Cleveland Clinic

Intermittent fasting continues to grow in popularity. And it may be more than a fad, with more data rolling in that may show it helps with weight management, blood pressure and more. A registered dietitian provides tips for trying or practicing intermittent fasting safely: https://cle.clinic/3Z3u1D1

A 51-year-old male general surgeon presented for evaluation after an outside institution found a large mass invading his lumbar spine and left common iliac vein. More about the case: https://cle.clinic/46Pj4Ib

Pull-ups are one of the most effective upper-body exercises, but they can be challenging to master. They target multiple muscle groups at once, including your back, shoulders and arms, helping build strength and improve posture. If you cannot do one yet, there are simple ways to build up to it safely and effectively. Learn how to start and progress with proper form: https://cle.clinic/4cw0KY1

Ebola virus disease is rare, but it can cause severe illness and spread quickly without proper precautions. Early symptoms often look like the flu, including fever, fatigue and muscle pain. As the illness progresses, it can lead to serious complications that require immediate medical care. Learn more about symptoms, transmission and prevention: https://cle.clinic/4ukclAW

After enduring two open-heart surgeries and surviving two strokes, 8-year-old Geno continues to persevere. “Even after going through so much, his defaults are still joy and curiosity,” says Geno's mom, Adrienne Mueller. Before Geno was born, an ultrasound showed he had complete heart block and hydrops fetalis, a serious condition that causes abnormal fluid buildup in multiple areas of the fetus’s body, leading to severe swelling. After he was born, Geno required a pacemaker at 3 months old and would later undergo two open-heart surgeries to address mitral valve dysfunction, which were performed by pediatric and congenital heart surgeon Dr. Hani Najm. Geno's complex heart condition also put him at a higher risk of stroke, something seen more often in children who have congenital heart conditions. Because of this, he had two strokes before turning 8. His second one, occurring at age 7, required a thrombectomy to remove the blood clot that caused it.  “Time is brain when it comes to stroke, and because Geno’s family acted so quickly, he got the appropriate care in time and has almost no deficits remaining,” says Geno’s pediatric stroke neurologist Dr. Kriti Bhayana. “If someone suddenly experiences balance problems, vision changes, facial drooping on one side, weakness in an arm or leg, or slurred speech – it’s important to call 911 right away. While we’re generally good at spotting these symptoms in adults, it’s crucial to remember that – even though strokes are rarer in children – they can happen, especially in kids with complex congenital heart conditions or a family history of clotting disorders, and among other signs, these signs apply to them, too,” says Dr. Bhayana. After overcoming so much medically, Geno, now in the second grade, still embraces a challenge and confidently says math is his favorite subject. He’ll continue to be closely monitored and remain on medications to keep his heart stable and minimize his risk of another stroke.  “Even though I’ve been through some tough things, I’ve just kept going. Facing and getting through hard times makes you that much stronger and braver,” says Geno. More: https://cle.clinic/4wCT5Ap

Need a simple snack to get through the workday? Bananas are an easy grab-and-go option packed with nutrients that support energy, digestion and heart health. They are portable, affordable and versatile enough to eat on their own, slice into oatmeal or blend into a smoothie for a quick afternoon boost. Learn more about the health benefits of bananas: https://cle.clinic/4wCSDlG

A 57-year-old male presented with right-sided facial numbness, dizziness and otalgia that he had been experiencing for the past five months. More about the case: https://cle.clinic/49FeaPL

In general, it’s good to follow a balanced diet. But sometimes, being so focused on your health can swing in the opposite direction and become harmful to both your body and mind. Orthorexia nervosa is a pathological obsession with eating “clean” or “healthy” foods. People who have this condition focus on their diet so strictly (and so restrictively) that it takes both a physical and mental toll. More about the signs of orthorexia nervosa: https://cle.clinic/47f45tB

When Amanda Shannon had her stroke, she was only 33 years old. It happened as the busy mom of two was catching up with friends at dinner before she returned to work from her maternity leave. “All of a sudden, it was like the right side of my body wasn’t mine anymore,” says Amanda of Strongsville, Ohio. At the hospital, doctors discovered she had an ischemic stroke, and she underwent emergency surgery. The surgery saved her life and addressed the clot. But because the stroke was so severe, it was unclear whether she’d be able to walk again, and her speech was limited. “Thank you, and I love you – that's all I could say after my stroke,” recalls Amanda. She spent eight weeks in the hospital and then began physical, occupational and speech therapy. Progress came slowly – wheelchair to walker, walker to cane. She eventually started getting around on her own two feet again. However, she still couldn’t do something that impacted her independence as a young mom: drive. “Since I couldn’t feel my right side as much, it was hard for me to hit the gas and brake,” says Amanda. Wanting that independence back, she enrolled in our Driver Evaluation and Rehabilitation Program. The program provides a clinical and on-the-road assessment of driving skills for adults who’ve experienced a neurological, physical, visual or cognitive change that’s impacted their driving. The goal is to help people drive independently again as long as it’s safe to do so, and one of the tools to help accomplish this is a driving simulator. “The simulator has everything you’d see in a car – a steering wheel, turn signal as well as gas and brake pedals. It has multiple screens to simulate different driving scenarios, like nighttime or highway driving. It’s a way for patients to get behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment and build up their confidence before they’re ready to drive an actual car,” says occupational therapist Christina Duncan. After months of working with Christina, Amanda got to the point where she could drive on her own. “I’m free again. I love being able to just get in the car and go. I’m walking, I’m driving and I’m still making improvements each day,” says Amanda. More: https://cle.clinic/4uPXy0Q

Recovery after total knee arthroplasty does not look the same for every patient. New research shows how wearable device data may help clinicians better understand recovery patterns, monitor activity levels and identify opportunities to improve postoperative care. Learn more about how technology is shaping the future of orthopedic recovery: https://cle.clinic/4ePG53W