CHEAR Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research

08/22/2025

Artificial intelligence is reshaping health care, but how do we make sure it’s done responsibly?

In this insightful conversation, Karandeep Singh, MD, chief health AI officer at UC San Diego Health, paints a clear, responsible and strategic vision for AI’s role in modern health care.

UC San Diego Health’s Chief AI Officer Karandeep Singh, MD, MMSc, speaks about AI's role within hospitals and its future in health care.

08/21/2025

Heart health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. Hear from experts like Alison Moore, MD, at UC San Diego Health, as they reveal four surprising ways heart-healthy habits benefit your entire body.

Your heart deserves expert care and personal attention. 💙 Connect with UC San Diego Health to take the next step toward a healthier, stronger you. health.ucsd.edu/care/heart-vascular/

A new review shows that the benefits of cardiovascular health extend from head to toe.

08/20/2025

The newly opened McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at the Hillcrest medical campus is a place built to grow with our patients and our community.

More than a decade in the making, this new home for expert care reflects our shared vision of expanding access and bringing advanced services closer to where people live and work in Hillcrest and the community.

Every detail of the six-story pavilion was designed with patients in mind. Here, you’ll find subspecialty care, advanced imaging, outpatient surgery and comprehensive cancer services including enhanced radiation oncology, brachytherapy, infusion services and greater access to clinical trials.

By bringing these services together, we’re creating a more seamless, supportive and convenient care experience, helping our community continue to grow healthier.

health.ucsd.edu/hillcrest

08/20/2025

Want a powerful tool against cravings? Get moving! Regular physical activity doesn't just burn calories – it actually reduces cravings for high-calorie junk foods and increases your desire for nutrient-rich options like fruits and vegetables. Exercise is also a proven stress-buster, helping regulate the emotions that often trigger emotional eating. Start small: a 10-minute walk after meals can make a big difference! 🚶‍♂️

https://bit.ly/4lmoDni

08/20/2025

🏠 Your pantry = your power.

Want to reduce your child’s cravings for junk food? Start by limiting the variety of ultra-processed foods at home.

CHEAR’s new blog shares why this simple switch helps—and what to offer instead.

💡 Tip: Keep 2–3 treats, not 12. Fill the rest with whole foods and easy snacks like fruit and veggies.

👀 See the full list of strategies: https://bit.ly/3UTMorS

08/19/2025

🚨 HISTORY MADE: After decades of CBT being the gold standard, Dr. Kerri Boutelle's ROC+BWL treatment just became the FIRST to prove it works better for binge eating disorder.

The CHARGE study followed 129 veterans and found unprecedented results:
✅ 23% greater reduction in binge eating
✅ Benefits sustained 6+ months after treatment
✅ Even stronger results for severe cases

This isn't just another study - it's a paradigm shift. While CBT works on changing thoughts about food, ROC+BWL teaches you to reconnect with your body's natural hunger and fullness signals.
For the millions struggling with feeling out of control around food, this research offers real hope for lasting healing. 💙

Read the full breakdown: https://bit.ly/47DVeBJ

08/19/2025

We are proud to share that Catheryn Yashar, MD, chief medical officer and breast and gynecologic cancer radiation oncologist for UC San Diego Health, has been appointed president-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Representing more than 10,000 physicians, medical physicists, biologists and radiation therapists, ASTRO is the leading organization for radiation oncology internationally.

This esteemed president-elect designation highlights Dr. Yashar’s commitment to advancing the field of radiation oncology and health policy.

"Dr. Yashar’s leadership reflects the future of cancer care — where precision, innovation and collaboration converge to improve outcomes," said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. "Her work in advancing radiation oncology through leading-edge therapies and health policy advocacy is helping shape a more effective and equitable model of care, both locally and nationally."

Catheryn Yashar, MD, has been named president-elect of the American Society of Radiation Oncology, which represents more than 10,000 members internationally.

08/19/2025

August 15 is National Relaxation Day, a great reminder that slowing down isn’t lazy — it’s necessary. Whether you're working on healing your relationship with food, managing daily stress, or navigating life’s ups and downs, your nervous system needs space to reset.

Relaxation isn’t just a luxury. It supports mental clarity, emotional regulation, and even healthier eating patterns.

Try this today:
✨ 10 minutes of deep breathing
✨ A slow walk (no phone required)
✨ Gentle stretching or soft music
✨ Doing absolutely nothing — and feeling good about it

At CHEAR, we support the whole you — body, mind, and everything in between. Rest is part of your recovery and your resilience.

08/19/2025

At CHEAR, we believe food should nourish, energize, and support your life - not control it. Whether you're juggling meetings, carpool, schoolwork, or recovery, let regular, balanced meals be a foundation of self-care. There's no perfect way to eat, but timing your meals every 3-4 hours is a gentle, effective starting point.

Try it for a week and notice how small changes in WHEN you eat can make a big difference in how you FEEL. Because when your body feels good, everything else becomes just a little bit easier. ✨

https://bit.ly/3IrOBIl

08/18/2025

See the difference an eye exam can make. 👁️

When was the last time you had an eye exam? Seeing clearly is more than just spotting street signs, it’s about maintaining eye health, detecting early signs of disease and ensuring crisp vision for every moment.

As the region’s foremost eye center, the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health combines all ophthalmology-related services, programs and technology under one roof. Our highly talented physicians, researchers faculty and staff provide comprehensive eye care and bring the latest, cutting-edge developments to you.

At the UC San Diego Health Shiley Eye Institute, patients of all ages receive the finest ophthalmology and eye care services. Experience San Diego's best eye doctors.

08/18/2025

Poor sleep is sabotaging your healthy eating goals! Sleep deprivation disrupts ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (fullness hormone), making you feel hungrier and less satisfied even after eating. That's why a bad night's sleep leaves you reaching for snacks you wouldn't normally want.

Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your eating habits. Sweet dreams = better food choices! 🌙

https://bit.ly/4lmoDni

08/16/2025

Think your food cravings mean you lack willpower? Think again! 🧠

Cravings are actually rooted in brain chemistry, hormones, and biology. When you eat something pleasurable, dopamine lights up your brain's reward system, creating a cycle that's completely natural. At CHEAR, we help you understand the science behind your cravings so you can work WITH your body, not against it.

Ready to stop fighting yourself and start understanding what's really happening? 💪

https://bit.ly/4lmoDni

08/16/2025

Healing goes beyond the physical. At UC San Diego Health, we understand that a cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body, it touches every part of life.

That’s why our dedicated team of psychiatrists and psychologists offer specialized counseling and therapy for patients, families and caregivers navigating the emotional journey of cancer. Whether you're coping with a new diagnosis, managing treatment stress or healing after care, we’re here to support you with compassion and clinical expertise.

Psychiatrists and psychologists can help support patients, family members, and caregivers through the stress of cancer treatments.

08/14/2025

August is National Wellness Month — a perfect reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be all or nothing. At CHEAR, we believe in progress, not perfection.

Whether it's taking a short walk, prepping a few meals ahead of time, or learning how to eat every 3–4 hours, even the smallest shifts can build momentum over time.

You don’t need fancy trackers or rigid routines to care for your health. You just need awareness, support, and the reminder that you're worth taking care of.

This month, try one simple thing that makes you feel better in your body. That counts as wellness, too.

08/13/2025

If you've been feeling stuck, even after trying antidepressants or therapy, there is hope.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that reaches specific brain areas linked to mood without affecting your whole body. TMS has helped many adults who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments. It’s FDA-approved, personalized to your needs and delivered by caring experts at UC San Diego Health.

Talk with your doctor about whether TMS could be the next step toward feeling better. For compassionate, effective mental health care that meets you where you are, we're here to walk alongside you.

UC San Diego Health provides expert-led TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression at locations in Hillcrest, La Jolla and 4S Ranch. Find relief with advanced care — schedule a free consultation today.

08/12/2025

Ready for some motivation?

