Hoag

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.

04/02/2026

Stress is more than just a feeling. When it becomes chronic, it can impact nearly every system in the body. From headaches and high blood pressure to digestive issues and fatigue, prolonged stress can take a real toll on your health.

The good news? Small daily habits can make a big difference.

Regular movement, quality sleep, unplugging from screens and staying connected with friends and loved ones can all help your body reset and better manage life’s challenges. Taking time to practice relaxation techniques or speaking with a healthcare professional can also be important steps toward restoring balance.

If stress has started to affect your physical or emotional well-being, support is available. Hoag Compass offers integrative and mental health services designed to help you develop a personalized plan for managing stress and improving overall wellness.

Learn more about Hoag Compass and how we can support your health: hoagcompass.com.

04/01/2026

Are at-home menopause tests reliable?

From mood changes and irregular periods to night sweats and trouble sleeping, many women start noticing shifts in their 40s and wonder: Is this menopause?

“At-home menopause tests can be a helpful starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story,” says Dr. Stephanie Davis, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner at Hoag. “Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during perimenopause, so a single test result doesn’t give us a complete picture.”

A few key things to know:
→ Menopause is medically defined as 12 months without a period, something no at-home test can confirm.
→ Hormones can vary widely from day to day during the menopausal transition.
→ Tracking symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption and cycle changes can be just as valuable as a test result.

These kits can provide a helpful data point and may empower women to start conversations about their symptoms. But they should be viewed as a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, a conversation with a clinician can help you better understand what’s happening and explore treatment options.

Read more: https://bit.ly/48kfQyl

At-home menopause tests: Are they reliable?

03/31/2026

What does “VIP care” really mean in healthcare?

For Dr. Allyson Brooks, it’s not about status — it’s about being seen, heard and truly understood. From personalized care to meaningful conversations, she shares why the patient experience matters just as much as clinical excellence.

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

03/30/2026

This National Doctors’ Day, we celebrate the 1,800+ physicians whose expertise, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence shape the future of care at Hoag. 🧡

Their dedication has helped make Hoag the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital among California’s Top 10, a reflection of the extraordinary talent and commitment of our medical staff.

Thank the physicians who make Hoag a destination for exceptional care and a leader in advancing health.

03/30/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Hoag Classic champion, Stewart Cink 🏆

Thank you to the incredible fans, staff, volunteers and PGA TOUR Champions legends who made this year’s tournament so memorable.

More than a tournament, the Hoag Classic helps power the health of our community, with proceeds supporting patient care and expanding access to vital programs.