UC San Diego Health

02/28/2026

Strong bones don’t happen by chance; they’re built with the right kind of movement.

Whether you’re looking to prevent age-related bone loss or simply build a stronger foundation for the years ahead, the key is incorporating exercises that truly stimulate bone growth, like weight-bearing cardio and purposeful strength training.

Hear from experts like Susan Bukata, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at UC San Diego Health, on the workout strategies that actually build bones, and why consistency and progressive overload are key to keeping your skeleton strong at every age.

Strengthen and reduce fracture risk with this routine that combines weight-bearing, resistance, and impact exercises.

02/28/2026

Heart health isn’t just about the heart, it’s about blood sugar, kidney function weight and more.

Jia Shen, MD, cardiologist at UC San Diego Health, highlights why we need to rethink how we care for interconnected health before emergencies happen. Prevention now means healthier lives later.

The future of cardiovascular care is not waiting for emergencies to happen.

02/26/2026

Feeling disconnected? Your health may be paying the price.

Research shows that social isolation or having few social contacts or meaningful connections, is linked to a significantly higher risk of premature death, especially from heart disease and stroke. People with limited social interaction often face a nearly 30% greater risk of dying early compared to those with stronger social networks.

This isn’t just about emotional wellbeing, it’s about your physical health. Social connection influences stress, inflammation, lifestyle habits and even recovery from illness.

➡️ Tune in as Crystal Cené, MD, MPH, chief administrative officer and associate chief medical officer for Health Equity at UC San Diego Health, breaks down the science behind social isolation and mortality in this powerful podcast, and why connection is essential to long-term health.

Dr. Crystal Cené is a General Internal Medicine physician, implementation scientist, and Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego, where she also serves as Chief

02/25/2026

A simple blood test could help uncover hidden alcohol-related liver damage before it becomes life-threatening.
Researchers at the UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a new lab-based score, called MAPI, that uses routine bloodwork to detect when fatty liver disease may be driven by alcohol — even when alcohol use is underreported.

The study found this cost-effective tool outperformed commonly used tests and could help clinicians identify patients who need further evaluation and early intervention. With fatty liver disease affecting nearly 1 in 3 adults worldwide, earlier detection means more personalized care, fewer complications and better long-term outcomes.

“This new score gives clinicians a simple and accessible way to uncover hidden alcohol-related liver injury,” said Rohit Loomba, MD, senior author of the study, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and gastroenterologist and hepatologist at UC San Diego Health. “By improving how we classify liver disease, we can help patients achieve better long-term health outcomes.”

Learn how this breakthrough could change liver disease screening and care. ⬇️

New blood test score helps detect hidden alcohol-related liver disease early, offering a simple cost-effective tool to guide timely care.

02/25/2026

Our patients in North County can now experience an expanded and refreshed clinical space, featuring more exam rooms, more primary care clinicians, on-site X-ray and Express Care — all under one roof in Vista.

We recently marked this expansion with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the teams leading the way in making high-quality, same-day care more convenient and accessible. As we continue expanding to be closer to you, and expanding options such as Express Care Video Visits, getting care for minor illnesses and injuries has never been easier.

Learn more about Express Care and same-day options: health.ucsd.edu/sameday

02/23/2026

Living with unexplained shortness of breath, fatigue or limits on your daily life? It might be more than you think.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare but treatable form of pulmonary hypertension. UC San Diego Health experts Michael Madani, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Nick Kim, MD, pulmonologist, explain what CTEPH is, why it’s often misdiagnosed and how early diagnosis and specialized care can dramatically improve quality of life.

At UC San Diego Health, patients have access to world‑leading treatments, including pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), helping many people return to the life they love.

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t wait. Answers and hope are possible. health.ucsd.edu/cteph/

What is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)? UC San Diego Health experts Michael Madani, MD, FACS, cardiothoracic surgeon and Nick Kim, MD,...

02/22/2026

For years, CPAP has been the go-to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and it’s still highly effective when used regularly. But now there’s growing interest in medication options that can help improve symptoms, especially for people with obesity.

Atul Malhotra, MD, sleep medicine specialist at UC San Diego Health, explains that while CPAP remains a cornerstone of care, emerging drug treatments offer another option for patients who struggle with or can’t tolerate a machine.

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea or having trouble tolerating CPAP, you don’t have to navigate it alone. A compassionate team of pulmonary specialists at UC San Diego Health is here to listen, answer your questions and help you find a treatment plan that works for you: health.ucsd.edu/care/sleep-medicine/

Compare the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of CPAP therapy and tirzepatide (Zepbound), two of the best treatments for sleep apnea.

02/20/2026

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are pioneering brain research with a new tool that maps protein production in individual nerve cells, giving fresh insights into how the brain functions and what might go wrong in neurological disease.

This leading-edge work could reshape how we understand memory, autism, fragile X syndrome and more — and highlights the power of academic medicine to drive breakthroughs from bench to bedside.

UC San Diego School of Medicine and Scripps Researchers scientists used novel technology to map protein translation in ~20,000 individual mouse brain hippocampal cells, revealing that some memory neurons produce proteins faster than others.

02/19/2026

Sustainability in action at UC San Diego Health.

From nationally recognized environmental leadership to cutting carbon emissions, expanding plant-forward dining and advancing zero-waste efforts, we’re building a healthier future for our patients and our planet.

Because caring for our community also means caring for the world around us. 🌱

UC San Diego Health is advancing holistic health care by integrating sustainability into its mission to create a healthier world. Recognized among the Top 25 hospitals nationwide for environmental excellence, the system is working toward a fossil-free future by 2045, reinforcing its commitment to cl...

02/19/2026

Your heart works 24/7, beating about 100,000 times a day to keep you going. ❤️

For Heart Month, we’re taking you behind the scenes for a “day in the life” of your heart, and why caring for it matters at every stage of life. From prevention and screenings to advanced treatments, our team at UC San Diego Health is here to support your heart every beat of the way.

Show your heart some love for all it does with preventative care and regular checkups.

health.ucsd.edu

02/18/2026

Your heart works 24/7, beating about 100,000 times a day to keep you going. ❤️

For Heart Month, we’re taking you behind the scenes for a “day in the life” of your heart, and why caring for it matters at every stage of life. From prevention and screenings to advanced treatments, our team at UC San Diego Health is here to support your heart every beat of the way.

Show your heart some love for all it does with preventative care and regular checkups.

health.ucsd.edu

02/18/2026