Mayo Clinic Talks

Amyloidosis: Recognition, Diagnosis and Treatment

Guest: Eli Muchtar, M.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Amyloidosis is an uncommon disease, possibly even considered rare. It has a variety of presentations and some varieties tend to occur in association with other diseases. The presenting symptoms depend on the organ system involved. Unless we think of the condition, we may miss the opportunity to diagnose it early. As a result, many patients are diagnosed with amyloidosis at a rather advanced stage. The topic for this podcast is amyloidosis and our guest is Eli Muchtar, M.D., from the Division of Hematology at the Mayo Clinic. We’ll discuss the common organ systems affected by amyloidosis, how it’s diagnosed, the available treatment and the research currently taking place in amyloidosis.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: COVID-19 News Update

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in February 2022

Guest: Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

As the U.S. moves beyond the omicron surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, key indicators are dropping.

"Both the acute indicators — number of cases — and the lagging indicators — hospitalizations and then deaths — are all dropping slowly, but they're surely dropping," says Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. 

Experts warn that caution is still needed to protect yourself in certain situations, including masking in crowded indoor settings and making sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

While the latest surge wanes, COVID-19 research continues. 

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the latest COVID-19 news, including a new study on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart and why Pfizer is delaying the request for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5.

Infertility in Males

Guest: Sevann Helo, M.D. (@Helo_MD)

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Approximately one in seven couples is considered infertile. In a significant number of these couples, male infertility plays a role. Many of these couples will initially present to their primary care provider for help. Depending on our practice, we may not see all that many patients with this concern and, as a result, we might not be comfortable with the evaluation of the infertile couple. Today’s podcast will review infertility in males and hopefully give us a better understanding of the causes of infertility and how to evaluate the infertile male. Our guest for today’s podcast is Sevann Helo, M.D., a urologist at the Mayo Clinic. We’ll discuss what it takes for fertilization to take place, risk factors for infertility in males, the evaluation of the male for infertility, potential treatment options and effectiveness of treatment.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Dental Infections in the Primary Care Setting

Guest: Olivia (Liv) M. Muller, D.D.S.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Dental caries and periodontal disease are commonly seen by primary care providers in the outpatient setting. In fact, dental caries is the most common disease in the United States, both in children and adults. Up to 50% of children have dental caries, and most adults have at least one tooth with decay or have a filling. Gingivitis is also quite common in adults; it is present in up to half of all individuals between the ages of 35 and 45. Yet, unless we go into dentistry, healthcare providers don’t get much training in the evaluation of dental conditions. The topic of discussion for this podcast is dental care and dental infections. Our guest is Olivia (Liv) M. Muller, D.D.S., an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the Mayo Clinic. We’ll discuss which dental problems we’re likely to encounter in our patients, recommendations we can give them to prevent dental infections and some of the more common complications of dental infections.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Omicron wave wanes, new variant arises

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in January 2022

Guest: Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is dropping as the omicron wave wanes in many places, but some parts of the country lag behind.

"As a nation, it looks like we've kind of gotten to the peak and are now starting on the decline, but it's very uneven," explains Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "That's what's happening in the big Northeast cities, and maybe in L.A., for example. But if you look at the rest of the nation, it's not clear that they have peaked yet."

And on the heels of the latest surge, a new omicron subvariant — BA.2 — is emerging. Early indications are that the new subvariant may be more transmissible, but it does not appear to cause more severe disease than the original omicron strain.

Mayo experts, including Dr. Poland, continue to urge COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as the best defense against the latest variants. 

"By getting two doses of vaccine and a booster, or a dose of Johnson & Johnson and a booster, you move yourself into a category of maximal protection such that if you have a normal immune system, you are probably going to have trivial or even asymptomatic disease if you get infected with COVID-19," explains Dr. Poland. 

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the latest information on COVID-19 and answers listener questions.

Shining a Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Guest: Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

It is quite common for individuals to go through periods where they feel somewhat sad and discouraged and often these mood changes tend to occur with the changes in seasons, especially during the winter months. In some cases, these mood changes become more serious and can result in depression. When people experience depressive episodes in the late fall and winter, this may represent Seasonal Affective Disorder. Our guest today is Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P., a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry & Psychology at the Mayo Clinic. Our topic for this podcast is Seasonal Affective Disorder. We’ll discuss its frequency, how we can recognize it in our patients, and the available treatment options.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: COVID-19 testing scenarios — what test and when?

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in January 2022

Guest: Matthew J. Binnicker, Ph.D. (@DrMattBinnicker)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

Testing for COVID-19 is a part of the strategy to end the pandemic. But understanding testing — different types of tests and how and when to use them — can be confusing. Lab-run polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests and at-home antigen tests each have a role.

