UCLA Health Connect

New technologies open window to diagnose and treat congenital conditions before birth

In the U.S., about 3% of babies are born with a birth defect or congenital abnormality

Ashley Judd opens up about emotional resilience during Friends of Semel program

A support network was crucial to helping the actress-activist process her mother’s death earlier this year

Children's mild diarrhea is expected, can be treated at home

After our 4-year-old daughter started daycare, she had a few episodes of diarrhea. It lasted only a day or two each time, but it’s not something that happened while we were home during the pandemic. What causes it? Is it dangerous? What’s the best way to treat it?

FIT test good alternative for those who won't get colonoscopy

I’m a 72-year-old man, and I was supposed to get a colonoscopy last year. I was surprised when my insurance company sent me an at-home kit to do a colon cancer screening. It was a lot easier than a colonoscopy, but my question is, can it be accurate?

For incarcerated people with disabilities, making space in health equity

The UCLA Social Justice in Criminal Neuropsychology Program aims to improve life outcomes for incarcerated people

Ultraprocessed foods engineered to target reward centers

Why is ditching junk food so hard? I know I should have an apple instead of a doughnut, but when I crave a snack, I don’t reach for the fruit bowl. Making and then breaking the promise to eat healthy makes me feel like a failure. How can a junk food addict like me get back on track?

Staff dog joins care team at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

Isha, the new pediatric facility pooch, is already brightening spirits

Bypass surgery requires recuperation and lifestyle changes

My brother-in-law is 57 years old, and he is getting coronary bypass surgery. I don’t want to bother him or my sister with a lot of questions right now, but I do want to understand what is happening. Why is this surgery needed, and how is it done? Will it fix whatever is wrong?

Junk food is engineered to taste good, not satisfy

Can you please talk about what makes something count as “junk food”? My diet has been less than stellar during the pandemic, and not only did I gain weight, but I just got the news that I have prediabetes. Specifics about how those kinds of food are bad for your health would help a lot.

Dermatologist best doctor to see for lichen planus

Ask the Doctors answers a few of your most-asked questions this month

New COVID-19 booster has two-pronged approach

How important is it to get the new COVID-19 booster? My husband and I are in our mid-40s and in good health. We both got the Moderna vaccine when it first came out, and we got a booster, too. What’s in this new shot? Also, is it true that it’s a good idea to switch up vaccine brands?

GERD is more than just heartburn

I’m a 44-year-old man, and I’m a bit overweight. I’ve been having trouble with what I thought was heartburn, but my doctor says it’s actually something called GERD. How is that different from heartburn? She prescribed medication, but I wonder what else I can do that might help.

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