Articles

Anyone who’s suffered a deep emotional loss knows the feelings brought on by a broken heart. But did you know “broken heart syndrome” is a real medical condition? Here, Dr. Dipti Itchhaporia, M.D., M.A.C.C., Eric and Shiela Samson Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health and director of disease management at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & … Read More

Marfan syndrome is a rare medical condition affecting about one in 5,000 people – or approximately 200,000 in the United States. This genetic condition can have impacts on cardiovascular, skeletal and other systems of the body. In this Q & A, David Liang, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Hoag Marfan Syndrome & Related Conditions Program, … Read More

Vitamin D is important for overall health at all stages of life – particularly as a woman ages. Unfortunately, misinformation abounds. That’s why Dr. Jody Lai at Hoag Women’s Health Institute, frequently shares essential information about this important component of health with her patients. “People have heard about vitamin D deficiency, but I have found … Read More

If someone with a runny nose and flushed cheeks asked to hold your newborn, you’d likely politely – but firmly – decline. Avoiding contact with people who are sick is just as important when you’re pregnant. February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, and, here, a perinatal nurse navigator at the Hoag Women’s Health Institute … Read More

1.   Start with Awareness Concussions are a common and potentially serious type of brain injury. They can happen to anyone—from professional athletes to weekend warriors—and they don’t always involve losing consciousness. As the 2025 Super Bowl approaches, we’re reminded of how important it is to recognize and address concussions quickly, especially after seeing high-profile athletes … Read More

What health screenings to schedule this year?  Making plans for what you want to accomplish in the new year? Don’t forget to plan for your wellness. Call your doctor and get your annual wellness appointments on the books.  After checking your blood pressure, weight and other important health metrics, your doctor will let you know … Read More

4 ways to make impactful weight, wellness changes  Are you starting 2025 with an extra 25 pounds? While you may be tempted to jump onto TikTok weight loss trends to slim down, Hoag Digestive Health Institute registered dietitian Chelsea Honrath, RN, cautions against setting unrealistic goals.  “This is the time of year when people think … Read More

Hoag helped save Jason Semko’s life, then gave it new direction. A former film student, Jason moved to Los Angeles from El Paso, Texas in 2007 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He realized he needed more stability to fulfill his dream of starting a family, taught himself how to code and reinvented … Read More

By Christine Burke,PT,DPT,PRPC, MHA and Alicia Meyer,PT,DPT,PRPC We have heard the same response many times when we ask a woman whether she experiences painful intercourse. “Not any more than normal.” At the Hoag Pelvic Health Program, we emphasize that no amount of pain with sex is normal. Temporary discomfort, particularly as a side effect of … Read More

Feeling more stuffed than the Thanksgiving turkey? Maybe you’ve over gobbled at the holiday table. But it’s also possible that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Unlike occasional heartburn, which is a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest that occurs after meals or when lying down, GERD is a chronic condition that damages … Read More