In The News
3 Biggest Myths About Sugar and Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a complicated disease. Put simply, it is a chronic and potentially dangerous condition that develops when the body loses its ability to process glucose, or sugar. But what causes it, what can prevent it and what can be done to manage it? That’s where things can get confusing. “While it’s true … Read More
What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
If you notice a loved one becoming forgetful, you may worry that they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But these conditions are not the same, says Dr. Aaron Ritter, a dementia expert who directs the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag Hospital. “Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that causes a group of symptoms that usually … Read More
Spine Surgeons Predict ‘Tremendous Growth’ in Endoscopy Over the Next 10 Years
Despite pushback from payers and some reimbursement and training obstacles, many spine surgeons expect endoscopic spine surgery to become more prominent in the U.S. over the next decade. Eleven spine surgeons from independent practices and health systems across the country discuss what’s next for endoscopic spine surgery. Question: How will endoscopic spine surgery evolve in … Read More
Are we ready for a post-lockdown Christmas?
While shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach recently, I passed Santa’s Village and did a double take. Santa was alone. He was standing in the doorway, gazing outward. He noticed me noticing him and waved. I waved back. It all felt just a little … sad. Why did Santa look so forlorn? Where was … Read More
New Diabetes Guidelines: New Focus on Weight Loss, Sleep and Continuous Glucose Monitors
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released guidance this week outlining new standards for diabetes care. Though the guidance is updated annually, this year’s tweaks are more extensive than usual and include stricter recommendations related to medications, new technologies, weight control, and modifiable lifestyle factors like sleep and exercise. The guidance also aims to improve health inequities by screening at-risk … Read More
‘One in a Million’: What Celine Dion’s Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis Teaches Us About Rare Disorders
Photo Courtesy: Rolling Stone To her fans, the heartbreaking news that Celine Dion is battling a condition that only affects about ‘one in a million’ people is, perhaps, no surprise. The iconic singer is in a lauded category of her own. It would take a rare condition to affect such a rare vocal treasure. A … Read More
What the New Weight Loss Surgery Guidelines Mean for You
If you considered weight loss surgery in the past, take note: bariatric surgery guidelines have been overhauled for the first time in 30 years, opening the door to countless people – including children – who can now pursue these life-altering procedures. “The old guidelines were out of step with America’s growing levels of obesity, and … Read More
First SyncAR for Spine Surgery in the world performed at Hoag
Hoag’s innovative spine team has performed the first spinal fusion surgery utilizing the recently FDA-cleared augmented reality (SyncAR) surgical navigator for Spine, co-developed by neurosurgeons from Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and medical visualization platform leader Surgical Theater. SyncAR for Spine utilizes 3D virtual reconstructions of CT and MRI images to enable detailed visualization of … Read More
When Postpartum Depression Shows Up as Intense Anger
When Kate Arquilla gave birth to her second baby, she didn’t anticipate how much her new daughter’s arrival would change everything. “I was trying to balance caring for a newborn and a toddler who were just 17 months apart,” she tells SELF. “At times, I would get really frustrated and it came out as anger—and … Read More
Hoag is the First Hospital in Orange County to Perform Breakthrough Treatment Option for Patients with Severe COPD/Emphysema
Hoag is the first hospital in Orange County to perform a new lung valve treatment on a patient with severe COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disease) and emphysema. The procedure has the potential to benefit a number of patients in Orange County who suffer from major quality of life issues related to shortness of breath. “We are thrilled to … Read More