"PCR tests are really sensitive, meaning we can detect really low levels of the virus in a sample," explains Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of Clinical Virology at Mayo Clinic. "They're very specific, meaning we shouldn't get many false positive results with PCR tests."

At-home antigen tests use a nasal swab and can produce results in 15 minutes, but they also have an increased chance of false-negative results, depending on when you test. 

"At-home rapid antigen tests look for a viral protein in the patient sample," says Dr. Binnicker. "So they're quick and easy, but they also have some important limitations."

So if you're worried you might have COVID-19, what test should you take and when? 

On the Q&A podcast, Dr. Binnicker walks through various scenarios and makes testing recommendations for what to do if:

• You think you’ve been exposed but I don’t have symptoms.
• You have symptoms of COVID-19.
• You had COVID-19 and want to know if you're “in the clear” to return to work, school or activities.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Guest: Benjamin (Ben) D. Holmes, D.C., Ph.D.

Host: Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. (@DrEdSportsMed)

Low back pain is one of the most common conditions that physicians see in their practices. Studies indicate that, by the age of 50 years old, approximately 80% of people will experience low back pain in their lives. Joining us today is Benjamin D. Holmes, D.C., Ph.D. a practicing chiropractor and one of the spine specialists in the Mayo Clinic Spine Center. Dr. Holmes will discuss various treatment interventions for back pain, as well as misconceptions and assumptions regarding chiropractic treatment.

Additional Resources:

• Foster, N. E., Anema, J. R., Cherkin, D., Chou, R., Cohen, S. P., Gross, D. P., ... & Woolf, A. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet, 391(10137), 2368-2383.
• Bialosky, J. E., George, S. Z., Horn, M. E., Price, D. D., Staud, R., & Robinson, M. E. (2014). Spinal manipulative therapy–specific changes in pain sensitivity in individuals with low back pain (NCT01168999). The Journal of Pain, 15(2), 136-148.
• Cook, C., Learman, K., Showalter, C., Kabbaz, V., & O'Halloran, B. (2013). Early use of thrust manipulation versus non-thrust manipulation: a randomized clinical trial. Manual Therapy, 18(3), 191-198.
• Chou, R., Fu, R., Carrino, J. A., & Deyo, R. A. (2009). Imaging strategies for low-back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet, 373(9662), 463-472.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Why getting infected with COVID-19 is still a bad idea

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in January 2022

Guest: Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

With the highly transmissible omicron variant spread across the U.S., it may seem inevitable that most people will get infected with COVID-19. But Mayo Clinic experts explain why it is important to continue to be vigilant and take measures to avoid COVID-19 infection. 

"One of the many negatives about saying, 'Well, I'll just go ahead and get infected and get it over with' is you can spread the virus to highly vulnerable people," says Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "Parents, grandparents, people too young to be immunized, and people whose immune systems might not be working well are all at risk of more severe disease. While your case may be mild, theirs may not." 

Dr. Poland cautions that the sheer number of infections is stressing the health care system, and treatments for omicron are more limited than they were for the delta variant.

"The role of testing and of getting boosted is critical to our response to this, and remember, even though you might have mild disease, every time this virus infects somebody, it is the opportunity for further mutation." says Dr. Poland. 

Vaccination, boosting and masking are all necessary to prevent the spread of omicron.

"Your best chance of protecting yourself is to be fully vaccinated, wear a proper mask properly when in public, and to avoid crowded indoor settings," says Dr. Poland.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the omicron surge and answers listener questions.

AskMayoExpert COVID-19 Resources: https://askmayoexpert.mayoclinic.org/navigator/COVID-19

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Improving Medication Adherence

Guest: Kristina M. Thurber, Pharm.D., R.Ph.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

There are a variety of outstanding pharmaceutical products we use to treat the multiple health problems our patients develop and every year, clinical research has provided us with new and improved therapeutic options. When we prescribe a medication to a patient, we generally assume they’ll take it exactly as prescribed. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. Non-adherence to chronic medications is surprisingly common and can account for up to half of all treatment failures. Our guest for this podcast is Kristina M. Thurber, Pharm.D., R.Ph., a medication therapy pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic. We’ll discuss the prevalence of medication adherence, its causes, how we can recognize it in our patients and management strategies to improve adherence.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

All Age-Related Changes May Not Be Inevitable: Senescent Cells and Anti-Aging

Guest: Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., M.S. (@NKLeBRASSEUR)

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

The effects of aging occur in all our organs. In muscles, there is a reduction in strength and stamina; the brain shows a decrease in cognitive function and the ability to learn new information. Aging causes a reduced ability of the liver to metabolize drugs and the kidney’s ability to eliminate various waste products. Our guest for this podcast is aging researcher Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., M.S., the senior author of a study recently published in the journal “Aging Cell.” The authors described significant benefits from exercise on a cellular level which correlated with an improvement in physical changes related to aging. We’ll discuss cellular changes which occur with aging, the significance of senescent cells and how exercise can reduce the impact of aging on both a cellular level as well as clinically.

