Globally recognized for its myriad health benefits, sea moss, a nutrient-rich seaweed, enhances immune function, aids digestion, and supports skin health. The surging interest in sea moss has flooded the market with diverse supplements, complicating choices for individuals seeking the best sea moss supplement to purchase.
As sea moss demand rises, careful consideration is vital to navigating the supplement landscape for maximum well-being benefits. This list of sea moss supplements is crafted to assist you in refining your choice through extensive research on top-rated sea moss contenders, emphasizing quality, potency, and effectiveness.
At the forefront is Riti Irish Sea Moss Complex Gummies—Nature’s Ocean-Borne Superfood. Other valuable brands include Oweli, Elm & Rye, Herb’s Pro, and others. Let’s explore the best sea moss supplements in 2024, gaining a notable perspective to enhance well-being and harness the extensive health benefits of sea moss.
If you want an assurance of top-quality Irish sea moss supplement, Riti Irish Sea Moss Supplement is your choice.
It comes in the form of tasty gummies and is not only a treat for your taste buds but also serves as a chewable solution for those seeking the benefits of Irish Sea Moss in their weight management journey.
What sets Riti Irish Sea Moss Gummies apart is that its delicious taste is derived from natural berry flavor rather than artificial additives. This flavor not only excites your taste buds but also imparts a sense of fullness and satisfaction, effectively curbing additional calorie intake.
Weight management is not the only thing that Ritis Irish sea moss gummies help with, it contains over 92 vital vitamins and trace elements that help to nourish healthy skin giving you that young forever skin free from pores.
The secret behind the effectiveness of Riti Irish Sea Moss Gummies lies in its natural ingredients including the best Irish Sea Moss, Bladderwrack, and Burdock Root. With two gummies a day, you get to enjoy a wide range of health benefits, including weight management, promotion of healthy skin, reduction of inflammation, immune-system boost, and fast digestion.
Pros
Natural ingredients including Bladderwrack and Burdock root
The Oweli organic sea moss supplement is an affordable Irish moss supplement that gets you feeling energized and vibrant every day. It comes in the form of vegan-friendly capsules and is high in immune-boosting nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. The inclusion of iodine further enhances its value, ensuring the optimal functioning of your thyroid system like a well-oiled machine.
Oweli sea moss supplement is often recommended for individuals with low sexual drive. Beyond Irish sea moss, Bladderwrack, and Burdock, it contains Bioperine—a compound known to enhance erectile dysfunction and stimulate sexual desire. Moreover, this compound also plays a vital role in improving how the body absorbs nutrients from food.
With two capsules of Oweli daily, you can enjoy all the enriching health benefits of this Irish sea moss supplement.
Pros
Affordable
Provides immune boost
Promotes healthy skin
100-day money back guarantee
Cons
Not suitable for people with swallowing difficulty
Elm & Rye Sea Moss supplement is another top Irish sea moss supplement. It comes in the form of capsules that are gelatin-free, easy to consume, and vegan-friendly.
Rich in Iodine, a micronutrient that supports thyroid function, Elm & Rye Irish sea moss is recommended for people with thyroid dysfunction. It is also recommended for those battling with eating disorders as Elm & Rye Irish sea moss capsules are rich in fiber that gives the feeling of fullness, effectively curbing the tendency to overeat.
The secret behind the effectiveness of Elm & Rye Irish Sea moss supplements lies in its natural ingredients including the Irish Sea Moss, glycerine, water, and organic medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).
With two organic sea moss capsules taken once a day, you get to enjoy a wide range of health benefits, including the promotion of thyroid health, weight management, and promotion of a healthy heart.
4. Herb’s Pro: Affordable Sea Moss Gummies With Numerous Health Benefits
Brand Description
Herb’s Pro Sea Moss Gummies is one of the cheapest Irish sea moss supplements that provide value for your money.
