Mayo Clinic Health Matters

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 happens when it's not functioning optimally. 

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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 about what happens when food goes bad, common culprits, and how to keep your stomach safe.

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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 air has to offer. This episode, we’re joined by Dr. Neha Raukar to talk about outdoor first aid—what to do if something goes wrong, and how to prevent it from going wrong in the first place.

Purchase Dr. Raukar's book, Ma...

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 wellness.

On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with Dr. Jen Brull, a family physician and the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, about how to start that conversation with your primary care team, what they can and can’t treat, a...

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, Audiobooks.com, or wherever you get your audiobooks.

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, we’ve got two amazing guests: Dr. Samir Mardini, a facial plastic surgeon who performed Mayo Clinic’s first-ever face transplant, and Andy Sandness, the recipient of that transplant.

To learn more about Andy and Dr. Mardini's story, purchase your copy of Face in the Mirror...

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.

Find u...

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.

Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more h...

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!

You can purchase Dr. Khan's book...

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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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.

Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and boo...

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...

The type of breast cancer a person has and how far it has spread determine the appropriate treatment. Previously, a patient with breast cancer might have received five to six weeks of radiation therapy.

But the approach is changing.

"For many years, we had the understanding that giving a little bit of radiation each day and spreading that treatment out over multiple weeks was the gentlest on the normal tissues, and that would lead to the least side effects," says Dr. Robert Mutter, a Mayo Clinic radiation oncologist. "But over the last decade or two...

Endometriosis is often a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. 

"Endometriosis is a very common condition," explains Dr. Tatnai Burnett, a gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic. "Most of our studies, which are looking at women who have symptoms, would suggest that about 1 in 10 women, so 10% or so have endometriosis. Now, the difficulty here is that some women do not have significant symptoms and wouldn't go to a doctor, or they minimize their symptoms or think what they are experiencing is norma...

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. It is used in conjunction with cancer surgery for people with advanced cancer that has spread inside the abdomen. “Hyperthermic” means warm or hot. “Intraperitoneal” means inside the abdominal cavity, which is encased in a sac called the peritoneum. 

HIPEC uses high-dose chemotherapy to kill microscopic cancer cells inside the abdominal cavity. The HIPEC procedure is performed immediately after a surgeon has removed all visible cancer in the abdomen. HIPEC is well studied in several types of cancer and being explored as a potential treatment in others. <...

The amount of sleep you need depends on various factors — especially your age. While sleep needs vary significantly among individuals, there are general guidelines for different age groups.

For kids, getting the recommended amount of sleep on a regular basis is linked with better health, including improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, the ability to control emotions, quality of life, and mental and physical health.

Mayo Clinic experts recommend these general sleep guidelines for each age group:

Infants 4 months to 12 months 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps
1 to 2 years 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, in...

Shoulder replacement surgery is done to relieve pain and other symptoms that result from damage to the shoulder joint. Common conditions that can damage the shoulder joint include osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuriesand fractures, among others. 

Thanks to improved surgical techniques and an aging population, the number of shoulder replacement surgeries is increasing.

"The rate of usage of shoulder replacement in the United States has increased dramatically," explains Dr. Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon. "And I think there are two reasons. One is that implants are better. And also, that patients now are more a...

Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

"The most recognized, the most common symptom of heart failure is breathlessness," says Dr. Gosia Wamil, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. "And the type of breathlessness that patients would describe most often is the inability to lie flat, waking up in the middle of the night or gasping for air."

Heart failure is o...

Most people diagnosed with breast cancer undergo surgery to remove their cancer from the breast as well as have lymph nodes removed as part of their treatment. 

"Surgical resection of the tumor from the breast and also evaluation of the lymph nodes are used for the vast majority of patients with breast cancer, in particular, those patients where the disease is limited to the breast," says Dr. Judy C. Boughey, a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic. "One of the areas where often breast surgery does not have a role is if the breast cancer has spread or m...

The Somos Latinos Mayo Employee Resource Group (MERG) was created in 2016 to promote, educate and celebrate the cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino staff members and improve the patient experience. 

While the Somos Latinos MERG is based at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Hispanic and Latino MERGs also are active elsewhere across Mayo.

"Resource groups are the response to promoting inclusivity as well as championing a team-based approach for all staff," explains Carlos Rodriguez Jr., a senior strategist at Mayo Clinic and chair of the Somos Latinos MERG. "Essentially, our task is simple: to create a...

Through research, clinical trials and biomanufacturing, Mayo Clinic’s Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics is working to develop new types of medicines derived from the human body to treat chronic and age-related diseases. 

