Health Matters

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, but advances in screening are helping detect cancers earlier and improve outcomes. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Janice Sung, radiologist and associate division chief of breast imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about today's breast cancer screening options and how women can better understand their personal screening needs.

Dr. Sung explains why annual mammograms remain the foundation of breast cancer screening and reviews current recommendations for when screening should begin. She also discusses how family history, genetic mutations, and breast density can influence both risk and screening strategies.

The conversation explores supplemental screening options, including breast ultrasound, MRI, abbreviated MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography. Dr. Sung explains how these technologies work, why some tests are more sensitive than others, and how newer vascular-based imaging techniques are helping identify cancers earlier.

Finally, she discusses the role of artificial intelligence in breast imaging, the move toward more personalized screening approaches, and why staying up to date with recommended screenings remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breast cancer mortality.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters

How screening helps detect cancer earlier, improves outcomes, and saves lives

02:15 – Mammograms, Breast Density, and Screening Guidelines

When to start screening, what mammograms can and cannot detect, and how dense breast tissue affects imaging

06:00 – Ultrasound, MRI, and New Screening Technologies

How supplemental screening works and when tests like MRI, abbreviated MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography may be recommended

09:15 – Genetics, AI, and the Future of Screening

Understanding inherited risk, how artificial intelligence supports breast imaging, and the shift toward personalized screening

Key Topics Covered

· Breast cancer screening

· Mammograms

· Dense breasts

· Breast density

· Breast ultrasound

· Breast MRI

· Abbreviated MRI

· Contrast-enhanced mammography

· Breast cancer prevention

· Early cancer detection

· Breast cancer risk factors

· Family history and breast cancer

· BRCA mutations

· PTEN mutations

· Genetic testing

· Artificial intelligence in healthcare

· AI in breast imaging

· Personalized medicine

· Women's health

· Cancer screening guidelines

· Breast imaging

· Breast cancer awareness

· Screening recommendations

· Preventive care

Key Takeaway

Breast cancer screening saves lives, and today's screening options are more personalized than ever. While annual mammograms remain the foundation of screening for most women beginning at age 40, factors such as breast density, family history, and genetic risk may make additional imaging tests appropriate. Talking with your healthcare provider about your individual risk can help ensure you're getting the screening that's right for you.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Janice Sung is a board-certified radiologist specializing in breast imaging. She is an attending radiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and professor of radiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Sung is experienced in all types of breast imaging and breast cancer diagnosis, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, as well as image-guided interventional procedures such as stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, MR-guided biopsy, and radioactive seed placement and wire localizations.

Dr. Sung's research focuses on imaging for early breast cancer detection in women who are at intermediate and high risk for developing breast cancer. She has co-authored multiple scientific articles defining groups of women who will benefit from screening that is more intensive than routine, annual mammography. She is frequently invited to lecture on this and other topics in breast imaging. She also trains and supervises residents and fellows in interpreting breast-images and in interventional breast procedures. In recognition of her accomplishments, she has been named a Fellow of the Society of Breast Imaging.

Dr. Sung received her medical degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo, and completed a residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Pennsylvania. She then completed a one-year fellowship in breast and body imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Painful urination, frequent trips to the bathroom, and persistent discomfort are hallmark signs of a urinary tract infection, one of the most common bacterial infections, especially among women. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Larissa Rodriguez, urologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what causes UTIs and why they are so common.

Dr. Rodriguez explains how bacteria enter and infect the urinary tract, why women are at higher risk than men, and how factors such as menopause and changes in the vaginal microbiome can increase susceptibility to infection. She also discusses the symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs and the warning signs that an infection may have spread to the kidneys.

The conversation explores the challenges of recurrent UTIs, including the role antibiotics can play in disrupting healthy bacteria and contributing to a cycle of repeated infections. Dr. Rodriguez shares current treatment strategies, explains why shorter and more targeted antibiotic courses are preferred, and discusses concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Finally, she reviews emerging therapies and ongoing research, including methenamine, microbiome-based approaches, and vaccine development. She also separates fact from fiction when it comes to cranberry supplements, probiotics, hygiene myths, and other commonly discussed prevention strategies.

Chapters

00:00 – What Causes UTIs and Who Gets Them?

Why urinary tract infections happen, why women are more susceptible, and common risk factors across the lifespan

04:00 – Symptoms, Warning Signs, and Kidney Infections

How to recognize a UTI, when symptoms become serious, and signs an infection may have spread beyond the bladder

05:40 – Recurrent UTIs and Antibiotic Resistance

Why infections come back, how treatment works, and the importance of targeted antibiotic use

08:15 – New Treatments, Prevention, and UTI Myths

Methenamine, microbiome research, cranberry products, probiotics, and practical ways to reduce infection risk

Key Topics Covered

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Recurrent UTIs
• Women's health
• Bladder infections
• Kidney infections
• Pyelonephritis
• Urology
• Urinary symptoms
• Menopause and UTIs
• Vaginal microbiome
• Antibiotic resistance
• Urine cultures
• UTI prevention
• Methenamine
• Probiotics
• Cranberry supplements
• D-mannose
• Vaginal health
• Postmenopausal health
• Microbiome research
• UTI vaccines
• Kidney health
• Antibiotic stewardship
• Urologic care

Key Takeaway

UTIs are extremely common, particularly among women, but recurrent infections should not simply be treated with repeated rounds of antibiotics. Understanding the role of the microbiome, obtaining proper testing, and working with a specialist when infections persist can help identify effective prevention strategies and reduce the risk of future infections.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Larissa Rodriguez is urologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and chair of the Department of Urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a board-certified urologist with expertise in the surgical reconstruction of pelvic floor conditions. A clinical and basic scientist, Dr. Rodriguez has published more than 100 original studies in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Urology, Urology, and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She is the principal investigator of the NIH-sponsored Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Urologic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) research network, which investigates the underlying causes of bladder pain syndrome and how best to treat it. Dr. Rodriguez has received numerous research grants and served as reviewer of multiple journals and member of study sections for the NIH, including its Kidney and Urologic Systems Function and Dysfunction Study Section. She has received multiple research awards from the American Urological Association as well as its Western Section, and the Society or Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). In 2008, Dr. Rodriguez received SUFU’s Paul Zimskind Award, which honors physicians who are within 10 years of completing residency or fellowship and have made significant contributions to the field of pelvic medicine and voiding dysfunction, primarily through basic and clinical research.

Dr. Rodríguez earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989 and her medical degree in 1994 from Stanford University School of Medicine. After completing a urology residency at Stanford University, Dr. Rodríguez joined UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where she completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (formally known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery) under the direction of Dr. Shlomo Raz, as well as postdoctoral research training under Nobel Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro. She joined UCLA's faculty in 2001 and became a professor of urology and of obstetrics and gynecology, co-director of the Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and director of female urology research until 2014, when she was recruited to USC.

Nearly everyone has put off a task at some point, but task paralysis goes beyond simply procrastinating. It can leave people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and unable to get started, even when they know something is important.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Alyssa Ames-Sikora, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about the psychology behind task paralysis and why so many people experience it.

