Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

The pelvic floor is a group of stabilizing and supportive muscles found at the base of your pelvis. When these muscles become weak or tight, health issues can follow. Physical therapist Melissa Dubrow, DPT, shares the importance of maintaining pelvic health, including the causes and signs of pelvic floor disorders, and what pelvic health rehab entails.

Your immune system keeps you healthy by protecting you from disease—or, if you do get sick, helping you fight off illness. That’s one major reason building a strong immune system is so important. Cleveland Clinic physician Neha Vyas, MD, shares tips on how you can stay healthy—and the best steps to take for a speedy recovery if you do get sick.

Some conversations can be challenging. How do you start? What do you say? It can be hard to find the words – especially when you’re trying to talk about medical conditions. When a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer, it can be difficult to talk about the diagnosis with kids. Child psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD, talks about ways to start this conversation and tips for talking to your kids about cancer.

There’s lots of information out there about what pregnant people should and shouldn’t do — but what if you’re trying to conceive? From vitamins to diet to genetic considerations, reproductive endocrinologist Stephen B. Mooney. MD talks about what you need to know to best prepare yourself and your body for conception and pregnancy.

It can be difficult to stick to a routine – especially when it involves taking time for yourself. However, self-care is an important part of a balanced life. Psychologist Matthew Sacco, PhD, talks about how to start a self-care routine that works for you and what to do if you need to re-start a routine after a lapse.

It’s well known that exercise is an important way to keep your heart healthy. But how does this apply to children? Pediatric cardiologist Kenneth Zahka, MD, talks about the importance of exercise throughout childhood and how activity is a part of a child’s heart health.

As summer winds down, cases of COVID-19 are surging in various parts of the U.S., causing concern to medical professionals. Thaddeus Stappenbeck, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Inflammation and Immunity at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute shares what you should know about the state of coronavirus vaccinations, including booster shots and FDA approvals, as well as how to best protect yourselves and loved ones as virus season approaches.

Concerns about weight and body image can be common, but what happens when these worries develop into something more? Learn about the various types of eating disorders, their causes and a few signs of these conditions during a conversation with psychologist Dr. Susan Albers.

How can the food we eat — and the foods we don’t eat — soothe or prevent inflammation in the body? Registered dietician Julia Zumpano explains the health benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet, including which foods can have a direct impact on pain, who should try this style of eating and how to decide which anti-inflammatory diet is right for you.

From runny noses and watery eyes to trouble breathing, the symptoms of allergies and asthma can disrupt daily life. Allergist/immunologist Jaclyn Bjelac, MD, talks about the signs of allergies and asthma in children. Learn about ways to spot these conditions in your children, as well as treatment options.

This year’s Olympics brought more headlines than ever about the need for athletes — from the extracurricular to the elite — to tend to their mental health as carefully as they tend to their physical health. Sports psychologist Matthew Sacco, PhD, talks about the specific mental health concerns athletes face as early as childhood, and how sports fans, parents and coaches alike can play a role in supporting their wellness.

Nearly everyone has experienced emotional distress after a traumatic event — but not everyone who experiences trauma develops post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychologist Chivonna Childs, PhD, talks about the ways that standard responses to trauma differ from clinical PTSD, and how those living with PTSD can identify and manage their disorder to ease the long-lasting impact of trauma.

A congenital heart defect is a medical condition that a child has at birth. Pediatric cardiologist Bradley Marino, MD, discusses what it means to have a congenital heart defect, treatment options and ways to talk to your child about their heart.

For many kids, summer is a great time to get outside and have fun. However, it’s important to remember certain safety tips throughout these hot months in the sun. Pediatrician Paula Sabella, MD, discusses ways to avoid dehydration, tips on protection from the sun and ways to care for bites and bruises.

Feeling anxious, stressed or unable to focus? Take a look around you. Clutter, mess or an untidy work area can make some people feel overwhelmed. In fact, research shows that cleaning (or a lack of cleaning) can have an impact on your mental health. Clinical psychologist, Dawn Potter, PsyD, discusses tips for decluttering, how mess can contribute to depression and tension and hoarding disorder.

Children and teens often don’t recognize their anxiety for what it is. Instead, they may feel out of control or like something is wrong with them. But anxiety in kids goes beyond the physical symptoms. Learning how to recognize their anxiety and triggers is an important development skill your child will need to learn. In this episode, psychologist Ethan Benore, PhD, shares insight about helping your anxious child learn to cope, strategies for dealing with difficult emotions and how to increase their self-awareness.

Whether you’re currently living with lupus or caring for someone who is, this disease can sometimes feel unpredictable. Rheumatologist Emily Littlejohn, DO, explains lupus triggers and how to manage flare-ups. She also chats about common treatments, the average timeline for finding a diagnosis and ways to find support.

