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Health News Posts

My Menopause Manifesto

by Daniel Vaillancourt

My Menopause Manifesto

Or how I fit an avalanche of expert advice into a proper desert lifestyle.

Words by Tracey Engelking

 

Let’s be honest. Aging and all that goes with it happen entirely against our will. We didn’t ask for this. There was no consultation. No group text. I mean, I’m embracing as best I can, but traversing the landscape of perimenopause into menopause can feel like going on a side quest to collect as many do’s and don’ts as possible. Our caregivers do their best to explain it all, but their advice is far too plentiful and daunting for most of us. So, I offer you all the ways I’m tailoring it to fit my best life.

 

Get Your Diet Sorted

We’ve all tried to cut out refined sugar, white flour, candy, desserts, chips, pizza, fried foods, fast food, joyous food… It’s too much. I’m going with finding balance. Mostly low-carb, high-fiber, high-protein. I eat dark chocolate when at home, instead of my beloved chips and ice cream. But I always have dessert if I go out to eat. And there is very large chance a Juicy Lucy cheeseburger and extra crispy fries from Blackbook finds their way into my tummy here and there. Balance, babes.

 

Get Mad Fit and Calm Your Soul

Body in motion/mind in meditation really does feel better in the long run. Thankfully, I’ve always been a sporty gal, so I do fairly well here. If you haven’t upped your fitness game, start easy and find something that works. You like music and dance? Try Zumba or country line dancing. Like to be outside? Vigorous walking or pickleball. Water-lover? Swim laps, try water aerobics, or go big into water polo or Underwater Torpedo League! Get workout sweaty to stop getting hot flash sweaty.

 

Supplements For Days

Gurl, I did not know we could need so many remedies just to get back to the way we felt at 40, but here we are! Estradiol cream, turmeric, multivitamins, vitamin D, black cohosh, beef liver spleen, magnesium, shilajit, fish oil, rose hip oil, hyaluronic acid suppositories, hairgrowth pills, warm lemon water, etc. The list is endless. But taken alongside our prescriptions, they do work. So, cheers to us with our rattler pill cases in our refrigerators! Group high-five!

 

Limit Your Naughty Habits

Yeah, OK, so we give ourselves a C+ here. We cannot act like we don’t know experts will tell us to limit or totally avoid alcohol. But we also do love a good happy hour and two-brunch Sunday. I mean, life is happening. We can’t not have at least a few days here and there spent tipsily tripping our way around an Uber, right? As for illicit drugs, well, speaking of tripping, LOL! A little edible THC help slide you into a more mellow you. Know the source and test your product. Kits are free and readily available — either via DAP Health’s Harm Reduction department, or at the nonprofit’s harm reduction vending machine inside Hunters Nightclub on Arenas Road in Palm Springs. Put your mind at ease before you alter your state.

 

Increase Your Naughty Habits

As the owner of a high libido with a voracious sexual appetite, I was shocked to hear that vaginal atrophy can hit even the most active of us. Another “WTF?” moment brought to us by our meno journey! I am now at peace with sweet lady lube, and vaginal creams and suppositories. Also, I make sure I’m keeping track of my orgasms — quality, ease of achievement, number per week. If this isn’t something you find easy, or are a little embarrassed to ask advice on, talk to your doctor or the staff of a sex shop like Rough Trade. Even if you need to write it down and pass a note. There are tons of solutions, so no need to suffer here!

 

Love Yourself Inside and Out

This is the one, right? We can totally get rung out during this chapter. We look in the mirror and somedays we don’t see ourselves as we remember. Our body hurts or is flat-out revolting against our wants. We’re tired and hormonal…but we are here. We are in this. Unsolicited, but in it regardless. We have to find a way to love this new us. On the days when we can’t find that self-love, we have to get on the text chain with our besties, or get on a message board, and lament to the likeminded. We need to ask for and find support, because this is the ride where some days, we love it and have our hands up whooping in joy. Other days, we just want to get off and stop the spinning. Reach out, baby. We don’t totally have this, but we kinda do, right?

 

There you go. The ways I’m really getting through it. If you have your own secret sauce, I’m all ready to hear and try it! When you see me out, come share away! Let’s be in this together.

 

If you would like to become a DAP Health OB-GYN patient, please click here.

Childhood Obesity: Kids in Crisis

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Kids in Crisis: Childhood Obesity

DAP Health Director of Pediatrics Dr. Jasmin Brown says that to address the problem, we need to look beyond the number on the scale.