Dr. Ames-Sikora explains how competing brain systems influence motivation and decision-making, why anxiety and perfectionism can make tasks feel impossible to begin, and how too many choices can lead to decision paralysis. She also discusses research showing that procrastination is not a modern phenomenon and may even be observed in other species.

The conversation offers practical tools for overcoming inertia, including breaking large projects into smaller goals, using the Pomodoro Technique, reducing distractions, and identifying the times of day when you're most productive. Dr. Ames-Sikora also shares guidance for parents who want to help children and teens develop stronger follow-through skills and healthier habits around completing tasks.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Task Paralysis?

How task paralysis differs from everyday procrastination and why humans have struggled with it throughout history

04:45 – What Happens in the Brain When We Freeze?

The roles of the limbic system, prefrontal cortex, anxiety, impulsivity, and decision overload

07:15 – Perfectionism, Avoidance, and Getting Unstuck

Why important tasks can feel harder to start and how self-compassion and small wins can build momentum

09:30 – Practical Strategies for Taking Action

The Pomodoro Technique, reducing distractions, finding productive times to work, and helping kids develop follow-through

Key Topics Covered

• Task paralysis
• Procrastination
• Avoidance
• Executive dysfunction
• Decision paralysis
• Performance anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Impulsivity
• Motivation
• Productivity
• Goal setting
• Behavioral psychology
• Success spirals
• Pomodoro Technique
• Time management
• Focus and attention
• Brain development
• Prefrontal cortex
• Limbic system
• Decision-making
• Anxiety and productivity
• Self-compassion
• Parenting and motivation
• Teen development
• Healthy habits

Key Takeaway

Task paralysis is often driven by anxiety, perfectionism, impulsivity, and feeling overwhelmed, not laziness. By breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps, reducing distractions, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on progress instead of perfection, people can build momentum and move forward one step at a time.

Doctor Bio

Alyssa Ames-Sikora, PhD, is a psychologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and an assistant professor of medical psychology (in psychiatry) at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD) - Westchester. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, received her master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from Georgia State University, and completed her predoctoral internship at Children's National Medical Center. Following this, she completed her postdoctoral fellowship at CUCARD-Westchester. Dr. Ames-Sikora specializes in the assessment and treatment of internalizing disorders that affect youth and their families, as well as providing evidence-based assessment and interventions for other concerns, including adherence to medical regimens, coping with chronic illness, adjustment to new diagnoses, and behavioral challenges. Her research interests have centered on the effects of parental psychopathology, parent-child communication, emotion flexibility, emotion socialization, and the quality of interpersonal relationships. Dr. Ames-Sikora's dissertation investigated the effect of maternal depression on the flexibility of her emotionally expressive behaviors during interactions with her school-aged child.

Snoring may be a nuisance, but for some people it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what causes snoring, how sleep apnea develops, and why so many people unknowingly live with the condition.

Dr. Krieger explains how sleep affects virtually every system in the body, from the brain and cardiovascular system to memory and cognitive function. She discusses common symptoms of sleep apnea, risk factors such as age, weight changes, alcohol use, and menopause, and the importance of testing when symptoms arise.

The conversation also explores treatment options ranging from CPAP therapy and dental devices to newer treatment approaches, while offering practical advice for improving sleep hygiene and building habits that support better sleep and long-term health.

Chapters

00:00 – Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and What Causes Them

What happens in the airway during sleep, why people snore, and how sleep apnea develops

04:00 – Symptoms and Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms, hidden signs, risk factors, and why many people don't realize they have sleep apnea

06:30 – How Sleep Affects the Brain and Body

The role of sleep in memory, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being

10:45 – Sleep Apnea Treatments and Better Sleep Habits

CPAP therapy, dental devices, newer treatment options, and practical tips for improving sleep hygiene

Key Topics Covered

Snoring

Sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep disorders

Sleep studies

Sleep testing

Sleep health

Cognitive health

Memory and sleep

Brain health

Cardiovascular health

Atrial fibrillation

Sleep deprivation

Sleep quality

CPAP therapy

Mandibular advancement devices

Sleep apnea treatments

Sleep hygiene

Insomnia and stress

Menopause and sleep apnea

Alcohol and sleep

Healthy sleep habits

Breathing during sleep

Sleep medicine

Key Takeaway

Snoring is often harmless, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a common condition that affects breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. Recognizing symptoms early, seeking evaluation when needed, and prioritizing healthy sleep habits can help improve sleep, protect brain and heart health, and enhance quality of life.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Ana Krieger is director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a professor of clinical medicine in the Departments of Medicine, Neurology and Genetic Medicine and chief of the Sleep Neurology Division in the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a board certified specialist in Sleep Medicine by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Krieger also holds board certifications in internal medicine and pulmonary medicine and has a master’s degree in global public health with emphasis in healthcare policy and management.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Krieger has been actively involved in providing comprehensive patient care in sleep medicine, overseeing the Center for Sleep Medicine, a group practice that evaluates over 1,000 patients each month in New York City.

She is also actively involved in medical and subspecialty education and research. As a clinician scientist, Dr. Krieger is the principal investigator in collaborative multidisciplinary research projects in sleep medicine and has published extensively in the field.

Her current research is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation. She serves as Chair of the Mentored to Independence (MTI) K99/R00 grant review committee at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the NIH.

Dr. Krieger is an active lecturer, regularly contributing to media efforts aiming at improving sleep health in the population. She is a Robert Wood Johnson Scholar, and Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians and American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits that extend far beyond cardiovascular fitness. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and a competitive triathlete, about the physical and mental rewards of running.

Dr. Busko explains why strength training is a critical foundation for runners and discusses how exercises that target the core and gluteal muscles can improve stability and help prevent injuries. She also breaks down the differences between dynamic warmups and static stretching, explaining how proper preparation can support healthier training.

The conversation covers practical strategies for runners at every level, from walk-run programs for beginners to training plans for race day. Dr. Busko shares advice on gradually increasing mileage, building endurance safely, and avoiding common training mistakes that can lead to injury.

Finally, she discusses the important roles sleep, nutrition, hydration, and recovery play in athletic performance, debunks the myth that running causes arthritis, and offers encouragement for anyone looking to start or return to running.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Running Is Good for Body and Mind

The physical and mental health benefits of running and why runners keep coming back

03:00 – Getting Started and Building Strength

How to return to running after a break, why strength training matters, and exercises that help prevent injuries

06:20 – Training Smarter and Avoiding Injury

Dynamic warmups, walk-run programs, race preparation, and common training mistakes

10:00 – Recovery, Fueling, and Running for the Long Term

Sleep, nutrition, hydration, injury warning signs, and the myth that running causes arthritis – and tips to enjoy the sport

Key Topics Covered

• Running
• Running for beginners
• Sports medicine
• Running and mental health
• Cardiovascular health
• Strength training for runners
• Injury prevention
• Core strength
• Glute strength
• Dynamic warmups
• Static stretching
• Race training
• Marathon training
• 5K training
• Walk-run method
• Running recovery
• Sleep and athletic performance
• Sports nutrition
• Hydration for runners
• Energy gels
• Running motivation
• Running injuries
• Arthritis and running
• Sports performance
• Healthy exercise habits

Key Takeaway

Running can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the body, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, but success starts with a thoughtful approach. Building strength, progressing gradually, prioritizing recovery, and listening to your body can help prevent injuries and make running a sustainable, rewarding part of a healthy lifestyle.