Biologics are therapies that come from human sources — cells, blood, enzymes, tissues, genes or genetically engineered cells — for use in medicines. Biomanufacturing is focused on manufacturing commercial grade biologically based medicines for treatment. Some examples include the use of stem cells, gene therapy and cell therapy, and 3D printing of tissues and organs.

"The important thing is that there's an opportunity to use these t...

Children learn about racial differences and racial bias from an early age, and parents and caregivers are their first teachers. It's important for parents and other adults to be role models for inclusive behaviors early in the lives of children life to decrease racial bias and improve cultural understanding.

Experts encourage parents and caregivers to get comfortable with having difficult conversations about race and bias. 

"It's important for all children to have these discussions, and as an adult in any child's life, everything that you're doing is modeling for them what's okay and isn't okay," s...

The number of people who die from uterine cancer is increasing, particularly among Black women.

Also called endometrial cancer, uterine cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining, or endometrium, of the uterus. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 65,950 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.this year, and about 12,550 people will die from the disease.

Researchers recently reported the results of a study of 208,587 women ages 40 and older with uterine cancer. The study showed death rates for all types of uterine cancer increased significantly by 1.8...

While childhood cancer is rare, 1 in every 266 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer by age 20, according to the American Cancer Society. Each September, advocacy groups, health care institutions, patients and families recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to help families who receive a cancer diagnosis.

“A lot of people still don't know what to do if a child is diagnosed with cancer or where to go,” explains Dr. Wendy Allen-Rhoades, a Mayo Clinic pediatric hematologist and oncologist. “We want people to know that we know that a cancer diagnosis is scary. We know that it’s life-alt...

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects almost 10 million people in the U.S. Approximately one-third of patients will die within five years of a peripheral artery disease diagnosis, and 20% will experience a heart attack or stroke. 

Peripheral artery disease usually involves pain in the lower limbs caused by reduced blood flow due to narrowing of the arteries. Its symptoms, like reduced ability to walk due to leg pain, often are brushed off as signs of aging. While age is a factor, younger people with diabetes or who smoke also should be checked for the disease. 

"If...

Treatment for brain tumors in children can differ from treatment for brain tumors in adults, so it is important to seek care from specialists in pediatric cancer and neurology.

Pediatric brain tumors are masses or growths of abnormal cells that occur in a child's brain, or the tissue and structures near the brain. Of the many types of pediatric brain tumors, some are noncancerous, or benign, and some are cancerous, or malignant.

Common brain tumors in infants, children and teenagers include:

Many institutions that provide cancer care also offer cancer survivorship clinics. These clinics focus on helping people with cancer manage the physical, emotional and social effects of cancer and cancer treatment, as well as improving the overall health and well-being of cancer survivors. 

"Cancer survivorship visits can be very beneficial for the patients," says Dr. Meghna Ailawadhi, a Mayo Clinic general internist specializing in cancer survivorship. "They can provide a bridge between your primary care and your oncologist, and help patients sort out the posttreatment journey a little bit easier."

Cancer survivorship clinics may focus o...

The first significant change to COVID-19 vaccines since their rollout came this week as the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 boosters aimed at the omicron variants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also signed off on the recommendation, clearing the way for the new COVID-19 booster to be administered.

The new boosters are bivalent vaccines, meaning they target more than one strain of the virus. The new formulation targets the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron variants, in addition to the original coronavirus strain. BA.5 is responsible for...

In some parts of U.S., school has already begun, and over the next several weeks, almost all children will be back in the classroom after the Labor Day holiday. 

Setting up students for success at school includes parents and caregivers helping kids develop routines and good habits for time management, nutrition and sleep.

"Having routines is so important not only for our kids, but actually for our families and for us as adults, as well," explains Dr. Tina Ardon, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Florida. "And routines focusing on sleep are a...

Getting ready for a new school year can be exciting for children, parents and caregivers. But it also can be stressful and scary. Whether kids are heading to school for the first time or moving to a new school, it is common to be nervous when facing change. 

"It's important to let our kids know that it's really normal to feel this way," says Dr. Marcie Billings, a Mayo Clinic pediatrician. "Just try to support your kids and let them talk through their fears, talk through their challenges that they're dealing with. And don't think that you n...

Cardiac amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis, which occurs when the body produces abnormal proteins that bind together to form a substance called amyloid. Amyloids can deposit in any tissue or organ, including the heart, kidneys, liver and nerves.

When amyloid collects in the heart muscle, it causes irreversible thickening of the heart wall and disrupts heart function. It reduces your heart's ability to fill with blood between heartbeats, resulting in less blood being pumped with each beat. This can result in shortness of breath. Cardiac amyloidosis also can affect your heart's electrical system, resulting in a...

