All Podcasts – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts

The majority of flu vaccines are grown in eggs, so people with egg allergies would avoid them. Johns Hopkins vaccine expert Anna Durbin says that landscape has changed. Durbin: The original flu vaccines the way they're made is we pick … If you are allergic to eggs should you avoid flu vaccines? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

You probably know people who got the Covid vaccines but still got the illness, sometimes multiple times. Ditto for flu vaccines. Before you simply choose not to be vaccinated, consider some facts about vaccines offered by Anna Durbin, a vaccine … Why might you get an illness even when you’ve been vaccinated? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

You may recall hearing that this year’s flu vaccine was 40-60% effective against the flu. Why isn’t it more effective? Anna Durbin, a vaccine expert at Johns Hopkins, explains that’s a function of the process that’s used to make the … Why is the flu vaccine sometimes more effective than other times? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Vaccines are public health success stories, with the most effective ones often what’s called ‘live attenuated,’ meaning they do replicate in our bodies but don’t cause infection. Vaccine expert Anna Durbin at Johns Hopkins says there are people who shouldn’t … Who shouldn’t take a live vaccine? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

One way to avoid the reported epidemic of insomnia is to create a routine you follow before you go to bed, resetting your brain to prepare for sleep. That’s according to sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo at Johns Hopkins. Gamaldo: There's … How should you create a sleep routine? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Insomnia appears to be epidemic in the US in some studies, with additional data suggesting the problem is growing. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo says there are things you can do to prevent insomnia. Gramaldo: Blue light wavelength suppresses … What can you do to protect yourself from developing insomnia? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Apple watches and other electronic self-monitoring tools may up the risk that you might think you have insomnia when you don’t. That’s according to Charlene Gamaldo, a sleep expert at Johns Hopkins. Gramaldo: All of our devices are great from … Could your electronic devices mislead you into thinking you have insomnia? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Everyone has trouble at times falling asleep or staying asleep, but when does that become the diagnosis of insomnia, and when should you seek help? Sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo at Johns Hopkins offers a few metrics. Gamaldo: How much time … What questions should you ask yourself if you suspect you may have insomnia? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

When you experience interrupted sleep it can quickly progress to feeling exhausted, but when should you consult a physician about it? Sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo at Johns Hopkins says it never hurts to ask the question. At baseline everybody's going … When should you be concerned that you may have a sleep problem? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Good quality, regular sleep is vital to your health, with many studies finding that when it’s not you are at higher risk for a range of health consequences. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo says you should be asked about … Should sleep be assessed just like blood pressure or vision? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Many millions of people worldwide complain of insomnia, putting them at risk for poor health outcomes. Charlene Gamaldo, a sleep expert at Johns Hopkins, says while it is tempting to just turn to a medicine to help you sleep, that’s … Solving sleep problems starts with an assessment, Elizabeth Tracey reports. Read More »

While it’s been observed that disease and poor sleep seem to sort together, ongoing research is looking into the why of it. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo says a couple of possible causes have emerged. Gamaldo: A couple of … How might compromised sleep put one at risk for poorer health outcomes? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