Seated yoga or chair yoga is a general term for practices that modify poses to be inclusive. This practice is also called wellness yoga, as it reminds the participant to stop, stretch and reconnect. Wellness yoga requires very little time, room and can be done at home or in the office. In this episode, certified yoga therapist, Judi Bar, explains the benefits of yoga, then leads listeners through a 10-minute wellness yoga demonstration.

Until recently, the COVID-19 vaccination roll out has focused on adults. However, the newest group to become eligible for the vaccine includes children ages 12 and up. Pediatrician, Kimberly Giuliano, MD, explains the pros of vaccinating this population of youngsters. She also dispels common myths about the vaccine in children, as well as ways to prepare your child for their vaccine.

It’s been over a year since we first learned about COVID-19, and although we are still far from the end of the pandemic, there is reason for hope. Infectious disease expert, Frank Esper, MD, takes a look at where we are now and what needs to happen next. He chats about herd immunity as a moving target, current vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy and the latest findings about variants and mutations.

In this episode, Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, talks about getting the COVID-19 vaccine while you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. She discusses the latest research and findings, as well as what factors you need to consider. Learn more about the vaccine when it comes to fertility, ovulation, miscarriage and timing.

Feel like your social skills are rusty? If so, you’re not alone. As pandemic restrictions loosen and more people become vaccinated, many are feeling anxious about re-entering society. After all, we’ve spent the last year in quarantine, communicating with others through a screen or from behind a face mask. Clinical psychologist, Dawn Potter, PsyD, shares practical advice for those feeling nervous about a return to normal in a post-pandemic world.

Chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life, but some pain suffers find that certain lifestyle changes can minimize some of the discomfort. Osteopathic physician William Welches, DO, PhD, talks about several adjustments and therapies to address your pain. From acupuncture, to tips about sleep and nutrition – this episode walks you through a holistic approach to managing chronic pain.

As a parent, you know the importance of modeling good behavior for your children. This is especially true when it comes to teaching kids about healthy eating habits. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist Christina Fink, MD, shares tips on teaching your children about making healthy food choices. She also provides advice on how to get them involved and how to introduce new food.

Having a miscarriage is a scary thing to think about, especially if you’re trying to conceive or if you’re already pregnant. You might wonder, does the risk ever decrease? Who is it most likely to happen to? And what should you actually do if you think you’re having a miscarriage? Ob/Gyn Swapna Kollikonda, MD, answers all of these questions and more. She also addresses the psychological aspect of pregnancy loss and when it’s safe to try again.

You’ve likely tried a home remedy at some point in your life. From elderberry, to herbal teas and essential oils – people love to swap tales about unconventional treatments. But do home remedies actually work or is it just the placebo effect? Internal medicine physician Elizabeth Kightlinger, MD, shares scientific insight into some of the most popular home remedies out there.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our hospitals function, including the care of expecting moms, their partners and newborns. Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, discusses everything from pre-birth testing, to navigating appointments and homebirth. She gives insightful advice on birthing plans and what you need to know to have a healthy, happy pandemic pregnancy.

Restless legs syndrome can sometimes feel like a baffling disorder. After all, it’s characterized by the strong urge to move your limbs while trying to sleep. In this episode, sleep expert Andy Berkowski, MD, discusses common triggers and what you can do when it strikes. He also explains what home remedies work and when it’s time to seek an expert’s help in managing this condition.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. In recent years, it’s become increasingly common in younger adults. But it’s very preventable and curable when it’s caught early. Colorectal surgeon David Liska, MD, is here to tell us everything we need to know about risk factors, who should get screened and what symptoms to never ignore.

Kidney stones are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. – and if you’ve ever had one, you know how uncomfortable they can be. Is there anything you can do to avoid them? And how do you know kidney pain from other kinds of back and side pain? Urologist and surgeon Anna Zampini, MD, answers those questions and more.

It’s normal to feel self-conscious about a picture of yourself from time to time, but what happens when that self-judgment goes too far? Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Patrick Byrne, MD, discusses how photo editing can affect your self-image. He examines how selfies and filters have created a culture of body dysmorphic disorder – ranging from depression and anxiety to seeking cosmetic surgery.

It can feel daunting when you first try meditation. After all, it’s challenging to quiet your inner voice and focus on the moment. In this episode, behavioral health therapist Kathy Barringer, LISW, explains how guided meditation can help restore balance and calmness in our daily lives. She discusses the science-based benefits of why it works and walks us through a simple, guided meditation practice.

Studies show that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a herniated disk, a muscle strain or sciatica, back pain can stop you in your tracks. In this episode, Phillip Mendis, DO, discusses the different types of back pain, treatment options and how to find relief at home. He also shares tips for avoiding future back pain.

