Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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.

Coronavirus has disrupted our lives, and although we know this situation is temporary, it doesn’t always feel that way. Amy Greene, DMin, MDiv, discusses ways to find faith, calm and mindfulness amid all the fear. She shares techniques to help us cope and process all of our emotions. She also offers reassurance and advice as we try to navigate this situation together – while being apart.

Even with modern medicine, “that time of the month” can be a pain for most women, especially those prone to heavy menstrual bleeding. But abnormal uterine bleeding shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your life. Gynecologist Cara King, DO, talks about why it happens and when it’s time to see a doctor. She also offers tips on managing heavy bleeding and explains how common and treatable the condition actually is.

Your eyes are more than just the window to your soul. Ophthalmologist Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, walks us through potential warning signs of eye flashers and floaters, why we get them and what treatment can look like. She also explains why routine eye exams and being proactive about your eye health can help detect and prevent future health problems.

The 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is on everyone’s mind, with new developments emerging every day. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, sits down to answer important questions about what we do and don’t yet know about the virus, and what everyone should be doing to protect themselves and others.

It’s no secret that a well-balanced diet is good for you, while a diet lacking in proper nutrients can leave you feeling less than your best. Family medicine specialist Kelly Raj, DO, talks about common vitamin deficiencies, the warning signs to be aware of and who’s most at risk. She also offers practical advice on taking a vitamin supplement and what to look for in a multivitamin.

Will it hurt? Will I be bloated afterward? What do I need to know about the prep? Colorectal surgeon James Church, MD, answers your top questions about having a colonoscopy and explains why they're so important for people over age 50.

Many people today follow a gluten-free diet for a number of reasons. But for people with celiac disease — a serious, lifelong autoimmune disorder — it’s absolutely necessary. Gastroenterologist Alberto Rubio Tapia, MD, explains how celiac disease is more than a gluten sensitivity and details the steps to getting a diagnosis, including who’s most at risk and how to get tested.

It’s estimated that nearly 20 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of neuropathy, which in and of itself can be a vague term with a variety of causes. In fact, neurologist Benjamin Claytor, MD, says there are over 100 different types of neuropathy, all with their own unique causes. In this podcast, Dr. Claytor discusses everything from diagnosing neuropathy to treating and preventing it.

Healthy eating seems simple — so why do many of us struggle with it? One reason is because our eating behaviors are highly influenced by our emotions, our environment and the people around us. Susan Albers, PsyD, shares tips on how to use mindfulness skills to combat unhealthy eating habits and truly enjoy food.

Most adults who come down with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) react to it like a regular cold. Within a few days your body kicks the virus to the curb and on you go with your life. But for infants and young children, this virus can be dangerous. Pediatric infectious disease specialist, Frank Esper, MD, discusses what you need to know to protect the youngest and most vulnerable people in your life.

There’s a reason that concussions are a hot topic lately. Now, more than ever, athletes are reporting concussions and bringing awareness to how serious blows to the head can be. We sat down with concussion specialist Richard Figler, MD, to find out what happens to the brain during a concussion and what the road to recovery looks like. He also discusses symptoms, concussions from non-sports, when to seek care and tips for prevention.

Rates of three common sexually transmitted infections — syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia — are at an all-time high in the U.S. What’s behind this rise, who’s most at risk and how can we protect ourselves? Oluwatosin Goje, MD, an Ob/Gyn who specializes in infectious diseases, explains.

A cold, the flu, bronchitis, a sinus infection – they all make you feel lousy, right? So what’s the difference between all of these winter ailments, and do you need to see a doctor? Family physician Donald Ford, MD, fills you in on what’s behind the myriad infections that can make you miserable this time of year.

It seems like the plot of a sci-fi movie – drug-resistant superbugs. But this reality is far from fiction. Infectious disease specialist Steven Gordon, MD, walks us through how the surge in antibiotic use launched us into the age of drug-resistant bacteria. He discusses foodborne outbreak, unnecessary antibiotic use, innovative research and what you can do to help control the spread.

Ever wonder how or why a nerve in your neck or back gets pinched? We hear from Dominic Pelle, MD, about what radiculopathy means for your spin and how to find relief from pain. Learn the difference between lumbar and cervical radiculopathy and what treatment can look like.

By the age of 80, a majority of people develop diverticula, or pouches, in the wall of their colon. If these pouches become inflamed, they can cause abdominal pain, bleeding and more. Learn all about diverticular disease and how to reduce your risk from colorectal surgeon Sherief Shawki, MD.

From the pill to IUDs and fertility awareness methods, there are so many options today for preventing unintended pregnancy. How does a woman choose the one that’s going to work best for her? It starts by discussing your priorities and goals with a healthcare provider, says Ob/Gyn Ashley Brant, DO. To lay the foundation for that discussion, Dr. Brant answers commonly asked questions about birth control, side effects, safety, effectiveness and more.

Do you have chronic back pain that radiates down your leg? You might be dealing with sciatica. Or maybe it’s stemming from your hips? Dominic Pelle, MD, explains how to identify the source of your back pain – and most importantly – how to find relief.

We tend to associate grief with the death, but a number of other life events can trigger grief, too — from the end of a relationship to the loss of a job to financial hardships. Clinical psychologist Regina Josell, PsyD, explains the many emotions that come with grief and ideas to help you get through it.

It’s estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their life – and one of the most common causes is from a herniated disc. Spine surgeon Dominic Pelle, MD, discusses why people get herniated discs, diagnosis, treatment and preventative measures. Learn about basic treatment options you can try at home all the way up to surgical intervention.

How do I know menopause is coming? Will I gain weight? Will I need to take hormones? And is there anything I can do about those annoying hot flashes? Women’s health specialist Pelin Batur, MD, walks us through what to expect.

If you know that burning feeling in your chest after you finish a big, fatty meal, you know heartburn. Learn some lifestyle tweaks you can make to minimize your heartburn, and the truth about what foods really make it worse, from gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard, MD.

Leukemia encompasses many different types of chronic or acute blood cancer. Hematologist Aaron Gerds, MD, clears up misconceptions about leukemia and explains how it’s different from lymphoma, what the risk factors are and how new treatments are emerging.

Ever feel unsteady, lightheaded or like the room is spinning around you? Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms, but the causes can range from BPPV, to head injuries and migraines, to cardiovascular responses. Audiologist Julie Honaker explains the difference between feeling dizzy and having vertigo, and what to do when feeling unsteady takes over your life. She also addresses why vertigo can be worse at night and offers simple exercises that can provide relief.

More people are affected by autoimmune diseases than you may realize. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis are just a few examples. Rheumatologist Howard Smith, MD, discusses what factors — including diet — play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as the latest treatments available.

As an alarming number of young people take up vaping, and reports of dangerous vaping-related lung illnesses continue to surface, what’s a worried parent to do? Pulmonologist and smoking cessation specialist Humberto Choi, MD, delivers the knowledge you need to talk with your teenager or loved ones about e-cigarettes.

Anyone who’s ever experienced restless legs knows how frustrating it is to feel the uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you lie down at night. Sleep specialist Carlos Rodriguez, MD, talks through what experts know about this odd condition, including why some people get it, what aggravates it and what you can do about it.