If your sleep is chronically interrupted or too long or short in duration, you may be at increased risk for some types of cancer, research suggests. Sleep expert Charlene Gamaldo at Johns Hopkins says it’s unclear whether sleep quality puts … Is compromised sleep related to the development of cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Sleep is increasingly being recognized as important in human maladies. Charlene Gamaldo, a sleep expert at Johns Hopkins, says sleep quality is important in both management and prevention strategies. Gamaldo: How is sleep potentially impacting the management and the progression … Increasingly sleep is recognized as a modifiable risk factor for disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Blood in your urine, so-called hematuria, is fairly common, with a new genetic test being studied to rule out bladder cancer as a cause. William Nelson, director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, says such a test would … Does blood in your urine mean you have cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Blood in your urine is definitely a reason to seek medical attention, and for many people cancer is a top concern. Now a new genetic test that can spot changes in the DNA known as mutations can help rule out … Can a genetic test spot bladder cancer in people who have blood in their urine? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy translates to chemotherapy for cancer before surgery, with a recent study demonstrating its benefit for people with esophagus cancer. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins says this strategy is time tested. Nelson: Neoadjuvant therapy is … Are there advantages to receiving chemotherapy for cancer before surgery? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Cancer of the esophagus is a tough cancer to treat, and more people worldwide are developing it. A recent study compares one regimen giving chemotherapy and radiation before surgery versus another strategy using four chemotherapy drugs plus surgery. William Nelson, … What is the best way to treat esophageal cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Pain in nerves, called neuropathy, is more common when a couple types of cancer drugs are used or when someone has lung cancer versus other types of cancer, a new study concludes. Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson … Is it possible to catch nerve pain early in cancer treatment and minimize it? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Neuropathy, or painful nerves, are seen in more than 40% of people who’ve been treated for cancer, a recent study reports. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins says the magnitude of the problem is huge, although there … Can painful nerve pain following cancer therapy be avoided? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Nerve pain, or neuropathy, can be a big problem for some people who’ve been treated for cancer, with a new study showing just how big a problem it is. William Nelson, director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, … How often does someone who’s been treated for cancer experience nerve pain? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

A greater sense of control, feeling in partnership with their care team, and not finding reporting symptoms burdensome are just a few of the outcomes reported by people with advanced cancer in a study of an electronic intervention where they … How does reporting symptoms impact cancer care for patients? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Imagine you have advanced cancer and your doctor asks you to report your symptoms electronically, so that intervention is possible before things like pain or breathing difficulties become especially troublesome. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins describes … Is it helpful for people with advanced cancer to report their symptoms regularly? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Helping people with advanced cancer is facilitated by having them fill out symptom questionnaires for their medical team, who can then intervene promptly, a new study demonstrates. William Nelson, director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, applauds the … Patients with advanced cancer can help in their own care, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

If you’ve just learned that you have Parkinson’s disease and you’re not already a physically active person, you might want to take up a few forms of exercise to slow down disease progression. Johns Hopkins neurologist Liana Rosenthal says the … Physical activity is beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Once someone receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, there are things they can do themselves that are likely to be beneficial. Johns Hopkins neurologist Liana Rosenthal explains. Rosenthal: The other things you can do that help now if you already … Diet can help in those who already have Parkinson’s disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

The majority of cases of Parkinson’s disease aren’t related to genetics, research shows, while some environmental exposures increase your risk to develop the condition. Liana Rosenthal, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, names a few factors that are under your control … You can lower your risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Specific pesticides as well as other chemicals increase one’s risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, research shows. Liana Rosenthal, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, describes which ones are known to be problematic. Rosenthal: Paraquat increased the risk of PD by 150%. … Environmental exposures are linked to Parkinson’s disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

More and more people around the world are being affected by Parkinson’s disease, a common condition often showing up first as a movement disorder. Liana Rosenthal, a Johns Hopkins neurologist, says North Americans are especially hard hit. Rosenthal: The overall … Where in the world are Parkinson’s disease cases most common? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

The aberrant protein alpha synuclein is known to be involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease, but how and why this abnormal form develops remains an area of active investigation. Liana Rosenthal, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, examines the role … How big a role does genetics play in the development of Parkinson’s disease? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Abundant evidence points to a protein called alpha synuclein in causing the range of symptoms seen in Parkinson’s disease, with the condition progressing as it travels up to the brain. Johns Hopkins neurologist Liana Rosenthal describes the process. Rosenthal: Alpha … How do abnormal proteins get into the brain in Parkinson’s disease? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

