Mayo Clinic Health Matters
by Mayo Clinic Press
Mayo Clinic Health Matters brings you the latest medical advice, news and research to help you live a happier, healthier life. 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.
Episodes
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What nobody tells you about chronic illness
A chronic condition can be with you anywhere from a long time to a lifetime. So how do you stay grounded when your health is constantly threatening to take over your life? On this episode of Health Matters, health policy advocate, chronic illness patient and author Gwen Mayes joins us with her...
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Is the gut microbiome overhyped?
The gut microbiome is one of the great medical discoveries of our time. It could revolutionize the way we treat GI issues, autoimmune diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and even mental health. But has the internet started getting ahead of what the science actually says? On this episode...
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What to do when you hear “you have cancer”
No one wants to hear their doctor say "you have cancer." But if that happens, the conversation will affect your life for years to come. On this episode of Health Matters, medical oncologist Pooja Advani, M.D., pulls back the curtain on what those early conversations look like and gives us advice…
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Most strokes are preventable – here’s how
Strokes seem sudden, but they can actually be years in the making. In fact, 80% of strokes are preventable. So what can you do today to help prevent a stroke further down the line? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with radiologist David Miller, M.D., about the stroke risk factors you…
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Why sexual pleasure matters for your health
One of the biggest challenges with vaginal health is feeling like we can't talk about it. There’s a lot of shame, embarrassment and misinformation surrounding this part of our bodies. On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with internist and women’s health specialist Jewel Kling, M.D., about...
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How AI is changing the cancer game
AI is becoming part of everyday life. But doctors have been using and studying AI in medicine long before it entered the mainstream. What promise does AI hold for better cancer care? And what parts of medicine should it never replace? On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with...
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Is drinking bad for you now?
Drinking has been part of life for longer than recorded history. But these days, many are skipping that beer or glass of wine to protect their health. So is drinking totally bad now? And if not, how much is actually OK? On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with psychiatrist Dr. Bhanu...
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Bunions: To treat or not to treat?
Do you see a bony bump when you look down at your feet? If so, you might have a bunion. And if you don’t, you probably want to keep it that way. On this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with podiatrist Dr. Martin Ellman about how to care for your feet, whether high heels cause bunions and...
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When you need a hormone panel – and when you don’t
It seems like everyone's talking about hormone panels. But are they worth the hype — and the cost? And are your hormones really the problem? On this episode of Health Matters, endocrinologist and women's health expert Dr. Ekta Kapoor explains what a hormone panel can — and can't — tell you about...
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Can you trust health news?
Breaking news! This podcast episode is going to change everything you thought you knew about health … or is it? Catchy headlines and viral videos are everywhere — but can you trust them? On this episode of Health Matters, registered dietitian Joy Heimgartner guides us through all the twists and...
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How to tame chronic inflammation
Some inflammation is helpful, but too much can do more harm than good. These days, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of health conditions, from joint pain and digestive issues to heart disease and fatigue. So how do you know whether chronic inflammation is contributing to your health...
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Liver cancer: Beyond the diagnosis
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and the only one with a significant ability to regenerate. But that doesn't mean the liver is invincible. Liver cancer is harder to detect than some other cancers — and challenging to treat. So who is likely to get liver cancer, and how…
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Are You Prepared for the Next Disaster?
Midwest tornadoes. East Coast hurricanes. West Coast wildfires. Giant earthquakes and towering waves. Emergencies can bring out the biggest challenges — and surprising strengths — in people and healthcare systems alike. So how do you care for your health when your world might literally be falling...
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Bladder Cancer: More Common Than You Think
Bladder cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the U.S. On top of that, it can be difficult to diagnose. But it also has some very clear causes — which means there are real steps you can take to reduce your risk. On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with urologist Dr. Timothy Lyon...
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Ow, My Back!
Back pain has a way of stopping life in its tracks. One minute you’re bending down to pick up a shoe, and the next you’re flat on your back, wondering how something so small could cause so much pain — and what you can do to feel better. In this episode of Health Matters, we talk with physiatrist...
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Lung Cancer: Should You Get Screened?
