Coronary artery disease involves impairment of blood flow through the coronary arteries, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we provide deeper insight into coronary artery disease with Dr. Ranya N. Sweis, MD, MS a Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Sweis clarifies what coronary heart disease is and how it differs from terms like heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Ad...
Jun 25, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 6
On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, infectious disease expert Dr. Larry Bush—Affiliate Professor of Medicine at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and Affiliate Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine—joins the show to explore foodborne illnesses, their causes, and strategies for prevention. Dr. Bush clarifies the distinctions between foodborne illnesses and common misconceptions, such as ...
Jan 23, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we explore preeclampsia with Dr. Antonette Dulay, a maternal-fetal medicine division chief of the department of OBGYN at Main Line Health System, as well as a senior physician at Axia Women’s Health. She is board-certified in both maternal-fetal medicine and general obstetrics and gynecology. She was recognized as a Top Doc by Philadelphia Magazine in 2024. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressu...
Jan 01, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 4
This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast debunks common misconceptions related to colic and why babies cry so much. Dr. Alicia R. Pekarsky, MD, FAAP, ABP Certified in Child Abuse & General Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, discusses the reasons why babies cry and how parents can manage it. Dr. Pekarsky explains that crying can be due to hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or an immature nervous system. She also delves into co...
Nov 07, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Pearlman School of Medicine continues to debunk sleep myths. The focus shifts from insomnia to snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Schwab explains that snoring is caused by the vibration of the uvula or soft palate due to a narrow airway, often exacerbated by factors like alcohol and obesity. Dr. Schwab explains that while snoring is common, it is not...
Oct 16, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In this episode of The Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we delve into common misconceptions about insomnia and sleep apnea with Dr. Richard Schwab, a sleep medicine expert from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwab explains how insomnia is a perception of inadequate sleep, which can vary greatly among individuals. He emphasizes that everyone needs sleep, debunking the myth that some people can function without it. The episode covers the role of exercise and diet in promoting better slee...
Oct 16, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we take a break from debunking myths to get to know more about Dr. Laurie Hess, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the new Editor-in-Chief of the Merck Veterinary Manual. Dr. Hess shares her incredible journey in avian and exotic animal medicine, her passion for veterinary care, and her thoughts on being one of the few board-certified avian specialists in the world. She also recounts an early career experience involving a distressed mo...
Sep 24, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, our guest, Dr. Laurie Hess, discusses Bird Flu, its background, symptoms, and treatment. Dr. Hess, the new Editor-in-Chief of The Merck Veterinary Manual, shares critical strategies for preventing and managing bird flu, particularly focusing on the H5N1 strain. The episode highlights the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures, such as isolating new birds, monitoring visitors, and keeping pet birds indoors to reduce exposure to wild...
Aug 29, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 9
On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we focus on Multiple sclerosis or “MS”. MS is characterized by disseminated patches of demyelination in the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Michael C. Levin joins us for this episode and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, where he is the inaugural Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair. During the episode, Dr. Levin provides insights into MS and dispels the myth that MS is untr...
Jun 26, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast dives deep into the world of rosacea and dandruff. Dr. Jonette Keri, Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine is here to help dispel the myths and misconceptions of this skin condition. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. Dr. Keri is a familiar face on the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast and joined us back in Season 3 to talk about anti-aging and skinca...
Jun 19, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bradley Kesser, MD, a specialist in congenital ear disease, ventures into the intricate world of ear health, exploring various types of ear infections and their treatments, Dr Kesser dissects symptoms, delves into the necessity of antibiotics, and uncovers why some children are more prone to ear infections than others. The episode also tackles common myths about ear cleaning methods, from Q-tips to ear candling. Join the conversatio...
Jan 03, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Dr. Leila M. Khazaeni, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, lends her expertise to demystify strabismus and dispel prevalent myths surrounding the condition. Delve into the different types of strabismus and understand key distinctions from amblyopia. Dr. Khazaeni addresses common misconceptions, such as the influence of screen time on strabismus and the belief that it will resolve on its own. Gain insights into screening, treatment, and the significan...
Jan 03, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Discover the progressive metabolic bone disease that affects bone mineral density and structure, leading to fragility fractures. Explore common myths surrounding osteoporosis and gain valuable insights into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Bolster, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, separates fact from fiction, provides expert answers to key questions and leaves listeners empowered with the knowledge to take charge of their bone health. Don't miss this informative discus...
Jan 03, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In the latest episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Brenda Tesini from the University of Rochester Medical Center sheds light on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As hospitals grapple with an unprecedented surge in respiratory illnesses, Dr. Tesini, with a focus on infectious diseases in children, explores the symptoms of RSV and distinguishes it from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Uncover the truths behind RSV myths, including its impact on premature babi...
