Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

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 preventing it.

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 life.

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 to seek care and tips for prevention.

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 control, side effects, safety, effectiveness and more.

Do you have chronic back pain that radiates down your leg? You might be dealing with sciatica. Or maybe it’s stemming from your hips? Dominic Pelle, MD, explains how to identify the source of your back pain – and most importantly – how to find relief.

We tend to associate grief with the death, but a number of other life events can trigger grief, too — from the end of a relationship to the loss of a job to financial hardships. Clinical psychologist Regina Josell, PsyD, explains the many emotions that come with grief and ideas to help you get through it.

It’s estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their life – and one of the most common causes is from a herniated disc. Spine surgeon Dominic Pelle, MD, discusses why people get herniated discs, diagnosis, treatment and preventative measures. Learn about basic treatment options you can try at home all the way up to surgical intervention.

How do I know menopause is coming? Will I gain weight? Will I need to take hormones? And is there anything I can do about those annoying hot flashes? Women’s health specialist Pelin Batur, MD, walks us through what to expect.

If you know that burning feeling in your chest after you finish a big, fatty meal, you know heartburn. Learn some lifestyle tweaks you can make to minimize your heartburn, and the truth about what foods really make it worse, from gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard, MD.

Leukemia encompasses many different types of chronic or acute blood cancer. Hematologist Aaron Gerds, MD, clears up misconceptions about leukemia and explains how it’s different from lymphoma, what the risk factors are and how new treatments are emerging.

Ever feel unsteady, lightheaded or like the room is spinning around you? Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms, but the causes can range from BPPV, to head injuries and migraines, to cardiovascular responses. Audiologist Julie Honaker explains the difference between feeling dizzy and having vertigo, and what to do when feeling unsteady takes over your life. She also addresses why vertigo can be worse at night and offers simple exercises that can provide relief.

More people are affected by autoimmune diseases than you may realize. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis are just a few examples. Rheumatologist Howard Smith, MD, discusses what factors — including diet — play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases, as well as the latest treatments available.

As an alarming number of young people take up vaping, and reports of dangerous vaping-related lung illnesses continue to surface, what’s a worried parent to do? Pulmonologist and smoking cessation specialist Humberto Choi, MD, delivers the knowledge you need to talk with your teenager or loved ones about e-cigarettes.