Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

The outbreak of coronavirus has changed the way that healthcare currently operates. From virtual appointments to digital outreach and new protocols — everything in healthcare has shifted in the age of COVID-19. Chief Experience Officer Adrienne Boissy, MD, MA, talks about what we’re seeing, hearing and learning about patient and caregiver experience. She also shares inspiring stories of hope, enco...

From confusion and loneliness to worry and frustration, people are dealing with large and intense emotions while trying to navigate a new sense of normal. Psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP, discusses how the coronavirus pandemic is starting to mentally wear on us and why it’s so important to protect our mental health. Whether you’re isolating alone or just feel alone, Dr. Sullivan gives practi...

The new realities of life in the time of COVID-19 have left many people feeling run down, worried and stressed. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, joins us to share some real-life mindfulness and stress relief tactics you can incorporate into your day to help you stay present and positive.

The social distancing guidelines and school closings brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak have amplified the pressure on parents to do it all. How can parents and caretakers lead their kids’ education on top of managing their own work responsibilities and household duties? Child psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD, serves up some insights on how to deal with disrupted routines and new demands while...

For some people following stay-at-home orders to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this means spending a lot of time in close quarters with spouses, kids and other family members. For others, it means being apart from loved ones. Both of these situations can be taxing on our most important relationships. Psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD, shares strategies for navigating the unique challenges of main...

Many people are looking to healthcare for answers right now. They want to be assured that their hospital has the capacity and capability to care for them, should they need it. Pulmonologist Raed Dweik, MD, discusses what Cleveland Clinic is doing to prepare for the wave of sick patients, as well as how it’s handling the current demand. Dr. Dweik walks us through how the health system is prepping d...

With spring in the air and coronavirus all around us, many people will soon be questioning if their symptoms are allergies, or if it’s something more serious. Allergist David Lang, MD, walks us through what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to seasonal allergies. He also discusses practical advice on treating allergies, warning signs and how to best manage your symptoms.

Misinformation about COVID-19 seems to be everywhere. And it can be tough trying to decipher what's true health advice and what's bogus. Infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, helps separate fact from fiction about the virus — from claims about lemon juice to holding your breath.

Coronavirus has disrupted our lives, and although we know this situation is temporary, it doesn’t always feel that way. Amy Greene, DMin, MDiv, discusses ways to find faith, calm and mindfulness amid all the fear. She shares techniques to help us cope and process all of our emotions. She also offers reassurance and advice as we try to navigate this situation together – while being apart.

Even with modern medicine, “that time of the month” can be a pain for most women, especially those prone to heavy menstrual bleeding. But abnormal uterine bleeding shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your life. Gynecologist Cara King, DO, talks about why it happens and when it’s time to see a doctor. She also offers tips on managing heavy bleeding and explains how common and treatable the condition a...

Your eyes are more than just the window to your soul. Ophthalmologist Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, walks us through potential warning signs of eye flashers and floaters, why we get them and what treatment can look like. She also explains why routine eye exams and being proactive about your eye health can help detect and prevent future health problems.

The 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is on everyone’s mind, with new developments emerging every day. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, sits down to answer important questions about what we do and don’t yet know about the virus, and what everyone should be doing to protect themselves and others.

It’s no secret that a well-balanced diet is good for you, while a diet lacking in proper nutrients can leave you feeling less than your best. Family medicine specialist Kelly Raj, DO, talks about common vitamin deficiencies, the warning signs to be aware of and who’s most at risk. She also offers practical advice on taking a vitamin supplement and what to look for in a multivitamin.

Will it hurt? Will I be bloated afterward? What do I need to know about the prep? Colorectal surgeon James Church, MD, answers your top questions about having a colonoscopy and explains why they're so important for people over age 50.

Many people today follow a gluten-free diet for a number of reasons. But for people with celiac disease — a serious, lifelong autoimmune disorder — it’s absolutely necessary. Gastroenterologist Alberto Rubio Tapia, MD, explains how celiac disease is more than a gluten sensitivity and details the steps to getting a diagnosis, including who’s most at risk and how to get tested.

It’s estimated that nearly 20 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of neuropathy, which in and of itself can be a vague term with a variety of causes. In fact, neurologist Benjamin Claytor, MD, says there are over 100 different types of neuropathy, all with their own unique causes. In this podcast, Dr. Claytor discusses everything from diagnosing neuropathy to treating and pre...

Healthy eating seems simple — so why do many of us struggle with it? One reason is because our eating behaviors are highly influenced by our emotions, our environment and the people around us. Susan Albers, PsyD, shares tips on how to use mindfulness skills to combat unhealthy eating habits and truly enjoy food.

Most adults who come down with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) react to it like a regular cold. Within a few days your body kicks the virus to the curb and on you go with your life. But for infants and young children, this virus can be dangerous. Pediatric infectious disease specialist, Frank Esper, MD, discusses what you need to know to protect the youngest and most vulnerable people in your li...

There’s a reason that concussions are a hot topic lately. Now, more than ever, athletes are reporting concussions and bringing awareness to how serious blows to the head can be. We sat down with concussion specialist Richard Figler, MD, to find out what happens to the brain during a concussion and what the road to recovery looks like. He also discusses symptoms, concussions from non-sports, when t...

Rates of three common sexually transmitted infections — syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia — are at an all-time high in the U.S. What’s behind this rise, who’s most at risk and how can we protect ourselves? Oluwatosin Goje, MD, an Ob/Gyn who specializes in infectious diseases, explains.

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 seems like the plot of a sci-fi movie – drug-resistant superbugs. But this reality is far from fiction. Infectious disease specialist Steven Gordon, MD, walks us through how the surge in antibiotic use launched us into the age of drug-resistant bacteria. He discusses foodborne outbreak, unnecessary antibiotic use, innovative research and what you can do to help control the spread.

Ever wonder how or why a nerve in your neck or back gets pinched? We hear from Dominic Pelle, MD, about what radiculopathy means for your spin and how to find relief from pain. Learn the difference between lumbar and cervical radiculopathy and what treatment can look like.

By the age of 80, a majority of people develop diverticula, or pouches, in the wall of their colon. If these pouches become inflamed, they can cause abdominal pain, bleeding and more. Learn all about diverticular disease and how to reduce your risk from colorectal surgeon Sherief Shawki, MD.

From the pill to IUDs and fertility awareness methods, there are so many options today for preventing unintended pregnancy. How does a woman choose the one that’s going to work best for her? It starts by discussing your priorities and goals with a healthcare provider, says Ob/Gyn Ashley Brant, DO. To lay the foundation for that discussion, Dr. Brant answers commonly asked questions about birth con...