Mayo Clinic Health Matters

Fatigue and what's being called "brain fog" are turning out to be some of the most common issues for long-hauler patients recovering from COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health calls these and other symptoms, which can last for several months, post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC. Those suffering from brain fog may experience short-term memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or just feeling different than they did before they had COVID-19, even if it was a mild case of the infection. And Dr. Billie Schultz, a Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation expert, says, though older patients more often to have these symptoms more often, younger people are also showing up with brain fog. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Schultz says brain fog seems to be more inflammatory than infection, but there are more questions than answers about this neurological concern. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to develop rehabilitation programs to help patients recover. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the COVID-19 pandemic means expanding virtual capabilities, increasing innovation, communicating and coordinating even more than usual, and streamlining patient care. Dr. Richard Gray, CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona, says the medical teams and staff continue to be nimble and flexible, and they are learning each step of the way. "I think that all of the creative solutions and accelerations in health care transformation will be what we'll carry with us," says Dr. Gray. "Because those will still be a day-to-day part of how we're taking care of patients and how we're performing our research and education duties." Dr. Gray adds, "It's validated a lot of our thoughts of what the future should look like for Mayo Clinic and in a patient-centered way." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gray talks about the empathy and bravery of staff, as well as patients. And he expands on how the lessons learned will affect the "Arizona. Bold. Forward." strategy. That strategy will include adding space for inpatient care, outpatient care areas, emergency department and laboratory space, and expanding Mayo Clinic's education and research footprints. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"People seem to be decreasing travel. More folks are wearing masks. They're following that hand, space, and vaccinate paradigm," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "And it's working." But he warns that this is not the time to let down your guard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Poland says there are three COVID-19 vaccines and receiving whichever one is available to you, is the way out of this pandemic. He also reminds people to continue wearing masks, even after being vaccinated for COVID-19. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland answers more questions from listeners, including concerns about persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms following COVID-19, whether a COVID-19 vaccination is needed after having COVID-19, and if COVID-19 vaccines will become seasonal like the flu vaccine.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed, canceled and delayed many parts of people's lives, including when or if they seek medical care. Dr. Robert McWilliams, a Mayo Clinic medical oncologist, says there are various reasons patients may be avoiding or delaying care. But he emphasizes that coming to medical institutions is safe, and that ignoring symptoms or delaying exams can result in more severe illness or even death. "Early on in the pandemic, we said to postpone elective care," says Dr. McWilliams. "Unfortunately, I think a lot of people view cancer screening as part of elective care. It's really not." On this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. McWilliams talks about the importance of cancer screenings, which cancer patients are at higher risk of COVID-19, whether patients receiving cancer treatment should be vaccinated for COVID-19 and how the acceleration of telehealth has been a silver lining of the pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Colorectal cancer is a term that includes colon and rectal cancers, both of which originate in the lower portion of the large intestine and into the rectum. "The vast majority of the time, we don't know exactly what causes any specific cancer," says Dr. Jeremy Jones, a Mayo Clinic oncologist. "But there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer." Dr. Jones says one risk factor is increasing age. However, he adds that over the last 30 years younger patients have seen a 50% increased risk of developing colon and rectal cancers. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Jones talks about risk factors, symptoms, treatment, health care disparities and the latest in colorectal cancer research. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery are just a few reasons minimally invasive heart surgery can be a good option for patients with heart disease. "I would define minimally invasive heart surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery as essentially performing a standard surgical operation through smaller incisions, without going through the breastbone," says Dr. Phillip Rowse, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon. Treating mitral valve disease is one example of how often robotic-assisted heart surgery is performed at Mayo Clinic. "Mayo treats about 120 cases, or more, robotically each year," Dr. Rowse says. "We have dedicated cardiologists who are in the room performing the echo tests at the time of surgery and right afterwards." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Rowse discusses who's eligible for this surgery and what's involved with minimally invasive heart surgery. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

