UCLA Health Pediatric Specialty Care Santa Monica

As we age, gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, gas, bloating and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) become more common. However, simple changes to diet and lifestyle can often help. Learn simple tips from UCLA Health to keep your digestive system on track.

How to keep your digestive system healthy as you age

Open enrollment is here. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process, check out our comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision about your future medical coverage: https://ucla.in/4hws7D2

Spooky, sweet, or spectacular? Dedicated staff at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center dressed in character yesterday for a spook-tacular time, passing out treats to patients in the spirit of Halloween. Special thank you to the Laker Girls for joining the festivities.

Can you guess some of the costume themes? Share below ⬇️

This Native American Heritage Month, we honor the diverse cultures and histories of our nation’s original inhabitants and their descendants.

Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month at UCLA Health. Together, we celebrate tribal sovereignty and develop leaders for today and the future.

Congratulations to our World Champion, the Los Angeles Dodgers! UCLA Health is proud to be the OFFICIAL MEDICAL PARTNER of the LA Dodgers. Here's to celebrating the champions and our patients, on and off the field.

UCLA Health, along with many distinguished guests, honored the R**e Treatment Center and Stuart House with a celebration of their 50th anniversary on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

The event included Johnese Spisso, President, UCLA Health & CEO, UCLA Hospital System; incoming UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk and his wife, the public health scholar Felicia Knaul; Paige Adams-Geller, RTC board chair; elected officials including Lindsey Horvath, member of the LA County Board of Supervisors and Ben Allen, California State Senator; Connie Britton, Saffron Burrows, and Melina Kanakaredes.

The R**e Treatment Center, established in 1974, is internationally recognized for its pioneering work and exemplary treatment, prevention and education programs. Stuart House is an innovative, internationally recognized model program that provides comprehensive services for sexually abused children and their families, all in a child-friendly facility.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

When Melanie Shatner Gretsch learned she had an aggressive breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes, she knew she needed to act quickly. However, her treatment team took note of nuances in her case, as the cancer had not reached any vital organs. Despite a stage 4 diagnosis, her team believed her cancer was curable.

Now cancer-free, Melanie shares more about her emotional journey and hopes to inspire others. “I feel pretty strong, like pretty much myself,” she says.

Read her story: https://ucla.in/4fpLgVn

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

UCLA Health used everything to beat a patient’s aggressive breast cancer Breadcrumb Home Cancer Center Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation – UCLA Health used everything to beat a patient’s aggressive breast cancer ‘There is no more they could have thrown at me,’ says Melanie Shatner Gretsch. Melanie Shatner Gretsch noticed a bump on her left breast In July of 2022. ...

Julie’s life changed forever when she survived a sexual assault. Seeking support, she began healing at the UCLA R**e Treatment Center, where compassionate professionals helped her rebuild her life. The center offers comprehensive care, including therapy and legal guidance. Julie’s journey is a reminder that no one has to face trauma alone. Learn more about the care provided to support survivors like Julie:

UCLA R**e Treatment Center offers healing to sexual assault victims

Protein isn't just for building muscle💪—it's vital for your overall health. From supporting immune function to aiding in tissue repair, protein plays a crucial role in your body's daily functions. Learn more about how much you should be eating at UCLA Health:

The power of protein

As we age, our hair tends to lose its thickness and color. But there are some ways to adapt and help keep your hair healthy. Get tips for keeping your hair strong and vibrant as you grow older:

Your guide to aging and hair

Navigating menopause can be overwhelming, but expert care makes a difference.

Our Comprehensive Menopause Program offers personalized treatments to manage symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood and cognitive changes. We collaborate with multiple specialists and look to the latest research to improve your quality of life, ensuring whole person care for every individual. Share these tips with a friend or loved one for Menopause Awareness Month.💙 💛 Learn more: https://bit.ly/48kaKB2

Our furry pals from UCLA PAC are ready to cheer alongside the Los Angeles Laker Girls for the Los Angeles Lakers this season! There's nothing like local love to brighten the day. 🏀🐾

Early detection saves lives. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, learn more about how you can prevent and detect breast cancer in this Q&A with our breast cancer experts. Full Q&A here: https://ucla.in/48i2Qs4

A rising star in the world of skateboarding, Brooklinn Khoury was on the cusp of a modeling opportunity for a clothing brand when an unexpected incident occurred: her upper lip was severed by a dog.

After a year of research, she discovered plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Do. “He was the first physician to ask me how I was doing — not just about my physical injury, but also about my mental and emotional well-being,” she recalls.

Using skin from her wrist, Dr. Do performed five surgeries to reconstruct her face appearance and structure. It's now been over a year since Brooklinn's final surgery, as she uses her platform to advocate for self-love and resilience. Read her inspiring story🛹: https://ucla.in/3NnZ4DI

📷 🎥:

On a morning filled with deep breaths and deeper connections at the Los Angeles Chargers training facility, "The Bolt," cancer patients, survivors and caretakers opted into a breathwork session led by Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology.

Participants practiced mindfulness alongside players Cameron Dicker, Brenden Rice and DJ Chark, followed by puppy cuddles from Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. Read more: https://ucla.in/3Y2sbkY

Brain health is just as important as physical health, especially for older adults. Engaging in brain games like puzzles, memory exercises, and word games may help keep you sharp as you age. Learn more and read about the four games that experts say offer the best support for an aging brain:

Brain games for older adults

Last month, Mia experienced the glam, glitter and action of a Los Angeles Sparks game with her bestie, Ava. Courtesy of Urban Decay Cosmetics, she got courtside-ready with a VIP glow up and swag bag full of goodies to keep.💄 An Encino local, Mia was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2018 and has been a fighter ever since, undergoing treatments with her dedicated medical team at UCLA Health.

One of her highlights on this night: meeting the legendary Cameron Brink 🌟

Three medical students driven by social justice Breadcrumb Home News & Insights Three medical students driven by social justice First-year medical students received their white coats during a ceremony Sept. 6 at UCLA's Royce Hall. (Photo by Reed Hutchinson/UCLA Health) September 9, 2024 By Kelsie Sandoval 4 min read One-hundred seventy-eight firs...

For six-year-old Raylee, the number 21 isn't just any random number, it’s the day of her lifesaving transplant surgery. Since receiving care from Dr. "Freddie" Fady Kaldas, she’s been living a full life, including a summer Los Angeles Dodgers experience meeting Blake Treinen and sporting her own jersey. Her favorite moments were sharing an ice cream sundae with her brother, and throwing out the first pitch. You're a champ, Raylee. 🙌 Read her story: https://ucla.in/4b7LIFM

For women with early-stage breast cancer, the results from the international NATALEE clinical trial, which included UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center's Dr. Dennis Slamon as principal investigator, have led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

“This is a new option that we can now offer patients that can help further minimize their risk of cancer returning," says Dr. Slamon.

Teri Boudreaux, who finished the trial three years ago, enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and playing her latest hobby: pickleball. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read more at link: https://ucla.in/4eHZ1hJ

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

FDA approval of new drug regimen helps reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence for patients with early-stage disease These findings of the NATALEE clinical trial ultimately led to the FDA approving ribociclib in combination with hormonal therapy for the adjuvant treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer. It was approved on Sept. 17.

Each October, UCLA Health recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month by celebrating the value and talent workers with disabilities contribute to our workplace. We continue to bring attention to fair opportunity and equal access to good jobs for all.

Your well-being is our priority! 💪 When injuries happen unexpectedly and need immediate attention, patients can now seek specialized care with less wait time. Introducing our same-day orthopedic clinic at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, dedicated to walk-ins with acute injuries.

This clinic can address injuries occurring within the past 7 days related to:
➡️ Hand, wrist, shoulder and foot injuries
➡️ Sprains
➡️ Hip, arm or leg fractures
➡️ Dislocations or joint injuries
➡️ Sports injuries

Location & hours:
📍 1225 15th St, Suite 2100
🕐 Weekdays 11 AM to 7 PM

More information here:

Have an orthopedic injury that needs attention right away? UCLA Health opens same-day orthopedic clinic to meet the needs of the community UCLA Health has opened a dedicated walk-in orthopedic clinic in Santa Monica where adults and children with unexpected, acute orthopedic injuries such as fractures, pulled muscles and sprains can go for specialized care without the wait times often associated with emergency room or urgent care visit...

Philanthropic advisor Lisa Gluck felt a persistent, subtle pressure in her chest that would come and go. Initially told it was likely anxiety, Lisa insisted on further testing, and learned she had congenital heart disease. After researching care, she chose Dr. Richard Shemin, recalling she "felt like someone was really listening to me." Lisa is feeling more like herself again after undergoing open heart surgery in May 2023, and encourages other women to advocate for themselves as well.

Today, on World Heart Day, we're putting heart health on the map to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. Read Lisa's story in full:

A patient with a helping heart needed help healing her own Breadcrumb Home News & Insights A patient with a helping heart needed help healing her own After having open heart surgery, Lisa Gluck continues to lend her heart towards serving others. (Photo by Joshua Sudock/ UCLA Health). August 21, 2024 By Chayil Champion, Ed.D 3 min read For more than 15 years...