Hoag

03/05/2026

When it comes to mental health, few activities check as many boxes as golf: movement, fresh air, focus, and meaningful social connection. ⛳

Spending time on the course can help lower stress hormones while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals that support a calm, positive mood. Walking 18 holes can mean up to 10,000 steps, hours of outdoor serenity, and the kind of conversations that help people feel truly seen and supported.

“The game demands that players focus, enjoy regular social interactions and get exercise and fresh air – all of which help lower stress and stave off depression,” says David Cook, LMFT, Clinical Manager of ASPIRE and the Young Adult Mental Health Program.

That’s why the Hoag Classic is about so much more than world-class golf. Returning March 22–29, Orange County’s only official PGA TOUR Champions event will take place at the breathtaking Newport Beach Country Club, where rolling greens meet sun, surf, and sand.

🎟️ Get tickets at hoagclassic.com

03/04/2026

Even in Orange County’s mild winters, the sun doesn’t take a season off — and neither should your skin protection. UV rays can pe*****te clouds, cool air and coastal fog, making year-round defense essential.

“The question we need to ask ourselves is, ‘How can I protect myself from harmful UV rays on sunny days and gloomy days alike?’” said Steven Q. Wang, MD, medical director of Dermatologic Oncology and Chief of Dermatology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute.

At Hoag, that protection starts with smarter screening. Our VECTRA 3D Total Body Imaging technology creates a highly detailed, full-body map to track moles and detect changes over time, helping increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary biopsies. If you haven’t had a skin check lately, winter is the perfect time to schedule one.

Dr. Wang’s essentials for protecting your skin all year:
• Avoidance: Seek shade when possible. Remember, UV rays reach your skin even on cloudy days.�
• Accessories: Hats, sunglasses and UV-protective clothing provide simple but powerful protection.
�• Sunscreen: SPF 30 in winter; SPF 50 on sunnier days. Apply daily to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging.

Protect your skin through every season. If it’s time for your screening, Hoag is here for you.

03/03/2026

What you put on your plate can shape how you feel each day. 🍽️

Choosing more fiber-rich foods is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference. Fiber supports healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, promotes heart health, and keeps you feeling full longer to support healthy weight management. For many patients, it’s one of the easiest ways to help prevent chronic conditions and improve overall wellness.

Current guidelines recommend about 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories per day.

Add fiber gradually, drink plenty of water, and check nutrition labels to stay on track.
For personalized nutrition guidance tailored to your health history and long-term goals, connect with your Hoag Medical Group physician.

02/27/2026

Strong for today. Strong for decades.

At our first-ever Women’s Orthopedic Performance & Wellness event in San Clemente, the focus wasn’t on doing more; it was on doing what matters. Dr. Allyson Brooks, Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair of Hoag Women's Health Institute, and Dr. Myra Trivellas, orthopedic surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, shared practical, evidence-based guidance on protecting bone density through consistent strength training, and addressing joint pain before it becomes chronic, building core and hip stability to prevent injury. Just as importantly, they emphasized that recovery is not optional; it’s part of staying strong.

The takeaway was clear: Mobility and strength aren’t just fitness goals. They’re essential to maintaining independence, confidence and long-term health.

This expanded women’s wellness programming brings specialized, stage-of-life orthopedic care directly to the San Clemente community, making it easier for women to access expert support close to home and stay active for years to come.

02/25/2026

Vanessa Bryant, wife of late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, has made a generous gift to Hoag establishing the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.

During an intimate ceremony on Feb. 24, Hoag leaders and Bryant family members unveiled the new signage on the building. Located at the hospital’s Sue & Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion, the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court serves as a prominent departure space where Hoag patients, particularly those with newborns, prepare to leave the hospital and return home.

“Hoag is a special place,” Bryant said. “I have wonderful memories of the care and support I received from the amazing doctors and nurses. I want this gift to help more people experience that level of care when they need it.”

Read more about the gift at hoag.info/bryant

02/24/2026

“When you live on borrowed time, certain things don’t matter as much—and certain things matter a lot.”

In Episode 2 of Take Me to Hoag, Dr. Kenneth Chang reflects on a near-fatal moment that reshaped his purpose, and the calling that continues to guide how he shows up for his patients every day. A powerful reminder of leading with intention, faith, and compassion.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube.com//podcasts

02/20/2026

Why does a team-based approach to healthcare matter? Because your health is never one-dimensional.

At Hoag Medical Group, care doesn’t happen in silos. Your primary care physician leads a connected team—including medical assistants, nurse practitioners, care managers, and specialists—who work together to support every aspect of your care.

What that means for you:�
✔️ Fewer gaps in care and fewer repeated tests�
✔️ Faster access to the right specialists when you need them�
✔️ Care plans that reflect your full health picture, not just a single visit�
✔️ Less stress navigating appointments, referrals, and follow-ups

Instead of asking you to connect the dots, Hoag’s team-based approach puts coordination where it belongs, with us. The result is smarter care, better outcomes, and a more personal healthcare experience at every stage of life.

Learn more and find the right HMG physician for you: hoag.org/find-care/

02/19/2026

For many patients, brain surgery comes with one overwhelming question: what will life look like after?

