

Health Matters
NewYork-Presbyterian
Your 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 healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long legacy of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights 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 academic partners Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org
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 healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long legacy of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights 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 academic partners Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 5, 2025 • 12min
Easy Tips for Heart Health
Dr. Emmanuel Moustakakis, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, shares crucial insights about heart health. He highlights heart disease as a leading cause of death and busts common misconceptions that hinder healthy lifestyle changes. The conversation offers practical advice on maintaining heart health through diet, exercise, and sleep. Dr. Moustakakis emphasizes regular check-ups, the impact of sugar intake, and customizing fitness routines to foster lifelong heart-healthy habits.

Jan 29, 2025 • 14min
January’s Top Health Takeaways
This week on Health Matters we look back at health tips and takeaways from the month of January, and discuss what healthy habits are sticking. Courtney is joined by Health Matters editor Angelique Serrano to explore the top health takeaways from our episodes on cold plunges, workouts, the health risks of alcohol and ultraprocessed foods.In their conversations with Health Matters, Dr. Sonia Tolani and Dr. Asad Siddiqi also shared inspiring resolutions for 2025 that provide examples for overcoming setbacks and sticking to goals. Dr. Robert Brown and Dr. Michelle Loy offer some additional helpful tips for pursuing a healthy lifestyle when it comes to what we eat and drink.Courtney and Angelique share how the advice from NewYork-Presbyterian doctors has offered them ways to make healthy changes in their own lives.___Health Matters shares stories of science, care, and wellness from NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare systems.NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/

Jan 22, 2025 • 15min
Do Zones and VO2 Max Matter?
Dr. Sonia Talani, a cardiologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, shares her expertise on sustainable workout strategies. She discusses the significance of fitness metrics like VO2 Max and exercise zones for enhancing workout efficiency. Dr. Talani also emphasizes that exercise can be approachable and rewarding, encouraging small daily movements rather than intense gym sessions. Additionally, she explains how regular physical activity can significantly improve heart health and quality of life, especially in older adults.

Jan 15, 2025 • 15min
What Are the Health Risks of Ultraprocessed Foods?
This week on Health Matters, host Courtney Allison talks to integrative health specialist. Dr. Michelle Loy, who breaks down the differences between whole, processed, and ultraprocessed foods. She discusses the health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, such as increased risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. Dr. Loy provides practical tips for identifying ultraprocessed foods in grocery stores and offers budget-friendly strategies for incorporating more whole foods into diets, such as meal prepping, using frozen vegetables, and making homemade sauces.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Jan 8, 2025 • 13min
Should I Take a Break from Alcohol?
In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison discusses the latest studies on the health risks associated with alcohol use with Dr. Robert Brown, chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss how alcohol affects various organs, including your liver, heart, and brain, as well as its link to several cancers. Dr. Brown discusses the cultural perception of alcohol, the current guidelines around safe drinking limits, and how binge drinking harms the body. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Jan 1, 2025 • 14min
What Are the Health Benefits of a Cold Plunge?
This week on Health Matters our host, Courtney Allison, talks to rehabilitation medicine specialist, Dr. Asad Siddiqi about what is happening in our bodies when we cold plunge, the health benefits hopping into frigid water and some potential risks to keep in mind. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Dec 11, 2024 • 24min
Our Top Health Takeaways of 2024
Discover evolving views on alcohol and its health impacts, backed by insights from a liver specialist. Learn about the liver's vital detoxification role and the importance of mindful eating habits. The discussion highlights rising colorectal cancer rates and the need for early screening, along with a deep dive into the emotional aspects of fertility treatments and the consequences of poor posture, like 'tech neck.' Lastly, the hosts reflect on essential health takeaways, focusing on hydration, fiber, and engaging health conversations.

Dec 4, 2024 • 14min
How to Have Difficult Conversations
This week on Health Matters, our host, Faith Salie, talks to Dr. Nicholas Crimarco, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about practical strategies for managing tough conversations. Dr. Crimarco shares tips on setting positive tones, expressing goals clearly, validating others' feelings, and using active listening skills to maintain meaningful relationships, especially during the holidays.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Nov 27, 2024 • 12min
Can Food Choices Fight Inflammation?
This week on Health Matters we revisit our conversation with clinical dietitian Gabrielle Gambino about ways to combat inflammation through food. Gabrielle explains how fermented foods and fiber provide the basis for a heart-healthy diet, what inflammation really means, and how superfoods and nutrient dense foods give our bodies what we need to fuel a healthy lifestyle.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Nov 20, 2024 • 15min
How Do I Talk to My Kid About Puberty?
This week on Health Matters our host, Faith Salie, talks to Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Ambulatory Care Network and Columbia, about ways parents and caregivers can talk to their children about puberty and the changes that come with this stage in life. Dr. Bracho-Sanchez also discusses why puberty may be happening earlier and earlier in children.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 academic partners Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/


