I Felt a Lump. Now What?

Discovering a lump in your breast can be an alarming experience, one that often triggers a wave of worry and concern. This initial shock can lead to numerous questions and doubts, but it is important to remember you are not alone. About 40% of breast lumps are detected by women during a breast self-exam. This … Read More

Mindfulness: A Moment of Zen for the Holidays

Yes, the holidays are a wonderful and merry time, but they are equally known for the stress it can trigger from unresolved familial issues, financial stress, loneliness and battling crowds who take over shopping malls, freeways and grocery stores.   But Hoag Hospital Wellness Consultant, Anusha Wijeyakumar, MA, CPC, E-RYT, has a simple tip for … Read More

Healthy Holiday Swaps – How to Make Your Menu Satisfying and Healthy

When it comes to the holiday’s it’s a fair assumption that many, if not most people, will accept the fate “tis the season to overeat.” It’s not easy to stick to healthy eating when food is the center of holiday gatherings. How can you say no to your aunt’s traditional green bean casserole topped with … Read More

4 Common Questions About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person experiences seizures that can look like staring spells, falling, shaking or losing awareness of what is going on. Just having a seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. Seizures can happen due to medical issues such as high fever, low blood sugar, or alcohol or drug … Read More

The 4 Wise Steps of EOY Deductibles

‘Twas the month before New Year’s when all through your mind, you realized: You’ve reached your deductible! Now is the time! Make your appointments, order your pills. And know that your health plan may pick up the bill. Your deductible is how much of your medical costs you pay (excluding premiums and copays or coinsurance) … Read More

Spring Forward, Fall Back: How Daylight Savings Affects Your Health

As the seasons change, we often hear the familiar phrase “spring forward, fall back” to serve as a reminder to make better use of daylight by turning the clock ahead with warmer weather and back again with colder weather. The twice-a-year desynchronization of our body’s internal clocks means we get an “extra hour” to sleep. … Read More

Hoag Helps Pregnant Women with Diabetes Find ‘Sweet Success’

Diabetes creates challenges for women before, during and after pregnancy. But the Ueberroth Family Program for Women with Diabetes at Hoag, also known as Sweet Success, provides access to expert diabetes care relating to pregnancy. While diabetes during pregnancy increases a baby’s risk of birth defects and a mother’s risk of complications, certified diabetes educators … Read More

How to Get the Most Out of Open Enrollment

The choices you make during open enrollment affect you and your whole family. No wonder people feel a little anxious when those open enrollment emails hit their inboxes. By choosing doctors who are associated with Hoag, you will have access to the highest quality of care. “By virtue of where you live, you have access … Read More

1 in 3 US Adults Have Prediabetes and Most Don’t Know It. Am I at Risk?

What is prediabetes? Over 38% of U.S. adults have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 of them don’t even know they have it. Prediabetes means that you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level; however, it isn’t high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes yet. After food is consumed, your body turns carbohydrates … Read More

Registered Dietitian Offers 3 Essential Halloween Tips for Parents

Halloween is designed to terrify us. The ghouls! The goblins! The attempts to teach children about portion control while they’re holding pillowcases stuffed with candy! Thankfully, Meghan Gonzalez, R.D., C.D.C.E.S, a Hoag registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist is here to allay parents’ fears of the things that go bump (and crinkle, … Read More