Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting some minority communities especially hard. This finding shines a light on the many disparities – or preventable differences in health outcomes among groups of people – that have existed in our country for a long time. Cleveland Clinic urologist and Executive Director of Minority Health Charles Modlin, MD, MBA, explains the many systemic factors that contribute to health disparities, and how we’re working to create a more equitable future.

You thought you were prepared for your appointment. You had several questions ready to ask your doctor, but when the time came, you couldn’t think of a single one. Or maybe you weren’t sure how to handle your first virtual appointment and felt confused afterwards. Family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, shares tips to getting the most out of your doctor appointments. He also discusses how to maximize your time with your provider and how to have an honest, good relationship with your doctor.

Most of us have experienced the misery that comes with a sinus infection before. Pressure behind the eyes or checks, a stuffy nose, irritating cough and a pounding headache are just some of the hallmark signs of sinusitis. Rhinologist Mohamad Chaaban, MD, discusses how you can treat a sinus infection at home and when it’s time to see a doctor. He also explains the difference between sinusitis symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms.

After several weeks of staying at home and social distancing, maybe you’re sick of cooking or have had one too many takeout meals. Whatever food rut you’re stuck in, dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, has some tips to help you get out of it. She also gives her take on some quarantine food trends.

For the past several months, the majority of us have only left our homes for essential errands or to go to work. Now that most states have lifted restriction orders, many people are wondering what life will be like post-quarantine. Cleveland Clinic’s Interim Chief Safety and Quality Officer, Dr. Aaron Hamilton, discusses the biggest changes we can expect to see and how to determine the risk of some activities and events. He also offers advice on how we can continue to protect ourselves as we learn to live with COVID-19.

Has quarantine thrown a wrench in your sleep routine? If the current state of the world has you sleeping less, more or inconsistently (not to mention the weird dreams), you’re not alone. Sleep specialist Michelle Drerup, PsyD, is here to explain how stress, schedules, screen time and more play into our sleep patterns. She also lays out steps everyone can take for a better night’s rest.

Over the past several months, many companies have shifted to remote work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While working from home comes with many challenges – one of the biggest centers around workspace setup and proper ergonomics. Andrew Bang, DC, discusses tips and advice on how to best work from home to avoid common aches and pains. He also talks about setting up your ideal workspace and provides stretches to incorporate throughout the day.

Can anything really “boost” your immune system? And how does it fight off infections? Rheumatologist and immune system expert Leonard Calabrese, DO, explains how the amazing immune system works and what we can do to keep it as strong as possible.

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, encouragement and resilience.

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 practical advice on working through our thoughts and feelings.

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 finding balance and keeping the peace at home.

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 maintaining strong bonds during this time.

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 dedicated teams, designating space and training healthcare workers on properly using and reserving PPE.

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 actually is.

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.