Deb Balzer (@DebBalzer)
Deb Balzer is a Senior Communications Specialist at Mayo Clinic. She began her career as a TV news producer in Rochester, NY, before joining CONUS Communications, a pioneering national news satellite organization. She also field produced for ABC, CNN, the Rachael Ray Show and Farmers’ Almanac TV. Joining Mayo Clinic in 2015, Deb writes, produces and collaborates on medical stories with Mayo Clinic’s leading experts, providing trusted health and medical information to help patients.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that once infected approximately 4 million people in the U.S. a year. "Chickenpox is an infection that's caused by a[...]
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing or sneezing. "It's one of the most contagious infectious diseases," says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo[...]
Measles infection can be serious but, can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine, says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at[...]
Teens in the U.S. continue to experience increased rates of depression and anxiety, resulting in a rise of self-harm and death by suicide. Technology and social[...]
Would you be surprised if your health care provider recommended yoga, acupuncture or massage therapy as part of your treatment for an illness or disease?[...]
Tetanus is a serious infection that can be life-threatening and easily prevented with vaccination. It is caused by a toxin produced by spores of the bacteria, Clostridium[...]
It's estimated that about 1 in every 10 Americans has kidney disease. Rising rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity — all risk factors[...]
A second wave of influenza infection is underway in parts of the U.S., and it is a different strain that started the flu season. "Typically, we[...]
Most healthy people who become sick with the flu recover without needing to seek medical attention. For some, complications can arise. An estimated more than[...]
If you skipped getting an annual flu shot, it's not too late. And getting the shot is highly encouraged says Dr. Pritish Tosh, a Mayo Clinic[...]
How many times did your parents tell you to turn down the loud music because you're going to lose your hearing? They had a point. Age-related[...]
Ten states have reported pockets of measles outbreaks since January. The infectious and deadly disease was eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. However, it continues[...]