Hoag Health System

We're excited to announce our partnership with mindfulness expert Anusha Wijeyakumar for our newest series, Mindfulness Minute ?? Anusha is the Wellness Consultant for Hoag Hospital, where she leads integrative medicine and mindfulness programs across various departments, including maternal mental health and cancer prevention. She pioneered the hospital's first meditation program for clinical research. As we prepare for the holiday season, Anusha encourages us to dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on what we're grateful for—whether it's the people in our lives, our work, or simple, joyful moments. Research shows that gratitude practices improve mental well-being by helping us shift our focus from daily stressors and endless to-do lists toward the positives in our lives.

Managing diabetes during the holidays is entirely possible while still enjoying the festivities. With proper planning and smart choices, you can fully participate in seasonal celebrations while keeping your blood sugar levels stable. "The key to enjoying the holidays with diabetes is preparation and moderation. By planning ahead and making smart choices, you can savor the flavors of the season while keeping your blood sugar in check," said Meghan Gonzalez, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Dietitian Educator at Hoag's Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, Gonzalez advises eating nutritious meals before gatherings and having light snacks before events. She also recommends reducing sugar in recipes, being mindful of appetizer portions, and contributing diabetes-friendly options like veggie platters to holiday gatherings.

Congratulations to the stroke teams at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital Irvine! Newport Beach has earned the prestigious DNV designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, while Irvine has been designated as a Primary Stroke Center. Additionally, both hospitals have received the American Heart Association's 2024 Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus award for excellence in stroke care ?? Hoag's nationally recognized Stroke Program is led by full-time neurohospitalists who specialize in advanced stroke management and intervention. These experts continuously develop best practice care pathways to ensure optimal outcomes. Our integrated facilities boast a state-of-the-art 3D interventional suite, a Neuro Intensive Care Unit, an Advanced Brain and Spine Unit, and a post-acute rehabilitation center. Each facility is staffed with nurses experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of stroke patients. With over 1,000 stroke cases treated annually and exceptional outcomes, our expert team is equipped with cutting-edge tools for rapid diagnosis and stroke rescue. This combination of expertise and technology allows us to provide top-tier care for our patients.

From an early age, Sarah Turecek, MSN, RN, PCCN, was captivated by anatomy and physiology. Her journey into nursing, fueled by encouragement from classmates, has been defined by perseverance and a deep-seated passion for caring for people from all walks of life. Sarah considers it a privilege to provide the best care for patients during their most challenging times, embodying the compassionate spirit of a true healthcare professional. Sarah, our 2024 Nurse of the Year, was nominated for her patient-centered approach, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. She routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty, setting a high standard for nursing excellence. With over 12 years of experience at Hoag, Sarah's journey from patient care assistant to clinical nurse IV exemplifies her commitment to growth and excellence. Her unwavering dedication to her patients and profession makes her a shining example of the exceptional care provided at Hoag.

Healthcare providers and patients from Hoag's Epilepsy Program recently joined the annual Epilepsy Awareness Day celebration at Disneyland Resort. Globally, 65 million people live with epilepsy, and 35% receive misdiagnoses. Fortunately, advances in medication, technology, and surgery are helping people with epilepsy manage their seizures and regain control of their lives. Explore the latest technologies and treatment options available at Hoag's renowned Level 4 Epilepsy Center, a designation reserved for programs offering the highest level of comprehensive and specialized care ? https://bit.ly/3V1QUVM

Dr. Javier A. Longoria leads Hoag's Interventional Pulmonology program, bringing cutting-edge treatment options to Orange County. As the area's only practicing Interventional Pulmonologist, Dr. Longoria is triple board-certified and specializes in robotic and minimally-invasive approaches to lung biopsy, as well as treatment of malignant and benign central airway disorders and pleural disease. His work significantly expands Hoag's comprehensive cancer treatment options, improving patient outcomes and recovery times. Interventional Pulmonology at Hoag is at the forefront of medical innovation, offering advanced techniques that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Our state-of-the-art approaches include Cios Spin for early and accurate lung cancer diagnosis, and the Ion Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Platform for minimally-invasive tissue sampling. We also utilize Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with 3D Fluoroscopy, providing enhanced imaging with reduced radiation exposure. Our program further employs revolutionary bronchoscopy techniques such as Convex-Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (CP-EBUS) and Radial-Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (RP-EBUS) for precise diagnosis and staging of lung conditions. Additionally, we offer Cryoablation, an innovative treatment using extreme cold to target cancerous cells, even in cases previously deemed inoperable. These cutting-edge technologies position Hoag as a leader in advanced pulmonary care, offering patients access to the most effective and least invasive treatment options available. ??? ? https://bit.ly/40UQMve

Is socializing with friends as beneficial as hitting the gym? When it comes to brain health, research suggests it is. In fact, maintaining social connections can reduce one's risk of cognitive decline and dementia. On the flip side, studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. “People who report being lonely have a higher risk of developing dementia – to almost the same degree as genetics plays a role,” said Aaron Ritter, M.D., the Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health and director of the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. “It’s a remarkable correlation that underscores the importance of social connections to our brain health and overall well-being.”

Dr. Phuong T. Nguyen, Medical Director of Hoag Advanced Endoscopy Center, is a nationally recognized expert in gastroenterology. As a therapeutic endoscopist, she specializes in interventional endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedures. Her clinical expertise includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), endoscopic bariatrics, gastrointestinal oncology, and pelvic floor health. Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in gastroenterology, Dr. Nguyen is also the co-founder of the Association of Women Endoscopists (AWE), a nonprofit organization promoting gastroenterology education locally and internationally. She is known for her expertise in outpatient EUS imaging and endoscopic interventions for GERD and obesity treatment.

Today on World Preemie Day, we celebrate the strength of the tiniest fighters and the incredible care provided by our dedicated NICU team. To the doctors, nurses, and specialists who give their all every day to ensure the best outcomes for preterm infants and their families—thank you for your unwavering commitment and compassion. Together, you make miracles happen.

Hoag recently achieved a remarkable milestone: its 30,000th robotic-assisted surgery, cementing its position as a pioneer in the field. As one of the largest robotic surgery programs in the United States, Hoag employs 10 da Vinci Surgical Systems across specialties such as gynecology, urology, and cardiothoracic surgery. This milestone highlights Hoag's commitment to providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical options—especially valuable for patients whose conditions might make conventional open surgery less ideal. "Achieving this remarkable milestone underscores Hoag's dedication to enhancing the patient experience, ensuring quicker recoveries, and faster return to normal activities," said Robert T. Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hoag. "Thanks to the support of our philanthropic community and the vision and dedication of our physician leaders, Hoag is on the forefront of minimally invasive surgery and training physicians from around the world." Hoag's expertise in robotic surgery has earned it a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) designation from the Surgical Review Corporation for eight consecutive years. The hospital's innovative spirit extends beyond robotics, with investments in cutting-edge technologies like the HistoSonics Edison Histotripsy System and GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module. This commitment to technological advancement, coupled with the expertise of its surgeons and staff, ensures Hoag continues to deliver exceptional patient outcomes and maintain its position as a healthcare innovation leader. https://lnkd.in/gPnkyHpQ