Words by Maggie Downs

 

Over the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This rise has led to an increase in obesity-related health issues among youth, including cardiovascular disease, pre-diabetes, and bone and joint problems. But addressing these challenges requires a shift in how we think about childhood obesity, moving away from blame and toward a more compassionate, holistic approach.

 

“One of the big misconceptions is that it’s the child’s fault or the parents’ fault. But this is a society problem. It’s a health care problem,” says DAP Health Director of Pediatrics Dr. Jasmin Brown, who practices at the Coachella Valley Community Health Center in Coachella. “It’s important for us to stop looking at this as a personal problem and more like, ‘How can we help one another?’”

 

One of the most debated tools in measuring and diagnosing obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). Originally developed in the 1830s to estimate the size of the average European man, BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height. However, it was never intended to assess individual health, especially in children.

 

“The BMI doesn’t account for different ethnicities or body shapes; it doesn’t differentiate between body fat, muscle, pregnancy — there are a lot of different things that affect a person’s weight, and therefore, their BMI,” Brown explains. “So, while I look at the BMI chart, I don’t use that as the crux of my management for kids.”

 

Obesity is influenced by various factors, including diet, physical activity, mental health, and socioeconomic status. That’s why Brown sees every visit as an opportunity to guide children. She emphasizes the importance of encouraging healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and positive self-esteem, all key to addressing childhood obesity effectively. She suggests shifting the focus away from weight altogether.

 

“I really try to take it off the scale, because the scale is not the only measurement of health,” she says. “What I care about are the healthy habits that can start now and stay with the child for the rest of their life.”

 

When there are concerns, Brown may order laboratory tests to assess cholesterol levels, kidney function, and blood sugar, starting anywhere from age 3 and beyond. “My goal is to say, ‘Your cholesterol is elevated. We’re going to work on how to improve that,’ not ‘How can you lose weight?’” she notes. “Because I do see a lot of cholesterol problems and fatty livers and pre-diabetes, even in very young children, which can cause lasting health issues.”

 

During meetings with families, Brown discusses lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and screen time, suggesting small, manageable changes the family can make together. To avoid stigmatization — and empower parents to create a healthy environment for their children — she ensures these conversations are framed positively and without judgment. “If you have sensitive, caring discussions with the child and their family about how to manage health — taking the number on the scale out of it — these are important conversations to have,” Brown says. “Because if you ignore it, the repercussions can be severe.”

 

She says it’s important for every parent to build a trusting relationship with their child’s doctor so they can feel confident that concerns about weight will be addressed with care and respect. This foundation allows parents to bring up sensitive topics like weight with the assurance that their doctor will support the family in a positive, non-judgmental way.

 

If you are concerned about your child, please speak to your DAP Health pediatrician. If your child is not yet a DAP Health patient, please click here to access our pediatric services.

Harm Reduction is Health Care

by Daniel Vaillancourt

                                                                                                                 DAP Health Community Health Harm Reduction Supervisor Neil Gussardo, flanked by                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Harm Reduction Educator Bree Clark-Pharr and longtime volunteer  Suzanne Petersen.

                                                                                                                (Photo by Donato Di Natale)

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Fentanyl Harm Reduction

Words by Daniel Hirsch

 

Given it’s a hundred times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, the prescription opioid fentanyl and its growing use have led to a spike in overdose deaths — 5,942 Californians in just three years, according to the California Department of Public Health.

 

Through its Harm Reduction program, DAP Health is working to stop overdose deaths. I spoke with Community Health Harm Reduction Supervisor Neil Gussardo to get the no-nonsense, no-stigma lowdown on preventing fentanyl overdoses, and what harm reduction means at the organization.

 

What exactly does the term “harm reduction” mean?

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It’s a movement for social justice built on a respect for the rights of people who use drugs.

 

Let’s talk about harm reduction for fentanyl. What are the risks of taking fentanyl?

The big thing — really, why it’s so dangerous — is how it impacts the lungs by causing respiratory depression. When somebody starts to overdose, their body is slowing down to the point where they could stop breathing altogether.

 

How can you identify a fentanyl overdose?

See if a person is breathing. Look at their lips. If their lips are a lighter color than the rest of their skin, that’s a good indication that their breathing is super shallow. Or, if they’re drowsy and you’re unable to rouse them, that’s also a clear sign of overdose.

 

What can you do to help someone experiencing an overdose?

The first thing you do is call 911. After, I recommend people yelling at the person to keep them awake. The next piece that you would do is actually cause them a little bit of physical pain. Take your knuckles and give the person a hard sternum rub. If you can’t keep them awake, if their breathing is shallow, use Narcan if you have it.

 

What’s Narcan?

