Scripps Health

03/26/2026

High cholesterol might not be on your radar, but new national guidelines say it should be — starting earlier than you'd think.
Scripps Clinic cardiologist Elizabeth Epstein, MD, says catching high cholesterol early could cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes in half. New guidelines now call for screenings starting at age 10 and treatments as early as 30, shifting the focus to prevention decades before problems show up. Talk to your doctor about getting screened sooner rather than later. Your future self will thank you.

Read more here:

A Scripps cardiologist discussed what these changes mean.

03/26/2026

Is red meat bad for you? 🍔

Red meat doesn't have to be avoided — but research shows eating too much can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
According to Raymond deKay, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Eastlake: "It's OK to eat meat, but limit the amount and choose healthier types to reduce the risk of heart disease."

A few small swaps can make a big difference. Learn more:

Red meat risks, portion sizes and healthier swaps.

03/26/2026

Do you experience heartburn once in a while? That's common. But if it's happening regularly, it could be GERD — and it's more treatable than you think. From lifestyle changes and medication, to minimally invasive procedures, relief is possible. Learn what's causing your symptoms and how to find the right solution:

GERD treatments include medications, diet and surgery.

03/24/2026

Your relationship with your doctor matters more than you think.

If you are holding back symptoms because you feel rushed or embarrassed, that can actually affect the care you receive. When you are comfortable being honest about your symptoms and goals, they can provide better, more personalized care.

“Patients who take an active role in their care may not only feel more satisfied with their doctors, but also more in control over their own health and well-being,” says Rebecca Shragge, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest.

Learn more about how to make the most of your next appointment:

Follow our tips to build a strong relationship with your doctor.

03/23/2026

⚠️ Measles has been reported in San Diego County. Here's how to get care safely.
Think you may have been exposed? Please do not go to urgent care or the ER — schedule a virtual visit first to help prevent the spread. Virtual visits can be scheduled on the MyScripps patient portal or at Scripps.org/virtual-care or call your doctor directly. It is also helpful to have your immunization history available.
Pediatrician Gurinder Dabhia, MD, explains why the MMR vaccine is your family's strongest defense against measles in this video. For more information, find resources here: www.scripps.org/6636f

03/23/2026

Congratulations to Scripps Clinic orthopedic surgeon Gregory Mundis, MD, on receiving the 2026 Humanitarian Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Mundis was recognized for his dedicated volunteer service with Global Spine Outreach, an organization committed to providing complex spinal care to children in underserved communities around the world. We are proud to have Dr. Mundis representing Scripps Clinic.

Read more here: www.scripps.org/8108fb

03/20/2026

Happy Match Day to the future physicians who will call Scripps home this July! 🎉 We are thrilled to welcome all of our new residents matching with Scripps Health today. 🩺 Congratulations to each of you on this incredible milestone!

03/20/2026

Looking for a primary care doctor in La Jolla? Meet Spencer Hirt, DO. Dr. Hirt specializes in preventive medicine, wellness and obesity management — basically, keeping you feeling your best long-term. He's known for being a great communicator and helping patients take charge of their health.

Bonus: He is a multiple award-winning medical educator who knows how to break down complex medical topics in ways patients can understand.

📍 La Jolla | Accepting new patients now 🔗 www.scripps.org/45209f

03/20/2026

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, but managing it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

Understanding what your numbers mean, knowing the latest guidelines and making small everyday lifestyle changes can make a real difference in how you feel. And living in San Diego gives you a real advantage — miles of coastline and trails to walk or bike, plus year-round sunshine that makes staying active outdoors feel less like a chore and more like just another good day.

What questions do you have about blood pressure? Leave them in the comments 👇. And for more on taking charge of your heart health, learn more here: https://www.scripps.org/3693f

03/19/2026

Today we celebrate Certified Nurses Day and the nurses who go above and beyond to advance their knowledge and deliver exceptional care.

Board certification reflects a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning and the highest standards in nursing practice. It is one more way our nurses help improve patient outcomes every day.

We recognize and thank our certified nurses for their expertise, dedication and the difference they make for our patients and our community. 💙

03/18/2026

Red or green? For millions of people, that's not such an easy question. 🚦Color vision deficiency (aka color blindness) is more nuanced than most people realize — and way more manageable with the right tools. Learn what causes it, how it's diagnosed and what actually helps: www.scripps.org/4271f

03/18/2026

Sometimes women notice signals from their bodies — such as leaks, pressure or a feeling that something isn’t quite right. These symptoms can be related to the pelvic floor. The good news is that effective treatments are available.

In this video, urogynecologist Varuna Raizada, MD, of Scripps Clinic, explains the role of the pelvic floor, why problems can develop and what women can do to help protect and strengthen it.