Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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.

Are you part of the estimated 36 percent of Americans who can recognize at least one symptom of a stroke? If it causes one of every 20 deaths in the U.S., shouldn’t we all know what it looks like? Here we turn to stroke neurologist Dr. Shazam Hussain to identify the different types of strokes, the biggest risk factors, the telltale signs and how new technology is changing the way medical professionals respond.

Of course you worry about your kids – that comes with the parenting territory. But there are certain steps you can take every day to help them on their way to thriving both at school and at home. Pediatrician and head of adolescent medicine Ellen Rome, MD, has some practical tips on how to chip away at kids’ screen time, how to help them cope with anxiety at school and how to get them to open up about how they’re feeling.

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, which sits between your collarbone and the Adam’s apple, releases hormones that affect nearly every part of your body, from temperature to weight to periods and so much more. Tune in as adult endocrinologist Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, MD, walks us through the functions of the thyroid, common disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and how to know when something’s not right.

You’ve heard of LASIK, but do you know how it actually works to help people see better? Or that it’s just one of several laser vision correction surgeries that exist today? Opthalmologist Ronald Krueger, MD, details the difference between three common procedures – PRK, LASIK and SMILE – and what you can expect during and after each one.

"We all know someone who has cancer. How do we support a friend? A loved one? How do we help make sure they maintain a good quality of life? Psychosocial oncologist Joel Marcus, PsyD, offers practical advise for supporting someone on the emotional roller coaster that accompanies living with a cancer diagnosis. "

As parents, we think our children will outgrow it. But at what age is bedwetting (and other potty problems) a real issue? Behavioral health expert Katherine Lamparyk, PsyD, and pediatric urology certified nurse practitioner, Kimberly Slocom, CNP, discuss what's normal, when parents should be concerned — and what help's available.

Does coughing, sneezing, jumping or running cause you to leak urine? You're not alone. Urogynecologist Katie Propst, MD, explains the common causes of stress incontinence and how to most effectively treat it. You'll also learn about urge incontinence, pelvic prolapse & more.

Stress is a normal part of life. But what about when the stress isn't so normal anymore? Integrative Medicine expert Brenda Powell, MD, discusses the wide ranging effects stress can have on you — from your sleep to your job performance — and how to best cope so you don't suffer its negative and destructive effects, like anxiety and depression.

Are you all too familiar with the ache of arthritis? M. Elaine Husni, MD, discusses why it's important to get a proper diagnosis (whether osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or lupus) so you can get the relief you're after.

There are a lot of things that have to go right to make a perfect heart. And in 1 in 110 cases, something does go wrong, making congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common birth defect in the United States. Tess Saarel, Chair of Pediatric Cardiology, explains the different types of CHD, from the relatively minor to the complex. She gives an overview of the surgical treatments available and how advances like 3-D printed models are revolutionizing what's possible today.

Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Yet 30% of us are getting less than 7 hours of shut eye every night. Neurologist and sleep expert Nancy Foldvary, MD, explains exactly what a lack of essential sleep does to your body — and what help is available for common sleep disorders, from sleep apnea to insomnia.

Pregnancy. Sleep-deprived child-rearing. Menopause. There are a lot of circumstances in a woman's life that make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity medicine specialist Karen Cooper, DO, discusses these pitfalls and how to overcome them.

You know you're supposed to do a breast self-exam. But what do you do when you think you've found something troubling? Medical oncologist Megan Kruse, MD, explains normal and abnormal lumps, bras and breast cancer risk & more.

Despite the fact that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S., there's still a lot of confusion about heart disease symptoms — and exactly how to keep your heart healthy. Steven Nissen, MD, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, helps clear up what you need to know. He explains the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest (yes, there is one!), what diet's the heart-healthiest, and why walking's so great for your heart.

Want your skin to glow? Then it's important to know that what you eat has a huge impact on its appearance! Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, explains the role that vitamins, minerals and healthy fats play in healthy skin. She also discusses remedies for hair loss, the best treatments for rosacea, why it's not a good idea (though tempting!) to pop pimples and more.

We all feel fear, worry and sadness at times. And sometimes those feelings overwhelm us. So how do you know if what you're feeling is normal, or not? Psychiatrist Karen Jacobs, DO, explains when you (or a loved one) should seek out help — and what's available, from lifestyle changes like meditation and exercise to counseling and medications.

Heart disease isn't just a man's disease. In fact, it's the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. each year. Leslie Cho, MD, Director of the Women’s Cardiology Center, explains why women don't necessarily realize they're at risk. She sheds light on how women's hearts differ from men's. And you'll learn why women are more at risk for certain heart-related problems and how to spot the more subtle symptoms of a heart attack that women more commonly experience.

Hot flashes. Trouble sleeping. Chin whiskers. Menopause, though natural, can bring with it a variety of discomforts and concerns. Women's health specialist Holly Thacker, MD, explains why you shouldn't just suffer and discusses both hormonal and nonhormonal treatments available.

If back pain is interfering with your life, you don't have to just put up with it. Back pain management specialist Robert Bolash, MD, explains the different types of back pain, when to see a specialist and what types of treatments are available — including minimally invasive procedures.

Your immune system's designed to protect you from toxins and infections. But it can become overactive leading to inflammation, or underactive leaving you vulnerable to the flu and more serious infections. Immunology expert Leonard Calabrese, MD, discusses what lifestyle choices will keep your immune system functioning its best.

Are there safe alternatives to opioids? How soon can I stop them to avoid becoming addicted? What do I do if I think I'm addicted? Pain management specialist, Richard Rosenquist, MD, provides answers.

Talking about sports or work is breeze for most men. But most men keep their health worries private. Urologist James Ulchaker, MD, discusses common concerns, from ED to prostate cancer to bladder cancer & more.

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.