Healthy@UH Podcast

Ozempic and similar medications have received widespread attention for the treatment of diabetes and weight loss. There's also growing research that they may help treat heart disease, sleep apnea, kidney disease, substance use disorder and other conditions. Demand has surged for the medications because of their impressive ability to help people lose weight. But are they right for everyone?

Colds and respiratory illnesses are to be expected, but are we getting sick more often than we used to? And are there more viruses going around these days? Dr. Keith Armitage, infectious disease specialist at University Hospitals, sheds light on the newest infectious disease data and why some people are more susceptible to getting sick.  

We've all dealt with toxic people but what do you do when someone's actions begin to affect your emotional well-being? Sometimes, the answer lies not in changing the person who hurts us – but in changing how we react to them. Psychiatrist Dr. Patrick Runnels, Chief Medical Officer of Population Health at University Hospitals Cleveland, explains how to handle toxic people, even when removing them from your life isn't possible.

One of the secrets to good health and a long life is your immune system. But how does it work and can you strengthen it? Naturopathic Doctor Jacob Wolf explains the immune system: What can strengthen or weaken it and how exercise, gut health and natural remedies like vitamin C, zinc and elderberry impact immunity.

Anxiety and depression are on the rise in children and teens. Societal pressures, academic stress and social media have all played a role. Early detection and intervention by parents and pediatricians is getting more kids the help they need. Psychologist, Elizabeth Harris, PhD and psychiatrist, John Hertzer, MD, discuss evidence-based treatment options and the importance of a tailored approach to each child's unique needs.

An overwhelming amount of information exists about the best way to eat for long-term health. Breaking through the clutter is challenging and sometimes subjective. Licensed Dietitian, Kelli Santiago, MS, RD, CSSD, LD explains what to look for in the foods you eat or in the lifestyle changes you'd like to make in order to live your healthiest life.

Research is growing every day about the health risks of drinking. From heart health to cancer to damaging the immune system and sleep quality, even small amounts of drinking may be harmful. Medical toxicologist, Ryan Marino, MD, explains alcohol's impact and whether any level of consumption is a healthy choice.  

Integrative oncology provides data-driven therapies to help with pain, insomnia, anxiety and other side effects from cancer treatment. Medical oncologist, Santosh Rao, MD, explains how managing these symptoms can not only relieve side effects, but also improve treatment and outcomes.

From common concerns about weight gain to changes in bone health and sexuality, OB/GYN, Susan Lasch, MD, shares how to live your healthiest life after menopause. This insightful discussion covers the latest research and provides actionable strategies to thrive in this new chapter of life.

Telemedicine exploded during the pandemic and has held steady as a convenient way for people to get the care they need without leaving the house. Brian Zack, MD, explains how telemedicine helps more patients get essential care and why it isn't just here to stay, but may become the preferred way to see your doctor.

Popular health advice is everywhere. From what to eat to how much to exercise, it can feel overwhelming to make the right choices. Naturopathic doctor, Jacob Wolf, ND, cuts through the noise and shares the evidence behind common health myths.

There are far-reaching consequences of loneliness on physical and mental health, including heart disease, dementia and depression. With half of adults reporting loneliness, psychiatrist Andrew Hunt, MD, shares common causes – from technology to changes in social dynamics – and strategies for improving social connections.

From foggy thinking to the impact on mood and physical health, interrupted sleep has consequences for your health. Kingman Strohl, MD, a specialist in sleep medicine, shares common causes – from stress to complex sleep disorders, and what you can do to get a better night's sleep.

Retirement looks different for everyone. Studies have shown that prioritizing four key areas can greatly improve your retirement years, both mentally and physically. Martha Sajatovic, MD, a specialist in geriatric psychiatry, shares more and what to do if you're already retired and feeling a lack of purpose.  

Hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, brain fog, dry skin, joint pain, weight gain – these are just some of what women experience during menopause. Can anything be done to treat or lessen those symptoms? Can diet or medication help? And when is it time to see a clinician for advice? Jean Marino, CNP, a menopause and women's health expert, comprehensively answers these and other questions she gets on a daily basis.

Becoming a better runner takes more than just desire. Learning how to make your body more efficient is essential. Strengthening core muscles, hydration and sleep patterns all play a role. So does mastering the mental game. How can you push past your obstacles? Laura Goldberg, MD, a sports medicine expert with more than 20 completed marathons, explains how to be a better, faster, stronger runner.  

