Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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.

As the world learns more about COVID-19, medical providers are connecting the dots between neurological complications and the virus. From strokes, to seizures, to delirium – neurologist Pravin George, MD, explains how COVID-19 can affect your brain and nervous system. He also discusses prevention, treatment and who is most at risk.

Sitting at a computer for long periods of time can be tough on our bodies – and that goes for children, too. Chiropractor Chad Adams, DC, discusses tips for creating a workspace for your at-home learner that’s tailored to their size and individual needs. He also discusses the importance of incorporating movement into kids’ school days.

We’re now several months into the coronavirus pandemic, and we’re also fast-approaching peak season for yet another viral illness: influenza. Infectious disease specialist Kristin Englund, MD, explains the differences between COVID-19 and the flu, and shares steps we can all take to help us stay healthy this flu season.

Just when teenagers were looking forward to spring and summer, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and canceled many aspects of their normal lives, from school dances to sports to just hanging out with friends. Ellen Rome, MD, MPH, a pediatrician who specializes in adolescent medicine, offers guidance on how to help teens through the disappointments and empower them to become part of the solution for reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Whether your child is returning to school in-person, online or a combination of the two, this back-to-school season is going to look and feel a lot different. How can you set your student up for success – even with all of the changes and uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic? Pediatric psychologist Ethan Benore, Ph.D, explains just that and provides strategies to help ease back-to-school anxiety for both kids and parents.

If you’re juggling multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, it’s crucial to stay organized and to regularly review everything you’re taking. From making sure that different drugs won’t interact with each other, to setting up a schedule – it’s important to be proactive about what you’re taking and why. Pharmacist Mandy Leonard, PharmD, BCPS, discusses cost management tips, expiration dates, storage information and more. She also gives helpful advice on how to get the most out of your relationship with your pharmacist.

Ready to stay healthy and hydrated this summer? Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, MS, RD, CSOWM, LD, is here to help. She dishes on the best seasonal foods and how to indulge in the all the joys of the season – from cookouts to road trips to camping – while staying on track.

Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting some minority communities especially hard. This finding shines a light on the many disparities – or preventable differences in health outcomes among groups of people – that have existed in our country for a long time. Cleveland Clinic urologist and Executive Director of Minority Health Charles Modlin, MD, MBA, explains the many systemic factors that contribute to health disparities, and how we’re working to create a more equitable future.

You thought you were prepared for your appointment. You had several questions ready to ask your doctor, but when the time came, you couldn’t think of a single one. Or maybe you weren’t sure how to handle your first virtual appointment and felt confused afterwards. Family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, shares tips to getting the most out of your doctor appointments. He also discusses how to maximize your time with your provider and how to have an honest, good relationship with your doctor.

Most of us have experienced the misery that comes with a sinus infection before. Pressure behind the eyes or checks, a stuffy nose, irritating cough and a pounding headache are just some of the hallmark signs of sinusitis. Rhinologist Mohamad Chaaban, MD, discusses how you can treat a sinus infection at home and when it’s time to see a doctor. He also explains the difference between sinusitis symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms.

After several weeks of staying at home and social distancing, maybe you’re sick of cooking or have had one too many takeout meals. Whatever food rut you’re stuck in, dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, has some tips to help you get out of it. She also gives her take on some quarantine food trends.

For the past several months, the majority of us have only left our homes for essential errands or to go to work. Now that most states have lifted restriction orders, many people are wondering what life will be like post-quarantine. Cleveland Clinic’s Interim Chief Safety and Quality Officer, Dr. Aaron Hamilton, discusses the biggest changes we can expect to see and how to determine the risk of some activities and events. He also offers advice on how we can continue to protect ourselves as we learn to live with COVID-19.

Has quarantine thrown a wrench in your sleep routine? If the current state of the world has you sleeping less, more or inconsistently (not to mention the weird dreams), you’re not alone. Sleep specialist Michelle Drerup, PsyD, is here to explain how stress, schedules, screen time and more play into our sleep patterns. She also lays out steps everyone can take for a better night’s rest.

Over the past several months, many companies have shifted to remote work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While working from home comes with many challenges – one of the biggest centers around workspace setup and proper ergonomics. Andrew Bang, DC, discusses tips and advice on how to best work from home to avoid common aches and pains. He also talks about setting up your ideal workspace and provides stretches to incorporate throughout the day.

Can anything really “boost” your immune system? And how does it fight off infections? Rheumatologist and immune system expert Leonard Calabrese, DO, explains how the amazing immune system works and what we can do to keep it as strong as possible.

The outbreak of coronavirus has changed the way that healthcare currently operates. From virtual appointments to digital outreach and new protocols — everything in healthcare has shifted in the age of COVID-19. Chief Experience Officer Adrienne Boissy, MD, MA, talks about what we’re seeing, hearing and learning about patient and caregiver experience. She also shares inspiring stories of hope, encouragement and resilience.

From confusion and loneliness to worry and frustration, people are dealing with large and intense emotions while trying to navigate a new sense of normal. Psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP, discusses how the coronavirus pandemic is starting to mentally wear on us and why it’s so important to protect our mental health. Whether you’re isolating alone or just feel alone, Dr. Sullivan gives practical advice on working through our thoughts and feelings.

The new realities of life in the time of COVID-19 have left many people feeling run down, worried and stressed. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, joins us to share some real-life mindfulness and stress relief tactics you can incorporate into your day to help you stay present and positive.

The social distancing guidelines and school closings brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak have amplified the pressure on parents to do it all. How can parents and caretakers lead their kids’ education on top of managing their own work responsibilities and household duties? Child psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD, serves up some insights on how to deal with disrupted routines and new demands while finding balance and keeping the peace at home.

For some people following stay-at-home orders to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this means spending a lot of time in close quarters with spouses, kids and other family members. For others, it means being apart from loved ones. Both of these situations can be taxing on our most important relationships. Psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD, shares strategies for navigating the unique challenges of maintaining strong bonds during this time.

Many people are looking to healthcare for answers right now. They want to be assured that their hospital has the capacity and capability to care for them, should they need it. Pulmonologist Raed Dweik, MD, discusses what Cleveland Clinic is doing to prepare for the wave of sick patients, as well as how it’s handling the current demand. Dr. Dweik walks us through how the health system is prepping dedicated teams, designating space and training healthcare workers on properly using and reserving PPE.

With spring in the air and coronavirus all around us, many people will soon be questioning if their symptoms are allergies, or if it’s something more serious. Allergist David Lang, MD, walks us through what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to seasonal allergies. He also discusses practical advice on treating allergies, warning signs and how to best manage your symptoms.

Misinformation about COVID-19 seems to be everywhere. And it can be tough trying to decipher what's true health advice and what's bogus. Infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, helps separate fact from fiction about the virus — from claims about lemon juice to holding your breath.