Mayo Clinic Health Matters

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 Center for Humanities in Medicine — joins us to explore what the science says about the healing power of the arts. Then, we talk with Tane Danger, artist-in-residence at Mayo Clinic, about how he uses improv to help clinicians deliver better care. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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.

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 left Mayo Clinic with not just a new heart, but a new creative passion. Together, they share how art can offer comfort, connection and even a sense of control during some of life’s most challenging moments — and why creativity may play a meaningful role in the healing process. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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.

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 Matters, Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt rejoins us — one year after our original GLP-1 episode — to talk about what we’ve learned so far, what’s surprised researchers and patients, and what questions still need answers.

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 Matters, oncologist Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab joins us to explain what makes cancer so challenging to cure, how we are treating it today, and what is giving him real hope for the future.

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 habits, how to manage constipation and diarrhea, and whether there really are “right” or “wrong” ways to poop. Check out Dr. Wang's children's book, Boo Can't Poo, at mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/boo-cant-poo. 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.

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 practicing rural medicine. He explains what makes rural populations unique, how closely connected rural health systems are, and the daily challenge of balancing evidence-based treatment with what patients can realistically afford. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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.

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, M.D., explains how stroke treatment has evolved, what signs and symptoms require immediate attention, and how timely care can improve outcomes for yourself or a loved one. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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, M.D., explains how stroke treatment has evolved, what signs and symptoms require immediate attention, and how timely care can improve outcomes for yourself or a loved one. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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.

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 medications may play a future role in smoking cessation. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 advanced disease can still live full, fulfilling lives. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 perimenopause and menopause are diagnosed, the latest on hormone therapy, and how our understanding of this stage of life has changed dramatically in recent decades. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 prosthodontist, about how oral health and overall health go hand in hand — and how to optimize your dental hygiene routine. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 prevent injury in the first place? Is there anything you can do to speed up recovery? On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Christopher Camp joins us to share expert advice on keeping your elbows and shoulders safe — whether you're on the court, on the course or just going about your day. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 about hypertension, how to get your numbers within range, and whether you should be measuring your blood pressure at home. For more information on blood pressure device validation and accuracy, check out validatebp.org. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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? And when it comes to “gut-healthy” diets and products, who should you believe? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with Dr. Sahil Khanna about the care and keeping of your gut microbiome — and the exciting potential of microbiota-based therapies. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 the world of headaches — from nursing a garden-variety tension headache to being plagued by migraines. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. Still, some dedicate their careers to advancing its treatment. On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with one such person: Dr. Marion Curtis, whose groundbreaking research is changing the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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" is NOT safer than vaccines, and what the future of vaccines looks like. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 episode of Health Matters, Dr. Gregory Poland explains how vaccines are made, what a world without them would look like, and how getting a vaccine is safer than driving a car. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Dr. Maryam Mahmood, and learning more about HIV looks like today. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy