UCLA Health Pediatric Specialty Care Santa Monica

Dedicated to excellence and global impact, one oncology nurse from UCLA Health has found her niche in training others across the world. Kayla Kafka-Peterson, BSN, RN, a radiation oncology supervisor in the UCLA Brachytherapy Division, discovered a need for an extensive brachytherapy training program specific to nursing. After developing the program for her team, Kafka-Peterson has shared it with nurses throughout the world.

Learn more about Kafka-Peterson’s contribution to nursing and what happened when her passion met purpose (link in bio).
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Plant-based burgers are often marketed as a plant-forward, meatless substitute. Upon looking at the ingredients, are they ultra-processed - and are they any healthier? Read the answer in our Ask the Doctors column:

Health debate over plant-based burgers’ ingredients My roommates are vegetarians, and they eat a lot of those plant-based burgers that look like real beef. I have read the labels, and they have tons of ingredients, some that I can’t pronounce. Isn’t this an ultra-processed food? Are any of them actually good for you?

A UCLA-led study reveals the long-term impact of immigration on Chinese Americans' cardiovascular health, and how those living in L.A. were the most affected. Read more:

Study shows long term-effects of immigration on Chinese Americans’ cardiovascular health Chinese American immigrants face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease depending on length of residence and location in the U.S.

⚠️ Heat alert! The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning in SoCal through Mon, Sept 9th as temperatures are expected to reach the 90s-100s. Take precautionary steps to reduce risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and people who work outdoors. Reminder of tips here:

Temperatures are climbing: Do you know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion? Temperatures are climbing: Do you know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Elisabeth Okun and Susan Dorsey call themselves the "Fierce Sisters," having both fought ovarian cancer. When Elisabeth was diagnosed, she urged her sister Susan to get screened for early detection.

In late July, their first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers game marked a significant milestone in their battles with cancer, and their commitment to promote ovarian cancer awareness. Both are now cancer-free, and urge the important message that "early detection saves lives." Read more about their journey: https://ucla.in/3ASGroB

It is your last opportunity for a chance to win an unforgettable VIP experience with Jeff Lynne’s ELO! You and a guest will get access to the exclusive Jeff Lynne’s ELO lounge with a green screen photo booth, delicious appetizers, and drink tickets. The event takes place in Chicago – airfare and hotel are included.

All entries will support the Simms Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, which provides holistic care to cancer patients and their families through mind, body, and spirit.

Donate $10 or more to support the Simms Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology and enter for a chance to win. *Use the promo code 'UCLA' when you make a donation to receive 200 bonus entries. Donate and enter here: prizeo.com/jefflynne

Could the secret to boosting your mood be found in a sauna? Heat therapy is showing promise as a potential treatment for depression, according to new research. Learn more from UCLA Health experts as we Ask The Doctors:

Heat therapy may alleviate depression, study suggests

If you are tired of being tired, it may be time to learn more about insomnia. Nearly one in three adults experience insomnia at some point in their lives, experiencing either short-term (acute) or longer-term (chronic) difficulty falling asleep. Get to know the signs, symptoms, and solutions for this common sleep disorder:

Can't sleep? What you need to know about insomnia

Supporting a new mom starts with knowing what to say — and what not to say. Even well-intentioned comments can cause stress or hurt feelings. Read more about how to support a new mom with compassion and encouragement by avoiding these five common phrases:

What not to say to a new mom See five common phrases that you SHOULDN’T say to new moms — and what to do instead. Even the most well-meaning advice to a new mother can hit the wrong note.

Cognitive health extends beyond the brain, involving every aspect of physical health. Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a professor-in-residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA Health and a geriatric integrative psychiatrist, identifies six categories that affect your cognitive health here:

Cognitive health isn't just about the mind

As this amazing month comes to an end, we want to congratulate our world champion doctors on their support of the USA Basketball Men's and Women's teams. This entire summer, the UCLA Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine team provided world-class care both on and off the court for this elite group. We look forward to continuing our partnership and team care moving toward 2028 in our hometown!

$120 million gift to UCLA from Dr. Gary Michelson and his wife Alya Michelson will help launch California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy and reimagine the Westside Pavilion.

The Michelsons’ gift will focus on rapid vaccine development, harnessing the microbiome to advance human health, and support research by promising early-career scientists.

Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Michelson! Your generosity will spur breakthroughs, create jobs, and save lives.

Learn more:

UCLA receives $120 million from Alya and Gary Michelson for new California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy LOS ANGELES, August 27, 2024 - UCLA has received a $120 million commitment from surgeon, inventor and philanthropist Dr. Gary Michelson and his wife, Alya, to kick-start the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, an innovative public-private partnership aimed at spurring breakthrough...

Having good posture is more than just a way to help you look and feel confident – it is essential to your overall health. Chronic pain, trouble breathing and even digestive problems can result from poor posture. Discover tips to improve your posture and enhance your well-being:

Why good posture matters

Helping children cope with back-to-school anxiety

Maui attorney turns brain cancer journey into hope for others Jamil Newirth beat the odds thanks to a novel cancer vaccine developed by Dr. Linda Liau. And now, he’s doing everything in his power to support cutting-edge cancer research and provide extra support to individuals going through cancer treatment.

