Mayo Clinic Health Matters

Can you trust health news? 23.06.2026 42min

Breaking news! This podcast episode is going to change everything you thought you knew about health … or is it? Catchy headlines and viral videos are everywhere — but can you trust them? On this episode of Health Matters, registered dietitian Joy Heimgartner guides us through all the twists and turns research results can take as they move from the lab to your For You Page. She explains how studies become headlines, the red flags of health misinformation, and how to separate evidence-based advice from hype. Page. 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.

How to tame chronic inflammation 09.06.2026 36min

Some inflammation is helpful, but too much can do more harm than good. These days, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of health conditions, from joint pain and digestive issues to heart disease and fatigue. So how do you know whether chronic inflammation is contributing to your health concerns — and what can you do about it? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with rheumatologist Dr. Vanessa Kronzer about what drives inflammation, how we can do a better job preventing and treating it, and steps we can all take to help reduce inflammation in our bodies. 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.

Liver cancer: Beyond the diagnosis 02.06.2026 30min

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and the only one with a significant ability to regenerate. But that doesn't mean the liver is invincible. Liver cancer is harder to detect than some other cancers — and challenging to treat. So who is likely to get liver cancer, and how can you reduce your risk? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with liver and pancreatic surgeon Dr. Susanne Warner about treating liver cancer and liver disease, as well as things we can all do to keep our livers healthy long-term. 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.

Are You Prepared for the Next Disaster? 26.05.2026 39min

Midwest tornadoes. East Coast hurricanes. West Coast wildfires. Giant earthquakes and towering waves. Emergencies can bring out the biggest challenges — and surprising strengths — in people and healthcare systems alike. So how do you care for your health when your world might literally be falling apart? On this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with emergency management coordinator Deb Teske about disaster preparedness, from the home to the hospital. 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

Bladder Cancer: More Common Than You Think 19.05.2026 36min

Bladder cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in the U.S. On top of that, it can be difficult to diagnose. But it also has some very clear causes — which means there are real steps you can take to reduce your risk. On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with urologist Dr. Timothy Lyon about the surprising connection between the bladder and the lungs, cutting-edge treatments like incision-free surgery, and what you can do today to keep your bladder healthy for years to come.

Ow, My Back! 12.05.2026 33min

Back pain has a way of stopping life in its tracks. One minute you’re bending down to pick up a shoe, and the next you’re flat on your back, wondering how something so small could cause so much pain — and what you can do to feel better. In this episode of Health Matters, we talk with physiatrist Dr. Nick Canzanello about why back pain happens, when it may be serious, and what you can do to prevent it in the first place. 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.

Lung Cancer: Should You Get Screened? 05.05.2026 33min

Lung cancer currently accounts for about one in five cancer deaths. But only a fraction of people who are eligible for lung cancer screening are getting screened. So why aren’t more people getting screened? On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with pulmonologist Dr. Brett Bade and oncologist Dr. Konstantinos Leventakos. They’re part of a team delivering cutting-edge lung cancer care, and they share more about screening, treatment and what gives them hope for the future. 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.

What’s This Rash? 28.04.2026 35min

Dandruff, eczema, rashes, redness — dermatitis can take many forms. While symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable or even painful, effective treatment options are available. On this episode of Health Matters, dermatologist Dawn Marie Davis, M.D., joins us to explain the different types of dermatitis, how to manage symptoms, and what actually works when it comes to skin care. She also helps separate common myths from evidence-based guidance so you can make more informed decisions about your skin health. 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.

When Doctors Do Improv: Arts in Medicine Part 2 14.04.2026 44min

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.

Can Art Heal Us?: Arts in Medicine Part 1 31.03.2026 34min

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.

Are GLP-1s Everything We Hoped For? 17.03.2026 43min

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.

Why is Cancer So Hard to Cure? 03.03.2026 34min

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.

How to Poop the Right Way 17.02.2026 49min

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.

What Happens When You're the Only Doctor for Miles 03.02.2026 34min

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.

Stroke Isn’t the End of the Story 20.01.2026 41min

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.

Breaking Up with Nicotine: How to Kick a Nicotine Dependency 06.01.2026 35min

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How Modern Science Is Changing Advanced Prostate Cancer 23.12.2025 42min

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What's Happening to my Body? Navigating the Different Stages of Menopause 09.12.2025 43min

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brushing Your Way to Better Health: How Oral and Dental Health Go Beyond the Mouth 11.11.2025 37min

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Attack of the Pickleball Elbow: Treating Sports Injuries 28.10.2025 41min

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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy