Mayo Clinic Health Matters

Nothing says summer like fun in the sun. But that can also give us cancer! In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. — one in every five Americans will develop it. So how do we enjoy the sun, soak up its benefits, and stay safe? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with dermatologist Dr. Naiara Sbroggio Barbosa about Vitamin D, choosing the right sunscreen, and how a...

Sweating. Freezing. Sweating. Freezing. That's the “nordic cycle,” or alternating between a sauna and cold water. More spas are offering both hot and cold therapies as part of their services, and at-home sauna tents and ice baths are becoming more and more popular. But how beneficial are these methods of extreme temperature exposure for your health? And are they always safe? On this episode of Hea...

In 2023, both a toddler in Arkansas and a swimmer in Texas died from the infection of a brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, likely contracted from local water sources. ""Brain-eating amoebas"" is a scary headline that sounds like something out of the Twilight Zone, but just how worried should we be? And how serious are the ramifications of infection? (Spoiler: They're pretty darn serious.)  On...

Distraction runs rampant in our society — we can all relate. But when you have ADHD, navigating a chaotic world can be especially challenging. And adult ADHD is on the rise. During the pandemic, diagnoses and prescriptions for ADHD in adults increased significantly. So what’s driving this increase in diagnoses? And how do you tell if you yourself have ADHD, or are experiencing a typical level of d...

Join host Kristen Meinzer in conversation with Mayo Clinic’s leading medical experts as she asks all the questions you’re eager to (or maybe even afraid to) ask, letting curiosity lead the way. Wondering if you might have ADHD? Or how your pet affects your health? Be part of an informative—and fun—discussion about one of the most important topics: your health. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcir...

We're excited to introduce our new show, Health Matters, where we're talking with leading medical experts from Mayo Clinic about their insights and opinions on the latest health and wellness subjects and information.  New episodes starting August 6 right here in your feed. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, question...

When an infant starts experimenting with solid foods, their whole world expands. Like breast milk and formula, food is fuel for your body and a vehicle for love. But it is also a cornerstone of culture, defining a shared national identity. It provides entertainment and spreads joy. And it helps us understand the world and our place in it. On this episode of Ask the Mayo Mom, host Dr. Angela Mattke...

The retina is a thin layer of tissues, cells, and nerves that line the back wall inside the eye.  This layer has millions of light sensing cells that receive and organize visual information according to the Mayo Clinic. On this Ask the Mayo Mom edition of the Q&A podcast, host Dr. Angela Mattke is joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, an ophthalmologist at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. Dr. Scruggs is a...

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also called acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The disease progresses rapidly, affecting a group of white blood cells called myeloid cells, which normally develop into mature red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  "There are acute and chronic leukemias, explains D...

While we know that health affects longevity and quality of life, it can be difficult to change bad habits. People often try to make sweeping New Year's resolutions, only to fail. In fact, Jan. 17 is the date that the average America breaks their New Year's resolution. Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a Mayo Clinic preventive cardiologist, says a better approach is to focus on small steps that add up over time...

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your pituitary gland. Pituitary tumors can cause too much or too little of the hormones that regulate important functions of your body to be produced. Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous growths called adenomas, which remain in your pituitary gland or surrounding tissues and don't spread to other parts of your body. "It's very uncommon for a...

Recently, new treatment options have become available to those living with severe peanut allergies.  We will be exploring what's new in this area and who could potentially benefit. On this Ask the Mayo Mom edition of the Q&A podcast, host Dr. Angela Mattke is joined by Dr. Martha Hartz.  Dr. Hartz is a Pediatric Allergist-Immunologist at Mayo Clinic Children's Center and is also an Assistant Profe...

One of the potentially painful side effects of cancer treatment is lymphedema. Lymphedema is tissue swelling caused by the buildup of fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. Because lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system, lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage the lymph nodes. "During cancer treatment, sometimes lymph nodes...

Three respiratory viruses — COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV — are currently circulating in the U.S., and experts worry that holiday travel and gatherings could fuel their spread and further increase the number of cases. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert about the fall season increase in cases of influenza and RSV infect...

At Mayo Clinic, the Department of Business Development is the front door to business. From technology commercialization to strategic partnerships, the ultimate goal of innovation at Mayo Clinic is to improve health outcomes and benefit patients. Business Development has two divisions: Mayo Clinic Ventures, which is Mayo’s technology development and commercialization group, responsible for assistin...

Facial paralysis can affect one side or both sides of the face and can affect eye closure, the smile and lower lip movement. Facial paralysis can be caused by a variety of syndromes and can also be the result of a birth defect, a tumor, or trauma. When facial paralysis occurs in children, it impairs a child’s ability to move their facial muscles and show facial expression. Surgery can be done to r...

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Anyone can develop epilepsy and epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and ages. Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. S...

Commercials and advertisements often target parents, suggesting they should give their kids vitamins and supplements to help them grow strong and stay healthy. But is it true? The short answer is no.  "By and large, when kids are generally healthy, when they're growing well, when there is no big concern, there's really no need for any extra vitamins or supplements," says  Dr. Erin Alexander, a May...

More than 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, according to the National Cancer Institute. A new lung cancer diagnosis can be scary and confusing, but having a support system can help. "Probably the best advice I give patients with lung cancer is to build your village of support around you," says Dr. Shanda Blackmon, a Mayo Clinic thoracic surgeon. "Always see if...

Like all patients, military veterans bring their unique experiences and backgrounds with them as they navigate medical and end-of-life care. At Mayo Clinic, programs are in place to honor military service and care for veterans. Mayo Clinic Hospice is a partner of the We Honor Veterans Program run by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The Hospice team provides the high level of...

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining esophagus becomes damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red. Over time, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach may begin to fail, leading to acid and chemical damage of the esophagus, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.  In some people, GERD may trigger a change in the cells tha...

Epilepsy is a neurologic central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. Having a single seizure doesn't mean you...

Mayo Clinic performed its first bone marrow transplant in 1963 and today hundreds of people receive blood and marrow transplants every year at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Recently, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota celebrated its 10,000th blood and marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplant is used to treat blood cancers and related disorders by infusing healthy blood-forming s...

When someone has a stroke, every second is crucial. The longer it takes to receive treatment, the more likely it is that damage to the brain will occur.  "The mantra is 'time is brain,'" explains Dr. James Meschia, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and stroke expert. "The sooner they get treatment, the better patients do." World Stroke Day is recognized each year on Oct. 29. The aim is to teach the public...

The type of breast cancer a person has and how far it has spread determine the appropriate treatment. Previously, a patient with breast cancer might have received five to six weeks of radiation therapy. But the approach is changing. "For many years, we had the understanding that giving a little bit of radiation each day and spreading that treatment out over multiple weeks was the gentlest on the n...