Narcan is the brand name of the drug naloxone, in nasal spray form. Opioids like fentanyl attach to receptors in the brain. The naloxone gets between the drug and the receptor, temporarily stopping the effects of the drug in the system.

 

How do you use Narcan — and can anyone administer it?

Absolutely. It’s super simple to use. You just spray it into a person’s nose. If after about two minutes there isn’t a response — the person isn’t coming out of the overdose — you should give a second dose. A person can go into withdrawal after using naloxone because the opiate is temporarily not impacting their brain. So be warned, it can kind of be an unpleasant experience for an individual, too.

 

What would you tell someone who is an occasional drug user but says they’d never use fentanyl, so they don’t need to worry about this stuff?

One can never know exactly what’s in the drugs they use. We suggest testing drugs prior to using them. So, we give out a lot of fentanyl testing strip kits. Our kits have everything in them that you would need to test your drugs. I’d also suggest you have Narcan so you can help other people.

 

This is a bit of a spicy question, but don’t some of the strategies DAP Health provides — and the philosophy of harm reduction in general — enable people to use drugs?

People who use are going to use. We’re enabling people to use drugs more safely, and to stay healthier longer. If a person’s not alive, they don’t have an opportunity for change. People who access harm reduction services are five times more likely to go into substance use disorder treatment than people who are not accessing those services.

 

DAP Health has a range of harm reduction resources, including a free vending machine that dispenses Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, and more at Hunters Nightclub on Arenas Road in Palm Springs. For more information, please click here. 

 

Is an Injectable HIV Med For You?

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Long-Acting Injectable HIV Medication Cabenuva

Words by Daniel Hirsch

 

For many, living with HIV has meant living with daily pills. However, the January 2021 FDA approval of Cabenuva radically changed antiretroviral HIV treatment.

 

Cabenuva is the first long-acting, injectable HIV medication. It is typically administered every eight weeks. However, there are instances where it must be provided every four weeks, depending on the treatment plan decided by the health care provider and the patient’s specific needs. The regimen involves two injections — one of cabotegravir and one of rilpivirine — given on the same day.

 

To understand the pros and cons of Cabenuva, I spoke with DAP Health Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin. As a longtime advocate for better and more accessible HIV care, Dr. Halperin considers himself a Cabenuva proponent.

 

Who is Cabenuva for?

It’s really for anyone living with HIV who is interested in injectable medication. There are a lot of patients who meet the criteria for Cabenuva. It’s much fewer who don’t. I would say to people living with HIV, “Don’t be afraid to ask your provider if you think injectables might be right for you.”

 

What makes an injectable drug preferable to an oral medication?

I’d first say that we are at such an amazing place in terms of HIV medications — they’re incredibly effective and well-tolerated. Typically, one pill per day is all that most people living with HIV require. That said, though oral medication is well-tolerated, I often hear patients complain about nausea. And you have no nausea at all from the injectable medication. Other than occasional reaction or soreness at the injection site, there are fewer side effects.

 

And you don’t have to worry about forgetting to take a daily pill, correct?

A missed pill here and there is never going to lead to resistance. The barrier to resistance for our newer medications is extremely high. But yes, you don’t need to worry about that at all with the injectable.

 

In fact, we have our first trial population where injectable outperformed oral medication. This was in a population that has struggled taking oral medication before — 50% struggling with substance use, almost 40% were unhoused. They were randomized to either start an injectable or continue with oral medication. Those who were randomized to the injectable did so much better that the study was stopped early because it was considered unethical to continue [with patients on oral medication].

 

I’ll often have a patient come in and say, “I’ve been missing medicine,” “I’ve lost a job,” “I’m struggling with methamphetamine use,” or “I’m having difficulty with housing.” Before this study, I would’ve said, “Let’s get you back on oral and get you stabilized.” I’m really going the other way now. I’m telling my patients, “If a lot is happening in your life, injectables might be the right decision for you today.”

 

Can anyone who wants it access Cabenuva? Does insurance cover it?

Our insurance system in California has been very supportive. It’s very rare that I cannot get approval from insurance companies for Cabenuva for my patients. However, we are seeing equity issues around the country. We’re seeing that higher-income patients — those more likely to be White and to self-identify as a gay man — being started on Cabenuva over other populations.

 

Besides having to get poked with a needle, are there downsides to Cabenuva?

The one frustrating thing for me with this medication is it was not approved for self-administration. It has to be administered within the clinic setting. Oral medication does allow for more flexibility.

 

Also, let’s say one of my HIV patients moves to Los Angeles. They may not be able to just see another provider there and seamlessly start back on their injectable medication at that new clinic with that new provider. It’s not impossible, but it’s difficult. Cabenuva uncovers the layers of how disjointed our insurance system is. We really just need to have a health system where people are insured at all times and can access medical care at all times.

