Mayo Clinic Health Matters

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What nobody tells you about chronic illness Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

A chronic condition can be with you anywhere from a long time to a lifetime. So how do you stay grounded when your health is constantly threatening to take over your life?

On this episode of Health Matters, health policy advocate, chronic illness patient and author Gwen Mayes joins us with her cardiologist, Steve Ommen, M.D. Together, they share what 20 years of working together have taught them about chronic illness.

You can find Gwen's book, "More Person Than Patient: Finding Your Purpose and Power with Chronic Illness,” here: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/more-person-than-patient

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.

Is the gut microbiome overhyped? Oct 13, 2026

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The gut microbiome is one of the great medical discoveries of our time. It could revolutionize the way we treat GI issues, autoimmune diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and even mental health. But has the internet started getting ahead of what the science actually says?

On this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S., helps us understand what the research says, what we're hoping to find out and the best way to invest in your gut health based on what we know so far.

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 to do when you hear “you have cancer” Sep 29, 2026

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No one wants to hear their doctor say "you have cancer." But if that happens, the conversation will affect your life for years to come.

On this episode of Health Matters, medical oncologist Pooja Advani, M.D., pulls back the curtain on what those early conversations look like and gives us advice on how to handle such an overwhelming diagnosis.

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.

Most strokes are preventable – here’s how Sep 15, 2026

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Strokes seem sudden, but they can actually be years in the making. In fact, 80% of strokes are preventable. So what can you do today to help prevent a stroke further down the line?

On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with radiologist David Miller, M.D., about the stroke risk factors you can control.

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 sexual pleasure matters for your health Sep 01, 2026

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One of the biggest challenges with vaginal health is feeling like we can't talk about it. There’s a lot of shame, embarrassment and misinformation surrounding this part of our bodies.

On this episode of Health Matters, we talk with internist and women’s health specialist Jewel Kling, M.D., about everything from anatomy and sexual pleasure to sexual dysfunction.

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 AI is changing the cancer game Aug 18, 2026

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AI is becoming part of everyday life. But doctors have been using and studying AI in medicine long before it entered the mainstream. What promise does AI hold for better cancer care? And what parts of medicine should it never replace?

On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with radiologist Dr. Matthew Callstrom about how he uses AI in his practice, what the research shows and how AI could change cancer detection and treatment.

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.

Is drinking bad for you now? Aug 04, 2026

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Drinking has been part of life for longer than recorded history. But these days, many are skipping that beer or glass of wine to protect their health. So is drinking totally bad now? And if not, how much is actually OK?

On this episode of Health Matters, we're talking with psychiatrist Dr. Bhanu Kolla about the long-term effects of alcohol and whether it's time to break up with drinking.

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.

Bunions: To treat or not to treat? Jul 21, 2026

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Do you see a bony bump when you look down at your feet? If so, you might have a bunion. And if you don’t, you probably want to keep it that way.
On this episode of Health Matters, we’re talking with podiatrist Dr. Martin Ellman about how to care for your feet, whether high heels cause bunions and whether it’s actually better to go barefoot.

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 you need a hormone panel – and when you don’t Jul 07, 2026

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It seems like everyone's talking about hormone panels. But are they worth the hype — and the cost? And are your hormones really the problem?

On this episode of Health Matters, endocrinologist and women's health expert Dr. Ekta Kapoor explains what a hormone panel can — and can't — tell you about your health.

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 you trust health news? Jun 23, 2026

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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.

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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.

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