Story

How Often Should I See My Primary Care Doctor?   Q: I feel pretty healthy, and I don’t have any chronic conditions. How often should I see my primary care doctor?  A:  “Even if you’re feeling well and don’t have any chronic conditions, it’s still a good idea to see your primary care physician at least … Read More

By Kevin Kheder, M.D. Surfing. Biking. Even just relaxing in the shade. Summer activities are great for the heart – but some summer habits are better than others at boosting heart health. At Hoag, we’re dedicated to helping our patients stay heart healthy by providing a few tips to make the most out of summer’s … Read More

When Bill Bracciodieta, MD, learned that his symptoms were likely caused by advanced-stage prostate cancer, he struggled to find hope in the path that lay before him.    “I immediately thought, ‘we’re going straight to hospice here.’ Aside from receiving some temporary pain relief, I didn’t see how anyone was going to be able to fix this,” … Read More

Michael Coons, an auto repair business owner and triathlete, was working in Costa Mesa on St. Patrick’s Day when he collapsed.  “I did not know what was happening to me, but I somehow managed to prop myself up against a garbage can, take out my phone and call my wife,” he recalled. “She picked me … Read More

For many of us, daily responsibilities can feel both overwhelming and monotonous. Trying to find balance while juggling professional roles, caregiving, relationships, and community involvement can lead to a sense of personal disconnection.  This is where the concept of ritual becomes relevant.  Unlike routines, which prioritize structure and efficiency, rituals emphasize intention and presence. They … Read More

The textbook symptoms of heart attack – chest pain radiating to the neck, jaw or arms, a racing heart or sudden numbness – are clear signs that it’s time to get medical attention. While other symptoms of heart disease are more subtle, they are no less alarming. “Lesser-known signs of heart disease also require immediate … Read More

It’s not always easy for children to express how they’re feeling — especially to their parents. Whether it’s fear of judgment, not knowing how to articulate their emotions, or past experiences of feeling dismissed, some kids may shut down instead of speaking up. But open, honest communication is essential to a child’s emotional well-being. In … Read More

Michelle Wood remembers the moment the routine labor and delivery of her baby boy became anything but routine. “As my husband likes to say, he stepped out of the room for 45 seconds, and when he returned, my bed was surrounded.” Michelle’s blood pressure and her baby’s heart rate had suddenly plummeted, a scenario that … Read More

When Marina Kazin awoke from a six-week coma in Hoag’s ICU, she embarked on a journey of putting the pieces of her life back together.   “I felt as if I had turned into a baby again,” she said. “I had to learn everything over again.”    A fitness enthusiast and former senior account executive at Google, Marina … Read More

You might’ve noticed more scam calls lately—unfortunately, it’s a growing problem. Scammers are getting clever, pretending to be from healthcare providers or even Medicare itself. They might offer you “free” medical equipment or services, but what they’re really after is your personal information. The good news? There are some clear red flags to watch for, … Read More