 

If you would like to investigate HIV treatment with Cabenuva, please speak to your DAP Health clinician. If you are not yet a patient at DAP Health, and would like to become one, click this link.

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day

by Daniel Vaillancourt

The ABCDEs of Hepatitis

Words by Daniel Hirsch

 

Every year, World Hepatitis Day is marked on July 28. It’s an occasion to raise awareness about the spread and prevention of the disease. Given that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 354 million people live with either hepatitis B or C, and that roughly 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented by 2030 through education, vaccination, testing, and treatment, it’s a very good thing to know about.

 

I spoke with DAP Health Director of Infectious Diseases Dr. Shubha Kerkar about what can be done to slow the spread of hepatitis, and why some forms of it are dubbed “the silent killer.” With three decades of experience fighting infectious disease, Dr. Kerkar is intimate with the complex factors involved in ending pandemics.

 

Why is hepatitis serious?

Untreated viral hepatitis B or C causes three things: liver failure, liver cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring), and liver cancer. Almost always, the number one reason for liver cancer or liver transplant in the U.S. — up until very recently — was hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. Untreated, hepatitis B or C can be fatal.

 

There are many types of hepatitis — A, B, C, D, E — why focus on types B and C?

Since 1982, hepatitis B has been preventable via a vaccine administered to children before they are two years of age. Still, we have 254 million people living with hepatitis B today. There are certain medicines to control it, but it can still lead to liver cancer. We need to get more people vaccinated, but people have developed tremendous distrust in vaccines over the last few years, so there are challenges.

 

Hepatitis C was a bigger pandemic until 2015 or so. We are now rapidly able to cure hepatitis C. The burden went down, but currently, 50 million people still live with hepatitis C.

 

So, of these two viruses, C is curable, and B is preventable. That’s the bottom line.

 

How does hepatitis C spread?

Primarily through contact with infected blood, which means intravenous drug users are at especially high risk.

 

However, about 50 to 60% of people who have hepatitis C may not even know it because they’ve never been tested — and there are often no symptoms initially. Over two to four decades, it then slowly scars the liver. Symptoms of liver failure occur when the liver decompensates, and a cure may not save the need for transplant. That’s why it’s known as “the silent killer.”

 

Because the test was only developed in 1992, hepatitis C has spread all over the world. So regardless of risk factors, baby boomers have a five-fold higher risk of unknowingly having hepatitis C. They need to get tested to see if they have it. Then, we can cure them.

 

The other thing about hepatitis C is that you can get reinfected after being cured, so it’s important to learn how to stay cured by managing risk factors and avoiding exposure, which led to the infection in the first place.

 

And hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but can also spread through contaminated food or water. Most importantly, pregnant-mother-to-child transmission can occur during labor.

 

What can be done to stop the spread?

I have been treating and trying to cure hepatitis C since 1996. From 1996 to 2015, there was a 35 to 45 % cure rate. However, since the newer medications — which are easy to tolerate without any side effects — the cure rate is nearly 100%. So, the easiest part of treating hepatitis C is getting people tested so they know they have it, then linking them to care.

 

Hepatitis B is preventable via vaccine, yet I do manage several patients who have hepatitis B. It is treatable but prevention is best.

 

To eliminate viral hepatitis, we need education, prevention, screening, and linkage to care. Here in the Coachella Valley, DAP Health has been doing a lot of free testing.

 

For both hepatitis B and C, elimination and cure are the goals. Eliminate hep B by vaccination. Eliminate hep C by widespread testing and linkage to care, and cure those who have it with treatment.

 

For free hepatitis C testing, please contact one of DAP Health's three sexual wellness clinics, in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, or Indio.

 

To be tested for other forms of the disease, for vaccination, or for treatment, please see your primary care physician — at DAP Health or elsewhere.

 

And to learn more about individual types of the disease, read below.

 

The ABCDEs of Hepatitis

 

Each type of hepatitis has unique transmission methods, symptoms, potential for chronic infection, and prevention strategies. Read on…

 

Hepatitis A (HAV)

 

  • Transmission: Fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms: Acute illness with jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and fever.
  • Chronicity: Does not become chronic.
  • Prevention: Vaccination and good hygiene.

 

Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • Transmission: Blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth.
  • Symptoms: Acute and chronic liver disease. Can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
  • Chronicity: Can become chronic.
  • Prevention: Vaccination prevents infection

 

Hepatitis C (HCV)

  • Transmission: Blood, primarily through sharing needles or blood transfusions. Tattoos
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially, it can lead to chronic liver disease.
  • Chronicity: Often becomes chronic.
  • Prevention: No vaccine but avoid sharing needles and ensure safe blood products.
  • Cure: Can be easily cured, but cure does not give immunity.

