about three to four months following implantation. Reducing the amount of time polymer stays in the vessel can prevent chronic inflammation and associated complications that patients can experience years after receiving a stent with permanent polymer.” One week after receiving the SYNERGY Stent, Dukes was back to taking five-mile walks with her dog. Then, just a couple of months after her procedure, she was able to participate in the grueling six-hour, high-intensity women’s training clinic hosted by the University of Texas football coaching staff. Now Dukes uses her exercise classes to do more than stay in shape. She regularly engages groups of women in conversations about heart health by sharing her story and encourages them to talk to their doctors about available treatment options. “My experience inspired me to educate others, especially women, about the importance of being an advocate for their own health care,” Dukes notes. “I often tell people, ‘Don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion and do your own
research. Asking questions could save your life.’” Top Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Coronary Artery Disease and Preparing for a Stent Procedure 1. What is coronary artery disease (CAD) and how is it treated? 2. Do treatment considerations differ between women and men? 3. What makes a patient a good candidate for coronary stenting? 4. What are the different stents and procedures available, and what are the benefits and risks of each? As with any medical procedure, there are risks that should be discussed with your physician as some are serious in nature. For more information, please visit bostonscientific.com/SYNERGYPatient to learn more about heart health and the SYNERGY Stent.
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PERSONAL GROWTH
BREAKING FREE
EMBRACE THESE UNIQUE IDEAS AND BE GUTSIER IN LIFE
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eing human takes guts, but a sense of bold confidence doesn’t come easily for everyone; and often requires you to start from the inside. You may need to overcome mental roadblocks and bulldoze through personal physical barriers that have held you back. Now is the perfect time to break free of those internal boundaries and challenge yourself to live boldly and bravely. Here are some ideas to unlock your potential from the inside out, allowing you to live gutsier at any age:
START WITH A GUT CHECK To be your best self and have the “guts” to tack-
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le whatever lies ahead, get your gut in check and reap the glory. According to a recent Renew Life survey, three out of four women (72 percent) report that they’ve experienced occasional digestive issues in the past 12 months, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Not only may these all be signs your gut is in need of replenishment and balance, but they’re enough of a reason to sit on the sideline rather than experience a new adventure. Nutrition experts like Ellie Krieger, RD, host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” show and author of several healthy cookbooks, agree that one of the most efficient and impactful ways to bring balance
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to the digestive tract for better digestive and immune health is with a daily probiotic like Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics, recommended for their blends of multiple strains and billions of live cultures, which reflects the natural diversity in the gut.
TRY SOMETHING NEW When you try something you’ve never done before, it stimulates the body and mind. Don’t worry about failure—just keep an open mind and have fun. No matter the outcome, you’ll create lifelong memories. For example, even if you aren’t crafty, sign up for a pottery class.
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Always wondered about yoga? Take an intro session. Want to make new friends? Attend that community function. When you get outside your comfort zone, you may be surprised just how much fun you have.
EAT NEW FOODS Expand your nutritional palate with healthy items that aren’t staples on your daily menu—mix them with dishes you know and try them a couple of times. Training your brain to recognize new flavors and smells requires multiple exposures, and proximity to familiar favorites helps make things safe by association. You never know what might become your next favorite dish. Some healthy foodie trends you may want to try include sea vegetables like dulse, a seaweed, and items that include probiotic cultures, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt. You might even consider signing up for a cooking class to learn new skills in the kitchen.
TAKE A SPONTANEOUS PTO DAY Americans wasted 658 million paid vacation days, according to Project: Time Off’s State of American Vacation 2016 report. That means more than half of workers (55 percent) left vacation time unused. Don’t let precious time off slip away, and take a mental health day. Call in on a random day and give yourself the gift of an unplanned day off. Maybe it’s a particularly nice day and you can go hiking or you can surprise your best friend with lunch on her birthday. Take a “me day” and enjoy.
REFLECT ON AND BE A ROLE MODEL Who do you admire for their guts? Is it someone famous or someone close to you? Think about what they do that inspires you. If you can, tell them why. For example, write your mom a letter about how she’s impacted your life. It’s sure to make her day. While thinking about role models, reflect on how you can be a better one yourself. Whether you hope to inspire your friends, children or co-workers, be the best you that you can be. Always stand up for what you believe in and be true to yourself. One way to do this is to donate to a cause close to your heart.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF Need extra motivation for living gutsier? Join a fun challenge that can both guide you plus provide a sense of community and support. Sign up for a 5K with a friend or commit your family to meatless Mondays for a month. When you do challenges in groups, it can be a lot of fun. Stay gutsy throughout the year. Check out renewlife.com.
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ENDNOTE
LOVE YOURSELF! REALLY COOL STRATEGIES FOR SELF-LOVE BY GREG ARCHER
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n 2005, I decided to get married—to myself. My reasoning was simple. I wanted to have an adult ritual that would solidify something: That I “got” it; that one cannot promise to love, honor, and respect somebody else “’til death do you part” until you can promise to do it with yourself. The ceremony was a success. And after surviving a rough patch—my partner and I decided to take separate vacations last year—everything has moved along swimmingly. Self-marriage is nothing new, in fact. It’s a growing trend. But let’s face it: It’s not always easy to practice self-love no matter who you are, and for people battling self-esteem issues or body issues, it can feel even more overwhelming to love something about yourself, or your body, that you may not fully accept. If you feel like you are fighting your body, it isn’t a surprise that body image and self-esteem may be a source of struggle and frustration. Further, poor body image may come from a lack of public representation. The issue isn’t addressed as much as, say, having the “perfect body.” Take a look at any magazine cover. Or TV ad. Everybody looks as if they’ve just
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stepped out a gym or spa—chiseled abs, gorgeous face. You know the drill. But there’s more. Sometimes it becomes overwhelming to value oneself when diversity of all kinds is missing from what we see and/or consume. Practicing self-love and self-care is important in feeling comfortable with relationships too. It can be difficult to engage in meaningful and healthy relationships and friendships without a good dose of confidence and care for yourself. If we don’t feel good about who we are, we may be less likely to speak up for ourselves, less likely to have—or ask for—pleasure, and less likely to have equal, balanced relationships. We only have one body, and it’s important to come up with strategies to remind ourselves that no one is perfect and we should love who we are. Check out these tips that may help create a shift. Make Time To Self-reflect: Think about what makes you feel good. When do you feel most beautiful? Most confident? Sexiest? Capitalize on those times and think about what those experiences have in common. Is it music? Is it a smell? Is it a particular texture? Can
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we commit to finding a few moments in each day to breathe and shift our focus from frustration to positivity? Write It Down: Keeping a daily journal of your feelings can help you identify areas that you need to work on both mentally and emotionally. It can be difficult to realize that you need to improve self-love until you see it written down on paper. Send Yourself Reminders: Leave Postit notes or set spontaneous calendar alarms throughout the year to inspire you and remind you to practice self-love. Don’t Keep It All Inside: While self-love is very personal, it doesn’t mean you should bottle up your feelings. Tell a partner, friend or even a professional about your feelings and lean on them for support. Life isn’t perfect, but if you give yourself the freedom to love the skin you have, you may be far better off.