Hoag

04/27/2026

When it comes to complex heart care, you don't want one opinion, you want the right team. At Hoag, cardiologists, surgeons, and specialists all collaborate on cases together. Not separately. Not in silos. A connected team working around you and your loved one, so no one is left managing it alone.

Ask this question. Expect this answer.

04/24/2026

Many women hear the words breast screening and immediately think something is wrong. But according to Dr. January Lopez, Medical Director of Breast Imaging at Hoag Breast Center, screening is actually about reassurance.

“Breast health is a continuum,” says Dr. Lopez. “Most women who come in for screening are healthy and simply making a proactive choice to monitor their health. Screening is about reassurance and early detection, not about assuming that something is wrong.”

Understanding the difference between screening, diagnostic testing and treatment can help remove fear from the process:

Screening
Routine mammograms look for changes before symptoms appear. They remain the gold standard for early detection and can find cancers years before they can be felt. Most women should begin annual screenings at age 40, even without a family history.

Diagnostic testing
If something needs a closer look, additional imaging like targeted mammography or ultrasound may be used. A callback after a mammogram is common and often confirms the finding is benign. Diagnostic imaging is also used for concerns like a new lump, ni**le discharge or skin changes.

Treatment
If cancer is diagnosed, care becomes highly personalized. Hoag’s multidisciplinary teams develop tailored treatment plans, using advanced techniques like oncoplastic surgery to prioritize both effective treatment and quality of life.

“When women understand the purpose of each step — screening, diagnostics and treatment — the process becomes far less intimidating,” Dr. Lopez says.

Learn more about breast health and screening at Hoag: https://bit.ly/4sLg4Gc

04/23/2026

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But it does not have to define your life.

“You can live well with diabetes,” says Dr. David Ahn, Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care. “When you have access to the right support, education and encouragement, you gain the confidence and tools needed to take control of your health.”

Managing diabetes goes beyond medication. It is about building sustainable habits that support your whole body:

🧡 Nourish your body�
“Food choices play a central role in diabetes management,” Dr. Ahn says. “Working with a registered dietitian can help patients create realistic, personalized nutrition strategies that support overall health.”

🧡 Stay active in ways that work for you�
“Exercise does not have to be intense to be effective,” he adds. “Consistent, moderate movement like a 30-minute walk most days can make a meaningful difference.”

🧡 Support your mental and emotional health�
“Stress can directly impact blood sugar levels,” Dr. Ahn explains. “We work with patients to identify practical strategies and connect them with resources that support both mental and physical health.”

Research shows that managing weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

With the right care team and a personalized approach, you can take control and continue living a full, active life.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3QJXnoU

04/22/2026

Earth Day is a reminder that healthier communities start with a healthier environment. 🌎

At Hoag, sustainability is built into how we care, from investing in clean energy systems like on-site fuel cells and battery storage, to reducing waste in our operating rooms and transitioning to reusable medical supplies.

Across our campuses, we’re expanding EV charging, conserving water through drought-tolerant landscaping and recycled irrigation, and continuously working to reduce energy and resource use.

These efforts don’t just reduce our environmental impact, they help us reinvest in what matters most: expanding access to care, advancing innovation and supporting the health of our community.

04/21/2026

As runners across Orange County gear up for the Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival, experts at Hoag Compass are encouraging athletes to rethink the role of strength training in their routine.

“Not everyone equates running excellence with strength training, but it plays an essential role,” says Dr. Andrew Mock, Medical Director of Hoag Compass and a national educator in exercise prescription for physicians.

Strength training helps runners absorb the repeated stress and impact of running while improving speed, endurance and overall efficiency. Research shows it can also improve running economy, meaning runners use less energy to maintain the same pace.

It may also help reduce the risk of common injuries like runner’s knee, Achilles injuries and shin splints by strengthening the muscles and tissues that support movement.

As race day approaches, Dr. Mock recommends gradually reducing strength training volume and avoiding new or high-fatigue sessions that could lead to soreness in the final one to two weeks before the race.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4mBvQ51

Living well with type 2 diabetes

04/16/2026

Before you lift your fork, you already feel that familiar sense of dread: Will this meal leave you uncomfortable again?

For many people, that’s not occasional. It’s every day.

And it’s easy to brush it off as “something I ate.” But as Dr. Jennifer Phan explains, “persistent digestive symptoms are not something you have to simply live with.”

Bloating is often blamed on diet alone, but ongoing symptoms can reflect how the digestive system and nervous system work together. When that process is disrupted, people may experience fullness, nausea, constipation or discomfort after meals.

In other words, it’s not just about what you eat, but how your body processes it.

Chronic bloating can be linked to factors like food intolerances, changes in gut bacteria, hormonal influences, inflammation or conditions such as IBS and motility disorders. The key is understanding the root cause, not just managing symptoms day to day.

With the right evaluation, it’s often possible to identify what’s contributing to your discomfort and find meaningful relief.

If you’re constantly feeling uncomfortable after meals, it may be time to stop guessing and start getting answers.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Q8y0Nj

04/15/2026

Lynn Hardin’s breast cancer journey didn’t begin at Hoag, but it found new hope there.

After a routine mammogram detected cancer in her left breast, Lynn underwent a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction at another health system. While the cancer was successfully treated, her recovery was complicated by a severe infection and tissue necrosis.

“Because of the infection, additional tissue had to be removed, which left me significantly asymmetrical,” Lynn shares. “The imbalance caused real shoulder and neck pain, and it was a daily reminder that my recovery wasn’t complete.”

Though grateful to be cancer-free, Lynn knew her journey wasn’t over. She wanted to feel comfortable in her body again.

“Our breasts are deeply tied to how we see ourselves as women,” she says. “There were moments I didn’t recognize my own reflection.”

Seeking a better outcome, she turned to Hoag for a second opinion, where she met Dr. Raquel Minasian, a plastic and breast reconstructive surgeon at Hoag’s Breast Center.

“During my consultation, she gave me a big hug and said, ‘I’m going to take care of this. I’m going to take care of you.’ I immediately felt seen and supported.”

Dr. Minasian created a personalized, multi-step plan to restore balance, including scar tissue removal, implant placement, fat grafting, and a second procedure for symmetry.

“When I meet with a patient, I put myself in their shoes,” says Dr. Minasian. “I want them to feel informed and supported.”

Today, Lynn feels both physically restored and emotionally empowered.

“I look in the mirror now and recognize myself,” she says. “This experience reminded me that I have a voice in my own care.”

Her story is a reminder that healing doesn’t stop at survival. With the right team, it’s possible to feel whole again.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4mxKmLe

04/10/2026

Not every breast cancer journey has to mean losing your breasts.

Oncoplastic surgery is redefining what’s possible, giving many women a breast-conserving option that removes cancer while restoring shape in the same procedure.

At Hoag, breast and plastic surgeons collaborate from the very beginning, designing a plan that prioritizes both your health and how you feel in your body.

One surgery. Thoughtful care. Better outcomes.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4mb2w5c

04/09/2026

Migraines aren’t always triggered by stress or lack of sleep; sometimes the cause may be on your plate.

Certain foods and ingredients can activate sensitive pathways in the brain that influence blood vessels, inflammation and neurotransmitters, potentially leading to a migraine attack. According to Hoag neurologist Dr. Shawn Zardouz, understanding your personal triggers is an important step toward reducing how often migraines occur.

The challenge is that triggers can vary widely from person to person. A food that causes a migraine for one individual may not affect someone else.

One helpful strategy is keeping a simple food and symptom journal. Tracking what you eat, hydration levels and when headaches occur can help reveal patterns over time.
With the right insights and support, migraines can become more manageable.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dxB7bn

04/08/2026

Breastfeeding changes a lot about your body, including how your breasts look and feel. But one thing that shouldn’t change? Paying attention to your breast health.

While breastfeeding can offer some protection against breast cancer, it doesn’t replace the need for regular breast self-exams.

“Your breasts will naturally feel different during lactation,” explains Dr. Lisa Karamardian, Hoag OB-GYN and the Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent. “They’re often fuller, firmer and sometimes lumpy because of milk ducts and changing milk supply. The key is learning what’s normal for you so you can recognize when something changes.”

Many lumps during breastfeeding are harmless — often clogged milk ducts or areas of milk buildup that resolve after feeding, pumping or massage. But some changes should be evaluated by a doctor.

Things to watch for include:

→ A lump that doesn’t move or change after feeding
→ A lump that stays in the same spot for several days
→ Skin dimpling or puckering
→ Bloody ni**le discharge
→ A lump that feels distinctly different from surrounding tissue

One helpful tip: the best time to check your breasts is right after nursing or pumping, when they’re softer and easier to examine.

And if imaging is needed, mammograms are still safe during breastfeeding. The radiation used doesn’t affect breast milk or your baby, though doctors may also recommend an ultrasound, which can be especially helpful in dense, lactating breast tissue.

Motherhood comes with plenty to think about, but caring for your own health matters too. A quick self-exam can help you stay aware of your body and catch potential concerns early.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dxIgbJ https://bit.ly/4dxIgbJ

Self-exams while breastfeeding? Yes, they're important

04/07/2026

“The agony and the ecstasy.”

In Episode 3 of the Take Me To Hoag Podcast, Dr. Allyson Brooks reflects on her cancer journey and the duality of pain and healing, from uncertainty and surrender to being cared for, and finding strength and silver linings along the way.

🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Ig2bCOPAPZE

04/07/2026

Heartburn isn’t just uncomfortable; it could be your body asking for attention.

GERD (chronic acid reflux) affects more than your day-to-day comfort. Over time, it can lead to serious complications, including esophageal cancer.

“GERD can be caused by a hiatal hernia and a defective valve, where part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm,” says Dr. Phoenix Nguyen, director of therapeutic endoscopy at Hoag. “The good news is we can treat it, often with minimally invasive techniques, and there are also simple lifestyle changes that can make a meaningful difference.”

So what can you do to protect your gut?

→Be mindful of triggers: Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and late-night meals can all make symptoms worse
→ Eat smaller meals and give your body time to digest before lying down
→ Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach
→ Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent acid from traveling upward
→ Don’t ignore persistent symptoms like frequent heartburn or trouble swallowing

GERD is common, but it shouldn’t be normalized. Early evaluation and the right care can help prevent long-term damage and protect your overall health.