People may be curious, confused or critical of what seem to be changing messages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, reminds folks that messages change because data changes and the science evolves. "As we learn new science, we use that science to modify our recommendations," says Dr. Poland. "It's not that scientists are flip-flopping. It is that new data allows us to begin expanding those recommendations." For instance, COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are currently declining. But, Dr. Poland says, there are new data predicting the possibility of another surge of COVID-19 infections in March because of U.K. variant transmission. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast Dr. Poland talks about several issues, including the U.K. variant, vaccine development and the public’s COVID-19 fatigue.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just beneath the liver, on the right side of the abdomen. Slender tubes that carry bile fluid also are also located in that area. Because of the relatively hidden nature of the gallbladder and bile ducts, cancers can grow without being detected. Late detection can mean a poor prognosis. Dr. Kabir Mody, former co-chair of the Hepatobiliary Disease Group at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, says February is the awareness month set aside to educate people about these rare cancers. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Mody talks about symptoms, detection, surgical interventions and treatments for gallbladder and bile ducts cancers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cardiac amyloidosis is irreversible thickening of the heart muscle that typically presents as a form of congestive heart failure. It is overlooked often because the symptoms can masquerade as other conditions. Unfortunately, there aren't any preventive strategies for cardiac amyloidosis, says Dr. Melissa Lyle, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist. "So the key, really, is early detection," says Dr. Lyle. "We want to make sure that we can detect these patients earlier, to get them on the right treatments." She says it's important that patients bring any concerning symptoms to their health care provide, as soon as possible. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Lyle explains what those symptoms might be and talks about new therapies for treating cardiac amyloidosis. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Medical research reveals new information about COVID-19 daily. While scientists and medical experts focus on virus spread, new variants, improved therapeutic treatments and more, it's sometimes difficult for the public to keep up with evolving information. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, helps by answering a number of common questions and addressing these COVID-19 topics: Antibody tests after having a COVID-19 vaccine. Monoclonal antibodies. COVID-19 variants. Side effects, especially after the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinating children and attending school in person. Whether COVID-19 vaccines an be interchanged. Mask-wearing recommendations. Appearance of long-hauler symptoms are more often in women. Pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and the COVID-19 vaccines. Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Almost half of all people in the U.S. are at risk of developing some form of cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. For women, it's often breast cancer. For men, it's prostate cancer. For both populations lung cancer and colorectal cancer are common. Dr. Paul Limburg, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and cancer researcher with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, says you can lower your risk of cancer by knowing your personal and family medical histories, as well as developing a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise. He also says researchers are studying healthy people to see whether medications or supplements could help modify cancer risk. "It's called chemo prevention," says Dr. Limburg. "It goes back to the biologic development of cancers, precancers. For example, inflammation seems to be an important contributor to the development of cancer, so could anti-inflammation medications help reduce cancer risk?" In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Limburg talks more about cancer research at Mayo, including new technologies and the possibility of a single blood test to screen for multiple cancers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but it can be a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people. Grief can be confusing for children, and they may show grief in many ways, depending on their age. When parents are dealing with their own grief, helping their children cope with death and loss can be challenging. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, a special edition of "Ask the Mayo Mom" will focus on helping children cope with grief and death. Host and Mayo Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Angela Mattke is joined by Jenn Rodemeyer, a child life specialist and manager of Child Life at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center and Dr. Daniel Hilliker, chair of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As new COVID-19 variants spread and more people are vaccinated for COVID-19, people have more questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, says that's understandable with new information released every day. For instance, people are wondering what type of medications they can take if they're being vaccinated for COVID-19. There are also concerns about whether a person who has been vaccinated for COVID-19 can transmit the virus. And some are asking why they need to wait 14 days, before and after being vaccinated for COVID-19 vaccine, if they are scheduled to be given a different vaccine, such as a shingles vaccine. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland answers these questions and a variety of other listener questions.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mayo Clinic International is taking health care to the world in new ways. Expanding abroad through virtual, hybrid and on-the-ground patient care. "I think we have a moral obligation to take the Mayo model of care to the world, particularly as it pertains to serious and complex diseases," says Dr. Anton Decker, president of Mayo Clinic International. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Decker explains how Mayo is delivering health care to patients around the globe and discusses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There are many benefits to sports participation for children and adolescents. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, activities such as youth sports have been put hold or modified to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Also, the scientific community is learning about when it is safe to return to sports participation following COVID-19 infection. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, "Ask the Mayo Mom" host and Mayo Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Angela Mattke is joined by Dr. David Soma, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center, to discuss sports participation during the COVID-19 pandemic and what you need to know about return to play after COVID-19 infection. Also joining Drs. Mattke and Soma is Dr. Talha Niaz, a pediatric cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, says there's some good news. "Case numbers are falling, masking and distancing do work, and we can control this if we do it right." However, the not so good news is that variants are showing up in over 30 countries and are reportedly more transmissible. There also seems to be a reduction in vaccine efficacy against the new variants. "This is a desperate race between vaccine and virus, between time and opportunity, and we dare not lose that opportunity," emphasizes Dr. Poland. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses how COVID-19 variants mutate. He also discusses recent COVID-19 research conducted by the NFL, plus he touches on the future of individualized vaccines. "I can see the development of a coronavirus vaccine against multiple types of coronavirus, including the one that causes the common cold, and very likely combine that with the influenza vaccine."Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's been a year since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the U.S. Since then the U.S. has seen more than 25 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 400,00 deaths. This has taken a significant emotional toll on the nation. COVID-19 is a disease that affects the entire health care system, and emergency medical teams are often on the front lines receiving infected patients. The challenges have been numerous as symptoms varied, screening protocols changed, and lifesaving treatments have been developed. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Dr. Annie Sadosty, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine physician, reflects on this past year and the ever-changing battle against COVID-19. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for families, as children and adults have had to face stressors and adapt to change. Distance learning and the need for physical distancing from friends have been particularly challenging for children and adolescents. Trying to help them cope it their feelings and frustrations about the pandemic has stressed parents and caregivers. This edition of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast features an #AskMayoMom episode hosted by Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Joining Dr. Mattke to discuss building resilience and emotional well-being in children are Dr. Paige Partain, a Mayo Clinic pediatrician, and Hannah Mulholland, a Mayo Clinic pediatric social worker. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fear and worry are normal responses when people perceive and experience threats. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought daily stressors over the past year, leaving many people with a sustained feeling of anxiety. While social distancing has been necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the separation from others can exacerbate anxiety by leaving people feeling isolated and lonely. Learning to recognize and cope with stress in healthy ways can improve resilience. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, we discuss healthy strategies for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Halena Gazelka is joined by Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, and his daughter, Caroline Poland, a licensed mental health counselor.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Approximately 1.5 % of adults will be diagnosed with leukemia at some point during their lives, according to the National Cancer Institute data. Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system, and it usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters. They normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. James Foran, chair of the Acute Leukemia and Myeloid Neoplasms Disease Group at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, discusses the different types of leukemia, signs and symptoms, treatment strategies, future research, and Mayo Clinic efforts to address health care disparities for some patients battling leukemia. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transforming health care and health care delivery are priorities for the Mayo Clinic Platform, according to Dr. John Halamka, president of the Mayo Clinic Platform. "If we are going to deliver advice, let's make sure it's customized to the person, their geography, the time of year, all those other variables," says Dr. Halamka. He adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how well that can work. "COVID-19 has taught us, culturally, that it's actually OK to do things at a distance," says Dr. Halamka. "We've been able to do remote infusions of things like remdesivir. We've been able to enhance the patient's experience of getting COVID-19 treatment without them having to leave their homes." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Halamka explains artificial intelligence, talks about new devices generating new kinds of data, and how to make sure those data are used ethically. He also offers predictions about what health care will look like in the future. For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic News Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The distribution kinks for COVID-19 vaccines are getting ironed out, says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "It's a logistics nightmare, but now you're seeing a plan to administer 1 million doses a day and I think that's very achievable," says Dr. Poland. "And the production of the vaccine is just going to accelerate." Dr. Poland also repeats the reminders about preventing transmission of COVID-19: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your social distance. "The current estimates are that in the next four weeks, we'll probably have about another 100,000 deaths," adds Dr. Poland. "It's stunning when you think about 1 out of every 860 Americans has now died of this." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland talks more about the rollout, transmission and herd immunity, as well as fertility issues related to COVID-19, survivor brain fog and more. Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Naloxone is a potentially lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid medicine. It can be easily administered to those who overdose. Many who are battling the opioid epidemic would like to see naloxone made more readily available. Dr. Halena Gazelka, host of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, is also chair of Mayo Clinic's Opioid Stewardship Program Subcommittee. She is a strong advocate for breaking the stigma of opioid use disorder. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gazelka talks with Dr. Bonnie Milas, an anesthesiologist and critical care physician from the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss naloxone, the opioid epidemic and the tragic loss of Dr. Milas' two sons to opioid overdoses. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed medical research and patient care to new levels. High-volume testing for COVID-19, researching convalescent plasma and monitoring patients at home are just a few of the challenges met by Mayo Clinic in Florida in 2020. Dr. Kent Thielen, CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida, says they also are looking ahead as the campus continues to grow. He highlights the Lung Restoration Center, the Discovery and Innovation Center, the BioBusiness Incubator and the integrated oncology facility as examples of accelerated programs. In the this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Thielen expands on the culture of innovation on the Florida campus and what the future holds for the practice. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The U.S. rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is reportedly ramping up with news that nearly all available doses will soon be released to the American public. "The new COVID-19 variants are traveling quickly, and this is a warning that we need to take precautions," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. Dr. Poland says these new variants are a consequence of an RNA virus being transmitted from human to human. "Even after we get our vaccines, we still need to wear masks out in public. We still need to maintain physical distancing. And we still need to wash our hands until about 80% of people get their COVID-19 vaccines," Dr. Poland emphasizes. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland goes into detail about the COVID-19 vaccines, including "sterilizing immunity," testing for antibodies after receiving the vaccine, the possibility of booster doses in the future and much more. Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer. And during January, Cervical Health Awareness Month, women are encouraged to receive the HPV vaccine. They also are encouraged to schedule a screening that can find precancerous conditions of the cervix. HPV infection and early cervical cancer don't cause noticeable symptoms, so regular screenings can detect changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Kristina Butler, a gynecologic oncologist and co-chair of the Gynecologic Disease Group at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, talks about good cervical health and the importance of the HPV vaccine for protection. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Around the world, COVID-19 vaccinations are underway, but only in adults. Pfizer's vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and up, while Moderna's vaccine is currently authorized for ages 18 and up. Vaccines are generally tested in adults first to ensure they are safe for pediatric trials. Both Pfizer and Moderna now have clinical trials underway to study the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in children. This edition of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast features an #AskMayoMom episode hosted by Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Joining Dr. Mattke to discuss COVID-19, vaccines and children are Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases physician, and Dr. Emily Levy, a Mayo Clinic pediatric critical care and infectious diseases expert. Dr. Levy also discusses multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, also known as MIS-C. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Battling the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be challenging, especially for health care workers across all levels of patient care. "People came together in adversity, responded and synergized to create a situation where we not only survived, but thrived within this challenging environment," says Dr. Conor Loftus, chair of Mayo Clinic outpatient practice. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Loftus talks more about that synergy, how health care teams were innovative and how telemedicine is meeting the needs of patients. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As the new year kicks off, many people renew or begin a commitment to improving their health. Often, that starts with healthy eating, and this year it might include kicking bad habits developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Mayo Clinic, offers nutrition tips and suggests small changes that can lead to better eating habits and help you shift to healthier eating in 2021. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure that is necessary when the hip joint is worn or damaged. But what if the joint replacement could be avoided? Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Medicine is pioneering alternatives for some patients. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Rafael Sierra, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, discusses regenerative medicine alternatives to hip replacement, which is now available for some patients. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stress, isolation and limited access to resources are fueling rising rates of substance abuse and overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. While coronavirus has been the focus of so much attention this year, the opioid crisis has continued unabated and has even worsened. More than 40 states have reported increases in opioid related deaths, according to the American Medical Association. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Tyler Oesterle, a psychiatrist and addiction expert at Mayo Clinic, discusses opioid use disorders and treatment options, including virtual medicine available during the pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

