In The News
3 Holiday Travel Tips From a Travel Medicine Expert
The pictures on Instagram showcase your family in matching PJs. Snowy afternoon walks. Steaming cups of hot chocolate. The tree. The menorah. The joy. What those pictures don’t capture are those other holiday gatherings, the microscopic, germy icky ones: The influenza virus bopping around the crowded airport security line. The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) offering … Read More
This Year’s Flu Season is Upon Us
Dear Neighbors, This year’s flu season is underway, and reports indicate that flu and other respiratory illnesses are appearing at higher rates than normal for this time of year, placing a greater demand on our emergency departments. While our emergency departments are always well prepared to take care of your emergent needs, Hoag also offers 15 … Read More
4 Things Orange County Parents Need to Know About RSV Care
An alarming rise of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases throughout Orange County has many parents worried. RSV can cause bronchiolitis, an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and swelling in the small airways of young children. “We’re currently seeing a triple-demic, between COVID, flu and RSV,” said Hoag Medical Group pediatrician Jennifer Birkhauser, M.D., … Read More
3 Secrets to Take the Stress Out of Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment can be stressful. Do you check the same boxes as the year before and hope for the best? Or do you dig into the details and compare plan options, co-pays and networks? The choices you make during Open Enrollment affect us and our families for the entire year. To take the guesswork out … Read More
4 Things You Need to Know About the Flu and COVID-19 Shots
Have questions about vaccinations? Your Hoag primary care physicians have the answers! Give them a call to schedule your vaccine appointments today, and keep the following in mind: There is No Time Like the Present! Early fall is the right time for everyone six months and older to get the flu shot. This gives you … Read More
3 Doctor’s Appointment Hacks You’ll Wish You Learned Earlier
Martin Fee, M.D., knows his way around a doctor’s office. In addition to being an infectious disease expert and the CEO of Hoag Medical Group (HMG), Dr. Fee is the son of a physician, the husband of a physician and the father of a physician. So, he’s learned a few tricks for scheduling doctor’s visits … Read More
Health Systems Expanding Into Hospice Could Disrupt Competitive Playing Field
As health and hospital systems show a growing interest in home-based care, the competitive landscape for hospices could change — both in terms of market share and staff recruitment. A leading concern is that hospices will see dips in their referral streams, admissions and ultimately their bottom lines, according to YoloCares CEO Craig Dresang. “In … Read More
5 Tips for Parents on Helping Your Child/Adolescent Avoid Injury in Sports
Playing a sport can teach your child the importance of teamwork, perseverance and discipline. It gives them a positive outlet that often continues year-round. But any sport can lead to injury and with the level of play more intense than ever, it is important to know how to protect your child’s growing body from injury. … Read More
Here Are the Most Common Suntan Myths and How They Can Affect Your Health
A large majority of Europeans — and people elsewhere in the world — apparently believe that a suntan is attractive and healthy. The former is perhaps arguable, but dermatologists say the latter is dead wrong. Survey results presented at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress this week found that 8 in 10 Europeans say that … Read More
10 Experts: Best Ways to Improve Your Health Now
Eating Michael L. Chang, family medicine physician with MemorialCare Medical Group in Laguna Hills “Heart disease or heart ailments are what we pass away from most in America. So the biggest way to prevent that, in my opinion, is a healthy diet. And I hate to say the word ‘diet,’ but it’s all about a … Read More