Many people want to be healthier versions of themselves. Taking that first step is the hardest part. What are you stepping into, and will it work? If you're in a place where you're finally ready to lose weight and are committed to success, Leena Khaitan, MD, MPH, can help. The Director of Bariatric Surgery provides data on surgical options and valuable information on other weight loss alternatives.

When a family member, friend or loved one says, "I have cancer," it's hard to know what to say. You may feel emotional – of course you are shocked and sad. But so is your loved one. Oncology-certified social worker Eileen Matteo, LISW-S, OSW-C, describes the things you can do and say (and not say) to be supportive in this very difficult and emotionally charged situation.

Whether it's caused by a lack of generational wealth, less education, community, trust or oppression, African-Americans are at a disadvantage when it comes to their own health. Data proves it. What does it mean to take a patient-centered approach to clinical care for African-Americans? Primary care physician, Gregory Hall, MD, provides an eye-opening explanation of why disparities exist and what can be done to address them and reverse the trends.

Annual visits to a primary care physician starting early in adulthood can pay large dividends later. Consistent monitoring of weight, blood pressure and other vital statistics tell a story for which a clinician can help write a positive ending. Family medicine doctor, Susan Ratay, DO, explains how starting a relationship with a physician early can impact unforeseen issues later in life. Preventive care can actually be life-saving.

The purpose of pain is to protect you, but for 50 million Americans, the pain is chronic. Pain management specialist, Kutaiba Tabbaa, MD, talks about headaches, back and knee pain, cancer and diabetes-related pain. He explains why a team approach and a motivated patient offer the best opportunity to manage chronic pain. Plus, some promising new therapies are on the horizon. 

What happens when a woman's body changes as a result of aging or pregnancy and childbirth? What's the impact on her sex life and what options exist for treatment? Jean Marino, CNP, a female sexual health expert, explores these and other questions and others to break down the myths and share the latest science. There are a variety of treatments for arousal, desire and continuing a healthy sex life after menopause.

When you're pregnant, especially for the first time, it's hard to make sense of all the advice out there. You want to do everything right for the health of your baby, but you also want to counterbalance friends and family members who may be quick with advice or guidance. Should you really avoid hot tubs when you're pregnant? What about exercise or coloring your hair? Certified Nurse Midwife, Pamela Hetrick has all the answers, and explains what is true and when to have a good laugh.

Almost one in every three Americans takes a multivitamin. But why? In many cases, nutrients from multivitamins are covered by a healthy daily diet. For some, vitamins and supplements are beneficial. But how do you know if you really need vitamin B, C or D? Or if fish oil or turmeric are right for you? Naturopathic doctor with UH Connor Whole Health, Dr. Jacob Wolf has the answers and helps you do your homework before buying a bottle of pills.

Babies dream more than adults. Waking up during sleep impacts whether a dream is remembered – and some people remember them while others don't. Does that mean anything? Why are we ‘paralyzed' while we dream? What does research say about the impact of supplements? Behavioral sleep medicine expert and licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Carolyn Ievers-Landis, PhD has the answers and also examines our ability to control our dreams and get rid of our nightmares.

Having pain in your knee or hip doesn't mean that you need joint replacement surgery. Many issues are resolved with treatment like medication or therapy. The most common reason that knee or hip replacement is performed is due to osteoarthritis. Steven Fitzgerald, MD, Chief, Division of Adult Reconstruction at University Hospitals explains what goes into the decision to have surgery and why every patient is unique based on age, health history and desired postoperative quality of life.

Text messages, emails, news notifications and social media have us in a heightened state of stimulation. While some of that information is positive, turning off the stimuli, even temporarily, has tremendous upside. UH psychiatrist, Patrick Runnels, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Population/Behavioral Health, explains the science behind the benefits of boredom. Being in the moment decreases anxiety and stress and allows us to be happier overall.

Every minute, a person in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a brain disease that slowly destroys memory and other mental functions. While some risk factors, such as a head injury or genes, may not be completely avoidable, other more controllable factors may impact whether you develop Alzheimer's. Alan Lerner, MD, Director of the Brain Health and Memory Center at University Hospitals, shares promising research in this area and gives a humanistic perspective on a disease that's been called The Long Goodbye.

We all experience worry and anxiety but for some, it can impact overall functioning in a negative way. What's the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder? Productive and unproductive worry? UH psychologist, Dr. Robert Chester, a specialist in anxiety disorders, offers advice about recognizing cognitive distortions or errors in thinking. Overcoming anxiety may be challenging but there are ways to take back control.

Connecting with your baby before and after birth can set the stage for your relationship with your child over the entire course of your lives together. But how much can a parent connect with a newborn, who seems to have almost no ability to communicate aside from crying? Lots, says UH Rainbow pediatrician Ganga Srinivas, MD. Babies often are trying to tell you something, whether turning their face away from you when overstimulated, gazing in the direction of your voice or smacking their lips when hungry. Dr. Srinivas describes the many subtle ways in which your newborn is constantly communicating with you – and how you can communicate back.

Ninety-five percent of fad diets fail. Many people end up gaining back the weight they lost – and then put on even more pounds. If you're tired of diets but still want to lose weight or eat more healthfully, you might consider intuitive eating. Sometimes called the mindfulness approach, intuitive eating doesn't specifically focus on weight loss. It's about developing a positive relationship with food and losing the guilt many people feel about enjoying food. Even better, a growing body of scientific evidence supports this approach. UH dietician and wellness coordinator Jessica Jurcak, MS, MPH, RD, LD, explains.

When you think of someone having a heart attack, you probably picture a person in their 50s or 60s. And that is typically the case. But over the last 20 years, more and more people who are younger than age 40 are having heart attacks. From 2006 to 2016, heart attacks for people in this age group have increased by 2 percent every year. What is driving this trend? UH cardiologist Raju Modi, MD, explains, and tells us how we can lower our risks at any age.

Your gut microbiome is like an ecosystem in your body – a community of shared organisms living together. An altered gut microbiome has been potentially linked to medical conditions ranging from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disorders and even cancer. How do you know the state of your gut health and what can you do to keep it in good shape? Lizzy Traxler, outpatient clinical dietician with the Digestive Health Institute at University Hospitals, explains.

Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it's fairly simple to take care of. But there are many different types of skin, and each need different kinds of care. Your skin might be oily or dry, tan or burn easily, be dotted with moles or creased with fine lines. It can be tough to know exactly what habits or products will keep your skin at its healthiest – and the signs of trouble to watch for. UH certified nurse practitioner Susan Mayne, CNP, who specializes in dermatology, leads us through the maze of skin health and gives practical tips on how to get your skin to look and feel its best.

Vaccines have worked in the same way since they were invented more than 200 years ago: they use a weakened version of the targeted virus to create an immune response that the body remembers. Since COVID-19 appeared, a new kind of vaccine has emerged -- the mRNA vaccine. The mRNA vaccine is a unique delivery system that focuses specifically on the cells that are the targets of an infection. And, as Robert Salata, MD, UH infectious disease specialist and Program Director, Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine and Global Health, explains, researchers are now studying how to use this revolutionary technology to fight other diseases such as HIV, rabies and influenza.

Immunotherapy is a new, groundbreaking approach to treating cancer that harnesses the body's own natural defenses to fight tumors. Immunotherapy comes in many forms, including checkpoint inhibitors, which shut down a tumor's ability to be invisible to the body's immune system; antibodies that can stick to and attack a tumor; and genetically manipulated cells that become “natural killer cells.” Ted Teknos, MD, President and Scientific Director of UH Seidman Cancer Center, explains how these medical wonders work and which cancers immunotherapies are most effective at treating.

Many people choose plant-based alternatives to cow's milk for themselves or their children because they want or need to avoid dairy. Others believe these non-dairy drinks are healthier than cow's milk. But a close look at the nutrition profile of these beverages, which include milks made from almonds, soybeans or oats, shows that plant-based milks may not be as healthful as they seem. UH registered dietitian Meghann Featherstun, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, walks us through the most popular non-dairy milks, how they stack up against cow's milk -- and the potential impact on children's nutrition.

Studies show that some of the most common baby foods manufactured in the United States contain traces of arsenic, lead and mercury. Exposure to these heavy metals can interfere with a child’s brain development and affect  learning, cognition, behavior and attention. While your child’s exposure to heavy metals from baby food is likely small compared to other sources, it’s still important to minimize exposure from all sources -- and that includes food. UH Rainbow pediatrician Aparna Bole, MD, tells us how.

For many people of all ages, the past year has been traumatic. Mental health problems have been reported among people hospitalized with COVID-19, while health care workers and others experienced high levels of stress on the job. Many people lost loved ones to the illness or were out of work. And children, who depend on social interaction for learning and development, were restricted to tight family pods. What has been the emotional and mental toll on all of us and how do we begin to heal? Kathy Clegg, MD, Director of Ambulatory and Community Psychiatry at UH Cleveland Medical Center and Erum Ahmad, MD, Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, offer their advice on finding your way back.

