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Discover Health and Harmony with Functional Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg
Naturopathic Doctor Fresno Carlsbad, CA

Naturopathic Doctor Near Carlsbad, CA

Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.

When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.

This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Carlsbad, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.

Cultivate and Enhance Your Health with Guidance from Dr. Erica Oberg

Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.

Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Carlsbad, CA.

Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:

  • Functional and Preventative Medicine
  • Hormone Replacement
  • IV Therapy
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
  • Exosomes and Stem Cells
  • Peptides
  • Brain Health
  • Concierge Naturopathic Root Cause Primary Care
  • More

If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.

Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.

Hormone Balance Program

As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:

  • Mood Swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sleep Problems
  • Less Bone Density
  • More Fat Around Midsection
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If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.

The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Carlsbad, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.

Features of Dr. Oberg's Comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program

Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:

Healthcare

Healthcare and Coaching

You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.

Plan

Diet Plan

Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.

Tips

Tips and Tools

We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or Growth Hormone Therapy Balancing Program

When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.

At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.

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Three Signs That a Male's Hormones Are Imbalanced

When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.

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Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

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When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.

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Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.

Three Signs a Female's Hormones are Imbalanced

Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.

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Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

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Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.

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Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.

Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.

Personalized IV Therapy

When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Carlsbad, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.

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What is Personalized IV Therapy from Dr. Oberg?

Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.

Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.

Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:

  • Detox
  • Forever Young
  • Beauty from Within
  • Immune Boost
  • Cardio Tonic
  • Rehydrate and Rebalance
  • Performance and Recovery
  • NAD+
  • Exosomes
  • Custom IV Infusions

Does IV Therapy Really Help?

IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Carlsbad, CA include the following:

IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.

IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.

IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.

IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.

IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.

Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.

Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging

Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.

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Dr. Oberg Has an IV Infusion with Your Name on It

Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.

Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.

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Regenerative Medicine Explained

Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Carlsbad, CA may be perfect for you.

At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.

Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:

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Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.

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When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.

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Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.

Naturopathic Doctor Fresno Carlsbad, CA

Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.

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When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.

Who is the Best Candidate for Regenerative Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg?

Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.

Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:

Natural Health Care Fresno Carlsbad, CA
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Long Covid
  • Chronic Fatigue & Epstein Barr Virus
  • Skin Tone and Skin Health
  • Neuropathy
  • Sexual Health Issues
  • Joint Pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Saggy Skin
  • Damaged Cartilage
  • Back Pain
  • More

Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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The Premier Naturopathic Doctor in Carlsbad, CA

When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.

You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.

Latest News Near Me Carlsbad, CA

Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, CA in 2026 (With Pictures)

Carlsbad is a picturesque city located just north of San Diego and is known for being the home of the Legoland theme park along with many gorgeous beaches. Unfortunately for local pet owners, dogs are not allowed on Carlsbad beaches. However, many dog-friendly beaches are located within a short drive of Carlsbad. Here are the top six dog-friendly beaches in and around Carlsbad, CA in 2024.The Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, California ...

Carlsbad is a picturesque city located just north of San Diego and is known for being the home of the Legoland theme park along with many gorgeous beaches. Unfortunately for local pet owners, dogs are not allowed on Carlsbad beaches. However, many dog-friendly beaches are located within a short drive of Carlsbad. Here are the top six dog-friendly beaches in and around Carlsbad, CA in 2024.

The Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, California

️ Address: 4750 Bayshore Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Open Times: 9 AM–4 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
️ Address: 2500 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007
Open Times: 7 AM–Sunset
Cost: $12–$25/day parking fee
Off-Leash: No
️ Address: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Open Times: 24 Hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, during designated times and seasons
️ Address: 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Open Times: 4 AM–10 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated locations
️ Address: 101 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
Open Times: 6:30 AM–9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
️ Address: 5156 W. Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes

Conclusion

Carlsbad may not be the best spot to take your dog to the beach, but the city offers other perks for outdoor-loving pets and their people. The city maintains an extensive trail system that is dog-friendly and has over 60 miles of hiking trails. If you want to take your pup to the shore, some of the country’s best dog-friendly beaches are just a short drive away. Pack water, waste bags, and doggy sunscreen, and enjoy your day in the sun!

See also:

Featured Image Credit: Denise coyle, Pixabay

CBRE Arranges $22.1M Sale-Leaseback of Industrial Property in Carlsbad, California

CARLSBAD, CALIF. — CBRE has brokered the $22.1 million sale-leaseback of 2470 Faraday Avenue, a 19.4-acre site in Carlsbad. BLT Enterprises acquired the asset from the seller, a global science and technology company. The site includes a 127,200-square-foot industrial research and development and manufacturing facility, which the seller will lease back. The facility features highly specialized lab and research and development space, as well as manufacturing and distribution space. The facility has been owned and operated by the seller s...

CARLSBAD, CALIF. — CBRE has brokered the $22.1 million sale-leaseback of 2470 Faraday Avenue, a 19.4-acre site in Carlsbad. BLT Enterprises acquired the asset from the seller, a global science and technology company. The site includes a 127,200-square-foot industrial research and development and manufacturing facility, which the seller will lease back. The facility features highly specialized lab and research and development space, as well as manufacturing and distribution space. The facility has been owned and operated by the seller since the mid-1970s. Hunter Rowe, Matt Carlson, Michael Longo, Eric Cox, Barbara Perrier, Joe Cesta and Brian Russell of CBRE represented the seller in the deal.

ROSEMEAD, CALIF. — Quantum Capital Partners has arranged a $26 million construction loan for Prospect Village, an apartment development in Rosemead. Kevin Wong of Quantum Capital secured the financing for the borrower, The Connected Cos., which is developing the property. Located along the Garvey Avenue corridor, Prospect Village will feature a seven-story multifamily complex offering 75 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom residential units and 6,350 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Designed by Scale Labs Architects, the low-rise structure will feature a cascading terrace deck design at the rear, offering outdoor space and architectural interest. The project is expected to break ground immediately.

CASTLE ROCK, COLO. — Origin Investments and Confluence Cos. have formed a joint venture to develop Brickyard Apartments in Castle Rock. The 298-unit multifamily community will be part of Confluence’s 31-acre master-planned development, The Brickyard.

Situated on 3 acres, Brickyard Apartments will feature 36 studio, 149 one-bedroom, 98 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences, with rents ranging from $1,600 to $3,150 per month. Community amenities will include a rooftop pool with a hot tub, lounge sauna and cold plunge, a fitness center, private social lounge and kitchen, outdoor terrace area, golf simulator, courtyards with green space, a dog spa and covered parking. Additionally, the property will feature a for-sale 38,300-square-foot commercial condominium.

SAN LEANDRO, CALIF. — Sack Capital Partners and Align Finance Partners have closed on structured financing on behalf of Step Up Housing for its $47.4 million acquisition of Woodchase Apartments, an affordable multifamily property in San Leandro. Sack will also provide asset and property management for the property. Located at 2795 San Leandro Blvd., Woodchase Apartments offers 186 studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans spread across 13 buildings. Originally built in 1976, the community includes 93 loft-style apartments with 19-foot ceiling heights. Institutional Property Advisors represented the undisclosed seller in the deal.

Bacari Opening New Location in Carlsbad

Bacari, a Los Angeles-based restaurant inspired by the traditional wine bars of Venice, Italy, is getting ready to open a new location in Carlsbad at 560 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102.The company’s 10th location, its second in San Diego County, is planned for the heart of Carlsbad Village, according to a recently submitted liquor license application. The restaurant is owned and operated by Daniel Kronfli. The project is also being led by Dan...

Bacari, a Los Angeles-based restaurant inspired by the traditional wine bars of Venice, Italy, is getting ready to open a new location in Carlsbad at 560 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102.

The company’s 10th location, its second in San Diego County, is planned for the heart of Carlsbad Village, according to a recently submitted liquor license application. The restaurant is owned and operated by Daniel Kronfli. The project is also being led by Daniel’s brother, Robert Kronfli, and Executive Chef and co-founder Lior Hillel, who will oversee menu development across the brand. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the filing indicates the project is moving forward. Customers can expect Bacari’s established menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates, pizzas, and a full beverage program.

What Now previously reported on Bacari’s first San Diego location, which is expected to open in early 2026 at 3823 30th Street in North Park. That restaurant will replace Urban Solace, which closed in 2019, and marks the brand’s first expansion outside of Los Angeles. The Carlsbad opening suggests Bacari is planning a broader presence in the San Diego market. Together, the two locations will establish the brand locally.

Founded in 2008 near the University of Southern California, Bacari has expanded throughout Los Angeles with locations in Silver Lake, Playa del Rey, West Adams, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, and Beverly Hills. The concept focuses on shareable dishes and a relaxed dining approach rooted in Mediterranean and global influences.

Bacari menus typically feature a mix of cold and hot small plates, flatbread-style pizzas, and brunch items. Common offerings include caramelized Brussels sprouts, bacari fries topped with a fried egg, burrata dishes, lamb hummus, and Asian pear and brie pizza. Beverage options usually include craft cocktails, wine, beer, and brunch cocktails.

This will be an excellent landing space for Bacari, given Carlsbad Village’s walkable layout and steady mix of residents and visitors. The area continues to attract full-service restaurants that benefit from consistent foot traffic and an active dining scene. Bacari’s arrival adds another established concept to the neighborhood as the brand continues its Southern California growth.

A miraculous mix of skill and luck: Carlsbad doctor gives neighbor early Christmas gift

From the quick arrival of paramedics to the foresight of physicians, it was modern medicine that saved John Griffith’s life on Oct. 3. But, as Christmas arrives, those closest to the events that transpired that day, and to the months of recovery that have followed, see something deeper at work.“I think we saw a miracle,” said Catie Griffith, John’s wife and partner in Griffith Young, the family law legal practice they built together. “We saw God kind of perform this miracle … we got to witness some...

From the quick arrival of paramedics to the foresight of physicians, it was modern medicine that saved John Griffith’s life on Oct. 3. But, as Christmas arrives, those closest to the events that transpired that day, and to the months of recovery that have followed, see something deeper at work.

“I think we saw a miracle,” said Catie Griffith, John’s wife and partner in Griffith Young, the family law legal practice they built together. “We saw God kind of perform this miracle … we got to witness something that we don’t get to see all the time.”

The details of that day must come from Catie, as John, 48, continues to have a nine-day gap in his memory that includes the event itself.

On that day, Griffith recalls, her husband awoke feeling unwell and decided to stay in bed. She picked up the schedule, delivering their three young children to school, heading to work, then picking them up and bringing them back to their south Carlsbad home mid-afternoon.

Dad made his first appearance of the day during snack time as the crew was getting ready to mobilize for flag football practice, his arrival in the kitchen causing an immediate reaction.

“John had come kind of walking into the kitchen, walking like a zombie, and couldn’t talk, couldn’t breathe, and the boys were laughing hysterically, just giggling, because they’re like, ‘daddy, why are you acting like a zombie? You’re being so silly,’” Griffith said.

It was not long before everyone determined that this was no act. Catie Griffith dialed 911 when she realized that her husband could not tell her what was wrong. She watched him stumble, hand over his heart, trying and failing to type out a message on a nearby computer, then to a glass sliding door which she opened for him, watching as he made his way to where the family keeps its sports equipment. He incongruously picked up an air pump, the kind used to inflate soccer balls and pool floats.

“He puts the air pump up to his mouth and starts pumping,” Griffith said. “I can only suspect that he’s trying to tell me that he can’t breathe, and then he drops it,” she said. “Then he puts it down, and he points, and he’s walking towards our next-door neighbor, Dr. Eads.”