By coming in a gummy form, this Sea Moss supplement is best for people who want to enjoy various health benefits of Irish sea moss supplements but find swallowing capsules challenging, or simply enjoy the ease of consuming soft foods.
Much like Riti, Herb’s Pro contains Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculo sus), Burdock (Articum lappa), essential vitamins and minerals that help to fight aging by enhancing skin hydration, adding a glow that defies the effects of time.
In addition to that, Herb’s Pro contains micronutrients (Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron) that help to promote a healthy mood and energy to keep you going during your workout sessions making it a top choice for bodybuilders and those pursuing weight loss goals.
Pros
Support healthy skin
Gluten-free and Vegan-friendly
Promotes healthy mood and energy
Alternative for bodybuilders who are allergic to caffeine
5. Prorganiq: Best Sea Moss With Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Brand Description
If price is your ultimate factor, the Prorganiq Sea Moss supplement is your answer. It is the best choice for individuals prioritizing well-being as it’s packed with essential vitamins & minerals, dietary fiber, and micro bacteria that help with gut and liver health.
Also, if you are battling digestive health, a 1000 mg daily dosage, as recommended, would help improve digestion and immune function.
The Prorganiq Sea Moss supplement contains the best organic sea moss, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), Burdock (Articum lappa) root, and Bioperine, making sure that nutrients packed in each capsule get utilized by the body.
Pros
Affordable
Natural ingredients
Support for the immune system
Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
60-day money back guarantee
Cons
Only available for purchase online.
What is Sea Moss?
Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus), also known as the Irish sea moss or Irish Moss, is a form of red algae that naturally grows on North America’s and Europe’s Atlantic coasts (notably Ireland). Regarding nutrition and dietary advantages, it is a vegan and gluten-free source of over 90 minerals and vitamins.
Sea Moss has gained popularity for its many health benefits and ease of use in daily consumption. Its extract, Carrageenan, is often used as a thickener in many foods. It can be consumed as a smoothie or used in producing health capsules as supplements.
How Do Sea Moss Supplements Work?
Sea Moss Supplements work by unleashing a myriad of agents the body needs to function optimally. Vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and organic microbacteria are the agents of this magic.
The Vitamins and minerals packed within Sea Moss supplements range from blood-producing Iron and Vitamin B-complex to immunity-boosting Vitamin C, zinc, and iron. By improving thyroid function, Sea Moss supplements help improve immunity and ensure the body maintains a healthy metabolic rate.
Further exploring metabolism and digestion, Sea Moss supplements contain important gut micro bacteria that ensure good bowel movement. In addition, dietary fibers in Sea Moss supplements ensure that a person feels full after eating. This especially comes in handy when on a keto diet that requires supplements.
By providing good gut motility, improving metabolic function, and providing much-needed nutrients, skin hydration and glow come as natural effects. In addition, Sea Moss supplements contain healthy blood thinners, which help to unclog arteries and blood clots.
A combination of improved liver function and good cardio produces a detoxification effect following the use of Sea Moss supplements. The liver works better in detoxifying the blood, while the free blood flow ensures that toxins reach the liver at a better rate and are flushed out of dangerous sites quickly.
How Do We Choose The Best Sea Moss Supplements?
Medical research, nutrition research, product testing, and customer reviews are all integral parts we employ in ensuring that we select the best Sea Moss supplements out there.
Safety
Sea Moss supplements must be safe for consumption. There are many acclaimed products with varying degrees of truth about them. We work with FDA-certified products and supplements where third-party testing is prioritized.
The emphasis on ensuring safety is medical approval for consumption and if the testing was done without a bias from the company itself.
Effectiveness
Efficacy is an essential aspect of supplements, especially sea moss supplements. Bioavailability is the scientific word we expound on when choosing supplements. Granted, the best sea moss products have specific amounts of vitamins in each capsule. How much of it can the body access?
Our recommended Sea Moss supplements have healthy bioavailable amounts of each ingredient they profess to.