Whether swimming in the pool, a trip to the lake or a day at the beach, summertime often means sun exposure. And protection from the sun is the focus of Summer Sun Safety Month every August.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. While it most often develops on skin exposed to the sun, but it also can occur on areas of skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.

"And the incidence of skin cancer is rising," says Dr. Dawn Davis...

While colorectal cancer is still the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., continuing improvements in screening and treatment mean many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer now can expect to survive long after diagnosis. 

The American Cancer Society estimates there are more than 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the U.S. 

But what happens after treatment for colorectal cancer is complete? Do survivors of colorectal cancer return to life as they knew it before their diagnosis?

"I think there are three main things that I see our patients really co...

When it comes to sports and activities, what a child eats can affect performance. Sports nutrition focuses on not only on good eating habits, but also on what an athlete might need before exercising and after as a part of recovery. 

Of course, sports nutrition goes beyond simply what you eat. When you eat is important, too. 

Understanding the right balance and timing of taking in carbohydrates, proteins and hydration can help athletes play their best. Eating a healthy diet ensures that athletes are getting all the nutrients their bodies need to produce energy to pe...

Asthma is a lung condition that causes swelling of the airways. It can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It's the most common chronic disease among children, although it affects adults, as well. 

More than 262 million people globally are affected by asthma, and more than 461,000 have died due to the disease, according to the World Health Organization.

In childhood asthma, the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers, such as inhaling pollen or catching a cold or other respiratory infection. Childhood asthma can cause bothersome daily s...

Breastfeeding can be challenging, but help is available for new mothers. Lactation consultants, either at the hospital or through organizations like La Leche League, can help with learning the positions that work best mom and baby, and offer tips that can help with learning this new skill of breastfeeding.

While breastfeeding benefits for the baby are well-known, the mother also benefits.

"It's definitely a great healthy choice for moms to breastfeed," explains Rebekah Huppert, a lactation consultant and nurse at Mayo Clinic. "We know that with breastfeeding, we see a reduction in mom's risk for...

Cancer rehabilitation is available before, during and after cancer treatment. It helps people with cancer maintain and restore physical and emotional well-being, cope with the side effects of cancer, and recover more quickly and more fully from cancer treatment.

Cancer rehabilitation involves many types of specialists working together to develop a personal rehabilitation plan that considers a person's preferences, strengths and goals.

"Cancer rehabilitation aims to help patients maintain function, restore function, and, more broadly, maintain personhood," says Dr. Andrea Cheville, a Mayo Clinic specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. "We obviously don't want the...

Carly Kelly was born with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, a disease that not only affects the kidneys, but also can lead to liver problems. She spent the first month of her life in the Neonatal ICU at Mayo Clinic, where physicians told Carly's family she would eventually need a kidney transplant. 

"I was the first one to register as a donor," says Tim Kelly, Carly's father. "And I was so blessed to be a match. Carly and I have the exact same blood type: AB negative. There are so many people out there that are waiting f...

Drug shortages continue to be a major health care issue in the U.S., with more than 200 ongoing and active shortages per year since 2018. 

"Drug shortages are not new to health care," explains Dr. Mary Gilmer, director of pharmaceutical supply and procurement for Mayo locations across the Midwest. "But, really, over the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortages have really exposed the vulnerability of our global drug supply chain. And these drug shortages remain high, despite decades of continued and increased awareness, effort and significant resource investment in these drug shortage programs at the h...

The menstrual cycles for adolescents vary significantly, including the age at which the first period begins. Frequency, length of period, and amount of bleeding also vary widely.

"The factors that define when you're going to get your first period really is when did mom get her first period, so genetic factors, but there are a lot of lifestyle factors, too" says Dr. Asma Chattha, chair of Pediatric Gynecology at Mayo Clinic. "Definitely weight gain and rate of weight gain plays into it as well. New research is suggesting socio-economic factors and adverse childhood experiences also affect when...

When cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body, it has metastasized. Central nervous system metastases occur when cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain and spinal cord. 

Any cancer can spread to the central nervous system, but the types most likely to cause such metastases are lung, breast, colon and kidney cancers, and melanoma.

Treatment for brain and spinal cord metastases can help ease symptoms, slow tumor growth and extend life. 

To determine which treatment might work best for a person's tumor type, some health ca...

The BA.5 omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., and it is leading to a new wave of COVID-19 infections. BA.5 was responsible for nearly 54% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and BA.4, a similar variant, accounted for another 17%, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Experts are concerned because this particular variant appears to be good at evading the immune system. 

"This BA.5 variant is hypercontagious, and right behind it, new variants are coming," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and he...

An estimated 2.8 million people worldwide are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. In this disease, the immune system attacks the protective covering around the nerve fibers.

"Multiple sclerosis — the term means multiple scars — is a disease that leads to damage of the central nervous system, which is the brain, the spinal cord and the optic nerve," explains Dr. Eoin Flanagan, a Mayo Clinic neurologist. 

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while...

The amount of physical activity children need depends on their age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages 3 through 5 years need to be active throughout the day while children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 need to be active for 60 minutes every day.

Many common school-age activities — such as playing on playground equipment and jumping rope — help kids get the recommended amout of exercise. Organized sports are a great way to stay fit, too, but team sports aren't the only options. Nature hikes, walking, biking or even dancing to their favorite music can get kids movi...

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in the U.S. have been expanded to include children ages 6 months to 5 years. The new vaccine recommendations mean children in the under-5 age group can receive a three-dose primary series of the Pfizer vaccine or a two-dose primary series of the Moderna vaccine.

"This age group is one that can't wear a mask or anything else reliably," explains Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist. "And so this is one of the really important layers of protection for them. Vaccinations will help protect the child, the family and the community."  Duration: 00:28:48

Sarcoma is the general term for a broad group of cancers that begin in the bones and soft tissues of the body, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and the lining of your joints. There are more than 70 types of sarcoma. 

Bone cancer is a rare disease, accounting for just 0.2% of all cancers. An estimated 3,910 new cases of sarcoma of the bones and joints will be diagnosed in 2022, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. 

"When we think of sar...

Diabetes is a chronic condition that impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar due to inadequate insulin production. Producing insulin is a function of the pancreas — a long, flat gland that sits behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. 

People with diabetes can experience significant complications from the disease, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage and vision loss. While advances have been made in diabetes treatments, many people with diabetes struggle with the disease.

"Diabetes is an abnormality in consuming or metabolizing blood glucose," says Dr. Tambi Jarmi, a Mayo Clinic nephrologist. "So...

Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that looks to repair, replace or restore diseased cells, tissues or organs. One specialty that's a natural fit for regenerative medicine is dermatology. That's because the skin is the largest organ that regenerates in the body. 

"Regenerative medicine is the idea that we can reestablish form and function," says Dr. Saranya Wyles, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. "So when we are born, we have that baby skin. And as we age, that sort of shifts and changes over time. So how do we utilize regenerative technologies to get that skin to go b...

The COVID-19 pandemic has led people to delay testing and treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. This includes HIV testing.

During the pandemic, the number HIV diagnosis decline, but that decline is most attributed to declines in testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts attribute this decline to less frequent visits to health centers, reduced outreach services, and shifting of public health staff to COVID-19 response activities. 

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked t...

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. But it can occur in people of all gender identities.

Nearly 13% of women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point, according to the National Cancer Institute. Fortunately, thanks to earlier detection and advances in diagnosis and treatment, most people diagnosed with breast cancer will survive. Understanding what to expect can make the cancer journey smoother.

"It's important for people to know the road map," explains Dr. Daniela Stan, an internist with the...

As immunity wanes for many vaccinated adults and omicron and its subvariants continue to circulate, it seems that just about everyone knows someone with a case of COVID-19. 

The steady increase in COVID-19 infections is due to changing, highly contagious variants, explains Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. Dr. Poland says it’s still important to take the precaution of mask-wearing in public areas, even if you have been vaccinated and have received your boosters. 

"I can’t say it enough. This is so hypercontagious that, regard...

LGBTQ people can face specific health concerns related to their gender incongruence, sexual orientation, practices and social stigma. 

People in the LGBTQ community often experience barriers to accessing health care and preventive services, which can result in disparities in both cancer risk and treatment. 

"Many of those disparities are rooted in stigma and discrimination that have really historically been an issue for this population," says Dr. Jewel Kling, chair of the Women's Health Center at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Dr. Kling encourages people who identify as LGBTQ to find a health care pr...

An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.

If your child has repeated, long-term ear infections or continuous fluid buildup in the ear...

Palliative care is offered alongside cancer treatment to help people with cancer manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for them and their families. Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving patients' pain and other symptoms of serious illness no matter the diagnosis or stage of disease. 

"The palliative care team really focuses on addressing symptoms and needs so that we can help people feel as comfortable as they can as they go through their treatment for cancer," says Dr. Deirdre Pachman, a palliative medicine expert at Mayo Clinic. "We do this by f...