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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
San Diego County’s next regional beach restoration project will be its largest yet, delivering three times the sand previously pumped onto the coastline and at 10 times the cost, planning officials said.“The time is right to do another regional sand project,” said Keith Greer, deputy director of regional planning at the San Diego Association of Governments, the lead agency for the project.In 2001, the agency spread a total of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand at 12 different spots along the eroding shoreline fro...
San Diego County’s next regional beach restoration project will be its largest yet, delivering three times the sand previously pumped onto the coastline and at 10 times the cost, planning officials said.
“The time is right to do another regional sand project,” said Keith Greer, deputy director of regional planning at the San Diego Association of Governments, the lead agency for the project.
In 2001, the agency spread a total of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand at 12 different spots along the eroding shoreline from Oceanside to Imperial Beach at a cost of $18 million. A smaller project in 2012 generated about 1.5 million cubic yards for $26 million. State and federal grants paid for most of both projects.
Planning for a third regional sand replenishment began almost two years ago. Two Orange County cities — San Clemente and Dana Point — have joined the project for the first time, along with all of San Diego County’s coastal cities.
This time the collaborative effort is expected to place about 5.8 million cubic yards of sand on 15 sites in San Diego County and three in Orange County. The cost also will go up, to about $260 million, most of which again would have to be covered by state and federal grants.
Studies show the expense is justified, SANDAG officials said Thursday in a presentation to the agency’s Shoreline Preservation Working Group of elected officials from the coastal and bayfront cities, the county, and representatives of the U.S. Navy and the Port of San Diego.
Beaches in San Diego County alone are expected to generate $1.6 billion in revenue over the next 10 years in things such as hotel stays, conventions, tourism and recreational spending, according to one estimate.
“There is a need to maintain San Diego’s beaches to sustain its economy,” said Courtney Becker, a SANDAG associate regional planner.
Oceanside, where the southern two-thirds of the city’s coastline has eroded to bare rocks, will get the largest single share of the sand — about 1 million cubic yards — almost four times the volume obtained from the annual harbor dredging completed in 2024.
Carlsbad would get 240,000 cubic yards for its northern beaches and 300,000 for its more eroded southern beaches. Farther down the coast, deposits of 105,000 to 300,000 cubic yards each are proposed at the mouth of Batiquitos Lagoon, Leucadia, Moonlight Beach and Cardiff in Encinitas, also at Solana Beach and Del Mar.
Torrey Pines, Tourmaline Beach and Mission Beach in San Diego, Coronado Shores, Glorietta Bay, and Imperial Beach also would get sand.
In Orange County, San Clemente State Beach can expect 800,000 cubic yards, San Clemente’s North Beach would get 250,000 and Dana Point would get 500,000 under the proposal.
The agency is studying about six potential sites in the ocean just outside the surf zone that could provide the sand, including some that were used for the previous regional replenishments.
A feasibility study for the project is nearing completion and should be released to the public in July, Becker said. After that a second phase will begin, engineering and environmental work that is expected to cost about $3 million and is so far unfunded.
The third and final phase is construction, which could only take place once more funding becomes available.
SANDAG recently applied for a $5.2 million state grant that would help pay for the project, she said. Acceptance of the grant requires a 15% local match.
“We recognize that local jurisdictions can not pay for this alone,” Becker said. “This needs to be a local, state and federal share.”
Ideally the regional replenishment would be done every 10 years, she said. Most of the sand from the 2012 placement has long washed away, leaving much of the county’s coastline narrow and rocky.
Past projects show that less sand applied more frequently, and in the right places, does a better job of protecting the coastline than long waits between big deposits, said Reinhard Flick, and oceanographer with Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
“That should be taken into account,” said Flick, who has studied waves, tides, sea levels and coastal erosion since 1969. “This is crucially important, that we use the best available science.”
All of Southern California’s coastal cities share the problem of beach erosion, the result of widespread development that has stopped the natural supply of sand from rivers and crumbling seaside bluffs. Sea-level rise and more frequent, powerful storms shrink the shoreline further.
Encinitas, Solana Beach and San Clemente all received the first fruits of major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers replenishment projects that, after decades of planning, began last year and are expected to continue periodically for 50 years.
Oceanside has been planning its own sand replenishment and retention project, called Re:Beach for more than two years and is in final design and engineering stages.