Doctor Bio

Morgan Busko, MD is a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia specializing in the non-operative treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in adult and pediatric patients. She has a particular interest in endurance athletes, running and overuse injuries, and injury prevention.

After completing a residency in Internal Medicine at New York University, where she also received her Medical Degree, Dr. Busko completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University. She received her B.S. in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy at Duke University, where she competed in Cross-Country and Track & Field.

Dr. Busko is an active endurance athlete who has competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championship five times, finishing amongst the top triathletes in the world. She finds great reward in helping athletes return to sport safely while facilitating an athlete's ability to reach their optimal athletic performance. She hopes that her passion for exercise as medicine will be contagious to her patients and everyone around her.

Addiction affects millions of people, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking help. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about the realities of addiction and recovery.

Dr. Avery explains that addiction is more than a problem of willpower. Drawing on research and clinical experience, he discusses how genetics, mental health, trauma, social factors, and brain chemistry all play a role in the development of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.

The conversation examines how addictive behaviors, from alcohol use and opioid dependence to gambling and social media use, affect the brain's reward system and why quitting can be so difficult. Dr. Avery also shares how newer treatments, including medications and emerging research on GLP-1 medications, are changing the landscape of addiction care.

Finally, Dr. Avery discusses the importance of reducing stigma, building supportive communities, and recognizing that recovery is possible. He offers practical advice for people who may be struggling themselves as well as guidance for supporting loved ones with compassion and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Addiction?

Why addiction is more than a substance, the role of trauma and mental health, and what happens in the brain

05:05 – Gambling, Screens, and Modern Addictions

How behavioral addictions affect the brain and why smartphones have changed the landscape

09:00 – Treatment, Recovery, and New Hope

Available therapies, medications, emerging GLP-1 research, and why most people do get better

11:30 – Breaking Stigma and Supporting Recovery

Why connection matters, how addiction overlaps with mental health, and ways to support loved ones

Key Topics Covered

• Addiction
• Recovery
• Substance use disorders
• Alcohol use disorder
• Opioid addiction
• Fentanyl epidemic
• Behavioral addictions
• Gambling addiction
• Social media addiction
• Gaming addiction
• Nicotine and vaping
• Dopamine and reward pathways
• Withdrawal
• Mental health and addiction
• Trauma and addiction
• Addiction stigma
• Recovery support
• Community and connection
• Addiction treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• GLP-1 medications
• Self-medication hypothesis
• Depression and addiction
• Anxiety and addiction
• Addiction psychiatry

Key Takeaway

Addiction is a complex health condition influenced by brain biology, mental health, life experiences, and environment, not simply a lack of willpower. While quitting can be challenging, effective treatments, supportive communities, and growing understanding of addiction are helping more people achieve lasting recovery. Reaching out for help is often the first and most important step.

Bio:
Jonathan Avery, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and vice chair of addiction psychiatry, a professor of clinical psychiatry, and the Stephen P. Tobin and Dr. Arnold M. Cooper Professor in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is the program director for the addiction psychiatry fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. He also serves as the medical director of the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program.

Dr. Avery graduated from the New York University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. During residency, he was selected as a Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Fellow, served as co-chief resident in his final year, and received several awards for his clinical and academic work. He then completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine before joining the faculty at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Avery has published widely in addiction psychiatry, with work spanning clinician attitudes toward patients with addiction, treatment approaches for substance use disorders, and the intersection of mental illness and addiction. He is the founder of the NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine Program for Substance Use and Stigma of Addiction, and his research on stigma has been supported by multiple national grants and awards.

He has served on the editorial board for the DSM-5 Clinical Cases book and is the editor and author of more than 10 books, including Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment and The Stigma of Addiction: An Essential Guide. His forthcoming book, Thriving with Addiction: A New Roadmap for Lasting Recovery and Health (Prometheus Books, 2026), explores how recovery can become a pathway to improved brain and physical health.

Dr. Avery is also the host of the Thriving with Addiction podcast, where he interviews leading researchers, clinicians, athletes and public figures about addiction, recovery and behavior change. He has received numerous awards for his clinical and academic work, including the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Faculty Innovation in Education Award and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the New York County Psychiatric Society.

Back and neck pain have become increasingly common in the digital age. Many of us spend hours each day sitting at desks, working on computers, or looking down at our phones, often without realizing the impact these habits can have on our spine.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Joseph Lombardi, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, about why posture matters and what happens when poor positioning places excess strain on the neck and back.

Dr. Lombardi explains the mechanics of the spine and how spinal discs function as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. He discusses the phenomenon known as "tech neck" or "text neck," describing how tilting the head forward dramatically increases stress on the cervical spine and may contribute to disc degeneration over time.

The conversation also covers practical ways to support spinal health. Dr. Lombardi shares tips for setting up an ergonomic workstation, explains why sitting and slouching increase pressure on the lower back, and discusses the importance of taking movement breaks throughout the day.

Finally, he highlights exercises that can strengthen the core and support better posture and outlines warning signs that may indicate a more serious spinal condition requiring medical attention.

Chapters

00:00 – Tech Neck and the Hidden Stress on Your Spine

How looking down at phones and computers increases strain on the neck and what happens to spinal discs over time

03:58 – Why Posture Matters for Long-Term Spine Health

The connection between poor posture, disc degeneration, sciatica, and age-related changes in the spine

06:30 – Ergonomics, Sitting, and Building Better Habits

Simple workstation adjustments, standing desks, movement breaks, and ways to reduce pressure on the spine

09:00 – Exercises, Prevention, and When to See a Doctor

Core-strengthening exercises, healthy movement habits, warning signs of serious spinal issues, and practical tips for lifelong spine health

Key Topics Covered

• Posture and spine health
• Tech neck and text neck
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Disc degeneration
• Spinal discs and biomechanics
• Ergonomic workstations
• Standing desks
• Sitting posture
• Slouching and spinal stress
• Core strength
• Lumbar support
• Bird dog exercise
• Planks and core stability
• Sciatica
• Cervical spine health
• Lower back pain
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Healthy aging and the spine
• Physical therapy
• Spine injury prevention
• Orthopedic spine surgery
• Workplace ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal health

Key Takeaway

Good posture is about more than standing up straight. Everyday habits like looking down at a phone, slouching at a desk, and sitting for long periods can place significant stress on the spine and contribute to pain and disc degeneration over time. By improving workstation ergonomics, staying active, strengthening the core, and addressing symptoms early, people can take meaningful steps to protect their spine and support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Joseph Lombardi is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the operative management of spinal disorders in adult and adolescent patients. His practice is focused on minimally invasive surgical treatments for both common and complex spinal conditions, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformity. Dr. Lombardi leverages the latest surgical technology – robotics, guided navigation, and advanced instrumentation – to provide patients with tailored surgical procedures, accelerated recovery times, and superior outcomes.

After receiving his undergraduate and medical degrees from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, Dr. Lombardi went on to complete his post-doctoral residency training in orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center where he served as chief resident. Dr. Lombardi remained at Columbia and Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian for fellowship training in advanced adult and pediatric spine surgery.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lombardi is involved in training future surgeons as an assistant professor and vice chair of clinical research for Columbia University's Department of Orthopedic Surgery. As vice chair, Dr. Lombardi works closely with the orthopedic surgery research leadership team, as well as all faculty, residents and administration to further clinical research. His research interests focus on the application of new technologies to complex spinal conditions with the goal of improving patient outcomes. To date, Dr. Lombardi has published over 20 book chapters, authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has received numerous academic awards, including: the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society, Julius S. Neviaser Award in Orthopedic Surgery, Harold M. Dick Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Surgery, and the Alexander Garcia Award for Excellence in Clinical Orthopedic Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Lombardi enjoys hiking, jogging, fishing and traveling.

Cancer has long been associated with aging, but in recent years, doctors have seen an alarming rise in colorectal cancer and other cancers among younger adults. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, about what may be contributing to this growing public health concern.

Dr. Jafari explains that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under age 50 and discusses the "birth cohort effect" researchers have identified among people born after 1960. She explores several factors that may be influencing cancer risk, including changes in diet, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, disruptions to the gut microbiome, antibiotic exposure, and the growing presence of microplastics in the environment.

The conversation also focuses on prevention. Dr. Jafari shares practical steps people can take to support a healthy microbiome and reduce cancer risk, including increasing fiber intake, staying physically active, limiting sugary beverages, and making realistic lifestyle changes over time.

Finally, she discusses the exciting advances changing the future of oncology. From targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy to AI-assisted diagnosis and improved screening tools, Dr. Jafari explains why cancer outcomes continue to improve and why early detection remains one of the most powerful tools available—especially when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer?
Understanding the rise of early-onset cancers and why colorectal cancer rates are increasing in adults under 50

03:15 – Diet, Microbiome, and Environmental Risks
How ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, antibiotics, and microplastics may influence cancer risk

07:20 – New Advances in Cancer Treatment
The shift toward targeted therapies, immunotherapy, AI, and personalized cancer care

10:15 – Screening, Prevention, and Living Healthier
Why colonoscopies remain the gold standard and the lifestyle habits that can help lower risk

Key Topics Covered

• Early-onset colorectal cancer
• Rising cancer rates in young adults
• Colorectal cancer mortality trends
• Ultra-processed foods and cancer risk
• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Gut microbiome health
• Antibiotic exposure and cancer
• Microplastics and potential health effects
• Fiber and digestive health
• Cancer prevention strategies
• Targeted cancer therapies
• Immunotherapy
• Artificial intelligence in oncology
• Colonoscopy screening
• Blood-based cancer screening tests
• Fertility preservation during cancer treatment
• Holistic cancer care
• Cancer survivorship and outcomes

Key Takeaway

While cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, there are meaningful steps people can take to reduce their risk. Prioritizing screening, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, limiting ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, staying active, and paying attention to symptoms can make a difference. At the same time, advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and AI-driven diagnostics are helping improve outcomes and offering new hope for the future of cancer care.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari is chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is the director of clinical research in the department of surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is board-certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Jafari specializes in the comprehensive care of colorectal cancer patients, patients with peritoneal surface disease as well as those patients with benign colorectal disease.

Dr Jafari works with a world-renowned group of multidisciplinary specialists to help promote a patient centered treatment plan for her patients, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists. Her goal is to provide precision medicine to patients that is safe and effective.

Dr. Jafari has expertise in minimal access techniques, including laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. In addition, she has special interests in sphincter preserving surgery (helping rectal cancer patients avoid a permanent ostomy), maintaining fertility in cancer patients, and improving quality of life and bowel function after rectal surgery. Dr Jafari has been at forefront of research with regards to improving outcomes using enhanced recovery and narcotic sparing protocols.

Dr. Jafari is among a small number of surgeons who offers surgery for metastatic colon, appendiceal and peritoneal surface disease. She utilizes cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves heated chemotherapy applied directly within the abdominal cavity following removal of cancerous tumors.

Dr. Jafari's clinical research focuses on quality of life and oncological outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. Her main area of expertise is starting chemotherapy earlier in cancer treatment to allow patients to recover their quality of life sooner.

Dr. Jafari has written extensively and published in many major journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Annals of Surgery, and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. She has led numerable courses teaching surgeons around the country how to perform minimal invasive surgery.

Dr. Jafari is actively involved in many national surgical and oncologic societies, including the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncologists, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Association of Women Surgeons.

Perimenopause is having a moment, but for many women, it can still feel confusing, unpredictable, and difficult to navigate. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Cassandra Simmons, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about what’s really happening during this transitional phase.

Dr. Simmons explains that perimenopause is driven by fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s and last for several years. These hormonal shifts can lead to a wide range of symptoms—from hot flashes and night sweats to brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and sleep disruption.

The conversation focuses on vasomotor symptoms like night sweats and why they can significantly impact energy, sleep quality, and daily functioning. Dr. Simmons also discusses the emotional and cognitive effects of perimenopause, including the common feeling of “just not yourself.”

Finally, Dr. Simmons outlines treatment options in three categories: holistic approaches such as supplements and lifestyle changes, non-hormonal prescription therapies, and hormone replacement therapy. She emphasizes individualized care, the importance of understanding the whole patient, and how modern hormone therapy has evolved to be safer and more tailored than in the past.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Perimenopause?
How hormone changes drive symptoms and why timing varies for every woman

03:15 – Hormones and Symptoms Explained
The role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in sleep, energy, and mood

07:45 – Why Night Sweats Disrupt Daily Life
Understanding vasomotor symptoms and their impact on sleep and function

12:00 – Treatment Options and Lifestyle Support
From supplements and therapy to hormone replacement and exercise

Key Topics Covered

Perimenopause definition
Hormone fluctuations (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
Night sweats and hot flashes
Brain fog and cognitive symptoms
Sleep disruption and fatigue
Emotional and mood changes
Weight, metabolism, and muscle mass
Bone health and estrogen decline
Holistic supplements and nutrition
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Non-hormonal treatment options
Lifestyle strategies for symptom management

Takeaway message: Perimenopause can affect nearly every part of the body, but understanding what’s happening hormonally is the first step toward feeling better. With a combination of lifestyle changes, supportive therapies, and personalized care—including hormone treatment when appropriate—women can manage symptoms and maintain their health and well-being through this transition.

Doctor Bios

Dr. Cassandra Simmons is the chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In this role, Dr. Simmons directs clinical operations for the division of General Ob/Gyn, with the goal to deliver the highest quality of care to patients. She also sees patients at NewYork-Presbyterian The One in Westchester.

Before joining the faculty at Columbia, Dr. Simmons practiced as an Ob/Gyn in many states across the country, including California, Georgia, New Jersey, and the New York Metropolitan Area. This diverse breadth of professional experience has given her an idea of what Ob/Gyn care could, and should, look like for patients. Informed by these experiences, Dr. Simmons emphasizes the importance of building trusting patient-provider relationships and improving processes that support continuity of care.

In her clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Simmons is passionate about addressing the myriad determinants of health that can shape outcomes for women and their families. Specifically, Dr. Simmons is focused on the accessibility of preventative care as a means for mitigating health disparities among vulnerable populations. Outside of her work, Dr. Simmons is a proud mother of three children.

Many people worry about memory loss and cognitive decline as they age. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Matthew Fink, neurologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about how lifestyle choices—especially diet—can help protect the brain.

Dr. Fink explains the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which emphasizes whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting salt, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. He breaks down how key nutrients such as B vitamins and antioxidants support brain metabolism, reduce inflammation, and may slow the aging process.

The conversation also highlights the brain’s high energy demands and why proper nutrition is essential for cognitive function. Dr. Fink shares research showing that healthy lifestyle interventions can significantly lower the risk of dementia and discusses the broader benefits of the MIND diet for heart health and stroke prevention.

Finally, Dr. Fink outlines additional habits that support brain health, including regular physical activity, quality sleep, and social connection, emphasizing that even small, gradual changes can lead to meaningful long-term benefits.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Brain Health Is in Your Control
How lifestyle choices can reduce dementia risk and why prevention starts early

03:00 – What Is the MIND Diet?
Key components of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and how they support the brain

06:00 – Brain-Boosting Nutrients and Foods to Avoid
The role of B vitamins, antioxidants, and which foods increase risk

10:30 – Beyond Diet: Exercise, Sleep, and Daily Habits
How movement, rest, and social connection contribute to cognitive health

Key Topics Covered

MIND diet overview

Mediterranean diet and DASH diet

Brain metabolism and energy use

B vitamins and brain health

Antioxidants and inflammation

Foods that support cognitive function

Foods to limit (salt, sugar, processed foods)

Dementia and Alzheimer’s prevention

Stroke and heart disease connection

Exercise and brain function

Sleep and cognitive health

Lifestyle changes for healthy aging

Takeaway Message

You have more control over your brain health than you might think. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods, limiting processed options, staying active, and getting enough sleep, you can significantly reduce your risk of cognitive decline and support a healthier brain as you age.

Doctor Bios

Matthew E. Fink, MD is the Louis and Gertrude Feil Professor and chair of the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and neurologist-in-chief at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. In addition, he is chief of the Division of Stroke and Critical Care Neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and vice chair of the medical board. Dr. Fink attended college at the University of Pennsylvania, medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, and served as resident and chief resident in internal medicine at Boston City Hospital. He came to New York and trained in neurology at the Neurological Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and served as chief resident under Dr. Lewis P. Rowland. Subsequently, he joined the faculty of Columbia University and became the founding director of the Neurology-Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and was appointed associate professor of clinical neurology and neurosurgery while at Columbia. Dr. Fink was a founding member and chair of the critical care section of the American Academy of Neurology, and the research section for neurocritical care of the World Federation of Neurology. He is board-certified in internal medicine, neurology, critical care medicine, vascular neurology, and neurocritical care. He has been elected as a Fellow of the American Neurological Association, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. Throughout his career, Dr. Fink has been involved in the education and training of students, residents and fellows in the field of stroke and critical care neurology, as well as an active participant in clinical research within this field. He is a leader in this new specialty, has lectured widely, and has published many research and clinical articles in the field of stroke and critical care. In addition, he currently serves as editor of the monthly publication, NEUROLOGY ALERT, and is a past-president of the New York State Neurological Society.

Tick bites and concerns about Lyme disease are increasing, especially during warmer months. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Laura Kirkman and Dr. Karen Acker of NewYork-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York about what people should know about ticks and Lyme disease.

Dr. Kirkman explains the types of ticks found in the U.S., where they live, and how they attach to the body. She emphasizes that not every tick bite leads to Lyme disease—it depends on the tick species, whether it carries the bacteria, and how long it remains attached.

Dr. Acker explains how Lyme disease is transmitted and outlines the stages of infection, including early symptoms such as the characteristic bullseye rash, fever, and fatigue, as well as less common complications involving the nervous system, heart, or joints.

The conversation also covers how Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, including when testing is necessary and when a preventive dose of antibiotics may be recommended after a tick bite.

Finally, the doctors share practical strategies to prevent tick bites—from tick checks and proper clothing to repellents and safe tick removal—and discuss emerging concerns like lone star ticks and alpha-gal syndrome. Their key message: with awareness and simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Chapters

00:00 – Understanding Ticks and Their Risks
Overview of tick species, where they live, and how they interact with humans

04:30 – What Is Lyme Disease?
How Lyme disease is transmitted, early symptoms, and stages of infection

08:45 – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Tick Removal
When to test for Lyme disease, antibiotic options, and how to safely remove a tick

12:00 – Preventing Tick Bites and Emerging Concerns
Prevention strategies, protecting kids and pets, and lone star tick risks

Key Topics Covered

Tick species in the U.S.
Where ticks live and how they attach
Lyme disease transmission
Early symptoms of Lyme disease
Bullseye rash and warning signs
Diagnosis and antibody testing
Antibiotic treatment and prevention
Proper tick removal techniques
Tick bite prevention strategies
Lone star tick and alpha-gal syndrome

Takeaway Message

A tick bite does not automatically mean Lyme disease. By checking for ticks regularly, removing them promptly, and using simple prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk. When caught early, Lyme disease is highly treatable—making awareness and prevention your best tools for staying safe outdoors.

Doctor Bios

Dr. Laura Kirkman is a physician-scientist whose research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of infection with bloodborne parasitic diseases: malaria and babesiosis. Dr. Kirkman received her M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine with distinction in research where she benefitted from support from a Howard Hughes Medical Student research award. She completed her clinical training in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her infectious disease fellowship at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is an associate professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Karen Acker is a pediatric hospital epidemiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York, and an assistant professor in clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. She received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center followed by a residency in pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. After completing her fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2018, she joined the pediatric infectious disease division at Weill Cornell Medicine, and has served as a hospital epidemiologist since 2019. Her clinical and research interests include the epidemiology of infectious outbreaks and healthcare-associated infections, diagnostic stewardship, Staphylococcus aureus infections, respiratory viral infections in children, and factors influencing vaccine uptake in children. Dr. Acker is board-certified in pediatrics and board-certified for pediatric infectious diseases.

Kindness may seem simple—but it has powerful effects on our health, relationships, and longevity.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Warren Ng, a psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Center for Youth Mental Health, about what it really means to be kind and why it matters more than ever. Dr. Ng explains that kindness begins with intention and connection, often leading to small but meaningful actions that can ripple outward to others.

The conversation explores the biology of kindness, including how it increases oxytocin—often called the “feel-good” hormone—while boosting serotonin and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. These changes can support heart health, lower anxiety, and even strengthen the immune system.

Dr. Ng also discusses research linking kindness and social connection to longer life expectancy and better cognitive health, including studies on volunteering and brain function in older adults. He introduces the concept of “kindfulness,” or being intentional about kindness, and offers practical tips on how to incorporate it into daily life—whether through helping others, expressing gratitude, or practicing self-compassion.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Kindness and Why Does It Matter?
Defining kindness as intention, connection, and action—and how small acts can create a ripple effect

04:00 – The Science of Kindness in the Body
How oxytocin, serotonin, and reduced cortisol improve mood, heart health, and stress levels

08:00 – Kindness, Longevity, and Brain Health
Research on social connection, volunteering, immune function, and cognitive benefits over time

11:30 – Practicing “Kindfulness” Every Day
Practical ways to be kind to others and yourself, and why connection is essential for well-being

Key Topics Covered

What kindness is and how it shows up in daily life
The “feel-good” hormones released by kind acts
Effects of kindness on stress, heart health, and immunity
The link between kindness, connection, and longevity
Volunteering and its impact on brain health and cognitive function
The concept of “kindfulness” and intentional compassion
Strategies for practicing self-kindness and building self-esteem
The role of kindness in reducing loneliness and isolation

Takeaway Message

Kindness isn’t just a social gesture; it’s a powerful driver of health. Even small, intentional acts can lower stress, strengthen connection, and improve both mental and physical well-being. In a world where many feel isolated, kindness offers a simple, meaningful way to care for ourselves and each other – and to build healthier, more connected lives.

Doctor Bio

Warren Y.K. Ng, MD, MPH is the community health director at the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian. He is a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, medical director for outpatient behavioral health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center; and director of clinical services, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at CUIMC; behavioral health service line clinical innovation officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Ng oversees the comprehensive spectrum of clinical programs in child, adolescent, and adult outpatient and community behavioral health at NewYork-Presbyterian's Division of Community and Population Health. He also oversees the psychiatric services at the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital at Children’s Hospital of New York within the outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient services. He is the immediate past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent (AACAP) and serves on the NYS Governor's Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council. At the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he served in the Council on Children, Adolescents, and their Families. He is an Aspen Institute Health Innovator Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Learning Network. He has been the recipient of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Martha Hooven Award for Excellence in Community Service.

Warren Y.K. Ng, MD, MPH - Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

Joints play a critical role in how we move, stay active, and maintain independence—but joint pain and arthritis can make everyday activities challenging.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Nana Sarpong, an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about how joints function and what happens when cartilage wears down. Dr. Sarpong explains the difference between mechanical osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, including how each impacts joint movement, pain, and stiffness.

The conversation covers conservative treatment strategies such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, bracing, and injections—along with when surgery becomes the right option. Dr. Sarpong also explains how modern joint replacement surgery works, how long implants now last, and what recovery looks like.

Dr. Sarpong debunks common myths, including whether cracking your knuckles is harmful, if weather really affects joint pain, and the idea that people with arthritis should avoid movement. His key message: motion really is lotion—and staying active is essential for protecting your joints and preserving long-term mobility.

Chapters

00:00 – What Are Joints and How Do They Work?
An overview of joint anatomy, function, and why joints are essential to movement

04:30 – Arthritis and Joint Conditions
The difference between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, causes of joint pain and stiffness

08:45 – Treating Joint Pain and Arthritis
Conservative care, physical therapy, injections, and when surgery becomes the right option

12:00 – Protecting Your Joints and Busting Myths
Exercise, weight management, common misconceptions, and the importance of staying active

Key Topics Covered

• How joints function in the body
• Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis
• Causes of joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage loss
• Physical therapy and non-surgical treatments
• Joint replacement surgery and recovery
• Exercise recommendations for joint health
• Weight loss and joint load reduction
• Myths about cracking joints and weather-related pain

Takeaway Message

Joint pain doesn’t mean you should stop moving. Staying active, strengthening the muscles around your joints, and managing weight can help protect joint function and slow arthritis progression. When conservative treatments stop working, modern joint replacement surgery offers safe, durable solutions that can restore mobility and independence for decades.

Doctor Bio

Nana Sarpong, MD, MBA, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. He is skilled in minimally invasive techniques, including partial knee reconstruction, primary hip replacement (both direct anterior and mini-posterior hip approaches), knee replacement, hip resurfacing, and complex primary and revision hip and knee replacement after failed surgeries. His practice leverages advanced technologies, including computer-assisted navigation and robotics, and offers the latest evidence-based surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Based on a rigorous process to identify healthcare providers with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Super Doctors named Dr. Sarpong one of New York's Rising Stars.

Dr. Sarpong was raised in New York City and attended Brandeis University, in Massachusetts, on the Posse Foundation Leadership and Merit scholarship, graduating magna cum laude. He received his MD/MBA degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and received the Norman S. Stearns MD/MBA Excellence in Leadership Award. Dr. Sarpong completed his orthopedic surgery residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he was elected as executive chief resident in his final year. As a chief resident, he was the recipient of the Nas Eftekhar award for excellence in adult reconstruction and the chief resident teacher of the year award. He completed the prestigious adult reconstruction and joint replacement surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he received specialized training in navigation and computer-assisted joint replacement and complex and revision reconstruction.

Dr. Sarpong is actively engaged in research, with more than 80 peer-reviewed papers, textbook chapters, editorials, and national and international scientific presentations to his credit. His ongoing research interests include the impact of enabling technologies on patient outcomes after hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Sarpong has served as a peer reviewer for many academic journals, including Foot & Ankle Specialist, the Journal of Arthroplasty, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, HSS Journal, and the Knee Journal. He is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association, where he was elected as an emerging leader. Dr. Sarpong is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in medicine as a mentor to medical students, residents, and fellows.

Show Notes

Inflammation is one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms—but when it doesn’t shut off, it can quietly contribute to serious health problems.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Charis Meng, a rheumatologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about how inflammation works and why chronic inflammation can put the body at risk. Dr. Meng explains the difference between short‑term, helpful inflammation and long‑term inflammation that lingers for months or years, affecting everything from joints to the heart, brain, and immune system.

The conversation explores autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, what causes inflammation, and how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, stress, and physical activity can impact inflammation. Dr. Meng also discusses treatment options ranging from targeted immune therapies to lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and emerging research on GLP‑1 medications.

This episode offers clear, science‑based guidance to help listeners understand inflammation—and what they can do to help keep it in check.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Inflammation, and When Is It Helpful?
How inflammation works as the body’s natural defense system

03:45 – Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
Why inflammation sometimes doesn’t shut off—and how it can cause harm

07:30 – Inflammation and Disease Risk
Autoimmune conditions, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

09:45 – How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Medical treatments, diet, exercise, sleep, and emerging research

Key Topics Covered

Inflammation and the immune system
Acute vs. chronic inflammation
Autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis
Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risk
Anti‑inflammatory lifestyle habits
Mediterranean diet and inflammation
Exercise, sleep, and immune balance
Acupuncture and integrative care
GLP‑1 medications and inflammation research

Takeaway Message

Inflammation is the body’s natural healing response, but when it becomes chronic and doesn’t turn off, it can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While some chronic inflammation is driven by autoimmune disease or factors beyond our control, healthy habits like diet, exercise, and sleep can still help support the body and reduce long-term health risks.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Charis Meng is an assistant attending rheumatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, who is also certified in acupuncture. Her practice is in general rheumatology, and her special interests are in treating older patients with chronic pain, low back pain and inflammatory arthritis.

Why do allergies happen—and why do they seem to be getting worse every year? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. David Gudis, an otolaryngologist and chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, to break down the basics of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Gudis explains what’s really behind common allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and brain fog, and why hay fever is actually an overreaction of the immune system—not the pollen itself. He discusses why allergy seasons are lasting longer, how environmental factors and modern living may play a role, and the surprising ways allergies can affect sleep, concentration, and mental health.

