Mayo Clinic Health Matters

In today's world, skincare is largely focused on aesthetics, but what about its impact on our physical well-being?

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Saranya Wyles joins us to discuss the vital functions of our skin, tips for maintaining its health, and the latest advancements in skin healing and rejuvenation.

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When was the last time you thought about your kidney? If you’re a healthy individual, maybe not so much. But this unassuming organ is vital—and kidney diseases, like polycystic kidney disease, can put people at serious risk of health complications.

On this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with Dr. Fouad Chebib to sing the praises of the small but mighty kidney, learn how to maintain kidney health, and gain a deeper understanding of polycystic kidney disease, also known as PKD.

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Remember the childhood warning about rusty nails and tetanus? Turns out, there’s more to the story.

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Priya Sampathkumar unpacks the truth about tetanus—how it spreads, the signs of infection, and why staying up to date on your vaccines is crucial.

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We've got a special episode for you today from our friends at Tomorrow's Cure! Tomorrow's Cure is a Mayo Clinic podcast that is bringing the future of healthcare to the present.

The stethoscope, one of the most iconic symbols of medicine, was invented over 200 years ago. Today, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing this essential tool, empowering doctors to detect cardiac disease at its earliest stages with greater precision during routine visits. The podcast episode features Demilade Adedinsewo, M.B., Ch.B., cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and Jason Bellet, co-founder of Eko Health.

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Ozempic. Wegovy. Mounjaro. Zepbound. You’ve probably heard the name of one of these drugs in the past few years—maybe you’ve even thought about taking them. Every day, more Americans are taking these drugs known as GLP-1s, either for chronic conditions like diabetes or, increasingly, for weight loss. So do these drugs deliver on the promise of easy weight loss? And are they right for everyone? This episode, we talk with Mayo Clinic dietitian and host of Mayo Clinic On Nutrition Tara Schmidt about the drugs that have taken weight loss culture by storm.

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Life after a breast cancer diagnosis is rarely the same as it was before. Breast cancer changes your relationship with your body. It changes your relationship with the people around you. It changes life’s daily rhythms. But that doesn’t mean life can’t be richer, more meaningful and perhaps even healthier. Living with breast cancer is about more than just surviving. It’s about thriving and continuing to find purpose and joy.

On this episode of Heath Matters, we sit down with Dr. Tufia Haddad, author of Beyond Breast Cancer, to talk about what comes next aft...

Cardiovascular disease accounts for more than a fourth of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. The good news is that doctors believe the vast majority of those are entirely avoidable.

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Niti Aggarwal shares how heart issues during pregnancy aren't just a temporary condition for nine months -- instead, they're actually a predictor of heart health for the rest of your life.

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If you're struggling with infertility, what are your options for available treatment? 

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Zaraq Khan returns to share the details on IUI, IVF, ICSI, third party reproduction, and more. He'll also break down the myth of cyropreservation, and explain newer experimental technologies -- from ovary and uterine transplants to the use of mouse models for harvesting and developing ovarian tissue. 

You can purchase Dr. Khan's book, Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception, Second Edition, on Mayo Clinic Press.

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One out of eight couples in the United States experience difficulty getting pregnant. A large and often unspoken contributor to that statistic? Male factor infertility.

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Zaraq Khan breaks down all the necessary components to create a pregnancy, and shares his thoughts on how infertility -- generally a couple's issue -- has become a woman's social burden to carry.

Join us next week for part 2 of our fertility discussion, where we'll be talking about assisted reproduction, fertility preservation options, and more!

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Sleep: it's complicated. Our sleep quality is at the root of countless health issues. So, how do we change our habits?

On this episode of Health Matters, we're speaking with Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, a sleep medicine specialist and the director of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Sleep Medicine, about how to sleep better. Dr. Morgenthaler shares tips about maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and optimizing the sleep environment, and when to see a medical professional for sleep issues.

Order Dr. Morgenthaler's book, Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep, on Mayo Clinic Press today.

Fi...

Heartburn, acid reflux, GERD—what’s the real difference? In this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Dawn Francis breaks it down, explaining why an estimated 1 in 5 Americans experience frequent reflux symptoms. We dive into how diet factors into your gastro health, the mechanics of the digestive system, and the lifestyle changes you can make to get alleviate your reflux symptoms.

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Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

1 in 5 people use herbs and other dietary supplements to improve their health and well being. But with all the conflicting information out there, it can be hard to tell: Are supplements good for you, or not?

On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Brent Bauer talks about the possible benefits and pitfalls of taking supplements, and how to go about choosing the best products for you.

Buy Dr. Bauer's new book, Mayo Clinic Guide to Holistic Health, today.