Pain relievers, cough suppressants, nasal sprays – these and other over-the-counter medicines are supposed to help us feel better when we have minor illnesses. But do these medicines really work? And what safety issues do we need to be aware of when taking these drugs or giving them to our kids? Charita Ray, DO, a family medicine physician at University Hospitals, outlines which medicines you should take and when -- as well as special safety considerations when giving over-the-counter drugs to children.  

If you’re the parent of a child who is serious about sports, you know these young athletes are looking for anything to give them an edge over the competition. Building skills, strength and endurance are all part of the picture. So is eating right. But is there a place in an athlete’s toolkit for special food and beverages specifically aimed at enhancing athletic performance and recovery? We talked with UH pediatric sports medicine specialist Laura Goldberg, MD, to find out.

Research has shown that statins are highly effective in reducing the risk of fatal heart attack and stroke. But some people are reluctant to take these life-saving drugs. They worry about taking medicine every day for the rest of their life or have heard that statins have undesirable side effects. What does science have to say about these concerns and others surrounding statins? We talked to UH interventional cardiologist Ian Neeland, MD, Director of the Center of Cardiovascular Prevention at University Hospitals, to learn more.

It’s not completely clear how, but scientists think a combination of factors, from genetics to the environment, play a role in children developing allergies to food such as peanuts, milk or shellfish. Many children will outgrow their food allergies. But for those who don’t, physicians have figured out a way to harness the body’s immune response to eliminate allergic reactions to food. Eli Silver, MD, a pediatric allergy and immunology specialist at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, explains.

The simple human act of kindness has numerous health benefits. It can help you experience fewer aches and pain and lower your blood pressure. It can protect your overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. It’s free, widely available and has no side effects. UH Rainbow psychiatrist Marcie Hall, MD, explains the research-backed benefits of kindness – and how you can develop this powerful habit.

X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound …. for many people, using technology to see inside the body or treat disease might evoke fears of being exposed to harmful radiation. Donna Plecha, MD, chair of Radiology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, discusses improvements made in recent years to ease those fears, as well as how radiology plays a vital role in the overall treatment process.

Stem cell therapy is used to treat many different medical conditions, from heart repair to neurological disorders. One exciting new area under study in a clinical trial at University Hospitals is treating cartilage injuries or early arthritis with stem cells. UH orthopedic specialist James Voos, MD, describes the clinical trial -- and how some stem cell treatments outside a hospital setting may not offer a comparable level of quality.

Keeping up on the latest medical research can be a benefit, but the sheer amount of information – and the sometimes contradictory results – can be wearying. How do you know which data  to trust? Afshin Dowlati, MD, Director of UH's Phase I clinical trials program, describes how to separate good-quality, trustworthy information from data that is less reliable.

Chances are, you or someone you know suffers from back pain. Back pain can affect people who are active and those who are sedentary, though for different reasons. So what should you do when back pain strikes? Get a softer – or firmer – mattress? Stand at your computer rather than sit? Hang upside down? Research shows that some of these solutions work while others are a waste of time and money. UH physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist A. Paul Gazzillo, MD, sorts through popular back pain remedies and identifies the symptoms that signal it’s time to see a spine specialist.

Acupuncture is a 5,000-year-old healing practice used to treat such diverse conditions as pain, digestive problems, respiratory disorders, anxiety, depression, headaches and migraines. Is there a place for this ancient approach in modern medicine? Acupuncturist Christine Kaiser, MS, LAc, LCH, FABORM, of the UH Connor Integrative Health Institute, describes two recent studies – one comparing acupuncture to intravenous morphine in the ER, the other on whether acupuncture is more than just a placebo effect – that provide some compelling evidence of the therapy’s effectiveness.

Detox diets, regimens and supplements are supposed to rid your body of toxins acquired from food, your lifestyle or the environment. Proponents also say detoxing – or cleansing – can improve your health and promote weight loss. But what does the research say about detoxes and cleanses? And are these methods and supplements safe? UH physician and toxicologist Ryan Marino, MD, provides a science-based perspective.

Not so long ago, vaping – or inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette – was seen as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes made with tobacco. After all, solid research showed that smoking tobacco causes lung disease and cancer. But recent reports have linked serious lung injury – and even deaths – to vaping. UH emergency room physician Benjamin Boswell, DO, explains how e-cigarettes cause illness and why people are coming to the ER after vaping.