Oct 10, 2023•18 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bernard J. Hennessy, DDS, from Texas A&M University, School of Dentistry, unveils the truth about halitosis, commonly known as bad breath. The discussion dives into the basics of halitosis, its prevalence, and the myths surrounding its causes and cures. Dr. Hennessy dispels common misconceptions about mouthwashes, breath mints, and the effectiveness of brushing teeth in curing bad breath. Explore the impact of diets on halitosis...
Oct 10, 2023•14 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this informative episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Ranya N. Sweis, an Associate Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, joins to unravel the distinctions between heart attack and cardiac arrest. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Sweis clarifies the causes, symptoms, and treatments for each condition, debunking common myths that could hinder prompt action during emergencies. Delve into risk factors, warning signs, and immediate ...
Oct 10, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives: how we feel about ourselves and the world; solve problems, cope with stress, and overcome challenges. Mental health challenges can be difficult to define and address. Dr. Michael B. First joins this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast. Dr. First is a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and is the editor and co-chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5...
Sep 08, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 6
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair from our head every day. But some people will experience even more significant hair loss in their lifetimes, which can be a source of anxiety and in some cases, an indicator of more serious medical issues. On this episode of the Merck Manuals , Wendy S. Levinbook, MD, Hartford Dermatology Associates, breaks down the most common misconceptions about hair loss – along with the facts people should know. About ...
Aug 24, 2022•12 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Kidney stones are becoming more common in recent decades. Today, one in 10 Americans will suffer from one at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, infection, or block of the flow of urine. Given the extreme pain that often accompanies kidney stones, many people are worried about getting them. That’s led to a lot of myths and misconceptions around kidney stones, what causes them, and how best to prevent them. In a new...
Aug 10, 2022•15 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this bonus episode, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses dreams. Dr. Schwab explains the nature of dreams as well as other sleep-related phenomena such as nightmares, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, and lucid dreaming.
Jul 27, 2022•10 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of Merck Manuals Medical Myths, Dr. Richard Schwab, the chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses the importance of sleep health. Dr. Schwab shares insights on the numerous factors that can affect sleep patterns and tips for getting a good night's rest.
Jul 27, 2022•22 min•Season 4Ep. 2
As we approach hot summer days, we are excited to welcome Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, to discuss some myths about heat strokes and staying healthy in extreme temperatures. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information. 0:00 – 0:54 Introduction of Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen Scho...
Jul 13, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Now that many COVID-19 travel restrictions are loosening and people are beginning to travel once again, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel’s Guide”, to talk about some more myths about staying safe and healthy while traveling abroad. Click here to learn more about health and travel. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more...
Aug 04, 2021•8 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Many of us want to look younger and have beautiful skin, but what kind of myths are we believing on how to achieve that? Do anti-aging creams actually work? Are the more expensive or luxury skincare products more effective than cheaper alternatives? Is sleeping in your makeup bad for your skin? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine...
Jul 21, 2021•13 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Most people (hopefully) know the dangers involved with smoking. But is vaping just as bad for your health as smoking? Is actually worse for you as some say? Is vaping more harmful for younger people than it is older people? Is there an effective way to quit? What’s the best way to kick this habit and talk to teens about why it’s dangerous? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome Dr. Judith Prochaska , Professor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University w...
Jul 07, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In Part 2 of our discussion on children's mental health, the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast welcomes back Dr. Josephine Elia, psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. On this episode, Dr. Elia discusses some ways parents can manage and address some of the mental health difficulties that children face, with practical tips anyone can use. Click here to learn more about mental health disorders in children. For l...
Jun 23, 2021•17 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In a brief break from the traditional look into medical myths, this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast will delve into the difficult and sometimes taboo topic of children's mental health. Especially during 2020 and into 2021, children were forced to confront challenges and disruptions that no one could've imagined. And while adults have their own way of dealing with trauma, stress and mental health in general, children can be much different. To help us unpack some of the challeng...
Jun 23, 2021•19 min•Season 3Ep. 4
As the summer season approaches and many of us head outside to bask in the sun, what sorts of myths have we been telling ourselves about the best ways to protect our skin from the sun? Is 100 SPF really necessary? How long can you be outside before the sun starts to damage your skin? Do you only need sunscreen in the summer? How much is enough sunscreen to put on your skin? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermat...
Jun 09, 2021•12 min•Season 3Ep. 3
This podcast has covered a handful of travel health myths before, but the way people travel has changed drastically in the COVID-19 world. While the world is beginning to work its way back to normal thanks to increasing vaccinations, that only means there are more questions as people look to resume their travels once again. What is the safest way to travel? Are airplanes really cleaning out air better than we think? Are masks enough on public transit? DO we need to wear masks inside our own cars...
May 26, 2021•16 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Acne is a skin condition so many of us encounter during our lives. But the severity of the condition can differ greatly from person to person, and it's led to a number of myths surrounding what causes it? Is chocolate the culprit? Is fatty and unhealthy foods the issue? Is acne only something that pubescent teens have to deal with? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we talk all things acne with Dr. Jonette Keri , Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery a...
May 13, 2021•14 min•Season 3Ep. 1