People who adopt regular meal timing often notice amazing changes: consistent energy without 3pm crashes, sharper mental clarity, better digestion, fewer intense sugar cravings, improved emotional regulation, and greater awareness of hunger and fullness cues. These aren't just physical benefits - they translate to feeling more calm, confident, and capable in daily life. What positive changes will you notice?

https://bit.ly/3IrOBIl

08/12/2025

Step inside San Diego’s newest health care gem, the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at UC San Diego Health's Hillcrest Medical Campus.

From local artwork and serene respite zones to seamless self check-in stations, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to support both healing and convenience. More than a building, it embodies next-level, compassionate care under one roof.

health.ucsd.edu/hillcrest

Facility expected to help many center city patients avoid trips to La Jolla for specialty care

08/12/2025

Why are ultra-processed foods so hard for some kids to resist?

Some children are more sensitive to food rewards—making it extra tough to stop at just one bite. In our latest blog post, Dr. Kerri Boutelle breaks down why ultra-processed foods can become a trap for certain kids, and what parents can do to help.

👉 Read more and get practical tips from CHEAR: https://bit.ly/3UTMorS

08/11/2025

Is your child joining a school or extracurricular sports team? Get medical clearance with a convenient sports physical at UC San Diego Health Express Care clinics.

Also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) or an athletic clearance, this exam helps ensure that athletes from elementary school through high school are healthy and ready to play. We offer six convenient Express Care clinics across San Diego County, from Vista to Eastlake. Find a location and save your spot online:

Get convenient sports physicals for students at UC San Diego Health Express Care. Available at several locations. Save your spot online.

08/10/2025

What's your evening eating style? Let's get real about evening eating! Which scenario sounds most like YOU?

🅰️ The Restrictor: Skip meals all day → arrive home starving → eat everything in sight
🅱️ The Stress Snacker: Normal day → evening hits → mindlessly munch while watching TV or scrolling
🅲️ The Late Diner: Busy schedule → eat dinner super late → feel too full to sleep well
🅳️ The Balanced Eater: Eat regularly all day → enjoy a normal dinner → satisfied and energized
Drop your letter in the comments! No judgment here - we've ALL been there.

The good news? No matter which one describes you now, small changes in your daytime eating can transform your evenings. Ready to break the cycle?

https://bit.ly/3IrOBIl

08/09/2025

Your heart matters, and we are with you every beat of the way. 💙

At the Cardiovascular Institute at UC San Diego Health, we bring advanced technology and groundbreaking treatments together with genuine care and compassion. As the only academic medical center in the region, we’re committed to providing precise, personalized care you can trust.

health.ucsd.edu/heart

08/08/2025

U.S. News & World Report ranked us among the nation's best in nine adult medical and surgical specialties, more than any hospital system in San Diego in 2025-26. For patients like you, this means you benefit from our expertise, familiarity, caseloads and advanced technologies to deliver the quality care for complex and high-risk conditions.

Obstetrics & Gynecology (7)
Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (8)
Geriatrics (18)
Heart & Vascular (27)
Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (28)
Neurology & Neurosurgery (28)
Diabetes & Endocrinology (32)
Cancer (41)
Urology (46)

health.ucsd.edu/usnews

08/08/2025

Busy schedule sabotaging your eating routine? Game-changer: spend 30 minutes a few times a week prepping grab-and-go options!

Try snack boxes with fruit, cheese, and nuts, or prep overnight oats for easy breakfasts. Keep portable options like cheese sticks, nut butter packets, or protein bars in your car, backpack, or office drawer. When healthy choices are convenient, consistent eating becomes effortless!

https://bit.ly/3IrOBIl

08/07/2025

When John Carr, MD, endocrinologist in private practice, was diagnosed with a carotid artery dissection, he knew expert care was critical. The condition severely restricted blood flow to his brain and put him at risk for stroke.

On the recommendation of colleagues, he turned to UC San Diego Health, where Alexander Khalessi, MD, a neurosurgeon, performed reconstructive surgery with stents to restore normal blood flow.

Carotid artery disease can increase your risk of stroke, often without symptoms. At UC San Diego Health, our expert team offers advanced screening and personalized care to protect your brain and your future.

health.ucsd.edu/care/stroke-care/carotid-artery-disease/

When John Carr, MD, endocrinologist in private practice, was diagnosed with a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck, he knew he needed a to...