Specific topics:

• The effects of aging on a cellular level
• Variability in the rate of aging in individuals
• Function of senescent cells
• Effects of exercise on senescent cells
• Clinical correlations resulting from the elimination of senescent cells
• Recommendations clinicians can give their patients to reduce the effects of aging

Mayo Clinic Q&A: January Bringing an Omicron Surge

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in January 2022

Guest: Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

The rapid spread of COVID-19 due to the omicron variant continues, and experts expect a January surge across the U.S. 

"This is spreading unlike anything we've seen in the U.S.," says Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group.  "Over the last seven days, we're now averaging about 400,000 or so new cases a day."

While people who are fully vaccinated can get breakthrough infections and spread the virus to others, COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent severe illness. Mayo Clinic experts urge people to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask. Being fully vaccinated, including getting a booster when eligible, offers the highest protection possible against COVID-19. 

"The good news is, for those who are immunized and boosted, we are winning the battle," says Dr. Poland. "Getting immunized is basically a weapon against this virus."

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the omicron surge and the importance of vaccines and boosters for COVID-19.

AskMayoExpert COVID-19 Resources: https://askmayoexpert.mayoclinic.org/navigator/COVID-19

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Temporal Arteritis

Guest: Andy Abril, M.D. (@andyabrilMD)

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Temporal arteritis is a vasculitis involving medium-sized vessels and typically occurs in those over the age of 50. If diagnosed and treated early, there is an excellent likelihood of recovery. However, temporal arteritis often mimics other health problems and this commonly results in a delay in the diagnosis. If untreated, serious complications can occur, including permanent blindness or stroke. The topic for this podcast is temporal arteritis and our guest is Andy Abril, M.D., Chair of the Division of Rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. We’ll discuss the risk factors, presenting symptoms and complications of temporal arteritis, as well as the recommendations for establishing a diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment.

Specific topics discussed:

• Risk factors for temporal arteritis
• Presenting symptoms
• Complications of untreated temporal arteritis
• Extra-cranial artery involvement of patients with temporal arteritis
• Relationship of temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
• Laboratory abnormalities in temporal arteritis
• Importance of an early temporal artery biopsy in establishing a diagnosis
• Treatment recommendations

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Nutritional Supplement Edition: Research and Regulation

To claim credit for this episode, visit: Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast: Nutritional Supplement Edition

Guest:  Andrew R. Jagim, PhD

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

How can we tell if the claims made by nutritional supplement companies are factual?  In this episode we'll discuss the research currently being done in this field and whether the research findings are valid.  Finally, we’ll talk about regulation of nutritional supplements. Our guest for this podcast is Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D., the director of Sports Medicine research at the Mayo Clinic.

Specific topics:

• Importance of a foundation of good nutrition and exercise related to the benefits of nutritional supplements
• Amount and quality of research being done on nutritional supplements
• Regulation of nutritional supplements
• How healthcare providers and consumers can judge the many claims made by manufactures of nutritional supplements

Lung Cancer Screening

Guest: Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy, M.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Lung cancer is the second most common malignancy in both men and women.  Survival rates depend on how early the cancer is discovered, with a survival rate much higher in localized disease than for patients with distant metastases. Therefore, an early diagnosis becomes extremely important. One of the problems with early diagnosis is that until recently, we’ve not had an effective screening test for lung cancer. In this podcast, we’ll be speaking with Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy, M.D., an Interventional Pulmonologist from the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and we’ll discuss proven techniques for lung cancer screening.

Specific topics:

• Benefits in survival in finding lung cancer at an early stage
• Candidates for screening patients at an increased risk for lung cancer
• Evidence showing the benefits of lung cancer screening
• Differences in radiation for chest CT scans used for screening vs. a typical diagnostic chest CT scan
• Frequency of indeterminate pulmonary nodules found on chest CT
• Insurance and Medicare coverage for lung cancer screening

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Nutritional Supplements Edition: Family Medicine Case Studies

To claim credit for this episode, visit: Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast: Nutritional Supplement Edition

Guests:

Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D.