An endurance sports enthusiast at the age of 41, Hilary regularly competed in adventure racing until a colonoscopy showed a cancerous tumor. She was treated by a multidisciplinary team and has since eased back to an active life, resuming outrigger training. She enjoyed a night with the Los Angeles Dodgers early in the season, and had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Thank you for sharing your story, Hilary 💙 💛

Her story: https://bit.ly/4dfl7rr

Hormonal changes that naturally occur with certain life events, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause aren’t the only reasons hormones become unbalanced.

Recognizing the symptoms when they happen can provide the clues you need to identify an underlying issue. Read in full:

7 signs of a hormonal imbalance — and what to do about it There are many conditions that can cause hormonal dysfunction. Recognizing the signs of a hormonal imbalance can help you get the relief you need.

The Simms Mann UCLA Center is incredibly grateful to Jeff Lynne's ELO, for generously donating an unforgettable VIP experience to their final U.S. tour! You and a guest could win access to the exclusive ELO lounge with a green screen photo booth, delicious appetizers, and drink tickets. The event takes place in Chicago – airfare and hotel are included.

All entries will support the Simms Mann UCLA Center, which provides holistic care to cancer patients and their families through mind, body, and spirit.

Donate $10 or more to support the Simms Mann UCLA Center and enter for a chance to win. *Use the promo code 'UCLA' when you make a donation to receive 200 bonus entries. Donate and enter here: prizeo.com/jefflynne

We're excited to rep blue and yellow with our latest partnership announcement 💙 💛 As the Official Medical Partner for the Los Angeles Chargers, we will provide leading-edge orthopedic and sports medicine care to the team. 🏈

We'll be collaborating with the Los Angeles Chargers on initiatives to expand health care resources to our greater LA community. Look out for hospital visits from the team, and health care heroes honored at home games. Read announcement here: https://ucla.in/3WIesiJ

Feeling bloated? We've got you covered!

A bloated tummy can cause pain, gas and stomach gurgling. Knowing the causes and making some lifestyle changes can help you prevent it.

Most bloating is temporary, but if you experience persistent symptoms, consult your doctor. For more health tips, read the full article for more details or visit UCLA Health! ✨ https://bit.ly/3RUyFjB

Last week, former Los Angeles Dodgers player and Bruin UCLA Alumni player Eric Karros paid a special visit to several night shift nurses, signing Dodgers hats and sharing smiles. Thank you to these health care heroes who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to our patients 💙 💛

Chef Sonny Sweetman is known for his unwavering culinary artistry, having worked in kitchens for Oprah Winfrey, Wolfgang Puck, and more. In early 2022, when he began experiencing blurriness in his vision, he figured it was just a part of aging.

After being referred to a specialist immediately, Sonny, 53, was diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a rare type of cancer that occurs in the eye. As he was introduced to a team of specialists, the Hepzato Kit procedure, a liver-directed treatment, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and brought to Sweetman’s attention.

Today, Sweetman is back in the kitchen doing what he loves. Read more about his procedure: https://ucla.in/3AjuGHm

in 2002, the largest medical team assembled in UCLA Health's history performed a marathon surgery to separate 1-year-old conjoined twins Maria Teresa and Maria de Jesús. Find out how long the procedure lasted and how many lives were changed here: https://ow.ly/Q7Gv50SSypb.

A new UCLA Health program that launched in June distributes a free hospital-grade breast pump for breastfeeding patients enrolled in the federally funded Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

High-quality pumps often come at a price point, and insurance coverage can be difficult or time-consuming. For Eliana Cantu from Fresno County, getting support from the hospital's lactation staff was invaluable. While her baby boy was in the NICU for more than a month, she received support from lactation staff.

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Read more about the new program here:
https://ucla.in/3YxUIRb

UCLA health provides free hospital-grade breast pumps to WIC moms with babies in NICU Breadcrumb Home News & Insights UCLA health provides free hospital-grade breast pumps to WIC moms with babies in NICU Mom Eliana Cantu and her daughter, Marleen, visit with baby Ian in the NICU. (Photo courtesy of Eliana Cantu) August 5, 2024 By Alana Prisco 2 min read Having a baby in the neonatal....

When 13-year-old Luka was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (SAA), he faced an uncertain future. Now, at 15, he’s healthy, thriving, and ready to start 10th grade as an honors student. Luka recently had the opportunity to meet 17 of the donors whose blood and platelets helped save his life. The annual reunion luncheon hosted by the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center showcases the lifesaving power of donations and the strength of community. Read more:

Teen’s blood donors kept him alive – now they are one big family Breadcrumb Home News & Insights Teen’s blood donors kept him alive – now they are one big family Luka Simunac was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia at age 13. Luka Simunac had a chance to meet some of his family of blood and platelet donors. (Photo by Nick Carranza) July 23, 2024 By Nicole C...