When 30-year-old Claire Arata needed surgery to remove a 1.5-centimeter brain tumor, she was treated by Ezequiel Goldschmidt, MD, neurosurgeon at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute. The day before her procedure, she did something unexpected. She went to the salon.

Through Hoag’s Styled for Surgery program, neurosurgery patients receive a custom haircut designed to naturally blend their incision, offered at no cost through generous donor support. Instead of shaving hair in the operating room, this thoughtful step helps preserve confidence, dignity and identity during a vulnerable time.

“It’s a little daunting to imagine waking up and not knowing what you’re going to look like,” Claire shared. “There’s some kind of control given back.”

Her surgery was successful. She went home the next day knowing her tumor was removed and that she would still recognize herself in the mirror.

This innovative, whole-person approach to care was recently featured on CBS News. Watch Claire’s full story in the video link below.

Rina Nakano reports on the Hoag Hospital program that is providing brain surgery patients with a free trip to the salon to get them styled for surgery.

02/18/2026

Golf isn’t as low-impact as it looks. Your body feels every swing. 🏌️‍♂️

“Non-golfers” may think it’s easy on the body, but according to Dr. Aaron Przybysz, Division Chief of Pain Medicine at the Hoag Spine Institute, the repetitive rotation of golf can place real strain on your back, shoulders and core. The good news? Smart prevention can make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Przybysz’s golfer-approved tips:
✔️ Strength train and stretch between rounds
✔️ Focus on your core. Planks, bridges and bear crawls help protect your lower back
✔️ Keep shoulders strong and mobile to reduce repetitive strain
✔️ Don’t ignore dull aches. Early physical therapy can prevent more serious injury
✔️ If pain persists or begins to limit daily life, seek expert evaluation

As the 2026 Hoag Classic returns to Newport Beach Country Club March 22-29, it’s a timely reminder that staying at the top of your game starts with taking care of your body, on and off the course.

🎟️ Watch the pros swing with power and precision.
Purchase your tickets to the 2026 Hoag Classic today: hoagclassic.com

02/17/2026

Chanel Diaz’s struggle with weight didn’t begin in adulthood.
It started when she was 12.

For years, she cycled through dieting and weight-loss medications—losing weight, feeling hopeful, then watching it return. Even medications like Phentermine followed the same pattern, with difficult side effects and no lasting success.

Everyday activities, like hiking with friends, became challenging. She reached a point where moving and breathing comfortably no longer felt easy.

After talking with a family friend who had undergone bariatric surgery, Chanel decided to explore her options at Hoag. There, she met Adrian Dobrowolsky, MD, director of the Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute.

Dr. Dobrowolsky explained that obesity is a chronic medical condition, recognized as such by the American Medical Association, and that long-term success often requires a structured, medical approach. What stood out to Chanel was Hoag’s comprehensive model of care, which includes ongoing follow-up, nutritional support, behavioral health resources, and access to specialists across disciplines.

“It was the first time I really felt seen and heard,” Chanel said.

She chose to undergo sleeve gastrectomy, the most common and least invasive bariatric procedure. Two years later, Chanel has lost 75 pounds. While she’s experienced many health benefits, the biggest change has been her ability to live an active life.

Today, her routine centers on movement, from camping and disc golfing to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which she began a year ago.

Chanel hopes her experience helps others understand that personalized treatment options exist, and that Hoag’s program can be a valuable resource, even for those still exploring their next step.

“They gave me my life back.”

To read Chanel’s story, visit: https://bit.ly/3OgcJ3j

02/16/2026

February is Heart Health Month, and there’s no better time to give your heart a little extra love by starting with what’s on your plate.

Heart disease remains one of the most common health challenges in the U.S., but many risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be improved—or even prevented—through simple, consistent lifestyle choices. Nutrition plays a powerful role.

Heart-healthy foods to prioritize:
Fruits & vegetables – Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood vessels.

Whole grains – Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat breads help manage cholesterol and keep blood sugar steady.

Lean proteins – Fish, skinless poultry, beans, and legumes provide essential protein without excess saturated fat.

Healthy fats – Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil support “good” cholesterol when enjoyed in moderation.

Low-sodium options – Cutting back on salt, especially from fast food, canned items, and takeout, can make a big difference in blood pressure.

Small changes add up. Choosing heart-smart foods today can help protect your heart for years to come, especially when paired with regular movement, stress management, and routine preventive care.

And remember: while genetics do play a role, you are your heart’s greatest advocate. Start now, fuel wisely, and give your heart the support it deserves.

02/14/2026

For many cancer patients, simply walking into the Cancer Center takes strength.

That’s why the first moments matter. At Hoag, care begins long before a patient sees their physician. Trish McNeal, our Cancer Center parking concierge, is often the very first person patients meet. She helps with wheelchairs, offers directions, and offers a calm, reassuring presence during an important time in their care.

A year ago, Trish decided she wanted to do something more. She began creating hand-drawn cards to give to patients – small, personal gestures meant to bring a moment of lightness to their day. What started as a simple act of kindness has become a meaningful tradition.

This Valentine’s Day, she’s once again sharing handmade cards, reminding patients they are seen, supported and surrounded by a team that cares deeply about them.

It’s a reflection of what Hoag stands for: care that sees the whole person, from the very first step forward.