Health & Wellness
World-renowned lung cancer experts offer treatment breakthroughs and highly specialized cancer care City of Hope Orange County is changing the lung cancer story by providing residents much-needed early detection screenings, innovative prevention programs, and top experts in lung cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. The world-renowned cancer research and treatment organization is also correcting the myth that lung cancer is only a disease of people who smoke. “Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Orange County. City of Hope is responding to this pressing need by bringing our world-renowned lung cancer experts and pioneering research closer to home for…
Complication Rates After Surgery for BPH (Benign Prostate Enlargement): Real-World Data
Sep 27, 2021 Robert G. Pugach
A very important large clinical study was presented at the European Association of Urology 2021 Annual Meeting (EAU 2021). The findings from the largest United States analysis for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reveal that overall complication rates are lowest after treatment with the Urolift® System when compared to surgery and other minimally invasive procedures. The study clearly demonstrates that complication rates following surgery for BPH are higher than treatment with the minimally invasive Urolift® System. Dr. Daniel Rukstalis explains the importance of this study as research in the area of surgical or minimally invasive procedures for BPH is…
Now Open in San Juan Capistrano I was in middle school at my best friend’s house when her Dad got a call one afternoon. It was a complete stranger, albeit an incredibly friendly one, who had taken the time to sort through who my friend’s grandmother was and why she happened to be strolling up and down his street in the middle of the day. On our way over to pick her up, her Dad attempted to describe what was happening in her brain. Over dinner that night, I watched her between bites halfway expecting her to forget which utensil…
Committed to Exceptional Care All throughout my youth, I wondered why people didn’t like going to the dentist. That all changed when I moved away from home to go to college, and had to find a new dentist for the first time. That experience opened my eyes to how intimate dentistry is and how vulnerable you feel if you are not comfortable in the dental office. Your smile/mouth is the first thing people notice when they speak to you. Finding someone you trust to take care of your dental hygiene is imperative to enjoying the confidence a beautiful smile gives…
Patients across the region gain increased access to advanced cancer care When City of Hope unveiled its bold vision to bring its lifesaving care and pioneering research to Orange County, it was in response to a pressing need in the community. Nearly 20% of patients with cancer left the region for advanced care, which created a burden on patients and their families. Additionally, cancer rates are expected to grow in Orange County by nearly 20% in by 2028. City of Hope Newport Beach, the first phase of City of Hope Orange County’s expansion, opened in January 2020 and a comprehensive…
My daughter loves the movie Frozen. The Disney hit is based around locations in Norway, but there’s one stand out part in my mind every time I watch the movie, and it really belongs to Arendelle’s non-fictional neighbor to the east: the sauna. JNH Lifestyles shares my affinity for the Finnish invention, dated back originally to 1112 AD. Introducing the heat-based healing tool to the world was simply the first step, however. As the technology evolved, so did its health benefits. “What began as a simple tradition became one of the most invaluable homeopathic tools used to relax, detoxify, and…
Interstim® 2ND generation bladder control device can help! An overactive bladder (OAB) can result in too frequent trips to the bathroom, bladder leakage or urinary retention. These are common bladder symptoms that affect both women and men. Bladder control problems should NEVER be considered a normal part of aging. Oftentimes, we cover up OAB symptoms and use expensive pads or diapers during the day. If you have tried treatments including limiting fluids, physical therapy exercises, bladder control medications or even bladder surgery - with limited or no success - there is an amazing alternative solution that can be effective for…
The last 12 months have been some of the most taxing in recent memory. Nearly a year of intermittent lockdown, skyrocketing unemployment rates, global pandemic. Not necessarily the right time to start a business, when so many need assistance. Unless, of course, the business you start is the business of helping others out. Amidst one of the more nutty summers on record, the Irvine-based Ola-Help! got its start. Looking to assist people with fast and efficient services and delivery for personal shopping, buying, sending gifts, or even scheduling rides for appointments for residents in South OC, there isn’t a challenge…
Keating, MA, CT O’Connor Mortuary As hope begins to flicker in with vaccinations and re-openings, I feel the great temptation to forget all that we’ve been through this last year and move into the excitement of our “old” life. But – we’ve all been changed dramatically by the pandemic. I know that there are parts of the depression, confusion, isolation and anger I experienced that taught me things. I think the most stand-out experience of COVID has been the strange, shared depression. Never before have I experienced darkness where there was no one to lift it. It’s not that I didn’t…