If you’ve ever struggled with the physical pain of a migraine headache, you likely know the emotional pain that comes with it. Migraines can derail your plans, limit day-to-day activities and cause a variety of symptoms. In this episode, Payal Soni, MD, addresses some of the most common questions about migraines. She explains triggers, types, treatment and the stages of a migraine attack.

About 5 million Americans develop hernias each year. They may be painful and require surgery, or they may not cause any symptoms and go unnoticed. General surgeon Clayton Petro, MD, describes the most common types of hernias, what they feel like and what to expect from hernia repair surgery.

Dealing with the uncertainty and stress (and, for some people, boredom) of pandemic life hasn’t been easy – and it seems that more people are turning to alcohol to cope. Reports show that Americans adults, as a whole, have been drinking more than usual during the pandemic. Psychiatrist Akhil Anand, MD, joins us for a discussion about why alcohol can be a tempting coping mechanism, how much is too much and how to find better alternatives.

The world has been eagerly awaiting a vaccine to protect against COVID-19, and now that it’s here, we know you have a lot of questions. Thaddeus Stappenbeck, MD, PhD, addresses some of the most commonly asked ones, including what’s in COVID-19 vaccines, how we know they're safe and what impact they could have on the pandemic.

As COVID-19 continues to surge and the days grow colder and darker, many are concerned about seasonal depression colliding with a global pandemic. So how can we protect our mental health this winter? Psychologist Scott Bea, MD, discusses how the pandemic might affect seasonal depression this year and how, more than ever, we need to be proactive about protecting our mental health.

We all know that smoking is bad for the lungs and the body – but does it increase a person’s risk when it comes to COVID-19? And what about vaping? Pulmonologist and smoking cessation specialist Humberto Choi, MD, shares what the research tells us so far and offers tips for how to go about quitting.

Older adults are considered among the most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. So, during this pandemic holiday season, how can we protect our elderly loved ones while also safely including them in our family celebrations? Geriatric specialist Kathleen Rogers, MD, shares ideas for staying connected to the seniors in our lives and helping them stay happy and healthy.

Ever wonder what’s actually happening when someone has a bloody nose? In this episode, rhinologist Mohamad Chaaban, MD, discusses causes, risk factors and prevention when it comes to nosebleeds. He also gives tips on how to stop the occasional nosebleed and explains when, why and how a severe or frequent nosebleed could mean something more serious.

With cold and flu season colliding with the coronavirus pandemic, it will be a challenging year to differentiate between these three illnesses. But no matter what type of germs you’re fighting, there are a variety of preventative measures you can take. Family medicine specialist, Donald Ford, MD, shares tips on navigating cold and flu season during a global pandemic. He discusses what to keep in your medicine cabinet, how to strengthen your immune system and what to actually do if you get sick.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our hospitals function, including the care of expecting moms, their partners and newborns. Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, discusses everything from pre-birth testing, to navigating appointments and homebirth. She gives insightful advice on birthing plans and what you need to know to have a healthy, happy pandemic pregnancy.

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a rough year for most of us. Between hurricanes, wildfires, politics and a global pandemic – we’ve experienced a lot of stressful and negative events. In this episode, psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, joins us to discuss what empathy fatigue is and who is most at risk. She discusses warning signs, treatment and how to show yourself some compassion during these trying times.

From hearty soups to crisp apples and all-things pumpkin, the cooler seasons bring some delicious foods to our kitchens. Dietitian Maxine Smith, RD, shares the best and healthiest ways to enjoy your fall favorites.

What’s in vaccines? How do they work? And why do they take so long to develop? As the world awaits a vaccine to protect against COVID-19, pulmonologist Daniel Culver, DO, provides an update on the progress being made and a lesson on all things vaccines.

In-person and virtual learning has brought new levels of stress to kids, teachers and parents alike during the COVID-19 pandemic. From normal signs of anxiety to symptoms of coronavirus, navigating this school year will be like no other. Pediatric psychologist Ethan Benore, Ph.D, explores social anxiety, technology challenges, learning disorders and how you can help ease your child’s school stress.

Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and improve your health, but it’s not the right diet for everyone. In this episode, Julia Zumpano, RD, explains what you should know about this eating style before committing to it. She also discusses the pros, cons and everything in-between – including why it works and who should avoid it.

It’s been about 9 months since the world first started to hear about COVID-19. In this episode, infectious disease specialist Kristin Englund, MD, discusses what we’ve learned so far about the virus. She talks about where we currently stand with testing and what we’ve learned about treatment. From face masks, to vaccines and antibodies, Dr. Englund shares her insight and discusses some of the pressing questions that remain.

Cane sugar. Honey. Fruit juice. Are all forms of sugar created equal? And how much of the sweet stuff is too much? Maxine Smith, RD, LD, reveals how to uncover hidden sugar in our diets, cut down on cravings and create healthier eating habits.