By the time someone with Parkinson’s disease, or PD, has hand tremors, the process of developing the condition is well underway in parts of their brain, with deposition of an abnormal protein called alpha synuclein, Johns Hopkins neurologist Liana Rosenthal … What exactly is happening in the brain of someone with Parkinson’s disease? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Just a few decades ago data from the Global Burden of Disease study reported about half a million people with Parkinson’s disease, with its characteristic tremor at rest and other movement abnormalities. Johns Hopkins neurologist Liana Rosenthal says now more … More and more people worldwide are developing Parkinson’s disease, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Parkinson’s disease is common, and becoming even more so, recent data indicate. Liana Rosenthal, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, says most people recognize it as a movement disorder. Rosenthal: You probably know someone with Parkinson's disease. It is chronic, it … Parkinson’s disease is a very common movement disorder, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Weight loss, NSAIDs, physical therapy, you’ve done it all and your knees are even more painful. Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, says when surgery seems to be the best option, so called knee replacement should be understood. … What does ‘knee replacement’ really mean? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Injections of steroids into the knee has been a mainstay of management for knee osteoarthritis, and there’s a new kid on the block with hyaluronic acid or HA. Should you consider them? Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, … What is the role of knee injections in managing knee osteoarthritis? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Knee replacement is the last stop when it comes to managing knee osteoarthritis, says Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins. Physical therapy is a modality that may enable people to avoid surgery altogether, he says. Coombs: Physical therapy … Physical therapy is a cornerstone of management for knee osteoarthritis, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Let’s say you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, says management should always begin with conservative measures first. Coombs: It should take the course of lifestyle changes such as weight loss, … If you have knee osteoarthritis, where should management begin? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in adults in the US, recent data indicate, and the problem is growing. Yet Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, says not all knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis. … If you have pain in your knees, is it always arthritis? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Are you at risk to develop knee osteoarthritis? Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, says the answer may be yes if you are older, overweight, female, or have a family history of the condition. And there are also … Known risk factors that are under your control can help you avoid knee osteoarthritis, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

The number one cause of adult disability in the US is knee osteoarthritis, recent data indicate. According to Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, there are several factors to consider when trying to determine who’s at risk. Coombs: … What makes someone more susceptible to knee osteoarthritis? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

If you think everyone you know is considering a knee replacement because of painful knees, you’re not wrong. Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeon Stefan Coombs says knee osteoarthritis is the number one cause of adult disability nationally, and the number of … Why are there so many people complaining of knee pain? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Seems like everyone complains of arthritis in their knees, especially as they age. And that’s no surprise, says Stefan Coombs, an orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins. It’s well known what happens to knees over time. Coombs: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative … What is happening in the body with knee osteoarthritis? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

A precancerous condition of the bone marrow called myelofibrosis is usually treated with bone marrow transplantation. Now a new study shows that looking at the mutations that people with the condition have in their own bone marrow and then assessing … What can a precancerous condition teach us about clearing mutations? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Prostate specific membrane antigen or PSMA PET scanning is very accurate at detecting and visualizing prostate cancer throughout the body. Now a study using this type of scan on men whose disease recurred shows its efficacy in this case also. … When prostate cancer returns a nuclear medicine scan can help, Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

For many people with cancer drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be lifesavers. Yet as with all drugs they come with side effects, and if you aren’t a person who will benefit from them, it would be good … Can a new tool help determine which cancer treatments might help you? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

In spite of the outgoing Surgeon General’s assertions, some people aren’t buying a relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer. Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins says there are lines of research that would definitely help. Nelson: It's … Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Outgoing Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says alcohol packaged for consumption should bear a warning label about increased risk for cancer. Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson says that recommendation is based on an assumption. Nelson:  There is not a … What does the science tell us about alcohol consumption and cancer risk? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Alcohol for consumption should come with a warning label about cancer risk, outgoing Surgeon General Vivek Murthy asserts. William Nelson, director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, says this is an issue that’s surrounded by complexity. Nelson: The … Should you give up alcohol to reduce your cancer risk? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »