Mayo Clinic Health Matters

If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that GLP-1s are here to stay. But as time passes, we’re also learning more about them — from new uses to new side effects to unexpected cultural trends. So have these drugs really lived up to the promise of easy weight loss? On this episode of Health Matters, Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt rejoins us — one year after our original GLP-1 episode — to talk about what we’ve learned so far, what’s surprised researchers and patients, and what questions still need answers.

Curing cancer is often talked about as a pie-in-the-sky goal. Given how difficult cancer can be to detect — let alone treat — a cure can sometimes feel out of reach. But what if a real cure for many types of cancer is closer than we think — perhaps just a decade away? On this episode of Health Matters, oncologist Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab joins us to explain what makes cancer so challenging to cure, how we are treating it today, and what is giving him real hope for the future.

It’s time to talk about poop. While poop can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk about, it can offer valuable clues about your health. So what might your poop be telling you? In this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Xiao Jing Iris Wang shares practical guidance on healthy bowel habits, how to manage constipation and diarrhea, and whether there really are “right” or “wrong” ways to poop. Check out Dr. Wang's children's book, Boo Can't Poo, at mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/boo-cant-poo.  Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.   Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

How does healthcare in rural America differ from care in cities? The answer is more complex than familiar images of house calls and close-knit communities. On this episode of Health Matters, Steven Furr, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians draws on more than 40 years of experience practicing rural medicine. He explains what makes rural populations unique, how closely connected rural health systems are, and the daily challenge of balancing evidence-based treatment with what patients can realistically afford. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails.  Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

Many people find strokes frightening to think about, but advances in stroke care continue to improve survival and recovery. What has changed, and what should patients and families know about stroke symptoms, treatment and prevention? On this episode of Health Matters, neurologist James Klaas, M.D., explains how stroke treatment has evolved, what signs and symptoms require immediate attention, and how timely care can improve outcomes for yourself or a loved one. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails.   Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.  Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

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

Dr. Elisabeth Heath, a leading genitourinary oncologist at Mayo Clinic, shares her extensive knowledge of advanced prostate cancer. She discusses the importance of early screening for high-risk individuals and the latest treatments, including hormone therapy and radiopharmaceuticals. Dr. Heath emphasizes that many patients can lead fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis and highlights a patient success story from clinical trials. She also expresses optimism about future research developments in prostate cancer therapies.

Denise Milstine, an internist specializing in women's health at Mayo Clinic, sheds light on the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. She delves into the puzzling symptoms like headaches and joint pain, and clarifies the biology of hormonal changes. Milstine emphasizes the importance of tailored hormone therapy and non-hormonal alternatives. She highlights the need for greater awareness and education on menopause, and offers strategies for women to advocate for their health with clinicians. The conversation reframes menopause as an empowering life transition.

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

In this discussion, Dr. Christopher Camp, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert at Mayo Clinic, unpacks the nuances of sports injuries like tennis elbow and the newly dubbed pickleball elbow. He shares vital insights on recognizing early signs of tendon injury, emphasizing pain management and the importance of modifying activity. Dr. Camp also highlights preventive strategies such as cross-training and the significance of strength training and recovery in injury prevention, ensuring both athletes and casual players can stay in the game.