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Constantly tuning into the news can feel stressful, and sometimes... inescapable. Even when you turn off your TV, you'll still find out what's going on - online, through friends, or through social media. So how can we find ways to be calm when it feels like we're constantly being bombarded?

On this episode of Health Matters, clinical psychologist Adam S. Anderson talks about how our bodies are wired to seek information, why negative, sensationalist news can feel addictive, and how we can adjust our relationship to the news by implementing healthy habits.

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Awkward. Taboo. The stuff of juvenile comedy. That's how many people would describe hemorrhoids, if they even talk about them at all. And if the emotional discomfort isn't enough, they're also pretty physically uncomfortable.

But for something we don't talk about, a LOT of us experience them. One in two people will experience a hemorrhoid by the time they reach 50.

On this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Sarah Umar — also known to her Mayo Clinic patients as the Queen of Hemorrhoids — joins us to answer all our burning questions about hemorrhoids.

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Pets are close to our hearts — and they’re good for our hearts. Having a pet is linked to a whole host of cardiovascular benefits, from reduced blood pressure to increased physical activity. So snuggle up with your pup, and let’s learn how caring for our animals helps us care for ourselves, too.

On this episode of Health Matters, cardiologist Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez talks with us about the connection between cardiovascular health and your furry, feathered or fanged friend.

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Space: the final medical frontier. This is the interview with Dr. Jan Stepanek. His continuing mission: to explore strange new medicine; to seek out new treatment and new conditions; to boldly treat where no doctor has treated before.

Or in other words, on this episode of Health Matters, we talk with aerospace medicine specialist Dr. Jan Stepanek about what medicine looks like in outer space. Buckle up, strap yourself in, and let's go the stars!

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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 and when to soak up those summer rays.

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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 Health Matters, we talk with sports medicine specialist Dr. Amy Beacom about the sweating, the shivering and whether this should be part of your routine.

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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 this episode of Heath Matters, we sit down with Dr. Bobbi Pritt to talk about brain-eating amoebas, what they are, how concerned we should be about them, and ways to avoid infection.

F...

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 distraction?

On this episode of Health Matters, family physician Dr. Robert Wilfahrt joins us to talk about all things ADHD.

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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.

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, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

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 talks to Dr. Leslie Kummer, a primary care pediatrician with special interest in breastfeeding medicine, about beginning the weaning process, safely introducing kids to the wonderful world of food...

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 physician, surgeon, and scientist with a research laboratory at Mayo Clinic studying gene therapy and stem cell therapy for retinal degenerations, including for children. 

Sh...

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 Dr. James Foran, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic. "The chronic ones tend to happen slowly over many years. You can watch it for a period of time until it really becomes active. The acute leukemias c...

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.

"The answer, I think, is to make small, sustainable steps that you can live with," says Dr. Kopecky "And when I say small steps...

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 any pituitary tumor to be a malignancy or what one would commonly think about as a cancer or something that would travel elsewhere," says Dr. Jamie Van Gompel, a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon. "Almost all...

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 Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics who will also discuss what is on the horizon in the world of allergy treatment.

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 need to be removed, and the lymphatic system that travels around and through these lymph nodes, gets damaged as well," explains Dr. Antonio Forte, a Mayo Clinic plastic surgeon. "It's impossible to remove the 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 infection, primarily affecting young children.

To help protect against severe disease and hospitalization, the CDC recommends vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 for all eligible people 6 months or older. 

While not yet available, there...

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 has about 7,000 active inventors across its campuses, which is quite incredible," say...

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 reanimate the face and give children back the ability to show their smiles and expressions on the outside. 

The Facial Paralysis and Rea...

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. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

Medications for epilepsy have improved and remain the most common way...

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 Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist. 

Experts agree that most kids should get their vitamins from food, not supplements. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that healthy children receiving a normal, wel...

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 you can have somebody come with you for your appointment, just to help you emotionally deal with things, to help you record what's being said, to help you collect t...

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 medical, emotional, spiritual and social care that those who have served in the U.S. armed forces deserve. Team members recognize and honor the hospice patient’s military service with a veteran pinning ce...

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 that line the lower esophagus, causing Barrett's esophagus.

"The stomach is well designed to handle highly acidic conditions," explains Dr. James East, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. "But t...

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 have epilepsy. At least two seizures without a known trigger (unprovoked seizures) that happen at least 24 hours apart are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.

Anyone can develop epilepsy. Epilepsy affects both males and...

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 stem cells into your body to replace unhealthy bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant is also called a stem cell transplant. Bone marrow transplants may use cells from your own body, called autologous transplant, or from a donor, known...

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 about stroke risk factors and stroke prevention, and to raise awareness about the warning signs of stroke so people recognize when a loved one m...