By Example, DAP Health Clinicians Take Active Role In Self Care

Contact:
Robert Hopwood
[email protected]
(619) 339-6817

PALM SPRINGS, CA (4/20/2021) — DAP Health is excited to announce the launch of our Healthy Desert Living campaign that encourages everyone in the Coachella Valley to join us in taking an active role in their health.

Spending more time at home during the pandemic means many people are less active. However, there are easy ways to get outside and get active.

DAP Health is encouraging our community to be more active because being sedentary can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.

The Healthy Desert Living campaign features DAP Health team members exercising in local places with the message, “We take an active role in your health.” The featured clinicians are:

• Dr. Christopher Foltz, an internist and infectious disease specialist, pictured cycling at North Lykken Trail;
• Dr. Jill “Dr. G” Gover, a licensed clinical psychologist who leads DAP Health’s Behavioral Health department, pictured practicing yoga at Ruth Hardy Park’s Wellness Park;
• Dr. Ryan Halquist, a licensed clinical psychologist, pictured swimming at the Palm Springs Swim Center;
• Dr. Tulika Singh, director of research at DAP Health, pictured running at North Lykken Trail; and
• Anthony Velasco, a nurse practitioner who heads the Transgender Care Program at DAP Health, pictured hiking at North Lykken Trail.

“Exercise is one of the best ways to combat and limit some serious health conditions ranging from heart disease and high blood pressure to anxiety and depression,” says Dr. Tulika Singh.

Every day, the doctors and clinicians at DAP Health actively partner with our patients to help them achieve their full potential. We welcome all adults, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status to join us and experience the holistic, patient-centered care we provide.

“Even though it might take some effort to change your lifestyle, especially if you’re living with physical limitations or you've been sedentary for a long time, it is so worth the effort because the quality of your life will improve dramatically,” says Dr. G.

We want to remind our patients that they are getting their healthcare through a local health center whose doctors and clinicians work, live and play in the same community as they do.

For people who haven’t thought about getting their healthcare through DAP Health, we want them to consider joining us because our doctors and clinicians care about them. We are committed to taking an active role in the health of our community and providing the best care to everyone.

We also hope to inspire our community to get active and consider doing things they may not have done recently, like bicycling, hiking, swimming, running and meditating. Everyone, regardless of age and physical ability, can find ways to become more active. We want the Coachella Valley to be a healthier community.

“At DAP Health, we work together with our patients. We invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to partner with us and take an active role in their health because a healthier community is better for everyone,” says Dustin Gruber, DAP Health marketing manager.

The campaign will be featured on billboards, bus shelters, local television and print outlets, radio ads and online ad networks. It will run through mid-July.

We want to hear back from community members about how they are becoming more active. Follow DAP Health on our social media channels (Facebook, YouTube and Twitter) and sign up for our newsletters at www.daphealth.org, because we are always sharing ways we can all take an active role in our collective health.

About DAP Health 

DAP Health is an advocacy-based health center in Palm Springs, CA serving over 9,700 patients, offering medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab. A variety of services enable patients to experience optimal health, including social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness services. Excellent HIV care is provided by the largest team of specialized clinicians in the area.      

DAP Health opened one of California’s first COVID clinics and hotlines to offer screening, testing, and treatment. DAP Health is also working to improve social determinants of health to prevent negative health outcomes during this pandemic, like food and housing insecurity, joblessness, isolation, and access to ongoing healthcare.  

DAP Health’s sexual health clinic offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the twelfth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that DAP exceeds industry standards in terms of financial health, accountability, and transparency.      

The DAP Health Research Program is a leader in research that supports better health outcomes for people with HIV (PWH). The Program offers The ANCHOR Study at DAP Health, and research studies exploring antiretroviral medication and the effects of wellness on health.

Visit www.daphealth.org to learn more.