2020 has been a year consumed by COVID-19, from first news of the virus in the U.S. January to vaccines rolling out in December. Scientists, health care providers and the public have gained new knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases and virus transmission, and COVID-19 vaccines were developed in record time. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, looks back at what has been learned in 2020, and forward to the possibility of controlling COVID-19 in 2021.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A recent Mayo Clinic study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with COVID-19 who received care at Mayo Clinic had lower mortality rates than the national average. Mayo Clinic patients were treated using an integrated, team-based approach for patient monitoring and treatment. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. John O'Horo, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases physician and the study's first author, discusses the study results and explains how the Mayo Clinic Model of Care improves outcomes for patients. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The holiday season can be stressful all on its own, but add the COVID-19 pandemic and you have the potential for increased anxiety. With health concerns and potential financial worries, coupled with being inside for the winter, some relationships might be feeling the tension of too much togetherness. "At the beginning of the pandemic, I was hearing a lot from couples that I work with, about how much they were appreciating the ability to spend more time together," says Dr. Jennifer Vencill, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist. "But that story is starting to shift a little." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Vencill talks about positive habits, intentional communication and virtual counseling, and she offers strategies for struggling relationships. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint by replacing disease and damaged parts. However, everyone is not made the same way. When it comes to complex shoulder and elbow surgeries, 3D anatomical modeling can be used to help a surgeon plan the surgery for better outcomes. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Mark Morrey, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, discusses common elbow and shoulder problems, and treatment options, including surgery. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Front-line health care workers across the country are receiving the first COVID-19 vaccinations. With the recent approval of a second COVID-19 vaccine for use here in the U.S., more COVID-19 vaccine doses are expected to be available this week. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel has recommended allocating COVID-19 vaccines for the next phase. Phase 1b includes those who are 75 and older as well as front-line essential workers, including police, firefighters, teachers and grocery store workers. These vaccinations would begin when phase 1a, health care workers and long term care residents, is completed. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, gives an update on vaccine approvals and the rollout phases.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Several communities and populations are underserved by the U.S. health care system. There are many reasons for this, including differences in risk incidence, morbidity and mortality due to social, economic and structural factors. And the COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed these health care inequities. "The term health care inequity actually implies justice and fairness, as well as intentional action," says Dr. Chyke Doubeni, director of Mayo Clinic's Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research. "So, as a matter of fact, inequities stem from injustices and failures to act. As a society, we have to address this. These are things that are fixable." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Doubeni discusses strategies to eliminate health care disparities in underserved populations and how Mayo Clinic is reaching out to communities. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Knee pain is a common problem that can have many causes, but one common reason is damage to the cartilage. Because cartilage doesn't have its own blood supply, it can't heal itself. When knee cartilage is damaged, treatment options are available, including a new method using a patient’s own cells to grow new cartilage. The new technique is called matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation, or MACI. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Daniel Saris, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, discusses MACI, the regenerative medicine approach to treating knee cartilage damage. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The latest direction in cancer treatment has been toward potential cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. As these therapies become standard, continued research is important to understand how the body interacts with these treatments. A recent Mayo Clinic study found a unique form of immunosuppression caused by brain cancer that could inhibit the effectiveness of cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. The findings were recently published in the journal, Brain. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Aaron J. Johnson, a professor of immunology at Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Katayoun (Kathy) Ayasoufi, a research associate in Dr. Johnson's lab in the Department of immunology, discuss the importance of basic science research and explain how understanding the immunosuppression caused by brain cancer could lead to improved treatments for patients. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Type 1 diabetes in children is a condition in which a child's body no longer produces insulin, an important hormone. The missing insulin needs to be replaced with injections or with an insulin pump. The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in children can be overwhelming. Depending on his or her age, the child must learn how to give injections, count carbohydrates and monitor blood sugar. There's no cure for Type 1 diabetes in children, but it can be managed effectively. This edition of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast features an #AskMayoMom episode, which is hosted by Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Joining Dr. Mattke to discuss Type 1 diabetes in children are Dr. Ana Creo, a pediatric endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, and Janet Hansen, a pediatric diabetes nurse coordinator at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The news about COVID-19 vaccines being approved, distributed and administered so quickly is causing concern for some people — what is often referred to as vaccine hesitancy. "We have always struggled with vaccine hesitancy and a sense of uncertainty," says Dr. Robert Jacobson, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases expert and director of Mayo Clinic's Primary Care Immunization program. "But what we have available through this emergency use authorization is worth taking now. I would not delay doing what I could to protect my patients and myself." In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Jacobson dives into the data, detailing how the randomized controlled trials worked. He also answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, explains why the vaccine doesn't change your genetic makeup and much more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved the first of several COVID-19 vaccines developed in response to the pandemic. The first vaccine has been distributed to all 50 states, and vaccinations are underway. Development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines has been an extraordinary effort of science and engineering. "This is a milestone human achievement by any measure," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. and the timeline for vaccinations.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3D printing can provide an exact replica of a body part. But the printing process is not building or molding the model in traditional ways. The technology creates a solid 3D object by taking thin imaging slices from computer files. Mayo Clinic has been working with 3D printing for at least 16 years, applying it to clinical and surgical areas. "And one of the many benefits we have from 3D printing is the ability to inform the patient," says Dr. Jonathan Morris, a Mayo Clinic neuroradiologist. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Morris explains how 3D printing works and how medical teams have used it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to their health care provider or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and over-the-counter pain relievers. But for some people, back pain can be a debilitating problem that requires more advanced treatment. One option for persistent back pain is an implanted spinal cord stimulator that uses low levels of electricity to intercept or block pain signals. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Tim Lamer, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, explains how spinal cord stimulation devices are implanted and used to relieve persistent back pain. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Like many parts of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical education has had to adjust to necessary restrictions on in-person training, meetings and classes. While patient safety comes first, training the next generation of medical professionals needed to continue during the ongoing pandemic. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Jonathan Barlow, director of the Orthopedic Residency program at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, explains how Mayo Clinic has adjusted during the pandemic to continue delivering medical education to fellows, residents and medical students. Dr. Barlow also discusses Mayo Clinic's efforts to diversify its cohort of students. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have transitioned to working from home or working from offices with social distancing and using virtual technology to connect with others. Much of life has gone virtual, including schooling, but how does this affect you psychologically and physically? On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Staab, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic, discusses the psychologic and physical effects of virtual meetings. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monitoring screen time for children can be a challenge for parents and caregivers under normal circumstances. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, remote schooling has increased the amount of time students are glued to computer monitors and smartphone screens. "Depending on the age of the child there are some considerations, because our younger children are just not meant to be staring at a screen for six, seven hours a day," says Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic Family Medicine physician. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Ardon talks about the challenges, frustrations and problem-solving skills needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last week, the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved for emergency authorization use in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile in the U.S., plans are being made to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, pending approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a committee within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that health care workers and elderly people living in long-term care facilities receive top priority for COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, gives an update on vaccine approval and discusses logistics COVID-19 vaccine distribution.Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As the COVID-19 surge sweeps across the U.S., it's crucial that people stay home and avoid gatherings to reduce community spread of the virus. But for some, that loneliness is becoming an epidemic within the pandemic. Social isolation, especially for people in high-risk health care facilities, like nursing homes, is taking a toll on their mental health. Health care professionals say people have an intuitive desire to gather and seek companionship. Even introverts are struggling with isolation. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Anita Bissinger, a Mayo Clinic Health System social worker, says people have been innovative and mindful of the fact people are lonely and need to support each other. This social isolation isn't forever and there are ways to combat the seclusion. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Eating disorders are complex medical issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for people who battle these disorders. For some, being home with constant access to food is difficult. For others, the lack of social support is a struggle. Now isolation and stress are contributing to an increased risk of people developing eating disorders. In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Leslie Sim, a Mayo Clinic psychologist, addresses eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy