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.
Sleep. Your body needs it every day. Too little sleep may affect your body's immune system. Too much sleep may result in poor quality of sleep. But[...]
FluMist, a child-friendly nasal spray vaccine, has gained approval from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) to be available for the 2018-2019 flu[...]
A new mother may experience many emotions ─ from joy, excitement and fear to feelings of being overwhelmed. Some new mothers also may experience the baby[...]
The influenza epidemic continues across much of the U.S. For those who had the flu earlier in the season, it's possible to become infected with[...]
More than 1.7 million new cancer diagnoses and approximately 600,000 deaths from cancer are projected for 2018, according to the American Cancer Society. What if you[...]
When is it safe to return to normal activities after coming down with the flu? "A general rule of thumb is to stay away from[...]
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women. Despite increases in awareness, health officials say women remain unaware of their risks. Dr. Amy[...]
Two key changes in adult vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include the new shingles vaccine and booster shots for mumps. All adults[...]
Influenza and the common cold are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. The more intense flu symptoms tend to come on more abruptly than the gradual,[...]
The influenza season in the U.S. already has claimed a number of lives including at least 30 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control[...]
Flu is active in much of the U.S. Along with getting a seasonal flu vaccine, a 20-second way to prevent illness is to wash your hands properly.[...]
Seasonal influenza isn't the only viral illness to watch out for this winter, especially if you have young children and infants. Bronchiolitis is a viral[...]