Lung cancer currently accounts for about one in five cancer deaths. But only a fraction of people who are eligible for lung cancer screening are getting screened. So why aren’t more people getting screened? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with pulmonologist Dr. Brett Bade and…
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What’s This Rash?
Dandruff, eczema, rashes, redness — dermatitis can take many forms. While symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable or even painful, effective treatment options are available. On this episode of Health Matters, dermatologist Dawn Marie Davis, M.D., joins us to explain the different types of...
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When Doctors Do Improv: Arts in Medicine Part 2
What if your doctor prescribed a poem? What if the surgeon removing your tumor took an improv class? On this episode of Health Matters, we continue our conversation on the intersection of art and medicine. First, Dr. Shelley Noland — a hand and peripheral nerve surgeon and medical director of the...
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Can Art Heal Us?: Arts in Medicine Part 1
Art feeds the soul — but can it also help the body heal? Mayo Clinic’s Arts at the Bedside program is exploring exactly that. On this episode of Health Matters, we’re joined by artist Robin Anderson, who brings creativity directly to patients’ bedsides, and patient-turned-artist Katie White, who...
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Are GLP-1s Everything We Hoped For?
If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that GLP-1s are here to stay. But as time passes, we’re also learning more about them — from new uses to new side effects to unexpected cultural trends. So have these drugs really lived up to the promise of easy weight loss? On this episode of Health...
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Why is Cancer So Hard to Cure?
Curing cancer is often talked about as a pie-in-the-sky goal. Given how difficult cancer can be to detect — let alone treat — a cure can sometimes feel out of reach. But what if a real cure for many types of cancer is closer than we think — perhaps just a decade away? On this episode of Health...
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How to Poop the Right Way
It’s time to talk about poop. While poop can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk about, it can offer valuable clues about your health. So what might your poop be telling you? In this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Xiao Jing Iris Wang shares practical guidance on healthy bowel...
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What Happens When You're the Only Doctor for Miles
How does healthcare in rural America differ from care in cities? The answer is more complex than familiar images of house calls and close-knit communities. On this episode of Health Matters, Steven Furr, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians draws on more than 40 years of experience...
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Stroke Isn’t the End of the Story
Many people find strokes frightening to think about, but advances in stroke care continue to improve survival and recovery. What has changed, and what should patients and families know about stroke symptoms, treatment and prevention? On this episode of Health Matters, neurologist James Klaas…
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Breaking Up with Nicotine: How to Kick a Nicotine Dependency
Why is nicotine so hard to quit? What’s the best way to do it? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Robert Kirchoff breaks down the science of addiction. He explains why the method of nicotine use — including pouches, vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco — matters and discusses how GLP-1...
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How Modern Science Is Changing Advanced Prostate Cancer
On this episode of Health Matters, genitourinary oncologist Dr. Elisabeth Heath breaks down what we know — and what we’re still learning — about the prostate and prostate cancer. She also shares the latest advances in treating metastatic prostate cancer and explains how many people diagnosed with...
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What's Happening to my Body? Navigating the Different Stages of Menopause
You’ve been dealing with headaches, joint pain and sudden trouble concentrating. Could it be menopause? The menopause transition can be confusing, especially because there’s no single set of symptoms or treatments. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Denise Millstine discusses how…
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Brushing Your Way to Better Health: How Oral and Dental Health Go Beyond the Mouth
We all want a bright set of pearly whites, but teeth are more than what meets the eye. Your mouth and teeth serve as gatekeepers for your body, helping protect your heart, lungs and other organs from bacteria, pathogens and disease. On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with Dr. Sarah Lee, a...
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Attack of the Pickleball Elbow: Treating Sports Injuries
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Little League elbow — and now, even pickleball elbow. Staying active has countless benefits, but sports can be tough on your tendons. And you don’t have to be an athlete to end up with a “sports injury.” So, what are the early signs to watch for, and how can you...
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Under Pressure: How to Lower High Blood Pressure
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure—many without even realizing it. So what do those two numbers really mean for your health? And is your high blood pressure preventable, treatable... or even reversible? On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with Dr. Gary Schwartz...
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Do's and Don'ts for Keeping Your Microbiome Healthy
Your colon is more than a pit stop for waste — it houses a lush, thriving ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These organisms affect everything from your digestion to your immune system — and maybe even your mental health. So how can we harness the power of the gut microbiome?…
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There's Over 200 Types of Headaches: Which One Do You Have?
Nearly everyone experiences a headache at some point in life, but not all headaches are created equal. They can have different causes, pain levels and effects on your daily functioning. In this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with neurologist Dr. Amaal Starling. She takes us on a tour of...
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Ovarian Cancer: Know Your Risk and How to Reduce It
Ovarian cancer may not be the most common or talked-about cancer, but like any major disease, it can turn your life upside down. While the risk of developing ovarian cancer is comparatively lower, it’s harder to detect — there’s no reliable way to screen for it, and early symptoms can be vague....
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Yes, You Actually Do Need Vaccines, Part 2
We're back for a second installment of the Vaccines episode, digging further into vaccines and dispelling misinformation about them. On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Gregory Poland returns to explain why women have better immune responses to viral vaccines than men, how "natural infection"…
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Yes, You Actually Do Need Vaccines
No one likes being poked with a needle, but it’s way better than getting seriously sick. It can be hard to stay up to date with all your vaccinations, though: There’s a new COVID vaccine every year, the new RSV vaccine in 2023, and... when was the last time you got a tetanus booster? On this...
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Thriving with HIV: Everything You've Missed Since the '90s
More people are living with HIV than ever before. And no, it's not because transmission rates have spiked. It's because people who are HIV positive are living longer, healthier lives—a radical change from decades past. On this episode of Health Matters, we're celebrating how far we've come with…
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Gland Central: Understanding the Thyroid
Roughly 20 million Americans already have some form of a thyroid issue. And it's estimated that over half of them... are completely unaware of it. On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Mabel Ryder breaks down the thyroid's important role in the body and how it affects all organs — and what…
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When Good Food Goes Bad: How to Protect Yourself from Food Poisoning
Most people know not to eat the potato salad that’s been sitting on the picnic table for 8 hours. But what about leftover takeout, raw cookie dough, or produce and meat recalls? Is your gurgling stomach a herald of doom? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with Dr. Christine Ragay-Cathers...
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Vital Outdoor First-Aid Lessons Before the Big Hike: Medical Best Practices That Could Save Your Life
The sun on your face, the wind in your hair, the earth crunching under your boots… what’s not to love? Well, maybe blisters. Or spider bites. Or a sprained ankle. Actually, a lot of things can go wrong in nature. But with preparation, you can make good decisions and take in all the benefits fresh...
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The Mental Health Conversation Your Primary Team Wishes You Would Have
You probably know that modern mental health care doesn’t mean lying down on a couch and looking at ink blots. But you might not realize that for many folks, mental health care starts in primary care. Your primary care physician could be your first—and maybe only—stop on your way to mental…
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BONUS EPISODE: Face in the Mirror
We're excited to share an audio preview of our new book, Face in the Mirror: A Surgeon, a Patient, and the Remarkable Story of the First Face Transplant at Mayo Clinic. You can order your print copy of the book from Mayo Clinic Press, or keep listening to the audiobook on Audible, Libro.fm,...
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A Surgeon, a Patient, and the Remarkable Story of the First Face Transplant at Mayo Clinic
The first face transplant was performed in 2005. Since then, only about 50 face transplants have been done in the entire world. It’s a complex surgery that requires all the expertise a surgeon can bring to the table. It can also be life-changing for patients. On this episode of Health Matters,...
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The Skincare Secrets Doctors DO Want You to Know: Reclaim Skin Health, Rejuvenation and Vibrance
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...
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Changing the Future of Your Kidneys: PKD and Beyond
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...
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When Do I Need a Tetanus Vaccine?
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. Find us...
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Tomorrow's Cure: AI Powered Stethoscopes Improve Access to Heart Care
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...
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Beyond Ozempic: The GLP-1 Boom
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...
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I Have Breast Cancer - Now What?
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...
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Pregnancy: The Heart's First Stress Test
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...
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Facts on Fertility, Part II
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...
About this show
Mayo Clinic Health Matters brings you the latest medical advice, news and research to help you live a happier, healthier life. 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.
Hosted by
Mayo Clinic Press