Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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.

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.

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.

What foods should you avoid if you are a headaches sufferer? Will Botox help? Headache specialist Emad Estemalik, MD, provides strategies to help you find the relief you need.

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."