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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San Diego summers can be brutal. But since the hottest period is typically late summer into early fall, San Diegans still have time to prepare. The pros at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical are standing by to help homeowners fortify their homes against the elements and ensure their air conditioning is as frosty as the penguins that serve as the company’s mascots.
Many homeowners underestimate the load their AC system faces, especially in the inland valleys where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. San Diego regularly sees multi-day heatwaves each summer, and a system that struggles on the first day will likely fail by the third.Longer run times, unusual sounds or smells, and uneven cooling from room to room are all signs that your system may not survive the next hot spell.
Systems typically last 12 to 17 years, but there are exceptions. If a system is approaching that, or is already there, a professional evaluation is recommended before summer really heats up. A good rule of thumb: If you can’t remember when your system was last serviced, it’s due.
“As technology changes, systems become smarter and smarter,” says Sean O’Connor, an install manager at Mauzy with 42 years of experience. “There are a lot of people out there who will say a system’s only good for 10 years. I don’t buy that—these systems are built to last as long as they’re taken care of.”
There are also a few steps homeowners can take between services to extend the life of their system. Regularly changing a dirty filter—especially if you have kids or pets—and keeping an outdoor unit clean can help head off problems in the future, says O’Connor.
Also, be realistic about whether it’s time to replace a unit. O’Connor likens pouring money into salvaging a faulty unit with patchwork repairs and replacement parts to “tripping over a dollar to pick up a dime.” When one part fails, others are sure to follow, and newer parts may not be compatible with older units. Mauzy recommends homeowners use the 50% rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of the system’s replacement value, and the equipment is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better long-term value. And don’t forget the ducting. An older house that was built with heat and later had air conditioning added may not have sufficient airflow, regardless of how good the system is.
Last but not least, homeowners should know who to trust when it comes to their homes. Built on three generations of professional integrity, Mauzy has grown into not just a leader for cooling, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, but a leader in the community known for supporting local nonprofits across an array of causes. To ensure complete peace of mind, Mauzy stands behind a comprehensive 12-point guarantee that outlines its commitment to outstanding service, quality equipment, expert technicians who understand how the local microclimates affect HVAC performance, and no upsells or surprises on the bill.
“We go the extra mile. That’s what sets us apart,” O’Connor says. To get a free quote today, visit mauzy.com.
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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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 herefor a Scripps cardiologist’s recommendations for keeping your heart healthy.
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The 53rd Scripps Invitational Golf Tournament raised more than $600,000
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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.
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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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How Scripps is making leading-edge surgical care more convenient and accessible
Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedics is changing for the better, and Scripps is at the forefront. Delivering quality care is at the heart of Scripps’ mission, and its orthopedics program is a pillar of that excellence. Advanced technology and expanded capabilities in the orthopedics field are making invasive procedures and extended hospital stays things of the past for many patients. Their surgical needs can often be better met through outpatient procedures that allow them to receive the same world-class care, but recover in the comfort of their own homes. Scripps’ orthopedic surgeons see patients with a wide range of conditions, many of which can now be treated on an outpatient basis. This includes both common and complex procedures, such as hip and knee replacements; spine surgery; hand, wrist and elbow surgery; and treatment for sports-related injuries. Read more about the benefits of outpatient surgery and Scripps’ ambulatory surgery centers here.
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