In The News
Take two tweets and call me in the morning
If you’re reading this on your phone (or your watch), I don’t need to tell you how much technology has changed our lives. But while many people list the ways in which gadgets are ruining our lives, I would like to make the case in favor of technology as helpful, hopeful and even curative. From … Read More
Oscar aims to simplify health insurance
An upstart New York-based health plan is seeking a share of Orange County’s Obamacare market by using sophisticated technology designed to simplify how consumers decipher costs and seek care. Last fall, health insurance company Oscar began selling individual policies here and in parts of Los Angeles County through Covered California, the state’s exchange. The open … Read More
A little 'Tea Time for the Soul' can combat emotional fatigue
During this season of giving, we’re reminded of the joy inherent in helping others, and we’re inspired to offer our compassion to strangers and loved ones alike. But while we’re spreading kindness, joy and love, it’s important not to spread ourselves too thin. As the director of pastoral care at Hoag, I see the effects … Read More
Annual mammograms after age 40 remains a good protocol
Despite new recommendations, the facts remain clear: breast cancer kills and screening saves lives. Self breast exams, clinical breast exams and yearly mammograms — for many women these tests are a mainstay of their breast care. These long-standing recommendations are now threatened, leaving many women wondering how to be proactive about their breast health. The … Read More
Coming Soon to A Hospital Near You: Fewer Cesarean Sections
California is preparing to launch an ambitious plan to reduce C-sections rates. If successful, that reduction will save taxpayer money and keep both mothers and babies healthier. Kicking off in early 2016, the plan funded by the Oakland-based California HealthCare Foundation is meant to financially reward hospitals for vaginal births and reduce the pressure on … Read More
The DP 103: Who made news and lent influence in 2015
Robert T. Braithwaite (#56) and Dr. Allyson Brooks (#57) were named to the annual Daily Pilot 103, a list of those who made news and lent influence in 2015. Named are the year's newsmakers, as well as those who stayed out of the limelight but still made an impact. Thanks go to everyone who suggested … Read More
Brain and Beyond: With Head Injuries in Spotlight, Hoag Hospital helps retired NFL players track their health
NFL players push it to the limit on the field, often coming away with broken bones and banged-up bodies in the process. And they do so working as a team. But after their career is over, some players can feel alone as they face the long-term health effects of their sport. Hoag Hospital in Newport … Read More
Movers and Shakers
Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki and Marshall Moncrief Moncrief is Hoag’s director of neurobehavioral health and oversees operations of Hoag Addiction Treatment Centers and SolMar Recovery; Brant-Zawadzki is senior physician executive of Hoag Hospital and executive medical director of Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. Moncrief and Brant-Zawadzki led the charge for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian’s newest addition, SolMar … Read More
Make a resolution to care for your mental health too
New Year's resolutions tend to center around our waistlines. While our physical health is important, this year I hope more of us will resolve to take better care of our mental health too. Mental health issues can sometimes be easy to conceal, but they have wide-ranging implications for our health. That is why I hope … Read More
Smith: Ex-Angel Clyde Wright credits Rod Carew for prompting checkup that caught his own heart issue
Former Angels All-Star pitcher Clyde Wright got to a point a few weeks ago when he could have been afraid to answer the telephone. He’s a talker, a baseball raconteur and a jokester always ready with a one-liner and a wisecrack delivered with his Tennessee twang. But there wasn’t anything funny about the news that … Read More