Research on Gut Immune Cells May Lead to New IBD Treatments

Trillions of microbes coexist with immune cells in the intestine. A layer of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) acts as a first line of defense against microbes by separating them from immune cells. Previous studies have shown that immune cells known as intestinal lymphocytes communicate with IECs to promote tissue repair and intestinal homeostasis. Studies also show that microbiota produce metabolites such as lactate, acetate, … Read More

Important Masking and Visitor Policy Updates

Dear Neighbors, I am pleased to inform you that the California Department of Public Health has ended the mask mandate for health care settings effective April 3, 2023. Health care staff, patients/residents and visitors should consider wearing a mask based on personal level of risk, the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels and Hoag’s policies. The CDC strongly recommends … Read More

Hoag’s $1 Billion Expansion

As he works to expand world-class health care in Irvine, Hoag President and CEO Robert Braithwaite is deploying a strategy inspired by Irvine’s Master Plan. “The Irvine framework really did help,” Braithwaite said in a recent interview to discuss Hoag’s $1 billion expansion on Sand Canyon Avenue. “We looked at how Irvine is configured and … Read More

How 5 Minutes of Mindfulness or Meditation Will Change Your Life

Fact vs. Fiction in Managing Diabetes

Mind-Gut Connection: How it Affects Your Digestion, Mood and the Way You Think

Breast Health: What Women Need to Know

Women’s Heart Health, The Silent Killer

3 Self-Love Tips to Boost Mental Health

Just look at that gorgeous person in the mirror! The one with the infectious smile and inspiring moxie. Don’t see that person? Well, that’s OK. Sometimes it takes a little work to recognize them. “Self-love is not always an easy thing to achieve but fostering a positive self-image can improve your physical and psychological well-being,” … Read More

How the Pandemic Has Affected Spine Surgeons 3 Years Later

Three years after COVID-19 was deemed a global pandemic, some spine practices have made permanent the changes they had to implement. Here’s how five spine surgeons are looking back at the early months of the pandemic. Question: It has been more than three years since the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. What is an … Read More