 

Hepatitis D (HDV)

  • Transmission: Blood, similar to HBV; requires HBV for replication.
  • Symptoms: Similar to HBV but more severe liver disease.
  • Chronicity: Can become chronic.
  • Prevention: HBV vaccination (since HDV requires HBV to propagate).

 

Hepatitis E (HEV)

  • Transmission: Fecal-oral route, similar to HAV, often through contaminated water.
  • Symptoms: Acute liver disease with jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
  • Chronicity: Rarely becomes chronic.
  • Prevention: Good sanitation and hygiene practices; vaccination

Creating Change and Giving Back

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Creating Change and Giving Back

At Centro Medico Oasis in Thermal, family medicine physician Dr. Ebony King strives to make a lasting impression on the parents and children she sees.

Words by María José Durán

Versión en español a continuación

 

Ebony King, M.D., MPH, knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a physician. “I was a curious young girl, always asking questions and really studious,” she says. “In my upbringing, I witnessed ways certain groups of people in my community had different health outcomes despite the science, so as I progressed in my studies, that became a driving force for me to not only be curious about medicine but also the interplay of medicine in society and racism.”

 

King completed her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her passion for underserved communities drove her to finish a master’s degree in public health and urban disparities at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), during which she published the research paper “Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Underserved Elderly Latino Adults” in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

 

“I try to be culturally sensitive and empathetic not only from my academic ventures that I continue to do throughout my career, but also from my experience of being an underserved minority in this country,” King says.

 

Making a Difference in the Eastern Coachella Valley

 

She joined DAP Health’s Centro Medico Oasis in Thermal in 2023. For her, stepping into her role “made sense,” and was a logical next step to working “hands-on” in making change in the health of the community where she lives. In the Coachella Valley, she works with many Latino families, some of them non-English speakers.

 

King recently received a Child Health Disability Prevention (CHDP) program certificate to practice family medicine in Riverside County — including children. “As a family doctor, I love seeing families. I love seeing kids. I love seeing parents, and understanding that dynamic,” she says. “So, the CHDP certification really allows me to dive deeper into the family structure and impart more impact on the kids I see.”

 

Health Is About More Than Just the Physical

 

Her approach to family care is holistic, with a focus on healthier, fewer-side-effects recommendations, shared decision-making, and treating the family as a whole and a part of the larger society. For example, in her well-child visits, she makes a point to interview her patients about more than just their physical health.

 

“I ask about their school, interests, activities they are involved in, grades, plans,” she says. “Everyone is getting a version of the same message — that health, especially in children, requires responsibility, having interests, caring about school, about grades. Because kids become adults one day, it’s our future and it’s our duty to make sure they’re prepared and are healthy in a holistic sense, not only physically, but mentally. And that’s all tied into the same body, all those things are intimately connected.”

 

Above all, King wants to be involved in the Thermal and Coachella Valley communities as a way of giving back. “Being a physician is great because I get to teach, but I also get to learn from my patients,” she says. “I hope to create safe environments where we get to learn and grow together.”

 

 

Cambiando Vidas y Apoyando a la Comunidad

En el Centro Médico Oasis en Thermal, la doctora en medicina familiar Dra. Ebony King se rifa por dejar una impresión duradera en los padres y niños que atiende.

Por María José Durán

 

Ebony King (M.D., MPH) supo desde muy joven que se quería dedicar a la medicina. “Yo era una niña muy curiosa, siempre haciendo preguntas y muy estudiosa”, dice King.

 

“Cuando era pequeña presencie cómo ciertos grupos de personas en mi comunidad tenian experiencias de salud diferentes a pesar de los avances cientificos. Eso me motuvo a seguir mus estudios, y seconvirtió en una pasión para mí, además de despertar mi curiosidad por la medicina y por cómo ésta se relaciona con la sociedad y el racismo.

 

King completó su doctorado en medicina en la Universidad de California Los Angeles (UCLA). Su pasión por las comunidades con menos recursos hizo que realizara su maestría en Salud Pública y Disparidades Urbanas en la universidad Charles R. Drew University (CDU). En este tiempo publicó la investigación científica “Uso de medicaciones potencialmente inapropiadas en adultos mayores latinos de comunidades marginadas” en el Journal of Clinical Medicine.

