Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

Few things worry a woman like finding a lump or having breast pain. Jame Abraham, MD, discusses what you need to know about breast changes, dense breasts and the latest breast cancer treatments.

Women who have gone through menopause are the most at-risk group when it comes to developing osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and susceptible to fractures. We hear from internal medicine physician Yong Chen, MD, about how osteoporosis screening works and what treatments are available today.

From acid reflux to constipation, your GI tract can cause plenty of discomfort from time to time. Gastroenterologist Maged Rizk, MD, addresses many common issues from the low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome to how to know if your bowel movements are "normal." This episode is a re-run from 2018.

Unlike many health conditions, those affecting the skin are visible to everyone around us. Dermatologist Christine Lopez, MD, offers advice for acne, milia, psoriasis, dandruff & more. This episode is a rerun from May 2018.

The term "arthritis" actually encompasses more than 100 different conditions that affect the body’s joints and connective tissue. Rheumatologist Adam Brown, MD, takes a deep dive into some of the more common types, from osteoarthritis to psoriatic arthritis to gout.

Women are biologically different from men in a lot of ways — from our hormones to our body makeup to our enzyme levels and more. And our healthcare needs are different, too. Primary care physician Laura Lipold, MD, walks through some important stops on a woman’s healthcare journey, from cervical cancer screening to menopause management and more.

What’s the difference between “good” fats and “bad” fats? And can I still eat red meat if I have heart disease risk factors? Kate Patton, RD, LD, CSSD, answers these questions and more to help you craft a menu that’s good for your heart and your entire body.

Infertility can be a scary word for most couples. Marjan Attaran, MD, walks us through risk factors and what can go wrong on the road to pregnancy. From ovulation predictor kits, male infertility issues and how age plays a factor in it all – discover insightful advice and learn about treatment options.

The words meditation, mindfulness and mental health get tossed around in conversation frequently. Roxanne B. Sukol, MD, MS, breaks down the lifestyle of mindfulness and how it's achieved.

A lot can go wrong with the 26 bones and 33 joints that you have in your feet. And since the average person walks about 150,000 miles in their lifetime, it’s important to your quality of life to solve your foot aches and pain. Georgeanne Botek, DPM, addresses issues like gout, poor circulation, in-grown toenails and the negative side effects of uncontrolled diabetes.

Many people think OCD and perfectionism are synonyms, but that's not exactly the case, as psychiatrist Scott Bea, PsyD, explains. Learn more about what triggers OCD, and how you can best support a friend or a loved one who is struggling.

You probably don’t think much about your kidneys, but they’re always there quietly working to filter the bad stuff out of your body. They actually have other jobs, too, as nephrologist James Simon, MD, explains. Here’s a look at what they do, why they fail and how to keep them healthy.

Medical experts are making progress in understanding fibromyalgia, a condition that involves chronic, widespread muscle and joint pain thought to be caused by increased sensitivity to pain signals in the brain. Pain management specialist Benjamin Abraham, MD, explains how treatment involves a team of specialists and engages both the mind and the body.

As most of us know, a stress-induced tension headache or a throbbing migraine can flip a good day, well, on its head. Headache specialist Emad Estemalik, MD explains the different types you might experience and prevention strategies for people who are prone to migraines.

Periods that last too long, abnormal pap smears, infertility and painful intercourse are just some of the women's health issues that Linda Bradley, MD, touches on in this episode. Learn about what’s normal, what’s not and when to see your doctor. But there’s one thing for certain – ob/gyn issues should not get in the way of you living your life.

How do genetic tests work, and why are there tests to assess your risk of some diseases but not others? Genetic counselor Allison Schreiber brings you up to date on what these tests can and can’t do, why they’re important and how a genetic counselor can help.

Some pass without you even knowing they were there. Others cause excruciating, radiating pain underneath your ribcage. Yes, we’re talking about kidney stones, and unfortunately they’re on the rise in young adults and kids. Urologist Manoj Monga, MD, describes what to do if you think you have one and what you can do to cut your risk.

More than 95% of people who have liver failure and get a liver transplant receive the organ from a donor who has just died. The other 5% get it from a living donor who has made the selfless decision to give up a piece of their body to save someone else’s life. Koji Hashimoto, MD, PhD, Director of Living Donor Transplantation, explains how it all works, what it takes to be a living donor and what risks are involved.

Falling asleep is a learned process – that’s why it's so important for kids to develop healthy habits at an early age. Pediatric sleep expert Vaishal Shah, MD, dispenses advice on all things sleep for babies, toddlers and pre-K kids, from naps to sleep training to crib safety.

Bacteria, viruses and parasites are all around us. But when harmful ones make their way into our food supply, they can wreak havoc on our digestive systems. Learn what to do when you hear about a food recall and tips for preparing food safely in your own house from gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD.

Women are more likely to have a stroke than men. That’s partially because they tend to live longer, and age is the biggest risk factor for stroke. But women also have some unique, hormone-related risk factors. Neurologist Shazam Hussain, MD, explains.

Is it bad for your teen’s sleep schedule to let them stay up late on the weekends? And how much sleep should they actually be getting? Pediatric sleep expert Sally Ibrahim, MD, has those answers and more expert advice to help you make sure your children get the rest they need.

Whether it’s acute pain or chronic pain – neck and back discomfort can derail your plans and put your life on hold. Neurosurgeon Edward Benzel, MD, discusses everything from the symptoms of aging, to conservative therapy and surgery. Learn about what it means to “throw your back out” and what therapies and techniques might be options for you.

The upper portion of your digestive system spans from your mouth to the first part of your small intestine. Gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, talks through some of the most common upper GI problems, from GERD to peptic ulcers and lactose intolerance.

In the same way that pediatricians specialize in the unique healthcare needs of children, geriatricians (or, as we like to say, successful aging specialists) like Ardeshir Hashmi, MD, are trained to guide people through the golden years of life. That includes helping them manage medications, stay on track with health screenings, plan for the future and so much more. Listen in as Dr. Hashmi explains how he works with adults over 50 to uncover the “secret sauce” that keeps them feeling good.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. It’s a sudden neurological event that kills thousands of brain cells a minute. Would you know what to do if you saw someone having one? Vascular neurologist Shazam Hussain, MD, is here to familiarize you with the different types of strokes and how to BE FAST to potentially save someone’s life.

Trouble snoozing? Sleep is a crucial process of the human body and is an important component of health and wellness. If you suffer from poor sleep, it can affect you in more ways than just making you tired. So when it comes to sleep patterns and behavior, what is considered normal? Sleep specialist, Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, is here to answer your questions and get you back to bed.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both chronic conditions that affect the colon, and they’re both lumped together under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But there are some major differences between the two. Colorectal surgeon Scott Steele, MD, explains those as well as who’s at risk and what it’s like to live with inflammatory bowel disease.

Doctors use body mass index as a general way to tell if you’re at a healthy body weight. But it doesn’t paint the whole picture. Family medicine physician Robert Bales, MD, explains the different factors that play into reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. nearly 20 years ago – so how does it keep popping up, and why is it all over the news right now? Pediatric infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, explains the what, why and how of this sneaky and highly infectious disease, and addresses questions about the vaccine that prevents it.

Unless you have lupus or know someone who does, you might not know much about this mysterious chronic condition that most often affects women. It’s when the immune system attacks itself, causing rashes, fatigue, joint pain and more. Rheumatologist Emily Littlejohn, DO, is here to explain the complex process of getting to a lupus diagnosis, along with what treatments are available and how to cope with this condition.

Constipation, hemorrhoids and bleeding – maybe not your favorite topics of conversation, but definitely good things to bring up to your doctor. Digestive problems are surprisingly common, and there's a good chance a doctor can help you find some relief. Gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, talks about what’s “normal” when it comes to bowel movements, and some of the common causes behind bloating, constipation and pain.

If you had chickenpox as a kid, your rash probably went away within a week or two. But did you know that the virus that caused it is still latent in your body and can re-emerge later in life as shingles? Family medicine physician Jeffrey Brown, DO, walks through what it’s like to have this painful rash, when (and to whom) it’s contagious and how you can prevent it.

Kids and adults who have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder often struggle to pay attention to just one thing – they demonstrate symptoms of inattention, distractibility and hyperactive impulsive behavior. Because of the nature of the disorder, it’s best treated outside of the therapist’s office, at the point of contact, says pediatric psychologist Michael Manos, PhD. Learn what causes ADHD, how it works in the brain and strategies to overcome symptoms.

