Despite Narcan Availability, Fentanyl Deaths Continue to Climb

By Matthew Reed, M.D. | Hoag Hospital’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute More than car accidents. More than suicide. More than gun violence. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for people ages 18-49, a startling fact that prompted the Food and Drug Administration to approve naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) for over-the-counter sales in … Read More

Sleep Apnea May Lead to Loss in Brain Volume, Accelerate Alzheimer’s

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that involves repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep, which can lead to low oxygen levels. Studies show that sleep apnea may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Research also shows that sleep apnea may exacerbate the buildup of amyloid beta proteins in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). … Read More

Brain Health: How Social Connections Keep Your Mind Young

Proposed USPSTF Guideline Update: Advocating for Earlier Breast Cancer Screening at Age 40

Pop Quiz: At what age do medical experts recommend women of average risk for breast cancer begin receiving screening mammograms? 40 45 50 All of the above. If you answered “D,” you are correct. Confused? I don’t blame you. Medical societies and independent task forces do not agree on when to begin or end screening … Read More

Hoag Spine Center Adds EOSedge Spinal Imaging System

Hoag Spine Center in Newport Beach, Calif. is the first in Orange County to install the EOSedge system for spine imaging, according to a May 24 news release. The EOS imaging system combines x-ray, low-dose radiation and an open design to take high resolution images. It uses Flex Dose technology to modulate radiation exposure and is designed … Read More

Unlocking New Cancer Care with Molecular Imaging and Therapy

Key Trends to Watch: Health Systems Moving into Hospice, Home-Based Care

As more care moves into the home setting, more hospitals and health systems are throwing their hats into the ring. Coupled with the entry of more payers into the space, the influx of health systems into home health, hospice and community-based palliative care stands to change the competitive dynamics in markets nationwide. This is the last of … Read More

First Mammogram? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’ve recently turned 40, happy birthday! Enjoy your cake and ice cream… and then schedule your mammogram. “Most women should get their first annual mammograms beginning at age 40, though high-risk women may be advised by their doctor to begin earlier,” said January Lopez, M.D., a fellowship trained breast imaging specialist, board-certified diagnostic radiologist … Read More

Revolutionizing Depression Treatment: Breaking Free from Ineffective Medications for Rapid Relief

If you want to know whether a standard-of-care medication will work to treat your depression, flip a coin. More than half of all patients treated for major depressive disorder (MDD), the clinical name for what is typically thought of as depression, don’t respond to the first treatment option prescribed to them. Even those who do … Read More

4 Surprising Truths about Loneliness… and 4 Things You Can Do About it

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., recently outlined a national framework to combat the loneliness epidemic in the United States. He noted four important facts about loneliness and social isolation: Being lonely is as bad for your long-term health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! People who are lonely are 26% more likely to die … Read More