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Between careers, caregiving, households and everything in between, women often carry a heavy load. It’s easy to lose sight of personal health when you’re focused on everyone else’s needs. “All people can get bogged down in the busy day-to-day of life. Women, in particular, juggle so many responsibilities that can make it challenging to develop … Read More

While stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability, 80 percent of strokes are preventable, said the program director of Hoag’s Stroke Program. Hoag is a national leader in treating stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or blocked, either by a blocked artery or … Read More

Parkinson’s disease creates limits. This progressive neurodegenerative disorder leads to tremors, rigidity, and slow movements, which can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks—such as walking up and down stairs, holding utensils, or tying their shoes. Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute is dedicated to removing those limits by creating innovative paths to care. The … Read More

Lisa M. Karamardian, MD, FACOG, Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent, has spent more than 25 years as one of Hoag’s beloved OB/GYNs. Below, she shares some of her favorite moments as a physician, her inspirations, and advice for those embarking on a similar path in … Read More

Fertility challenges go beyond the empty nursery room walls. Those struggling to conceive often experience stress, guilt, feeling helpless and depression. Taking care of your mental health throughout the fertility journey is essential—and it is possible. Psychological support and counseling have been found to decrease the negative emotions associated with fertility challenges.   “The desire to … Read More

When Sonia revealed to her father over dinner that she was seven weeks pregnant with her second child, he was so overwhelmed with joy that he bought wine for the entire restaurant.   The following morning, his excitement quickly turned to terror.   “The next call he gets from me was from the ambulance telling him I’m … Read More

When Amy Rudder first noticed a lump in her right breast, she wasn’t concerned. At just 27, the Hoag ER nurse thought she was too young to have breast cancer. Her perspective shifted dramatically, however, after she met with Hoag OB-GYN Brooke Hargrove, M.D., who ordered an ultrasound.   “I made the mistake of looking over … Read More

Two decades ago, Beth Sanden suffered her first spinal injury while preparing for the Boston Marathon and the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii.  Falling on a downhill stretch, she landed on her shoulder blades on broken asphalt. The crash rendered her paralyzed and wheelchair bound.  “My spinal cord was like an accordion,” she said. “All smushed … Read More

In the summer of 2024, Janice Munemitsu, an Orange County native, found herself among a growing number of Asian women with a rare form of lung cancer.   “As someone who doesn’t smoke and has been healthy all my life, it was a shock,” she said.   What began as a sudden onset of a rare eye … Read More

If the term “self-care” conjures up images of white fluffy robes and luxurious spas, you might be surprised to learn that your colonoscopy is also a form of self-care. So is showing up for your annual mammogram, Pap smear and yearly physical exam. And that exercise class that helps keep your weight in check, that’s … Read More