Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

How do genetic tests work, and why are there tests to assess your risk of some diseases but not others? Genetic counselor Allison Schreiber brings you up to date on what these tests can and can’t do, why they’re important and how a genetic counselor can help.

Some pass without you even knowing they were there. Others cause excruciating, radiating pain underneath your ribcage. Yes, we’re talking about kidney stones, and unfortunately they’re on the rise in young adults and kids. Urologist Manoj Monga, MD, describes what to do if you think you have one and what you can do to cut your risk.

More than 95% of people who have liver failure and get a liver transplant receive the organ from a donor who has just died. The other 5% get it from a living donor who has made the selfless decision to give up a piece of their body to save someone else’s life. Koji Hashimoto, MD, PhD, Director of Living Donor Transplantation, explains how it all works, what it takes to be a living donor and what r...

Falling asleep is a learned process – that’s why it's so important for kids to develop healthy habits at an early age. Pediatric sleep expert Vaishal Shah, MD, dispenses advice on all things sleep for babies, toddlers and pre-K kids, from naps to sleep training to crib safety.

Bacteria, viruses and parasites are all around us. But when harmful ones make their way into our food supply, they can wreak havoc on our digestive systems. Learn what to do when you hear about a food recall and tips for preparing food safely in your own house from gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD.

Women are more likely to have a stroke than men. That’s partially because they tend to live longer, and age is the biggest risk factor for stroke. But women also have some unique, hormone-related risk factors. Neurologist Shazam Hussain, MD, explains.

Is it bad for your teen’s sleep schedule to let them stay up late on the weekends? And how much sleep should they actually be getting? Pediatric sleep expert Sally Ibrahim, MD, has those answers and more expert advice to help you make sure your children get the rest they need.

Whether it’s acute pain or chronic pain – neck and back discomfort can derail your plans and put your life on hold. Neurosurgeon Edward Benzel, MD, discusses everything from the symptoms of aging, to conservative therapy and surgery. Learn about what it means to “throw your back out” and what therapies and techniques might be options for you.

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 explain...

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 w...

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,...

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,...

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 skil...

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 sy...

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.