Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Podcast

Stress is a normal part of life. But what about when the stress isn't so normal anymore? Integrative Medicine expert Brenda Powell, MD, discusses the wide ranging effects stress can have on you — from your sleep to your job performance — and how to best cope so you don't suffer its negative and destructive effects, like anxiety and depression.

Are you all too familiar with the ache of arthritis? M. Elaine Husni, MD, discusses why it's important to get a proper diagnosis (whether osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or lupus) so you can get the relief you're after.

When you're standing in the grocery aisle, do you get confused about what's the healthiest pick? Canned vs. frozen? So-called "natural flavorings." Functional Medicine Director Mark Hyman, MD, discusses what you need to know to fill your cart with the best foods for you and your entire family.

There are a lot of things that have to go right to make a perfect heart. And in 1 in 110 cases, something does go wrong, making congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common birth defect in the United States. Tess Saarel, Chair of Pediatric Cardiology, explains the different types of CHD, from the relatively minor to the complex. She gives an overview of the surgical treatments available and how advances like 3-D printed models are revolutionizing what's possible today.

Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Yet 30% of us are getting less than 7 hours of shut eye every night. Neurologist and sleep expert Nancy Foldvary, MD, explains exactly what a lack of essential sleep does to your body — and what help is available for common sleep disorders, from sleep apnea to insomnia.

Pregnancy. Sleep-deprived child-rearing. Menopause. There are a lot of circumstances in a woman's life that make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity medicine specialist Karen Cooper, DO, discusses these pitfalls and how to overcome them.

Sugar. What are the physiological effects of consuming the sweet stuff? And how can you eliminate your sweet cravings? Functional Medicine Director Mark Hyman, MD, discusses what happens in your body when you eat sugar (and artificial sweeteners) and explains the best way to kick your sugar habit.

You know you're supposed to do a breast self-exam. But what do you do when you think you've found something troubling? Medical oncologist Megan Kruse, MD, explains normal and abnormal lumps, bras and breast cancer risk & more.

Despite the fact that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S., there's still a lot of confusion about heart disease symptoms — and exactly how to keep your heart healthy. Steven Nissen, MD, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, helps clear up what you need to know. He explains the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest (yes, there is one!), what diet's the heart-healthiest, and why walking's so great for your heart.

Want your skin to glow? Then it's important to know that what you eat has a huge impact on its appearance! Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, explains the role that vitamins, minerals and healthy fats play in healthy skin. She also discusses remedies for hair loss, the best treatments for rosacea, why it's not a good idea (though tempting!) to pop pimples and more.

We all feel fear, worry and sadness at times. And sometimes those feelings overwhelm us. So how do you know if what you're feeling is normal, or not? Psychiatrist Karen Jacobs, DO, explains when you (or a loved one) should seek out help — and what's available, from lifestyle changes like meditation and exercise to counseling and medications.

Heart disease isn't just a man's disease. In fact, it's the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. each year. Leslie Cho, MD, Director of the Women’s Cardiology Center, explains why women don't necessarily realize they're at risk. She sheds light on how women's hearts differ from men's. And you'll learn why women are more at risk for certain heart-related problems and how to spot the more subtle symptoms of a heart attack that women more commonly experience.

Hot flashes. Trouble sleeping. Chin whiskers. Menopause, though natural, can bring with it a variety of discomforts and concerns. Women's health specialist Holly Thacker, MD, explains why you shouldn't just suffer and discusses both hormonal and nonhormonal treatments available.

If back pain is interfering with your life, you don't have to just put up with it. Back pain management specialist Robert Bolash, MD, explains the different types of back pain, when to see a specialist and what types of treatments are available — including minimally invasive procedures.

How do you pick the best diet? And how do you break your late-night snacking habit? Dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, offers practical tips for cutting through all of the dietary confusion.

Your immune system's designed to protect you from toxins and infections. But it can become overactive leading to inflammation, or underactive leaving you vulnerable to the flu and more serious infections. Immunology expert Leonard Calabrese, MD, discusses what lifestyle choices will keep your immune system functioning its best.

Are there safe alternatives to opioids? How soon can I stop them to avoid becoming addicted? What do I do if I think I'm addicted? Pain management specialist, Richard Rosenquist, MD, provides answers.

Talking about sports or work is breeze for most men. But most men keep their health worries private. Urologist James Ulchaker, MD, discusses common concerns, from ED to prostate cancer to bladder cancer & more.

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.

Unlike many health conditions, those affecting the skin are visible to everyone around us. Dermatologist Christine Lopez, MD, offers advice for acne, milia, psoriasis, dandruff & more.