Deb Balzer (@DebBalzer)
Deb Balzer is a Senior Communications Specialist at Mayo Clinic. 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.
Penicillin is a powerful antibiotic that has saved millions of lives since its discovery in 1928. Now, 90 years later, overuse of this and other[...]
Reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been on the rise since the 1980s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and[...]
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious childhood illness that commonly affects kids ages 5 or under. However, anyone can become sickened – especially[...]
Syphilis has long been a global health issue affecting millions of people. Through the centuries, it's had many names, including the "great pox" and "great crippler."[...]
The U.S. has seen a sharp increase in the number of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over the last four years, according to a report by the[...]
Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on Oct. 15 as a way to promote good health through good hand hygiene. Washing hands with soap and warm waters can prevent[...]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the HPV vaccine for people 27 - 45. "This is hugely positive for the health of younger[...]
Breast cancer survivors are not getting the recommended number of mammograms following surgery, according to a recent study led by Dr. Kathryn Ruddy, a Mayo Clinic oncologist.[...]
It's time to pull up your sleeve and get your flu shot. "The best thing you can do to prevent flu infection is to get[...]
The number of babies born in the U.S. with syphilis has more than doubled in the last four years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and[...]
Penicillin was discovered on Sept. 28, 1928. Many people mistakenly believe they are allergic to this class of antibiotics. Over-reporting can lead to a number[...]
Millions of Americans have at least one pet at home. Studies have shown there are many health benefits to having a companion animal. Pets can increase[...]