Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

Children and teens often don’t recognize their anxiety for what it is. Instead, they may feel out of control or like something is wrong with them. But anxiety in kids goes beyond the physical symptoms. Learning how to recognize their anxiety and triggers is an important development skill your child will need to learn. In this episode, psychologist Ethan Benore, PhD, shares insight about helping yo...

Whether you’re currently living with lupus or caring for someone who is, this disease can sometimes feel unpredictable. Rheumatologist Emily Littlejohn, DO, explains lupus triggers and how to manage flare-ups. She also chats about common treatments, the average timeline for finding a diagnosis and ways to find support.

Seated yoga or chair yoga is a general term for practices that modify poses to be inclusive. This practice is also called wellness yoga, as it reminds the participant to stop, stretch and reconnect. Wellness yoga requires very little time, room and can be done at home or in the office. In this episode, certified yoga therapist, Judi Bar, explains the benefits of yoga, then leads listeners through...

Until recently, the COVID-19 vaccination roll out has focused on adults. However, the newest group to become eligible for the vaccine includes children ages 12 and up. Pediatrician, Kimberly Giuliano, MD, explains the pros of vaccinating this population of youngsters. She also dispels common myths about the vaccine in children, as well as ways to prepare your child for their vaccine.

It’s been over a year since we first learned about COVID-19, and although we are still far from the end of the pandemic, there is reason for hope. Infectious disease expert, Frank Esper, MD, takes a look at where we are now and what needs to happen next. He chats about herd immunity as a moving target, current vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy and the latest findings about variants and mutation...

In this episode, Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, talks about getting the COVID-19 vaccine while you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. She discusses the latest research and findings, as well as what factors you need to consider. Learn more about the vaccine when it comes to fertility, ovulation, miscarriage and timing.

Feel like your social skills are rusty? If so, you’re not alone. As pandemic restrictions loosen and more people become vaccinated, many are feeling anxious about re-entering society. After all, we’ve spent the last year in quarantine, communicating with others through a screen or from behind a face mask. Clinical psychologist, Dawn Potter, PsyD, shares practical advice for those feeling nervous a...

Chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life, but some pain suffers find that certain lifestyle changes can minimize some of the discomfort. Osteopathic physician William Welches, DO, PhD, talks about several adjustments and therapies to address your pain. From acupuncture, to tips about sleep and nutrition – this episode walks you through a holistic approach to managing chronic pain.

As a parent, you know the importance of modeling good behavior for your children. This is especially true when it comes to teaching kids about healthy eating habits. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist Christina Fink, MD, shares tips on teaching your children about making healthy food choices. She also provides advice on how to get them involved and how to introduce new food.

Having a miscarriage is a scary thing to think about, especially if you’re trying to conceive or if you’re already pregnant. You might wonder, does the risk ever decrease? Who is it most likely to happen to? And what should you actually do if you think you’re having a miscarriage? Ob/Gyn Swapna Kollikonda, MD, answers all of these questions and more. She also addresses the psychological aspect of...

You’ve likely tried a home remedy at some point in your life. From elderberry, to herbal teas and essential oils – people love to swap tales about unconventional treatments. But do home remedies actually work or is it just the placebo effect? Internal medicine physician Elizabeth Kightlinger, MD, shares scientific insight into some of the most popular home remedies out there.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our hospitals function, including the care of expecting moms, their partners and newborns. Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, discusses everything from pre-birth testing, to navigating appointments and homebirth. She gives insightful advice on birthing plans and what you need to know to have a healthy, happy pandemic pregnancy.

Restless legs syndrome can sometimes feel like a baffling disorder. After all, it’s characterized by the strong urge to move your limbs while trying to sleep. In this episode, sleep expert Andy Berkowski, MD, discusses common triggers and what you can do when it strikes. He also explains what home remedies work and when it’s time to seek an expert’s help in managing this condition.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. In recent years, it’s become increasingly common in younger adults. But it’s very preventable and curable when it’s caught early. Colorectal surgeon David Liska, MD, is here to tell us everything we need to know about risk factors, who should get screened and what symptoms to never ignore.

Kidney stones are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. – and if you’ve ever had one, you know how uncomfortable they can be. Is there anything you can do to avoid them? And how do you know kidney pain from other kinds of back and side pain? Urologist and surgeon Anna Zampini, MD, answers those questions and more.

It’s normal to feel self-conscious about a picture of yourself from time to time, but what happens when that self-judgment goes too far? Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Patrick Byrne, MD, discusses how photo editing can affect your self-image. He examines how selfies and filters have created a culture of body dysmorphic disorder – ranging from depression and anxiety to seeking cosmetic s...

It can feel daunting when you first try meditation. After all, it’s challenging to quiet your inner voice and focus on the moment. In this episode, behavioral health therapist Kathy Barringer, LISW, explains how guided meditation can help restore balance and calmness in our daily lives. She discusses the science-based benefits of why it works and walks us through a simple, guided meditation practi...

Studies show that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a herniated disk, a muscle strain or sciatica, back pain can stop you in your tracks. In this episode, Phillip Mendis, DO, discusses the different types of back pain, treatment options and how to find relief at home. He also shares tips for avoiding future back pain.

If you’ve ever struggled with the physical pain of a migraine headache, you likely know the emotional pain that comes with it. Migraines can derail your plans, limit day-to-day activities and cause a variety of symptoms. In this episode, Payal Soni, MD, addresses some of the most common questions about migraines. She explains triggers, types, treatment and the stages of a migraine attack.

About 5 million Americans develop hernias each year. They may be painful and require surgery, or they may not cause any symptoms and go unnoticed. General surgeon Clayton Petro, MD, describes the most common types of hernias, what they feel like and what to expect from hernia repair surgery.

Dealing with the uncertainty and stress (and, for some people, boredom) of pandemic life hasn’t been easy – and it seems that more people are turning to alcohol to cope. Reports show that Americans adults, as a whole, have been drinking more than usual during the pandemic. Psychiatrist Akhil Anand, MD, joins us for a discussion about why alcohol can be a tempting coping mechanism, how much is too...

The world has been eagerly awaiting a vaccine to protect against COVID-19, and now that it’s here, we know you have a lot of questions. Thaddeus Stappenbeck, MD, PhD, addresses some of the most commonly asked ones, including what’s in COVID-19 vaccines, how we know they're safe and what impact they could have on the pandemic.

As COVID-19 continues to surge and the days grow colder and darker, many are concerned about seasonal depression colliding with a global pandemic. So how can we protect our mental health this winter? Psychologist Scott Bea, MD, discusses how the pandemic might affect seasonal depression this year and how, more than ever, we need to be proactive about protecting our mental health.

We all know that smoking is bad for the lungs and the body – but does it increase a person’s risk when it comes to COVID-19? And what about vaping? Pulmonologist and smoking cessation specialist Humberto Choi, MD, shares what the research tells us so far and offers tips for how to go about quitting.

Older adults are considered among the most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. So, during this pandemic holiday season, how can we protect our elderly loved ones while also safely including them in our family celebrations? Geriatric specialist Kathleen Rogers, MD, shares ideas for staying connected to the seniors in our lives and helping them stay happy and healthy.