“We need to not just place sand, but to permanently change the shape of the coastline to keep that sand,” Jayme Timberlake, Oceanside’s coastal zone administrator, told the shoreline working group.
The proposal includes the creation of two artificial headlands or small promontories extending out on the beach to hold the sand in place. Also, the city intends to build a chevron-shaped artificial reef in the water to deflect some of the incoming wave energy.
Like the regional projects, the Oceanside effort needs grant funding and approvals from multiple agencies.
And in Carlsbad, maintenance dredging at the mouth of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is nearing a finish for the first time in four years. That work began in February and is placing up to 400,000 cubic yards of sand on beaches north and south of Tamarack Avenue.
Originally the Agua Hedionda Lagoon was dredged every few years by the San Diego Gas & Electric Co. to provide seawater to cool its Encina power plant.
Now the job is the responsibility of operators of the Carlsbad desalination plant, which filters seawater from the lagoon and adds it the potable water distributed by the San Diego County Water Authority.
Carlsbad is a coastal San Diego County town known for LEGOLAND, gorgeous beaches, and great activities for families. But where are the best beaches in Carlsbad?As a San Diego County local, I am so happy to share the inside scoop. This list provides details on the best beaches for water sports like boogie boarding, surfing, and body surfing. I also share all the inside info you need to make your trip to the beach enjoyable including where to find a restroom, easy beach access, picnic spots, and parking lots.Table of Contents...
Carlsbad is a coastal San Diego County town known for LEGOLAND, gorgeous beaches, and great activities for families. But where are the best beaches in Carlsbad?
As a San Diego County local, I am so happy to share the inside scoop. This list provides details on the best beaches for water sports like boogie boarding, surfing, and body surfing. I also share all the inside info you need to make your trip to the beach enjoyable including where to find a restroom, easy beach access, picnic spots, and parking lots.
Table of Contents
Carlsbad State Beach is a very long stretch of beach in Carlsbad. The city often brings up new sand just before summer to keep the beach clean and soft to walk on.
This beach offers great surfing, body surfing, and boogie boarding. Long walks up and down Carlsbad are ideal here thanks to the wide sidewalks and well lit path making this one of the best beaches in Carlsbad.
Amenities: Carlsbad State Beach offers several parking lots, street access, lifeguard towers, and great places to enjoy the water. There are several staircases enter the beach from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Recommended Nearby Hotel: Treat your kids like the knights and royalty they wish they were at the Legoland Castle Hotel. It is a great place to stay for families because the fun castle theme is throughout the hotel! Take a look at our Legoland Tips to make the most of your visit!
Tamarack Surf Beach is closely located to Carlsbad Village – the heart of the Carlsbad community. This is definitely one of the best beaches in Carlsbad to visit with some nearby takeout or just to stroll along after your day in the village.
Tamarack is also a very popular surfing location. The beach is surrounded by a bluff, you can access the beach through the parking lot or through a few different sets of stairs from the street level.
Amenities: There is a small public restroom near the public pay lot. Additional parking is available on the side streets and in Carlsbad Village. Check out the Daily News Café, the cinnamon rolls are not to be missed!!
Recommended Nearby Hotel: The Tamarack Beach Hotel is just across Pacific Coast Highway (aka: PCH) from the beach. Many rooms have excellent views from their private balconies. The hotel is also within walking distance of great restaurants and shops.
Robert Frazee State Beach is also located near the heart of Carlsbad Village. This is the ideal location for sea gazing and long walks.
It is a great place to stop and enjoy the view and fresh breeze of the Pacific Ocean. The many benches along the paved sidewalk welcome visitors for a picture perfect sunset view!
Amenities: Access to the lower beach is though Pine Street. Parking is located on Ocean Street. There are public restrooms at the adjoining beaches but not directly on this stretch of sand.
Recommended Nearby Hotel: West Inn and Suites is nearby and offers both excellent lodging and delicious food! It is directly between Legoland and the beach, near Interstate 5.
South Carlsbad State Beach, often referred to North Ponto Beach, is also a great beach for a quick splash in the Pacific Ocean!
You can often find families here boogie boarding and spending time together at the end of the day. This beach is also popular with campers who head to the beach to enjoy a bonfire and the sound of the relaxing waves.
Amenities: Parking is available near the public restrooms. A campground is available by reservation. If you are traveling with an RV, this a great place to book your stay. Be sure to book far in advance as this is a very popular location.
Recommended Nearby Hotel: Cape Rey Carlsbad offers families great amenities such as a beach entry pool, beach cruisers, picnic beach kits, and transportation.
The beach at Carlsbad Lagoon is a great place to spend the day on the water. There is a rental shop here that has everything from paddle boards to jet skies.
The lagoon is clearly divided into sections for different water activities to keep everyone safe. The sheer number of water activities landed this lagoon on my list of best beaches in Carlsbad.
This is an excellent place for beginners to paddle-boarding and kayaking because the water in the lagoon is calm. Little ones will love the aqua cycles and swan peddle boats! There is also a sandy beach to play on.
Amenities: There is a small parking area above the lagoon. One public restroom is available and some picnic areas. The rental stand is excellent.
Recommended Nearby Hotels: The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa will delight the entire family! Located just east of the freeway this property offers waterslides, luxurious spas, and great onsite dining.
Carlsbad’s South Ponto Beach is one of the last beaches before Encinitas and is best known for its wide beach and great sand activities.
Many families will love the space available for volleyball, sand castle building, and sun bathing! Waves here are great for surfing, bodyboarding, and boogie boarding.
Amenities: There is a public restroom and paid parking lot available. Free parking is sometimes available along the Pacific Coast Highway. The beach offers volleyball poles but nets are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. Life guard towers are open during the summer.
Recommended Nearby Hotels: The Park Hyatt Aviara is a gorgeous property that your family will love. The luxurious amenities, gourmet food, and excellent location make it a great family vacation destination!
Oceanside Beach is just north of Carlsbad and offers plenty of space for a variety of ocean interests. You will often see surfers, boogie boarders, and scuba divers heading out from this beach.
The beach has a short strand that is great for a walk or bike ride. Smaller children will enjoy the nearby playground and grassy areas. The Oceanside Pier is a great place to walk and see the dolphins and sea lions that frequent the area.
Oceanside Beach is also popular for fans of cinema. The iconic Top Gun house is located just across the street and the film Bring It On was also filmed at the amphitheater here.
Amenities: This beach offers families a newly renovated restroom and shower area. Below the pier, families will find several beachside vendors – including shave ice and a fish and chips stand. You can even rent beach bikes and surreys from the pier.
The beach has several lifeguard stations. There are two small pay lots off of the beach and metered parking on the street level. Within reasonable walking distance there are also two large parking structures.
Recommended Nearby Hotels for Families: Stay within walking distance of the Oceanside Beach by selecting the Wyndham Oceanside at the Pier. Gourmet restaurants and great shopping are all located just steps from this hotel.
Swami’s Beach in Encinitas is a popular beach for surfers but it is also great for families. Encinitas is Carlsbad’s neighbor to the south, and if you are looking to hit up some celebrated surf spots this is definitely not one to miss.
Kids will enjoy the small park on the top level. Walk down a wooden stairway from the park to the beach below to enjoy the tide pools.
Elizabeth Bickford is a Trekaroo Travel Expert. She's also is a mother of two little girls aged 12 and 10. They take pleasure in living in beautiful Southern California. As a family they enjoy traveling and taking time to explore as a family. They enjoy sharing their discoveries and providing insights on places to go and activities to try.
"Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools."Kristina Houck, Patch StaffCARLSBAD, CA — Three Carlsbad schools were deemed "military-friendly schools" by the California Department of Education. Carlsbad High, Carlsbad Seaside Academy and Carlsbad Village Academy were named Purple Star Schools for 2025....
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
CARLSBAD, CA — Three Carlsbad schools were deemed "military-friendly schools" by the California Department of Education. Carlsbad High, Carlsbad Seaside Academy and Carlsbad Village Academy were named Purple Star Schools for 2025.
San Diego County is home to about half of the California schools designated as 2025 Purple Star Schools.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week that 83 schools were designated as Purple Star Schools for this year, bringing the total number of California schools recognized with this honor to 179 since the program's inception in 2023. The California Purple Star School Designation Program honored 41 schools in the San Diego region.
"Congratulations to the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools," Thurmond said in a statement. "These schools are crucial to supporting our military-connected students, ensuring that they maintain their academic, college, and career aspirations while their parents serve our country."
The Purple Star Program seeks to reduce the burden on military-connected students and their families by articulating the most critical transition supports available, according to the California Department of Education. The program is a way to publicly recognize and designate schools that are committed and best equipped to meet the unique needs of these students and their families.