Cost
Cost is an essential factor in balancing quality with bargaining power. We first look for the best quality Sea Moss supplements and then balance them with their prices.
Convenience
Convenience is key. How easy is it to swallow each serving of the supplement? How many capsules per serving? Are there gummies or, at best, sea moss pills? All these factors ensure that we select the Sea Moss supplements that provide ease of consumption.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Choosing Sea Moss Supplements
Sea Moss supplements must be chosen carefully. Although parameters screen the basic set of supplements for consumption safety, convenience, and its effect on the pocket, other parameters ensure a customer gets the best sea moss to buy.
Brand Reputation
Social proof is a common language in product testing for good reason. What is the brand reputation among short-term and long-term users? Similarly, what is the brand reputation among medical and accredited professionals?
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If a supplement is good or bad, the brand reputation often gives a good hint. Always go for the best sea moss brands.
Quality and Sourcing
The quality of the supplement and the source are essential. Be careful to look for genetically modified organisms and synthesized ingredients. Research has shown that organic sources for supplements are healthy and safe. In addition, the body properly digests and metabolizes organic supplements compared with synthesized supplements
Supplement Forms
Supplement forms determine consumption. For instance, gelatin coats have increased slipperiness and ensure a soft landing when ingested. Ensuring that the Sea Moss supplement comes in a gelatin-coated form is essential when there is increased irritation or a preference for pills with the least friction.
Similarly, some Sea Moss supplements come in gummy forms to encourage soft chewing. It is awesome for individuals who need the chewing exercise as much as possible. Finally, Sea Moss supplements can come in drinks or powder forms for lovers of drinks or seamless additions.
Ingredients
Ingredients are essential in selecting Sea Moss supplements. Individual differences and peculiarities may cause adverse reactions that are otherwise normal for others. Always research the components of each Sea Moss supplement, especially for ingredients a person may be allergic to.
Health Benefits
Sea Moss supplements have many health benefits. In summary, they help by increasing immunity, gut movement & health, and skin glow, and provide a healthy portion of essential vitamins and minerals.
It is essential to note the individual benefits that come with each supplement. By adding Bioperine, a black pepper extract, some Sea Moss supplements will cause increased bioavailability and absorption.
Taste
Many powder, capsule, or tablet forms of most Sea Moss supplements are tasteless. However, Sea Moss itself tastes like fish. It allows for easy use with food while eliminating the fear of not enjoying the taste of the food.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews should be emphasized! Social proofing allows us to leverage past consumers and their experiences. Similar to brand reputation, but more specifically, customer reviews help us understand many aspects of a Sea Moss supplement.
Most importantly, customer reviews offer fresh insight into Sea moss supplements a person may have yet to notice due to human error or bias.
Benefits of Sea Moss Supplements
Sea Moss Supplements offer an exceptional way to get much-needed daily vitamins and minerals when it becomes a struggle to quantify those little nuances. “Get 50mg of this, 20mg of that.” Sea moss supplements help you get rid of that worry.
They go readily with meals: Many Sea Moss supplements easily blend without worrying about drug-food interaction. It takes a lot of stress off people needing to improve at remembering rules when taking supplements. Just pop a capsule or two in when you eat!
They make the taste of your meal good! Sea Moss supplements can be enjoyed with virtually any meal because they do not have a preference. It’s a seamless addition to meals, yet highly beneficial.
Dietary fiber helps when looking to lose weight. Dietary fiber provides enough energy and nutrients that carbs would, but it’s not carbs! It allows you to feel full longer than you would if taking a meal.
It allows you to cut on carbs without dealing with the pangs of hunger that make the process an ordeal—ultimately helping with weight loss.
Who Should Avoid Taking Sea Moss Supplements?
Some individuals need to be mindful or refrain from consuming sea moss for various reasons.
If you have allergies, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re aware of the ingredients in the sea moss you plan to take to prevent adverse reactions.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should take precautions when considering sea moss supplementation due to its iodine content. Misuse of iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both of which pose risks for the fetus and newborns.