 

“Intento ser culturalmente sensible y empática no solo en mis estudios académicos que he continuado realizando a lo largo de mi carrera sino también desde mi experiencia siendo parte de una minoría en este país”, asegura King.

 

Marcando la Diferencia en el Este del Valle de Coachella

 

Ella se unió al Centro Médico Oasis en Thermal en 2023, un paso que para ella tenía sentido por trabajar de manera directa con la comunidad donde vive en el Valle de Coachella. King asegura que muchos de sus pacientes no hablan inglés, pero para ella esto no ha sido una barrera.

 

“He tenido la suerte de tener un muy buen equipo de intérpretes en la mayoría de mis visitas. Incluso he tenido pacientes que hablan diferentes dialectos como primera lengua y español como segunda lengua, y he tenido intérpretes que hablan esos dialectos”, explica King, añadiendo que para ella es una prioridad tener intérpretes humanos en sus visitas con pacientes que no hablan inglés. 

 

King recientemente obtuvo el certificado del programa Child Health Disability Prevention (CHDP) para practicar medicina familiar en el condado de Riverside, incluyendo a niños. “Como doctora familiar, me encanta ver a las familias, a los niños, a los papás, comprendiendo las dinámicas. Esta certificación de CHDP me permite profundizar más en la estructura familiar y tener más impacto en los niños que atiendoo”, dice King.

 

La Salud es Algo Más Que lo Físico

 

King adopta un enfoque holístico en su práctica médica, enfocándose en soluciones con menos efectos secundarios, compartiendo con el paciente la toma de decisiones y tratando a la familia como un todo y como parte de la sociedad. Por ejemplo, en sus visitas de niño sano King pregunta acerca de más cosas que su salud física con sus pacientes.

 

“Les pregunto acerca de la escuela, intereses, actividades, calificaciones, planes [...] porque los niños un día se convierten en adultos, son nuestro futuro y es nuestra obligación asegurarnos de que están preparados y que están sanos, no solo física sino mentalmente”.

 

King desea estar involucrada en la comunidad de Thermal. “Ser doctora es genial porque puedo enseñar pero también aprendo de mis pacientes", asegura.

July is National Minority Mental Health …

by Daniel Vaillancourt

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, in 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health. In 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. Obstacles for many include a lack of health insurance, less access to treatment, and stigma.

 

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every July, serves as a critical reminder of the unique challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities regarding mental health. Established in 2008, this observance aims to shed light on the mental health struggles of minority groups and promote inclusive mental health care.

 

Addressing Disparities in Mental Health Care

One of the primary reasons National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month remains vital is the significant disparities in mental health care among different racial and ethnic groups. Minorities often face barriers such as a lack of access to quality care, cultural stigma, language differences, and a shortage of culturally competent health professionals. These barriers contribute to minorities being less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for mental illnesses, leading to higher rates of disability and a lower quality of life.

 

Cultural Stigma and Mental Health

Cultural stigma is a profound obstacle in minority mental health care. In many communities, mental health issues are often misunderstood or seen as a sign of weakness, leading individuals to hide their struggles rather than seek help. This stigma is particularly prevalent in African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to challenge these misconceptions and promote open, supportive conversations about mental health.

 

Promoting Culturally Competent Care

Culturally competent care is essential in addressing the mental health needs of minority populations. This involves training health care providers to understand and respect cultural differences and to provide care that is sensitive to the cultural contexts of their patients. For example, integrating traditional healing practices with conventional mental health treatments can make care more acceptable and effective for some minority groups. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of such approaches and encourages the development of a more inclusive health care system.

 

The Role of Community and Advocacy

Community engagement and advocacy are key components of improving minority mental health. Grassroots organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders play a crucial role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support. These groups often have a deep understanding of the specific needs and challenges of their communities, making them effective advocates for change. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month amplifies their voices and supports their efforts to create a more equitable mental health care system.

 

Success Stories and Ongoing Challenges

While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to celebrate success stories — such as increased awareness, better access to care, and more inclusive policies — while also acknowledging ongoing challenges. This month serves as a call to action for continued efforts to bridge these gaps.

 

Moving Forward

The enduring importance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month lies in its ability to keep the conversation about minority mental health alive and urgent. It reminds us that mental health disparities are not just individual or community issues but public health concerns that require systemic solutions. By fostering awareness, encouraging culturally competent care, and supporting community advocacy, we can move closer to a future where mental health care is accessible and effective for everyone, regardless of their background.

 

“DAP Health provides integrative health care that includes mental health services. Our providers are trained to discuss mental health and wellness with their patients, and provide resources and referrals should the need be there,” says Director of Behavioral Health Sharareh Gandy, Ph.D. “Our team prides itself on providing supportive and stigma-free care to anyone who walks through our doors. We want DAP Health to be a safe place where everyone can feel comfortable sharing whatever is on their mind to get the help that they need.”