Jakob R. Erickson, D.O.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

The care of athletes often requires special knowledge that many healthcare providers are less familiar with.  Athletes may have somewhat unique health problems related to their endurance or strength training.  They may also be taking a variety of nutritional supplements which could cause health issues.  This case-based podcast covers a couple different examples of health issues experienced by athletes. Featured guests include Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D. and Jacob R. Erickson, D.O. from Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic. We’ll discuss some of the medical issues often faced by athletes.

Specific topics:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
• Vitamin D deficiency and hypervitaminosis D

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Infertility in Females

Guest: Elizabeth A. Stewart, M.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Infertility can be related to health issues in the male, female or both. Whatever the reason, infertility can put a major strain on a couple’s relationship. To add to the stress, infertility often results in multiple exams, tests, injections and procedures for one or both of the couple. Fortunately, the cause of infertility can often be found and in some cases, treatment is effective, resulting in a successful pregnancy and birth. The topic of discussion for this podcast is infertility, specifically infertility in females. Our guest is Dr. Elizabeth (Ebbie) A. Stewart, a physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Endocrinology and Infertility. We’ll review the prevalence of infertility in females, males and both, risk factors for infertility, the most common causes of infertility and the evaluation a primary care provider can perform.

Specific topics discussed:

• Definition of infertility
• Prevalence of infertility
• Risk factors for infertility
• Recommended evaluation by primary care providers
• Specialized evaluation performed by an infertility expert
• Common causes of infertility in females
• Success of infertility treatment
• Invitro fertilization as a treatment alternative to infertility including cost, success rate and risk of multiple births

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Experts urge COVID-19 boosters to fight omicron surge

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in December 2021

Guest:  Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

More Americans are now eligible for COVID-19 booster doses as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer vaccine booster for 16- and 17-year-olds late last week. Previously, only those 18 and older were eligible.

Early research suggests that a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against severe disease caused by the omicron variant, according to Pfizer.

Mayo Clinic experts say, regardless of the variant, prevention of infection works. Getting a booster offers the highest protection possible against COVID-19.

"Omicron infection rates are picking up rapidly," says Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "If we do not take the proper precaution over the holiday, we are going to see a January omicron surge."

Dr. Poland explains that there are two threats — delta and omicron COVID-19 variants — but there is a solution. "Masking and boosting — those are key to protecting yourself and your family."

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the latest on COVID-19 variants and shares advice on how to stay safe this holiday season.

AskMayoExpert COVID-19 Resources: https://askmayoexpert.mayoclinic.org/navigator/COVID-19

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Nutritional Supplement Edition: Weight Loss and Thermogenic Agents

To claim credit for this episode, visit: Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast: Nutritional Supplement Edition

Guest:  Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Are there supplements available that really assist with weight loss? How can you help your patients navigate the market? What is safe and what do they need to look out for? Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D., the director for Sports Medicine research at the Mayo Clinic, answers these questions in this episode.  We discuss the importance of diet and exercise in weight loss and the benefits nutritional supplements may add.  We also discuss some of the more common supplements promoted to enhance thermogenesis and weight loss as well as their proposed mechanism of action.

Specific topics:

• Popular nutritional supplements for enhancing weight loss
• Accuracy of claims for nutritional supplements
• Importance of diet and exercise in producing significant weight loss
• Potential benefits of a nutritional supplement in addition to exercise and diet in producing significant weight loss
• Common supplements promoted to enhance weight loss

Influenza Vaccine 2021

Guest: Robert M. Jacobson, M.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Preventing influenza is important for a variety of reasons. Influenza is not a benign illness. In recent years, it’s accounted for up to 700,000 hospitalizations and over 50,000 deaths annually. The vaccine not only saves lives but also helps prevent hospitalizations as well as the need for the ICU. The occupancy rates of both have been severely stressed due to COVID. Despite the fact that the vaccine has been shown to be effective in all age groups, a significant percent of the population do not receive it. This podcast will discuss the influenza vaccine, it’s overall effectiveness in preventing the illness, the optimal time of year to receive the vaccine and tips on how to increase the likelihood that our patients will agree to receive it. Our guest is Dr. Robert M. Jacobson, a pediatrician and immunization expert at the Mayo Clinic.

Specific topics:

• Possible impact on the susceptibility or severity of influenza for the 2021/2022 season given there was such a reduction in influenza cases last year
• The time of year the vaccine for the current influenza season is released
• The optimal time of year to receive the influenza vaccine
• The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing the illness
• The likelihood we’ll see testing for both COVID and influenza increase this winter
• Tips on increasing the number of patients who agree to receive the influenza vaccine

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Post COVID-19 syndrome can be a long haul

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in December 2021

Guest:  Greg Vanichkachorn, M.D., M.P.H. (@DoctorGregVan)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

Most people who have COVID-19 recover completely within a few weeks. But some people — even those who had mild versions of the disease — continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery. 