Some 30 million U.S. adults today have diabetes — but many of them might not yet know they have it. Endocrinologist Bartolome Burguera, MD, explains the factors that play into diabetes and the first signs to watch for, as well as the important components of a medical weight loss management program.

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’s normal to have sweaty palms, racing thoughts and a nervous stomach as you’re walking into a job interview or stepping on stage for a performance. But if anxiety interferes with your daily obligations, your job or your social relationships, it might be time to consider seeking help. Psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD, explains why trying to stop anxious thoughts creates a vicious cycle, and how skills like mindfulness and acceptance can help.

Watching your child have an allergic reaction to a food is a scary experience for a parent. Allergist/immunologist Jaclyn Bjelac, MD, walks you through the most common allergens, potential warning signs that a child is having a reaction and what to do if that happens.

The emotional rollercoaster that is a cancer diagnosis doesn’t come to a roaring stop once treatment is complete. In fact, this can be one of the toughest times for people with cancer, says psychologist Kathleen Ashton, Ph.D., because then comes the worry about whether the cancer is coming back, and the after-effects of treatment. Learn coping mechanisms and how to be the best possible support system for someone who’s beat breast cancer.

Osteoporosis often progresses without any symptoms or pain and is not found until bones fracture. Ob-Gyn Pelin Batur, MD, and rheumatologist Chad Deal, MD, spell out steps you can take to prevent this disease and treatments that are available.

Today, about 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social, speech and nonverbal communication skills as well as repetitive behaviors. Learn the different risk factors for autism and early signs that a child might have it from behavioral psychologist Cynthia Johnson, PhD, plus new research efforts underway to improve treatment options.

Midwives aren’t old-fashioned, and they don’t just deliver babies at home. They are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals who can provide holistic and personalized care to women throughout their lives, including during pregnancy and birth. Tune in to hear Jessica Costa, CNM, address some commonly asked questions about midwives, including how they can help women manage pain during birth and how they differ from doulas.

Addiction isn’t a choice – it’s a loss of control. It’s a brain disorder. It’s sometimes influenced by genetics. And there’s no one typical person it affects. Addiction psychiatrist David Streem, MD, debunks common myths and stereotypes about substance abuse and explains evidence-based medical treatments and psychotherapies that can help people recover.

Tired of trying wrinkle creams and face washes that claim to reduce the signs of aging on your face? Facial fillers and injectables might be another option. Listen is as cosmetic dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, walks us through the procedure of a lip enhancement using a dermal filler and explains how different fillers work on different parts of the face.

Pop…snap…ouch! As we age, our muscles get tighter, our tendons and ligaments become less flexible, and our bodies take longer to heal from injury. Family medicine physician Donald Ford, MD, explains the science behind some of not-so-pleasant changes that happen in our bodies as we get older and how to stay as healthy as possible.

Women are biologically different than men for a lot of different reasons. They have different hormones. They have different body makeup. They have different fat composition. The list goes on. Women's health expert Laura Lipold, MD, explains why you might want to see a primary care women's health physician.

Guys – have any below-the-belt questions you’re too shy or embarrassed to ask your doctor? Urologist Ryan Berglund, MD, has the answers – and more information than you even knew you wanted about what’s normal and what’s worrisome when it comes to the male anatomy.

If you’ve exhausted all of the other treatment options for knee or hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, it might be time to consider joint replacement surgery. Orthopaedic surgeon Trevor Murray, MD, spells out what makes someone a good candidate for this procedure, what you can do to prime yourself for the most successful surgery possible and what to expect afterward.

A healthy sex life isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom – it’s also dependent on your lifestyle, medications, diet, body image and what’s going on in a relationship. Take a candid look into the physical and mental aspects of women’s sexual health with Linda Bradley, MD, Vice Chair of Ob/Gyn at Cleveland Clinic, and clinical health psychologist Dana Brendza, PsyD.

A few simple measurements can tell us a lot about our heart health. That’s why preventive cardiologist Haitham Ahmed, MD, advises people to track their blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference and blood sugar throughout their lives. Tune in as he explains what these numbers mean and what the research says about the link between some of your favorite foods and heart health.