 

As we observe this important month, let’s commit to being informed, compassionate, and proactive in supporting mental health equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have been historically underserved and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve mental wellness.

 

July is Disability Pride Month

by Daniel Vaillancourt

July is Disability Pride Month

With disabled Americans being the largest minority group in the U.S. — one in four adults, spanning all abilities, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses — the Disability Pride movement is on the rise.

 

National Disability Pride Month, celebrated each July, is a time for acknowledging, embracing, and celebrating the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities. This monthlong observance is pivotal in promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

 

Historical Context

The roots of Disability Pride Month trace back to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. The ADA’s passage was a significant victory for the disability rights movement, laying the groundwork for greater societal inclusion and equality.

 

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma

One of the primary objectives of Disability Pride Month is to raise awareness about the experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities. Despite advancements in legislation and societal attitudes, people with disabilities still encounter significant barriers, including physical accessibility issues, employment discrimination, and social stigma. Disability Pride Month provides a platform for education and dialogue, encouraging people to learn about the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities and to challenge their own preconceptions and biases.

Reducing stigma is a critical aspect of Disability Pride Month. Society often views disability through a lens of pity or as something to be fixed. This perspective can be damaging and dehumanizing. Disability Pride Month shifts the narrative, promoting the idea that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. By celebrating disability as an integral aspect of identity, the observance helps dismantle harmful stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and accepting society.

 

Celebrating Achievements and Contributions

Disability Pride Month is also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. From arts and culture to science and technology, individuals with disabilities have made significant impacts across all fields. Highlighting these accomplishments not only honors those who have paved the way but also provides inspiration and role models for future generations.

 

Advocacy and Policy Change

Advocacy is a crucial component of Disability Pride Month. The observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for policy changes and improvements to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and access. Activists and organizations use this time to push for legislative advancements, such as increased funding for disability services, improvements in health care accessibility, and stronger enforcement of existing disability rights laws.

Moreover, Disability Pride Month encourages individuals and communities to become advocates themselves. By raising their voices, sharing their stories, and engaging in activism, people with disabilities and their allies can drive positive change and foster a more inclusive society.

 

Community and Solidarity

Finally, Disability Pride Month fosters a sense of community and solidarity among people with disabilities and their allies. It provides a space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Events such as parades, workshops, and panel discussions offer opportunities for community-building and collective empowerment.

By embracing disability as a natural and valued part of human diversity, society can move toward a future where everyone is empowered to thrive and contribute fully.

 

The Disability Pride Flag*

Initially designed in 2019 by Ann Magill [a writer with cerebral palsy], the Disability Pride flag was created to encompass all disabilities. It was revised in 2021 with community input, and is now in the public domain. Within the flag, each color stripe has a meaning:

 

  • Red - physical disabilities
  • Gold – neurodiversity
  • White - invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven’t yet been diagnosed
  • Blue - emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
  • Green - sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities

 

The faded black background symbolizes mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse.

The diagonal band cuts across the walls and barriers that separate the disabled from non-disabled society, also representing light and creativity cutting through the darkness.

 

*Courtesy of Columbia University

July is National UV Safety Month

by Daniel Vaillancourt

The Vital Role of UV Protection

Summertime in the Southland means fun in the sun. But shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is paramount.

Words by Maggie Downs

 

Life in Southern California has its perks: picturesque landscapes, clear skies, and an abundance of sunshine. Unfortunately, the relentless sun also brings an invisible threat — ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial, not just for maintaining youthful looks, but for safeguarding your health. By embracing a multifaceted approach to sun safety, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing your risk of skin damage and cancer.

Did you know July is National UV Safety Month — a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative whose goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of UV rays to the skin and eyes? This issue is especially important for all of us living in Southern California. So please, read on…

 

The Perils of UV Radiation

UV radiation, primarily from the sun, consists of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburn.

Both types can damage the DNA in skin cells, potentially leading to skin cancer. Our sun-drenched climate means increased exposure, making UV protection a daily necessity, says Dr. Silas Gyimah, associate chief medical officer at DAP Health.

 

Sunscreen: Your First Line of Defense

Sunscreen is a vital tool in your UV protection arsenal. Dr. Gyimah recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 50, reapplied every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, providing comprehensive protection. It’s important to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

Parenting an infant? Sunscreen should be avoided in children younger than six months, says Dr. Gyimah, but alternate methods of protection — like dressing the baby in loose clothing that covers the skin, and staying in the shade — will suffice.