The elderly are another group that should be cautious about sea moss intake. Aging often brings about reduced drug clearance and metabolic changes, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy.
For individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), it is advisable to avoid sea moss, as it has been shown to worsen symptoms.
If you belong to any of these groups, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating sea moss into your diet to ensure your safety.
Yes, the dietary fibers found in sea moss help keep the belly full longer. It works by providing the energy your body craves through hunger but at an extended period compared to carbohydrates. It allows extended energy release without needing to overeat.
By reducing the intake of those devilish carbs, sea moss helps with weight loss.
Q2. Can you use sea moss for hair growth?
Summarily, yes.
Although the genetic makeup of individuals plays significant roles in hair growth, other factors, like healthy nutrient intake, hydration, good metabolism, and overall wellness, play vital roles.
Sea Moss indirectly contributes to hair growth by improving thyroid function and vitamin and mineral availability. Also, research on Sea Moss has found direct connections with hair growth.
Q3. What are the side effects of sea moss?
Although relatively safe, excessive sea moss and intake in people with underlying medical conditions may cause adverse effects.
Some of the side effects include iodine poisoning and heavy metal poisoning. In people with blood and thyroid complications, the therapeutic effect of sea moss on the blood and thyroid may switch to being harmful.
Q4. Can you take sea moss daily?
Yes, sea moss can be taken daily.
The essential factor in taking sea moss is moderation and adherence to recommended dosage. To prevent adverse side effects, it is essential to avoid exceeding this dosage. For added safety, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for proper guidance.
Q5: What is the best form of sea moss to take?
The best form of sea moss to take depends on personal preferences and how you plan to incorporate it into your routine. Sea moss gummies, powder and capsules are available options you can consider based on your preferences and convenience. For people with swallowing difficulties, Riti Sea Moss gummy is recommended.
Q6: How long does it take sea moss to work?
The timeline varies: in some people, it takes days to notice changes, others in weeks, and for some, it may take months. It all boils down to individual genetics and adherence to recommended dosage. If you notice no changes after 2-3 months, consult with your healthcare provider for review.
Concluding Thoughts: Which Is The Best Sea Moss Supplement On The Market?
Sea Moss supplements offer a convenient and healthy way of ensuring the intake of essential minerals and vitamins. They help you lose weight and improve thyroid, liver, and gut function. They also boost immunity and skin health.
However, the benefits you enjoy with Irish sea moss supplements completely depend on your chosen brand. Apart from pricing, only consider clean supplements that contain high-quality ingredients.
Looking for a recommendation? As per our assessment, Riti is the best brand to buy sea moss supplements in 2024. It contains organic ingredients in precisely dosed capsules that are hassle-free to include in your wellness regime.
Feel free to also check out the other brands if you have different criteria in mind. Add sea moss supplements to your routine and move towards a healthier you- today!
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Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: Advanced Pain and Regenerative Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Dr. Navneet Boddu is San Diego’s leading specialist in regenerative medicine and pain medicine. With more than 28 years of experience and board certifications in both pain medicine and anesthesiology, Dr. Boddu uses image guidance and precision treatments to provide personalized, non-surgical care for spine and joint disorders.
At Advanced Pain and Regenerative Specialists, Dr. Boddu specializes in autologous stem cells and PRP treatments. Utilizing the latest medical technology and evidence-based cellular therapies, he uses patients’ own cells to repair and heal joints, tendons, ligaments, and spine disorders. He is also one of the few physicians in the country who conducted FDA-authorized Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell treatment for patients with severe COVID-19. It’s this commitment to innovation that has made him a seven-time Top Doctor in San Diego County and a national leader in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Boddu received the 2025 Manchikanti Excellence Award in Regenerative Medicine. He is faculty at several national and international conferences on regenerative medicine and is a member of the Editorial Board of Pain Physician, a medical journal.
Visit
2125 S El Camino Real, Suite 200, Oceanside, California 92054 760-429-7172 | advpainandregen.com
Faces of Healthcare 2026: AURAE MD Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At AURAE MD, aesthetic medicine is not about disguising the aging process. For Dr. Margo Aura Emami, it is about understanding how to work with the body’s own capacity to repair and renew.
A Harvard-educated physician with more than 30 years of advanced procedural experience, Dr. Emami has built AURAE MD around a distinctly medical approach: one that begins with biology, anatomy, and long-term tissue health rather than trends or minimally effective corrections.
Her philosophy is rooted in regenerative medicine. Rather than relying on temporary injections, she evaluates how aging affects collagen production, cellular function, skin quality, facial structure, and healing—and designs treatment plans that support the body’s intrinsic regenerative processes.
That may mean combining growth factors, peptides, collagen-stimulating technologies, precision injectables, energy-based therapies, and medical-grade skincare in a deliberately sequenced approach. Because every procedure at AURAE MD is physician-administered, Dr. Emami can continuously evaluate tissue response and determine what should come next—or whether anything more is needed at all.
Her distinction lies in judgment: knowing when to intervene, how aggressively to treat, and when a more measured approach will create the better outcome.
The goal is not to mask age or manufacture a different face. It is to preserve vitality, support the skin’s natural ability to function more youthfully, and help patients look unmistakably like themselves.
As we’re getting closer to closing out 2026, it’s an ideal time to turn the focus back to health and wellness and really think about what you need to feel your best. You can’t give your best self to other people unless you’re taking care of yourself.
But what health and wellness means is totally up to you. Sometimes, self-care looks like addressing stress, anxiety, or burnout. Or, it can mean taking the time to realign your body spirit. And some other times still, it involves trading your 9 to 5 responsibilities for a sweat session on the court. Only you can decide what you truly need. We’re just here to help you find the best ways to get it.
Healcove Chiropractic
Maybe you’ve been feeling a bit tense or stressed out—totally understandable in today’s hustle and bustle world. Or it could be that you’re not quite moving the way you want to. Sometimes, it’s just that the accumulation of days, weeks, or even years of daily strain is starting to take a toll. If your body’s out of sync, everything else tends to be, too. Low-grade chronic pain and reduced mobility can take a lot out of a person.
The board-certified chiropractors and wellness professionals at Healcove Chiropractic are experts at addressing that stage where you’re not injured, exactly, but you’re not at 100%, either. Named San Diego Magazine’s “Best Chiropractor in San Diego” in 2025 and 2026, Healcove Chiropractic aims to provide integrated, preventative care centered on long-term, science-backed approaches that ensure each patient can stay as active as possible and live life with less pain. The secret is individualized care. Every patient can expect a thorough 60-minute consultation session that includes a posture and movement screening, which allows the team to develop a personalized plan.
Courtesy of Healcove Chiropractic
Depending on the results, that may include any combination of chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy, or functional fitness training. Whatever the team recommends, you can be sure that it’s tailored to meeting your body’s needs today and the future.
Healcove also uses unconventional therapies to treat common conditions, like Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, a clinical rehabilitation method that retrains the body’s stabilization systems and helps active adults and former athletes improve core strength, mobility, and movement efficiency. Then there’s vibration and sound therapy. Healcove’s Vibe Table uses precise sound frequencies and gentle vibration to relax and recalibrate the body.
Everwell Acupuncture
Research shows that by stimulating specific points on the body with tiny, painless needles, a natural healing response is activated, helping to restore balance, regulate the nervous system, and improve overall wellbeing.
The practice of acupuncture has been used for centuries to address an expansive range of conditions, from chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and digestive issues to stress and burnout, migraines, fertility and postpartum struggles, hormonal imbalances, sleep concerns, and more. Everwell, a holistic acupuncture practice based in Solana Beach, works to heal body, mind, and spirit with a blend of modern, evidence-based acupuncture, classical Chinese medicine, and personalized care. Its highly trained, doctorate-level practitioners don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they aim to transform what care can look like. No more feeling rushed, misunderstood, or like the answers you were seeking are still out of reach.
Patients at Everwell are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience care rooted in intentional listening and radical empathy that leaves patients feeling seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. Providers at Everwell focus on uncovering the underlying imbalances that drive physical symptoms. For example, its General Vitality regimen—a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance—is designed for women on the go.
Courtesy of Everwell
This offering can support low energy and burnout, brain fog and poor focus, disrupted sleep, stress resilience and nervous system regulation, and whole-body balance and stamina. If you’ve never tried acupuncture before or aren’t sure if the team will be a fit, Everwell’s complimentary 20-minute consultation is highly recommended. What follows is a two-hour initial in-take appointment to determine the best course of action. Every question and concern will be addressed by a dedicated practitioner who wants to find the specific solutions that work best for you.
Everwell isn’t just another healthcare provider; it’s a dedicated partner who will be there for each patient’s health journey.
USA Pickleball Association
Pickleball is one of the hottest hobbies in the health and wellness space right now. Its popularity has soared over the past few years, so much so that it’s become the fastest-growing sport in the country, with an estimated 24 million people (or more!) regularly picking up the pickleball paddle.
Courtesy of USA Pickleball National Championships
Pickleball has captivated players of all ages and fitness levels, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fairly easy to learn, it’s fun, and because the court is smaller than a traditional tennis court, it requires far less running, though it’s still a high-energy sport. It’s also a great form of stress relief that encourages social connection. Though pickleball is generally thought of as a newer sport, it’s likely a lot older than people may think. The novel racket sport’s history dates back to the mid-60s, when it was created as a combination of badminton and ping pong, and it started gaining traction among hobbyists in the decades that followed. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) formed as the national governing body for the sport more than 40 years ago. The nonprofit organization has grown over the years, and today, USA Pickleball plays a vital role in promoting its growth, maintaining official rules, supporting local tournaments, and fostering inclusive, vibrant pickleball communities.
Beyond its tournament sanctioning and officiating certification programs, the organization works to raise the sport’s national profile through flagship events. Most notably, USAPA will host the country’s top amateur and professional players at the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships from October 31 through November 8 at the Barnes Tennis Center here in San Diego.
This premier tournament highlights the evolution of pickleball into a major competitive sport while bringing thousands of athletes and enthusiasts together.
In May 2026, Dr. Noran Barry performed Southern California’s first robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy since the procedure received FDA approval. The milestone brought a new option for patients facing breast cancer surgery. It also reflects the specialized care available through Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, where Dr. Barry works alongside other doctors and specialists as part of a coordinated care team.
Dr. Barry is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon with Sharp Rees-Stealy and Sharp HealthCare’s medical director of breast health. She is affiliated with Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns and Sharp Memorial Hospital. Sharp Mary Birch was the first hospital in Southern California and one of just 15 in the United States to offer the procedure.
For a patient considering a mastectomy, treating cancer is the first concern. Questions about appearance, sensation and recovery matter, too. Robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy gives Dr. Barry another way to address those concerns while working with patients and their care teams on the treatment ahead.
What makes the procedure different
A nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while preserving the nipple and surrounding tissue for reconstruction. Dr. Barry uses a single-port robotic system, guiding surgical instruments and a high-definition camera through one small incision. She can often place that incision in a less visible area, such as near the underarm.
That placement can leave a smaller, more hidden scar than a traditional mastectomy. Preserving tissue for reconstruction may also help create a more natural-looking breast. In some cases, the surgery may preserve nerves in the remaining tissue and help maintain breast sensation.
Compared with traditional methods, the robotic-assisted approach may offer less blood loss during surgery, less pain during recovery and a faster recovery. Early results also suggest a lower likelihood of nipple necrosis, a complication in which loss of blood flow damages the nipple and areola.
For Dr. Barry, the ability to place the incision strategically is especially meaningful. It allows her to treat the cancer while considering the scar a patient will see after surgery. Along with reconstruction, that detail can make a difference to someone adjusting to changes in their body.
Care that continues beyond surgery
Breast cancer care extends beyond one surgical technique. At Sharp Rees-Stealy, doctors and specialists work together to support patients through decisions about their care. The medical group’s breast cancer navigation program also supports patients as they move through diagnosis, treatment and the steps that follow.
That team approach is evident in Dr. Barry’s work. After she performs the breast surgery, plastic surgeons complete the reconstruction. Together, their work addresses the cancer treatment and the patient’s appearance after surgery. Dr. Barry understands how difficult breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be, and how meaningful it is to offer an option that may help patients feel more like themselves.
For patients, the care surrounding the operation matters alongside the technology. They may want to understand how the surgery works, what reconstruction involves and what to expect during recovery. They can bring those questions to a team that works together, with navigation support through the course of their care.
Dr. Barry’s milestone expands the surgical options available to her patients. Her work within Sharp Rees-Stealy’s coordinated care brings the story back to what patients need: skilled specialists, clear conversations about their choices and support that extends beyond one procedure.
Sharp Community Medical Group connects patients with high-quality, coordinated health care close to home while supporting the communities its physicians serve.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour, a family medicine physician and patient
When it comes to health care, convenience matters. Whether you need a routine checkup, a specialist appointment, diagnostic imaging, or hospital care, receiving services close to home can make a meaningful difference for you and your family. That is the philosophy behind Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG), one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, built around a simple idea: exceptional health care should be available in the communities where people live, work, and raise their families.
SCMG’s local care delivery model begins with choosing a primary care physician in your neighborhood. When specialty care is needed, your doctor can refer you to local specialists who are part of the SCMG network. Those specialists can admit patients to nearby Sharp HealthCare or Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, helping ensure care remains coordinated and close to home.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Sharp Community Medical Group’s local care delivery model
The benefits extend far beyond physician visits. SCMG patients have access to community-based laboratories, MRI and radiology centers, urgent care locations, pharmacies, and other ancillary services throughout the region. Instead of traveling across the county for care, patients can often receive the services they need in the communities they know and trust. As a result, care becomes more convenient, more connected, and easier to navigate.
For many SCMG physicians, the word “Community” in the organization’s name is more than branding. It reflects a commitment to giving back to the people and neighborhoods they serve.
That commitment is evident in the work of Dr. Joseph Novencido, an SCMG-affiliated physician and President of the Filipino Medical Association of San Diego, who organized the inaugural 2025 Carabao 5K. The event was created to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical activity among Filipino Americans, a population that experiences cardiovascular disease at significantly higher rates than the general U.S. population.
“Community is extremely important to me,” said Dr. Novencido. “I grew up in a very diverse community, and working in this area, in the community I grew up in is so fulfilling. It is so nice to be in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of the people here.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Joseph Novincido, a family medicine physician and his family
SCMG physician Dr. Leticia Polanco shares a similar passion for serving her community in Chula Vista.
“The reason I decided to go into medicine is because I felt there was an overwhelming need for people like me to take care of the community that I live in,” she said. “In our practice, we work as a team, we collaborate with our staff, and we really want to give that warm feeling to people who come here for care.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Leticia Polanco, a family medicine physician and a staff member
Stories like these highlight what distinguishes SCMG: a network of physicians who are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the communities they serve, while providing patients with access to a coordinated local system of care. From preventive care and specialty services to imaging, urgent care, and hospital treatment, SCMG helps patients receive the right care, in the right place, close to home.
About Sharp Community Medical Group
Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG) is one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, with more than 1,200 affiliated primary care and specialty physicians practicing throughout San Diego County. SCMG physicians can admit patients to local Sharp HealthCare and Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, providing convenient access to coordinated care throughout the community. For more information, visit scmg.org.