--- May is Melanoma Awareness Month: Prioritize a Skin Exam with Your Dermatologist --- You eat well, get lots of exercise and try to obtain at least eight hours of sleep a night — you’re doing everything right to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But when was the last time you had a skin exam? The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays an extremely important role in our overall health and well-being. It serves as a barrier that protects the body from external stimuli, trauma and dangerous substances, it helps regulate the body’s temperature and is integral…
Lennar Foundation’s $50M Gift Advances Lifesaving Cancer Research and Therapies
Apr 26, 2021 Sorbet Mag
The largest single contribution to City of Hope Orange County establishes Lennar Foundation Cancer Center World-renowned cancer research and treatment center City of Hope Orange County has received a $50 million gift from Lennar Foundation, the charitable arm of homebuilder Lennar Corporation. This transformational gift of hope is the largest single philanthropic contribution to City of Hope Orange County. It will expedite the health care organization’s bold plans to invest $1 billion to develop and operate a comprehensive cancer campus in Irvine, California, and establish an Orange County network of advanced cancer care and research that will speed groundbreaking treatments directly…
BY EDWARD KIM, M.D., M.B.A., PHYSICIAN-IN-CHIEF, CITY OF HOPE ORANGE COUNTY A recent report from the American Cancer Society finds that death rates from cancer have dropped by the biggest single-year decline on record—encouraging news for us all. But one cancer death is one too many and we must keep pushing for breakthroughs. According to the report, U.S. cancer deaths have dropped by 31 percent since 1991. The death rate from cancer in the U.S. dropped 2.4 percent from 2017 to 2018, a record-setting decline. More effective cancer treatments have helped push this notable trend, particularly in lung cancer. Yet,…
If you are living with cancer, it’s understandable to be concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, Edward Kim, M.D., M.B.A, Physician-in-Chief, City of Hope Orange County, answers common questions and offers advice for these uncommon times. What are the risks for people with cancer during the pandemic? COVID-19 presents a greater risk to people living with cancer because many have weakened immune systems. This situation is heightened when receiving treatments impacting the immune response, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and antibody therapies, radiotherapy, and bone marrow or stem cell treatments. We have also found that people with certain blood or bone…
Recently, I, much like many Americans headed into their mid-50’s, realized that it was going to take much more than a brisk walk or a high intensity interval gym session to hold onto the muscle mass I’d worked so hard to attain, then maintain over the years. Also like many Americans, I spent too much time and money attempting to uncover the one magical combination of spinach salads, green smoothies, and exercise that would help me achieve that increasingly elusive goal. Adults who don’t add a weight regimen into their weekly workout routine lose an average of a half pound…
Infinity Medical and Wellness offers a tremendously successful treatment option - FDA Cleared and Covered by Medicare and Most Major Medical Insurances Are you or a loved one suffering from chronic pain caused by peripheral neuropathy? Do you experience pain, numbness, burning, tingling, or tightness in your hands and feet? Have you tried multiple therapies and medications (i.e. Gabapentin, Cymbalta, Lyrica and Neurontin) only to experience side effects and with little to no relief? Would you like to try a natural treatment that is covered by insurance? Call us to find out if you are covered. Most of our patients…
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Because each has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs. Look especially for change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a board-certified dermatologist right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin. Actinic keratosisAn actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from exposure…
How City of Hope’s World-Class Care Transformed a Grateful Patient’s Breast Cancer Journey
Sep 26, 2020 Sorbet Mag
Sarah Sanders wasn’t shocked when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41 in September 2015. In fact, she expected it. That’s because Sanders has a strong family history of the disease on her father’s side. Her paternal grandmother died at age 35 from breast cancer, an aunt passed away at age 50, and another aunt was diagnosed in her 60s and successfully treated. This knowledge made all the difference in Sanders’ approach to her breast health.“Call it whatever you believe in, but this was put on my heart at a very young age,” she said. “I sort of…