This episode offers practical, science‑based guidance—from simple prevention strategies to over‑the‑counter treatments and allergy shots—to help you breathe easier this season and beyond.

Chapters:

00:00 – What Is Hay Fever?
An introduction to allergic rhinitis and why allergy symptoms happen

04:00 – Why Are Allergy Seasons Getting Worse?
Climate, environment, and changes in immune response

09:40 – How Do Allergies Affect Sleep, Focus, and Mental Health?
The surprising impact on wellbeing, mood, and daily life

10:45 – How Do I Find Relief? Treatments That Work
Avoidance strategies, medications, allergy shots, and nasal rinses

Key Topics Covered:

• Hay fever / allergic rhinitis
• Immune system overreaction
• Seasonal and environmental allergies
• Mental health and sleep disruption
• Pollen season and climate effects
• Allergy prevention and treatment
• Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and immunotherapy

Takeaway Message:

Hay fever isn’t “just allergies” — it’s a real, systemic condition caused by an overactive immune response that can affect sleep, mood, concentration, and quality of life. The good news? Effective treatments exist, and with the right approach, allergy symptoms can be controlled

Doctor Bio:

Dr. David Gudis is an otolaryngologist and Chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia. He specializes in disorders of the nose and sinuses, including allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and nasal inflammation. Dr. Gudis is dedicated to helping patients understand the root causes of their symptoms and access effective, personalized treatments that improve daily life and overall wellbeing.

What does your gut really do—and how can you keep it healthy? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. Haley Zylberberg, a gastroenterologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to find out the basics of gut health, from digestion and the microbiome to fiber, fermented foods, and the gut‑brain connection.

Dr. Zylberberg explains how fiber supports digestion, why everyone’s “normal” gut function looks different, and how stress and mental health can directly affect the digestive system. She also shares signs of a healthy gut, red flags that shouldn’t be ignored, and why colorectal cancer screening is so important—especially as younger adults are being diagnosed more often.

Whether you’re curious about probiotics, wondering how much fiber you really need, or looking to better understand your body, this episode offers practical, science‑backed guidance to help support lifelong gut health.

Chapters:

00:00 – The Basics of Gut Health and the Microbiome
What the gut is, how digestion works, and why the microbiome plays a critical role in overall health.

06:30 – Fiber, Food, and Supporting Your Gut
How fiber supports digestion, how much you need each day, common misconceptions, and tips for increasing fiber safely.

11:30 – The Gut‑Brain Connection
How stress affects digestion, why the gut and brain communicate so closely, and what that means for digestive symptoms.

15:10 – Red Flags and Colorectal Cancer Screening
Warning signs of an unhealthy gut, when to see a doctor, and why colorectal cancer screening is essential and preventive.

Key Topics Covered

· Gut anatomy and digestion

· The gut microbiome and “good” bacteria

· Fiber benefits and daily fiber intake

· Fermented foods and probiotics

· Gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea

· The gut‑brain connection and stress

· Red flag digestive symptoms

· Colorectal cancer prevention and screening guidelines

Takeaway Message
Your gut plays a central role in your overall health, and small, consistent habits—like eating enough fiber, managing stress, and knowing what’s normal for your body—can make a big difference. Paying attention to changes and staying up to date with recommended screenings can help catch problems early and even prevent serious disease.

Expert Guest

Dr. Haley Zylberberg’s clinical focus is general gastroenterology, with a specialization in celiac disease. She has a sustained interest in patient-outcomes research using large databases and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on celiac disease diagnosis and its clinical manifestations.

Dr. Zylberberg earned her B.A. in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University and her medical degree at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine, where she graduated with a distinction in research. She completed internal medicine residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she served as chief fellow. During her fellowship, Dr. Zylberberg undertook advanced training in research methods, culminating in a master's degree in patient-oriented research from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health.

How much can what you eat really influence your heart health — and how quickly can you improve your blood pressure or cholesterol through diet? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with cardiologist Dr. Sean Mendez of NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital to break down the real connection between food and cardiovascular wellbeing.

They explore what your health numbers mean — from blood pressure ranges to LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and the emerging marker ApoB — and how these values signal current or future risk. Dr. Mendez explains how dietary shifts can lower LDL cholesterol by 3 to 15 percent and reduce blood pressure by several points, even without medication. He also discusses salt sensitivity, the impact of saturated fats and processed foods, and why soluble fiber, healthy fats, and whole foods can play a powerful role in improving cholesterol.

The conversation dives into the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, outlining how each works, what they emphasize, and the evidence behind their ability to reduce blood pressure and overall cardiovascular risk. Dr. Mendez offers practical tips for getting started and key lifestyle factors that are essential for heart health.

Whether you're hoping to lower your numbers, prevent future heart issues, or simply make more informed choices at the grocery store, this episode provides clear, accessible guidance on building a heart‑healthy way of eating.

Chapters:

01:13 – What Do Heart Health Numbers Mean?

04:33 – How Quickly Diet Changes Improve Labs

10:59 – How to Start Changing Eating Habits

Key Topics Covered

• What cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and ApoB measure
• How these numbers relate to cardiovascular disease risk
• Healthy ranges for blood pressure and cholesterol
• How diet can lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure
• How quickly lab results change after modifying eating habits
• The role of salt sensitivity and saturated fats in heart health
• Foods that help lower LDL, including soluble fiber and healthy fats
• The DASH diet: its structure, purpose, and evidence for lowering blood pressure
• The Mediterranean diet: core foods, flexibility, and cardiovascular benefits
• Differences between DASH and Mediterranean diets
• Practical starting points for improving eating habits
• Benefits of tracking food intake and identifying patterns
• Easy, heart‑healthy food and snack swaps
• Why lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, exercise, and limiting alcohol matter
• Common misconceptions about eating for heart health
• Why heart‑healthy eating is beneficial at every age

Takeaway Message
Small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can meaningfully improve your heart health — at any age. Understanding your numbers (like LDL, blood pressure, and ApoB) empowers you to make targeted choices, and evidence‑based eating patterns such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet can lower risk over time. Even if medications are part of your care, diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management remain essential tools for protecting your heart.

Expert Guest

Dr. Sean Mendez is a non-invasive cardiologist at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn-Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

His clinical interests include preventive cardiology, valvular heart disease, and cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography, stress testing, and vascular imaging. In addition to seeing patients in his outpatient clinic, he provides inpatient care in the cardiac care unit, cardiac telemetry unit, and consultative cardiology service. Dr. Mendez is passionate about providing his patients with the highest-quality, comprehensive cardiovascular care. He addresses all aspects of health to prevent the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Mendez, a native of Buffalo, New York, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in both biology and mathematics. He attended medical school at the University at Buffalo, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. Dr. Mendez then completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. He then completed his fellowship in cardiology at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was chief fellow.

For more health and wellness news, visit NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website.

In this episode, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jessica Hennessey, cardiologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, about the trend of cozy cardio and how accessible, home‑based movement can support cardiovascular health. Dr. Hennessey explains why moderate‑intensity exercise is both sustainable and effective, offering improvements in cardiovascular function, metabolism, and daily energy levels.

The discussion explores the benefits of walking versus running, how heart rate zones help guide workout intensity, and the importance of rest and active recovery. Dr. Hennessey also highlights how movement helps regulate stress and why strength training—especially for women—is essential for long‑term metabolic and bone health.

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Understanding Cozy Cardio – Convenience, Comfort, and Where it Fits in Heart Health

Understanding cozy cardio and how low‑impact movement supports heart health, and how it lowers barriers to exercise and makes movement feel inviting.
Chapter 2: Why Moderate Exercise Matters

Chapter 3: Cozy Doesn’t Mean Easy—Just Accessible

Chapter 4: Walking vs. Running: Which Is Better for the Heart?

Chapter 5: Using Heart Rate to Guide Your Workout

Chapter 6: The Importance of Rest Days and Recovery

Chapter 7: HIIT: Benefits, Risks, and When to Use It

Chapter 8: Strength Training & Heart Health, Especially for Women

Chapter 9: Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Chapter 10: Final Takeaway

Key Topics Covered

• What cozy cardio is and examples
• How cozy cardio focuses on convenience, comfort and lowering barriers to exercise.
• Moderate vs. High-Intensity Exercise

• How it can improve VO2 max

• Accessibility and sustainability in fitness
• Walking vs. running
• Using heart rate as a guide for exercise
• The importance of rest days
• Exercise as stress reduction
• HIIT workouts: explanation, benefits and risk
• Strength training and heart health
• Building a sustainable routine by choosing activities you enjoy and making movement a natural part of the day

Takeaway Message
Meaningful improvements in cardiovascular health do not require high‑intensity workouts. Moderate, accessible forms of exercise—such as “cozy cardio”—can effectively enhance heart and metabolic function, support stress regulation, and promote long‑term adherence. By prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and consistency, individuals can integrate movement into their daily routines in ways that are both achievable and beneficial for overall health.

Expert Guest

Dr. Jessica Hennessey is an electrophysiologist who specializes in arrhythmia management with a special focus on catheter ablation, pacemakers/defibrillators, and atrial fibrillation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Hennessey is also the Esther Aboodi Assistant Professor of Cardiology (in medicine) at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology.

For more health and wellness news, visit NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website.

What really happens in your brain when you drink alcohol — and what are the long-term effects over a lifetime? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. Hugh Cahill, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian the One and Columbia, to break down the science behind alcohol’s impact on brain health.

They explore how alcohol affects neurotransmitters to create feelings of relaxation and euphoria, why it can impair memory, coordination, and judgment, and how even moderate drinking is linked to increase risk of brain shrinkage, vascular damage, mood disorders, and dementia. Dr. Cahill also explains the cumulative nature of alcohol’s effects and shares practical, evidence-based ways to protect your brain as you age — highlighting the powerful role of exercise, cardiovascular health, nutrition, sleep, and reducing alcohol intake.

Whether you’re curious about Dry January, worried about memory and aging, or simply want to make informed choices about your health, this conversation offers clear, expert insight into how your habits today shape your brain tomorrow.

Key Topics Covered

• How alcohol affects neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, dopamine, endorphins)
• Why alcohol causes relaxation, lowered inhibition, and impaired coordination
• Long-term effects: brain atrophy, neuron loss, memory impairment
• Alcohol as a neurotoxin
• Links between alcohol and:

• Cumulative, lifelong impact of drinking—even at low to moderate levels
• Role of exercise in promoting neurogenesis and brain resilience
• Importance of cardiovascular health, vitamins (B1, B12), and metabolic health
• Limited evidence that puzzles or brain games prevent cognitive decline
• Practical brain-health strategies

Takeaway Message
Brain health is shaped by long-term habits. Because alcohol’s effects are cumulative and even moderate use is linked to structural and vascular brain changes, reducing intake — along with exercising and managing cardiovascular risk factors—can meaningfully protect cognitive function and quality of life as we age.

Expert Guest

Dr. Hugh Cahill is an M.D./Ph.D.-trained general neurologist providing comprehensive care for patients with a broad range of neurological conditions at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Dr. Cahill sees individuals with headaches, seizures, strokes, numbness, weakness, memory changes, and other common neurological concerns. Dr. Cahill as both a clinician and scientist supports an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on careful evaluation and clear communication.

For more health and wellness news, visit NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Rekha Kumar, endocrinologist and primary care physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to unpack the science behind aging well. They discuss biohacking, longevity, and health span, separating evidence-based strategies from social media hype and exploring what truly helps us age well.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What “biohacking” really means

● How biohacking ranges from simple lifestyle optimization to high-tech, experimental interventions

● The difference between lifespan (how long you live) and health span (how long you live well)

The Longevity Pyramid

● Why the foundation of healthy aging is built on:

• Sleep
• Movement and strength training
• Nutrition
• Stress management
• Social connection

● How advanced tools and supplements sit at the top—and why they should never replace the basics

Wearables and Tracking

● How devices like smartwatches, glucose monitors, and fitness trackers can support behavior change

● When tracking becomes counterproductive or stressful

Peptides and “Anti-Aging” Supplements

● What’s proven (e.g., metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists)

● What’s still experimental or under-studied (BPC-157, sermorelin, NAD boosters)

Nootropics and Cognitive Enhancers

● Everyday nootropics like caffeine

● The role of L-theanine for “calm focus”

● Myths around perfectly timed caffeine and cortisol rhythms

Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition

● How genes can influence responses to foods (e.g., lactose intolerance, APOE and saturated fat)

● Why many direct-to-consumer genetic tests may overpromise

The Gut Microbiome

● The role of Akkermansia muciniphila in metabolic health

● How medications like metformin and GLP-1s may positively shift gut bacteria

● What’s still unknown about probiotic supplementation

Genetic and Biomarker Testing

● The difference between actionable medical insights and “information overload”

● Why results of unknown significance can cause unnecessary anxietyThe Big Takeaways

● There are no true shortcuts to longevity

● Sustainable habits beat quick fixes

● Our biology is built for rhythms, not constant optimization

Featured Expert

About Rekha B. Kumar, M.D., M.S.

Dr. Rekha B. Kumar is an attending endocrinologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an associate professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. She specializes in adult primary care and endocrinology and has academic expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various endocrine disorders, including obesity/weight management, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, as well as metabolic bone disease.

Dr. Kumar completed her undergraduate studies at Duke University and received her masters degree in Physiology from Georgetown University. She received her M.D. from New York Medical College and completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Kumar obtained her clinical fellowship in the combined Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism program at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Kumar is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, and Obesity Medicine.

Coming Up Next

In the next episode of Health Matters, we’ll explore brain health and the short- and long-term effects of alcohol on the brain with Dr. Hugh Cahill. Subscribe and follow Health Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to stay up to date with expert-driven conversations on living well at every stage of life.

About Health Matters

Health Matters is your bi-weekly dose of health and wellness information, from the leading experts. Join host Courtney Allison to get news you can use in your own life. New episodes drop each Wednesday.If you are looking for practical health tips and trustworthy information from world-class doctors and medical experts you will enjoy listening to Health Matters. Health Matters was created to share stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long legacy of medical breakthroughs and innovation, Health Matters features the latest news, insights, and health tips from our trusted experts; inspiring first-hand accounts from patients and caregivers; and updates on the latest research and innovations in patient care, all in collaboration with our renowned medical schools, Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine.

To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org