Sometimes called “long haulers” or “long COVID," these patients can have fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog and other symptoms long after the time of their infection.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome conditions are generally considered to be effects of COVID-19 that persist for more than four weeks after you've been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

A recent Mayo Clinic study on post-COVID-19 symptoms found that more women than men suffer long-term effects. Women predominantly showed symptoms of fatigue, followed by muscle pain and low blood pressure, while men primarily experienced shortness of breath.

Research is also underway to better understand what may be causing post-COVID-19 syndrome.

"We do have some research now that shows that some of the cells that are used to create immunity after an infection, they may be malfunctioning in this condition in patients with long-haul COVID," says  Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn, director of Mayo Clinic’s COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program. "We also now have some research that shows that patients with this condition can have antibodies against themselves, otherwise known as an auto-antibody. And this may be associated with the long-haul COVID state, so immune dysfunction and auto immunity, they may be at play here."

The COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic helps people experiencing post-COVID-19 syndrome by working with patients to decrease symptoms and improve overall functioning and quality of life. 

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Vanichkachorn discusses how treatment can help patients who suffer from post-COVID-19 syndrome.

AskMayoExpert COVID-19 Resources: https://askmayoexpert.mayoclinic.org/navigator/COVID-19

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Nutritional Supplements Edition: Strength, Power, and Performance

To claim credit for this episode, visit: Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast: Nutritional Supplement Edition

Guest:  Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Nutritional supplements are being promoted to enhance a variety of areas of physical fitness. This episode focuses on the impact on strength, power and overall performance. Our guest for this podcast is Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D., the director of Sports Medicine research at Mayo Clinic.

Specific topics:

• Activities that benefit from increased strength and performance
  • Lifestyle strategies used to enhance strength and performance
  • Common nutritional supplements used to increase strength and performance
  • Safety concerns regarding the use of nutritional supplements

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Recommendation for Your Arthritic Patients - Keep Them Moving

Guest: Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. (@DrEdSportsMed) 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions our patients have for eliminating exercise from their daily routine, yet the American College of Rheumatology feels that exercise should be one of the mainstays of treatment for those with arthritis. How do we convince our patients of the importance of continued exercise despite their arthritis? Are some types of exercise better than others? Can exercise make their arthritis worse? We’ll discuss these questions with Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, a Sports Medicine physician from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic.

Specific topics:

• Benefits of exercise in patients who have arthritis
• Exercises that patients with arthritis should avoid
• What patients should do if they have increased joint pain after exercising
• Joint-friendly exercises that can be done by most patients
• Importance of performing resistance as well as aerobic exercise
• Recommended frequency and duration of exercise
• Exercises for the was with inflammatory arthritis

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Nutritional Supplement Edition: Exercise Endurance and Recovery

Guest: Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Can nutritional supplements help to increase exercise endurance? What types of supplements can help with short term – immediate improvements and which can assist with longer term recovery? Andrew R. Jagim, Ph.D., director of Sports Medicine research at Mayo Clinic joins us to discuss some of the claims that we can hear about nutritional supplements promoted to prove one's endurance, increase exercise economy, and improve tolerance of high-intensity exercise.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Boosters reduce vulnerability to COVID-19 variants

This episode is shared from Mayo Clinic Q&A and was recorded in November, 2021

Guest:  Gregory A. Poland, M.D. (@drgregpoland)

Host: Halena M. Gazelka, M.D. (@hmgazelkamd)

Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant of concern, has been detected in all regions of the world, including North America. While research and clinical observations on the new strain are underway, it is not yet known what impact, if any, omicron will have on the immune response, transmissibility, or specific COVID-19 treatments.

The emergence of omicron is a reminder to take important steps to protect yourself against COVID-19.

"The answer is masking and boosters," says Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. 

Dr. Poland is encouraged by vaccine booster rates in the U.S. "In a relatively short period of time, about 36% of adults who are eligible have indeed gotten a booster," says Dr. Poland. "There's plenty of vaccine available. So in the strongest possible terms, I would recommend getting that booster."

Adults who are six months past completing their initial Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination series are eligible to receive a booster dose, as are adults who are two months past completing their initial dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the omicron variant and COVID-19 boosters, and he answers some listener questions.

AskMayoExpert COVID-19 Resources: https://askmayoexpert.mayoclinic.org/navigator/COVID-19

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