Infinity Medical and Wellness offers a tremendously successful treatment option - FDA Cleared and Covered by Medicare and Most Major Medical Insurances Are you or a loved one suffering from chronic pain caused by peripheral neuropathy? Do you experience pain, numbness, burning, tingling, or tightness in your hands and feet? Have you tried multiple therapies and medications (i.e. Gabapentin, Cymbalta, Lyrica and Neurontin) only to experience side effects and with little to no relief? Would you like to try a natural treatment that is covered by insurance? Call us to find out if you are covered. Most of our patients…
City of Hope understands its patients need them more than ever. That’s why they are continuing to provide lifesaving treatments while doing everything they can to keep patients safe. With decades of experience in treating and protecting patients with cancer, City of Hope is among the nation’s most prepared organizations to help patients through the COVID-19 crisis – and is one of the best and safest places to receive cancer care. City of Hope Newport Beach continues to provide lifesaving treatment while taking every measure necessary to protect patients, families, and staff. “Patient health is our number one priority and…
Helping Orange County Breathe Better Since 1978 The space between custom and conventional is vast. Between thorough and cursory. Committed and inconsistent. Jim Jerling, owner of Action Duct Cleaning of Orange County has been around long enough to know that space well. Specializing in commercial and residential duct cleaning services (including duct and vent cleaning, kitchen exhaust cleaning, HVAC cleaning and pressure washing), Jim is no stranger to hard work, or to the inherent need for clean business practices in a dirty industry. Handling the most challenging, demanding jobs with alacrity isn’t easy. But it’s become second nature for Jim…
My colleague and mentor, Dr. Bill Hoy, and I have been doing several virtual grief workshops over the past few months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve talked with funeral directors, hospice clinicians and healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, and the community at large. One thing that has struck us are the familiar questions, concerns and fears that are almost universal amongst these diverse groups of individuals. Some common themes include how to provide support and care with new regulations and restrictions, how to be present for others while managing our own fears, how to keep ourselves healthy…
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, what kinds of precautions is City of Hope Newport Beach taking to keep patients safe, and what can you expect when you visit? With decades of experience in treating and protecting patients with cancer, City of Hope is among the nation’s most prepared organizations to help patients through the COVID-19 crisis – and is one of the best and safest places to receive cancer care. City of Hope Newport Beach continues to provide lifesaving treatment while taking every measure necessary to protect patients, families, and staff. “Patient health is our number one priority and our…
It’s disconcerting enough to be living in these uncertain times. Trying to understand Medicare if you’re needing to enroll now can be even more challenging; the Social Security office is closed to appointments, the community meetings that educate you about your Medicare options are postponed for now. I’m writing this article on April 2. I truly hope that by the time this goes to print the “shelter in place” order will be lifted. But if not, read on. First off, insurance is considered an “essential business.” My office is open for appointments. It’s just me, I take my temperature every…
How the Young Can Help “Mary,” a City of Hope patient and a 70-something grandmother from Beverly Hills, worries that COVID-19 and the calls to practice social distancing may actually make things worse for many seniors who already lack the close personal connections they desperately need. “I just wish that people would not think that older people are invisible or incompetent,” she said. “I think that many of us seniors are very isolated and lonesome.” “Eleanor,” another patient in her 80s, lives a few miles away. She feels the same, with an added concern: quickly getting up to speed on…
Bringing a Different Kind of CBD Company to Consumers An exciting new CBD company has emerged, capturing market share in the crowded CBD space. Isolate Pure CBD is making a name for itself, not only because of the way they make and market their CBD, but primarily because of the people who make up the company. From marketing executives, entertainment company heads, professional athletes and college students to diamond dealers, a superfood expert and a physician for the NFL, Isolate Pure CBD is backed by a wealth of well educated and experienced professionals to bring a different kind of CBD…
It isn’t often that a series of decisions made over a cup of coffee end up working out for the best: or becoming one of the easiest and most affordable ways to work out indoors. I’d venture to say that the majority of folks who initiate a workout program aren’t going into it looking to get hurt. Most of us just want to slim down, improve heart health, and get some cardio in before or after a busy day at work. Users of Body Flex Sports’ StepTrac BST800 can push through a full body workout in just 12 minutes. Having…