 

Sun Protection for All Skin Tones

A common misconception is that people with darker skin tones don’t need sun protection, which is dangerously misleading, says Dr. Gyimah. While it’s true that higher levels of melanin in darker skin provide some natural protection against UV radiation, it is not sufficient to prevent UV damage.

“Because of that mindset, we tend to see a lot of skin cancers in Black folks more than other populations,” he says. “Everyone should be going through the basic protection mechanisms from the sun.”

Also note that there are special formulations of broad-spectrum sunscreen especially made for those with darker skin. Meaning, the product won’t leave a white residue.

 

Comprehensive UV Protection Strategies

While sunscreen is essential, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. To fully safeguard your skin, combine several UV protection strategies. Seek shade during peak sun hours — typically between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. — when the sun’s rays are the strongest. And use UV-blocking window film or shades in your home and car to reduce indoor UV exposure.

Wearing protective clothing — such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses — can also significantly reduce your exposure. Many outdoor enthusiasts in Southern California opt for clothing specifically designed with built-in UV protection.

“Keep in mind that protection is necessary even on overcast days and indoors,” says Dr. Gyimah. “Any protection is better than none.”

 

The Role of Regular Skin Checks

In addition to preventive measures, regular skin checks are crucial. Perform monthly self-examinations to look for new or changing moles or spots, talk to your doctor about any concerns, and schedule annual skin exams with a dermatologist.

Early detection of skin changes can significantly improve the prognosis if skin cancer does develop.

Have a happy — and safe — sunny summer!

New Parents and Well-Child Visits

by Daniel Vaillancourt

Navigating Well-Child Visits: What New Parents Can Expect

Words by Maggie Downs

 

For new parents, the whirlwind of caring for an infant can be overwhelming. But one crucial aspect of your baby’s health that can’t be ignored is the well-baby visit, a series of routine checkups that ensure your child is growing and developing as they should.

As your baby grows, well-child visits become valuable opportunities not just for the pediatrician to monitor the child’s health, but also to address the parents’ concerns, says Dr. Jasmin Brown, who practices at DAP Health’s Coachella Valley Community Health Center in Coachella.

 

Start Early, and Keep Going

These visits are scheduled at specific intervals during your baby’s first few years of life, typically starting within one to three days after the baby has been discharged from the hospital and continuing at regular intervals thereafter. (In the first year, visits are usually at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months, then 15, 18, 24, and 30 months. Above age 3, children are seen annually.)

During these visits, a pediatrician will measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to track their growth trajectory. These measurements are compared to standard growth charts to ensure your baby is meeting developmental milestones.

The doctor will look for signs of jaundice in the baby’s eyes, check the size of the fontanels (the soft spots) atop the baby’s head, look for abnormalities in the mouth, check lymph nodes in the neck, feel for masses in the abdomen, look for spinal cord anomalies, check for dysplasia in the hips, and examine the baby’s genitals.

“It can be a challenge to cover everything, especially in those early visits, and unfortunately things do get missed,” Dr. Brown says. “So, if the provider doesn’t do a thorough exam, I encourage parents to say, ‘Can you look at this? Does this look okay?’ Because everything from head to toe is important.”

 

It’s Not Just About Weight and Size

Beyond physical measurements, your pediatrician will also assess the baby’s motor skills, cognitive development, and social interactions. They may ask questions about feeding habits, sleep patterns, and general behavior to gain insight into their overall well-being. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have, whether it’s regarding feeding difficulties, sleep issues, or developmental milestones.

Well-baby visits also serve as an opportunity for preventative care. Dr. Brown says this is another reason why establishing a relationship with a pediatrician is imperative; a doctor who knows your family can tailor the visit to your needs. “If there are some things like deafness, or if the parents have cardiac disease, you can possibly look for things in the child that could be addressed early on,” she says.

 

Getting All Your Baby’s Shots is Important

Your pediatrician will also discuss immunizations and administer any vaccines that are due according to the recommended schedule.

Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your baby from serious infectious diseases, and your pediatrician will address any concerns you may have regarding safety and efficacy.

 

Things You Can Take Home with You

Finally, well-baby visits are an opportunity for parental education and guidance. Your pediatrician can offer advice on various topics such as breastfeeding, formula-feeding, infant nutrition, sleep hygiene, and safety measures. They can also provide resources and support to help you navigate the challenges of parenthood.

“These visits are critical to understand the baby’s health at an early age and to set them up for their future,” concludes Dr. Brown.

 

If you would like your child to become a DAP Health pediatric patient, please click here.