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Featured articles
Everything SD
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Food & Drink
Things to Do
Everything SD
Even in San Diego, many people come up short on the sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D is essential to good health. It helps keep our bones strong, prevent chronic conditions, and may play a role in immune function. Vitamin D earned its nickname “the sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced naturally by our bodies when we’re exposed to ultraviolet light. It can also be obtained via foods, including egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified cereal and dairy products; or from supplements. Yet, despite its importance, it’s estimated that more than 40 percent of Americans don’t get enough. Think you may be one of them? Learn what signs to look out for here.
While sunshine may up our vitamin D production, it also contributes to the development of dark spots on the skin. These spots—technical name “lentigines”—resemble freckles and are more common in people with lighter skin. The best way to prevent them is avoiding sunlight, but that’s virtually impossible. There is some hope though. Find out about lasers and other treatments that can banish spots here.
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San Diego Magazine has partnered with Scripps Health to bring you the stories behind some of the most innovative health care in America, happening right here in San Diego. Stay tuned for more inspiration from San Diego Health.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
A San Diego Police sergeant shot in the line of duty makes an incredible recovery
On the night of December 7, 2023, San Diego Police Sgt. Anthony Elliott’s life changed forever. He was shot in the head while responding to a call. He was taken to the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, one of two Level I trauma centers in the Scripps system. His doctors were amazed that he remained conscious and alert. He had surgery to repair his skull, then transitioned to the medical-surgical unit, where he began physical therapy. Tony also enrolled in Scripps’ Brain Injury Rehab Outpatient Program. Though his journey wasn’t easy, his hard work and determination, combined with the expert care he received, allowed him to return to the career he loves just one year later. Read more about Tony’s story and the specialized care he received at Scripps here.
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Tips to keep your heart healthy through the holidays and beyond
Ever heard of the “Christmas holiday effect”? Your cardiologist has. The term refers to the annual uptick in cardiovascular deaths in late December and early January. The reasons for the increase are many. Issues with stress, poorly controlled blood pressure, and delays in seeing the doctor or going to the hospital can exacerbate heart conditions and overindulging can play a role for those with a history of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Even deviating from your normal routine may be significant enough to impact heart health. Click here for a Scripps cardiologist’s recommendations for keeping your heart healthy.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
A young athlete beat testicular cancer with the support of Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center
Sean
In May 2021, 22-year-old Sean O’Callaghan made a life-changing discovery that took him on an unexpected health journey. One side of his testicles looked bigger than the other, then he started to experience numbness and pain. Sean went to his primary care physician and heard the news no one wants to hear—it was likely testicular cancer. He sought treatment at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and his care team coordinated a disease-specific care plan that included surgery and chemotherapy. He kept a positive outlook throughout treatment and is now cancer-free. Read more of his story here.
When in doubt, get it checked out—that’s the message for men with any testicular concerns. Testicular cancer is most common in men ages 15 to 44. As with many cancers, the key to successful treatment is early detection. Click here for common symptoms of testicular cancer.
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The 53rd Scripps Invitational Golf Tournament raised more than $600,000
Scripps Image 1
The 53rd Scripps Invitational Golf Tournament on September 30 raised more than $600,000 for research and innovation at Scripps Clinic. Golfers enjoyed an afternoon on the Torrey Pines South Golf Course, which was followed by an outdoor awards reception at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Also, long-time volunteer and supporter, Jean Snow-Anderson, received the Ellen Browning Scripps Humanitarian Award for her contributions to Scripps Health.
That said, this holiday season, it’s better to give and receive. You may not be getting all the tax advantages of your charitable donations and the clock may be running out to cash in on philanthropy’s financial benefits. Click here to find out if your donations may qualify for a tax break if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return.
A guide to gifts that keep kids moving—safely
Healthy Gifts
The holidays are right around the corner and while electronics and the must-have toys of the year are probably pretty high on your child’s wish list, gifts that will keep them active have far better benefits. Active play can help kids develop healthy habits early on and can also promote academic performance, improve sleep, sharpen motor skills, decrease stress, and boost self-esteem. There are a ton of options to keep active kids engaged, such as bikes, sports equipment, and fun experiences like surf lessons or a trip to a trampoline park. And as always, safety is paramount. Check out our top picks for holiday gifts here.
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