Baring Your Best Self with Surf City’s Newest Wellness Spa There is much to be said for feeling divine. The informal definition there of course is lovely, exquisite, excellent, delightful. I made the mistake of Googling “self-care” a couple weeks ago, after a particularly long week at work, and went down a decidedly un-divine rabbit hole of wellness treatments, essential oils, skin care, massage techniques, fitness tips, beauty regimens, and more. By the end, it was nine pm and I was more stressed out from the search than I’d been from my schedule. As I was relaying the story to…
As a medical oncologist, I understand the toll a cancer diagnosis takes on patients and their families and I know how overwhelming this news can be. Patients receive a lot of information while dealing with a range of emotions, including shock, fear and uncertainty. Here’s what I want patients and anyone impacted by cancer to know about finding the best care. As a breast cancer specialist, I’ve seen thousands of women – and many men – survive and thrive after breast cancer. It’s a one-step-at-a-time process that starts with getting the right information and making crucial decisions at the right…
A Q & A with Kristy Fleming, MD, FAADBoard-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Question: Why is fall the season for dermatology? Answer: 1. Weather In truth, many dermatologic treatments are technically a form of very controlled skin damage. Damage activates the bodies innate repair system to replace old injured cells with new healthy cells, generate collagen, and restore fragmented elastin. Temperate fall weather provides a much more comfortable healing environment than the summer heat of Southern California. 2. Untanned Skin Lasers are incredibly powerful exact devices designed to target a precise wavelength (color). Be it brown sunspots on the face,…
St Joseph Hoag Health is here to help You know the routine: Step 1: Get your prescription from your physician. Step 2: Get it filled by your pharmacist. But do you know about Step 3? Step 3: Have your medications reviewed once a year or more. Everyone who takes medication has good reason to periodically ask their pharmacist or health care provider to review the medications they are taking. This is particularly important for older adults. Your body changes as you age. Your drugs may interact differently, especially if you’ve added or subtracted one recently. And your diet or alcohol…
UC Irvine (UCI) is one of the Institutions selected by the National Institute of Health to lead the All of Us Research Program in California, and Dr. Hoda Anton-Culver is the Principal Investigator at UCI. This Research Program is a national effort that aims at engaging one million or more participants nationwide to change the future of health. UC Irvine has been very successful in leading this effort in California. More than 194,000 people have already joined across the country. Dr. Anton-Culver, what is the All of Us Research Program? The All of Us Research Program is led by the…
Quality, In-Home Care & Specialists in Serving People Living with Parkinson’s Disease There are a number of frustrating things about a disease which presents itself differently in each of its patients. The first, quite obviously, is that the disease is present at all. Next, perhaps, is that each conversation is marked by a tangle of personal history: for each individual has a background that informs how the disease will inhabit their lives and attempt to inhibit their futures. Lori Renaud, R.N., is no stranger to these frustrations, particularly when it comes to Parkinson’s Disease. With symptoms like muscle rigidity, tremors,…
In a few weeks, you’ll be making important choices about next year’s health plan. As you consider your options, think about Monarch HealthCare®, a part of OptumCare®. With more than 25 years of caring for local families and seniors, Monarch HealthCare has an extensive network of board-certified primary care and specialty doctors working independently in the greater Orange County area. This includes more than 750 family, internal and general medicine doctors who coordinate care with about 1,750 medical specialists. Best of all, Monarch Healthcare doctors take private and employer health plans, as well as traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, “retiree” and…
Drug Free, Surgery Free & Needle Free: A New, Proven Treatment to Reverse Erectile Dysfunction
Sep 28, 2018 Jody Robinson
A Q & A with Dr. Michael DeYoung, M.D., LaSara Medical Group Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) often suffer in silence. For many, it’s a taboo topic associated with a stigma that affects their self esteem. So much so that they don’t even share the details of what they are experiencing with their primary care physician or urologist. What these men might find surprising is how much they have in common with approximately 18 million other men across the country. Erectile dysfunction impacts men of all ages from their 20s to their 90s. But here’s a particularly staggering statistic: It…
There is no shortage of reasons why people suffer from neck pain, but primarily, the root cause is due to improper posture of the spine. The lack of strength from core muscles not supporting the head correctly overtime wreaks havoc on the neck. You probably guessed it, improper posture is no doubt an outcome of today’s reliance on technology. With the constant checking of smartphones, typing on computers, and driving, plus, the stressful pace of life, people’s posture have suffered and become what is known as a “forward leading head” syndrome. This leads to postures like rounded shoulders, or a…
People of all ages get skin cancer. Checking your skin can help you find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable. Skin cancer is actually one of the easiest cancers to find. That’s because skin cancer usually begins where you can see it. You can get skin cancer anywhere on your skin — from your scalp to the bottoms of your feet. Even if the area gets little sun, it’s possible for skin cancer to develop there.You can also get skin cancer in places that may surprise you. Skin cancer can begin under a toenail or fingernail, on your genitals,…
Thinking Inside the MedBox. The New Standard in Medication Management Offers a Better Way to Dispense Prescriptions
Sep 28, 2018 Jody Robinson
In a recent conversation with my mother, I discovered something. Something that was a cause for pause as I pondered all the possible ramifications. This thing I realized? My mother appears a bit more stubborn than she used to be. She laughed when I called it to her attention, but the more we thought about the fact that she was growing increasingly stubborn, it occurred to both of us that this trait could prove to be increasingly problematic as she got older. She shared that she had always imagined herself to be a strong elder - a grey haired grandmother…
In-Home Care and the New! Senior Social Club & Stay Care Center in Laguna Woods Village Over the past decade, there have been an increasing number of studies examining the effects of stress on the human body - from the immune to metabolic systems, to cell division, diet, hormonal changes, heart rate and of course, cortisol levels. Cortisol, after all, is what floods the body in response to stress. Its main purpose is more far-reaching than was once believed. Systemic effects play a great many roles to maintain homeostasis in the body: which, at a basic level, looks like a…
Friends are good for a great many things. Laughing with you, getting out of tight spots every once in a while, bringing hot soup when you’re sick, makeovers: the list is almost endless. Advice, however, is one of those beautiful friend-offerings that can literally be life-changing. For Deb Massey-Arnold, a friend’s recommendation that she look into Rodan + Fields changed the trajectory of her career. Drs. Rodan and Fields first gained international recognition and acclaim for PROACTIV, the incredible anti-acne miracle. The brand brings to mind commercials with fresh teens splashing cool water on their faces: free of pimples thanks…
Pilates and yoga have many of the same goals in mind, especially the purpose to unite the mind, body and spirit. And at first glance, these mind-body modalities seem nearly identical. Both use the body’s own resistance to build physical strength, flexibility, and help reduce stress. But the origins, intentions, and application of practicing yoga and Pilates are very different. At Align it’s these differences that give value to both activates, and is why we believe the combo of doing both yoga and Pilates Mat, compliment each other greatly. Together they truly help produce overall wellness! Both practices are categorized…
People of all ages get skin cancer. Checking your skin can help you find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable. Skin cancer is actually one of the easiest cancers to find. That’s because skin cancer usually begins where you can see it. You can get skin cancer anywhere on your skin — from your scalp to the bottoms of your feet. Even if the area gets little sun, it’s possible for skin cancer to develop there. You can also get skin cancer in places that may surprise you. Skin cancer can begin under a toenail or fingernail, on your…
I giggled my way through my first yoga class. I took one in college, alongside two of my girlfriends, and we just couldn’t keep a straight face, as the instructor talked us through our poses in one of the phoniest, most nasally voices we’d ever heard. (We’d all heard him talking on the phone before class: his actual voice sounded nothing like what we heard when the lights dimmed!) We laugh at ourselves now, years after, as all three of us have been (on and off over the years) enthusiastic practitioners of the highly touted, extremely popular workouts that originated…
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, (BPH), is a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. BPH causes men to suffer with symptoms of frequent and urgent needs to urinate (especially at night!), a weak stream, dribbling or leaking and painful urination. These symptoms make it difficult for men to enjoy many activities of daily living, including getting a good night’s sleep. BPH is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. Treatment options for BPH include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery and minimally invasive procedures. For some doctors, the customary treatment is to prescribe…
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