Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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 mutations.

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 about a return to normal in a post-pandemic world.

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 pregnancy loss and when it’s safe to try again.

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 surgery.

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 practice.

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 much and how to find better alternatives.

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.