Seeing that her husband might not make the short trip next door, she makes the run herself, still on the phone with 911 dispatchers, landing her adrenaline-fueled fists on her neighbor’s front door.

An emergency medicine specialist at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, Dr. Andrew Eads is no stranger to sudden, loud outbursts. But the racket that erupted on his doorstep that day still echoes in his mind.

“It sounded like someone was trying to break in; it was that loud,” Eads recalled.

Peering through the peephole in his front door, he saw his neighbor, frightened and frantic.

“She was just able to muster the breath and say, ‘something’s wrong with John, please come and help,’” Eads said.

Running to the side yard between their homes, he saw his good friend and neighbor staggering.

“He was clearly not doing well, kind of blue in the face, struggling to breathe,” Eads said. “He had his fingers between his upper and lower teeth, trying to pry his airway open.”

Choking was his first guess, but the behavior did not seem quite right. The typical gasping and throat-clutching behavior of a person with a blocked airway was not present, making him suspect the symptoms were caused by insufficient blood supply, maybe a clot in the lungs or a clogged vessel in the heart.

As paramedics arrived, a seizure began. Eads ordered that a seizure-reducing medication be injected into his friend’s thigh and cradled his head after guiding him to the ground to prevent further injury from a fall on the concrete sidewalk. By the time automatic defibrillator pads could be placed on John Griffith’s chest, he had no pulse, making it impossible to shock his heart back into a regular rhythm.

But monitoring equipment could still detect some electrical activity in his heart muscle. Following standard procedure, paramedics started chest compressions to get blood moving again as they loaded him onto a gurney for a ride to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, the closest medical facility.

Jumping in the back of the ambulance with his neighbor, Eads made a snap decision. He knew the odds of surviving sudden cardiac arrest after losing one’s pulse are in the low single digits. But he is also intimately familiar with an enhanced treatment that can dramatically improve the odds of survival. Having worked alongside Dr. Zachary Shinar, also an ER doc at Sharp Memorial, he had participated in a new protocol, first started in 2010, that offers a significant lifeline to those who suffer cardiac arrest due to a severe disruption of their heartbeat called an arrhythmia.

This protocol uses a technology called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, most often called ECMO, to re-route a patient’s blood supply through a machine capable of stripping away carbon dioxide and infusing oxygen, pumping blood back into the body in a continuous loop that does not require a heartbeat.

While this technology was invented in the 1970s to help treat severe lung failure, medicine has gradually expanded its use. A UC San Diego team was among those nationwide that used ECMO extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic when patients suffered such severe lung inflammation that they could not breathe. ECMO allowed patients time for their lungs to recover, supporting vital organs with oxygenated blood even though their respiration was severely compromised. In 2010, Shinar and a small cadre of physicians nationwide began using ECMO for cardiac arrest in the theory that handing off circulation to a machine temporarily can give the heart muscle time to recover and regain a normal beating rhythm.

A key aspect of deciding whether a patient might benefit from being put on the ECMO protocol is whether or not their cardiac arrest was witnessed and whether they received immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The witness requirement is designed to make sure that candidates had the continuous benefit of CPR from the moment they experience a cardiac arrest, increasing the odds that their vital organs have a chance of recovery.

Because he witnessed the event himself and knew that CPR was underway immediately, Eads, who rode in the ambulance with his friend, said he had no hesitation making the call to skip Scripps Encinitas and instead head for the emergency department at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, which he knew had trained with Shinar at Sharp in implementing the ECMO protocol effectively for cardiac arrest patients. He decided to skip his home base, Sharp Memorial, because La Jolla was closer, saving valuable minutes, especially given the typical Friday rush-hour traffic.

“I’ve put people on ECMO and have gotten to see them go back to their families and back to their lives, Eads said. “It was like, we have got to do this for him right now. I just knew it was more important than anything. You know, it just felt like there was no way we’re not doing this. I’ll drive him there myself if I have to.”

It turned out to be the right call. With an electric pump keeping the blood supply flowing, Griffith’s heart muscle, generally in good shape due to regular exercise and a healthy diet, was given time to recover. While the arrest did cause severe kidney and liver damage, ECMO afforded a long enough runway for dialysis and other treatments that gradually brought those vital organs back into functional condition.

Three weeks to the day after being admitted to an intensive care room, Griffith was discharged home.

Getting his bearings has been disorienting.

“I had no recollection of what had happened,” he said. “I had people come in from out of town, college buddies, family fly in, and there are pictures of me with my eyes open, my thumbs up, and I have no recollection at all of them coming to the hospital to see me or anything.”

But he sees his way forward with clarity.

“I just see my life in a new light,” he said. “I look at my family with different eyes now; I appreciate the little things way more than I ever did before, and I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life.

“I’m going to do a lot of things different moving forward, just slow things down a lot.”

While the bulk of this story follows the normal progression of life-saving treatment, there are a few things that make this couple, devout Catholics, see a deeper cause at work. What are the odds, they wonder, that Eads, their neighbor and good friend, just happened to be present when his very particular set of skills was needed most urgently? He was, they note, about 10 minutes from leaving home to pick up his daughter, Valentina, from preschool. Had the pounding on his front door happened just a little later in the afternoon, Eads would most likely have returned home to learn of a tragedy.

Was this a miracle? Eads could not say it wasn’t.

“The science of it, the training that goes into it, the development of the system, is all important, but it makes it no less miraculous, you know, because there are so many ways in which you could do everything right, and things still don’t work out, where not all of the people were there at exactly the right time for things to happen,” Eads said. “You know, those are all the little bits that I think do make it a miracle.

“You know, that fact that Dr. Shinar went down this road 14 years ago, you know, and people built this system that allows us to do this, you know, every one of those things was something that led to that moment. What else could you call it?”

Holiday Window Decorating Contest: Celebrating This Year’s Winners

The Village is sparkling brighter than ever as the winners of this year’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest have been announced! From imaginative displays to festive creativity, local businesses truly brought the holiday spirit to life throughout the Village.Congratulations to all the winners: each category winner will be featured in the January/February issue of Carlsbad Magazine, and the People’s Choice Award winner also receives a ¼-page ad in Carlsbad Magazine plus restaurant gift cards for up to 10 team ...

The Village is sparkling brighter than ever as the winners of this year’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest have been announced! From imaginative displays to festive creativity, local businesses truly brought the holiday spirit to life throughout the Village.

Congratulations to all the winners: each category winner will be featured in the January/February issue of Carlsbad Magazine, and the People’s Choice Award winner also receives a ¼-page ad in Carlsbad Magazine plus restaurant gift cards for up to 10 team members.

This year’s winning categories:

Classic Holiday Charm – Cbar Carlsbad

Children’s Delight – Kai Ola Sushi Carlsbad

Most Creative Display – Handel's Ice Cream

Best of Carlsbad Spirit – Señor Grubby's

People’s Choice Award – North Coastal Art Gallery

Residents and visitors played a big part in making this contest a success, voting for their favorite displays and celebrating the creativity that makes the Village shine each holiday season.

A special thank you to the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad Village for judging the creativity and colors like true holiday experts. With official voting ballots in hand, the kids ages 6 to 13 strolled the Village looking closely at every window, proud to be part of this annual tradition that connects them to the community in a special way. And thank you to the judges from Carlsbad Magazine for not only sponsoring this year’s contest, but also for strolling the Village in search of holiday spirit—one window at a time.

Thank you to all participating businesses for bringing the magic to Carlsbad Village and to the community for supporting and enjoying the festive spirit.

Check out all the displays below and experience the holiday cheer yourself!

2025 Participating Businesses:

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