Health Matters

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  Is Your Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea? 09.09.2026 15dk

  Snoring is common, but when is it a sign of something more serious? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains the difference between ordinary snoring and sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions of people and often goes undiagnosed. Dr. Krieger discusses the warning signs of disrupted sleep, how sleep apnea can impact memory, concentration, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being, and why quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. She also shares practical strategies to improve sleep hygiene and reviews the latest treatment options available for sleep apnea. Whether you're concerned about your own snoring or that of a loved one, this conversation offers valuable insights into how better sleep can support a healthier life.
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  How to Start Running and Stay Injury-Free 26.08.2026 15dk

  Whether you're training for your first 5K, returning to running after a long break, or simply looking for a new way to improve your health, running offers benefits for both body and mind. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and an accomplished triathlete, shares expert guidance on how to build a safe, sustainable running routine. Dr. Busko explains why strength training, dynamic warmups, proper recovery, nutrition, and sleep are essential for preventing injuries and improving performance. She also offers practical advice for beginners, including how to ease back into running, train for a race, and distinguish normal discomfort from pain that should be evaluated by a doctor. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just lacing up your sneakers for the first time, this conversation provides actionable tips to help you run stronger, healthier, and with more confidence.
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  Why Quitting is So Hard: Understanding Addiction 12.08.2026 17dk

  Why is quitting so difficult, whether it's alcohol, nicotine, gambling, social media, or another addictive behavior? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains what addiction really is, how it affects the brain, and why recovery is about far more than willpower. Dr. Avery discusses the complex mix of biology, mental health, environment, and life experiences that can contribute to addiction. He explains how substances and behaviors hijack the brain's reward pathways, why withdrawal can make quitting especially challenging, and how treatments ranging from therapy and medication to community support can help people recover. The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of connection and compassion, and why many people go on to build meaningful, fulfilling lives in recovery.
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  How to Improve Your Posture and Prevent Tech Neck 29.07.2026 15dk

  Did you know that looking down at your phone can place up to 60 pounds of stress on your neck? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Joseph Lombardi, orthopedic spine surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, explains how everyday habits like texting, sitting for prolonged periods, and slouching can affect the health of our spine over time. Dr. Lombardi breaks down how the spine works, what happens when posture places excess strain on spinal discs, and why sedentary lifestyles can contribute to neck and back pain. He also shares practical strategies to improve posture, including ergonomic workstation tips, core-strengthening exercises, and simple techniques to reduce stress on the neck and lower back. Whether you're working at a desk, scrolling on your phone, or managing chronic back discomfort, this conversation offers actionable advice to help protect your spine and maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.
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  The Rise of Cancer in Young Adults—and What's Giving Experts Hope 15.07.2026 14dk

  Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, explains why cancer is becoming more common in adults under 50 and what researchers are learning about what could be driving this. She discusses the role of diet, the microbiome, ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and other factors in cancer risk, while also highlighting the promising advances transforming cancer care today. From AI-powered diagnostics and targeted therapies to the importance of screening and prevention, Dr. Jafari shares practical guidance and hopeful insights about the future of oncology.
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  From Night Sweats to Brain Fog: How to Navigate Perimenopause 01.07.2026 15dk

  Dr. Cassandra Simmons, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains perimenopause and the hormonal shifts that can lead to symptoms like night sweats, brain fog, and fatigue. She breaks down how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect the body and discusses a range of treatment options—from lifestyle strategies and supplements to hormone therapy. Dr. Simmons also offers reassurance that this often-overwhelming transition is manageable with the right support and care.
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  What is the MIND Diet and How Does it Protect Your Brain? 17.06.2026 14dk

  Dr. Matthew Fink, who leads neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains how the MIND diet can support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. He breaks down the food sources of key nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants, highlights foods to prioritize—and avoid—and shares how diet, exercise, and sleep work together to protect cognitive function. Dr. Fink emphasizes that small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a powerful impact on long-term brain health.
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  How to Protect Against Ticks and Lyme Disease 03.06.2026 15dk

  Dr. Laura Kirkman, an adult infectious disease physician and scientist, and Dr. Karen Acker, a pediatric infectious disease physician and epidemiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York, explain how ticks spread Lyme disease and when you should be concerned about a tick bite. They break down how Lyme disease develops, the symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent and treat infections early—so you can safely enjoy the outdoors. The experts also share information about the lone star tick and meat allergy.
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  What Does Kindness Do for Your Health? 20.05.2026 13dk

  Dr. Warren Ng, a psychiatrist with the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian, explores the science behind kindness and how it affects both mental and physical health. He explains how kind thoughts and actions can trigger measurable changes in the brain and body—from boosting “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and serotonin to lowering stress and improving heart health. Dr. Ng also shares practical ways to practice “kindfulness,” highlighting how small, intentional acts of compassion toward others—and ourselves—can strengthen connection, reduce loneliness, and support overall well-being.
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  How Can You Protect Your Joints? 06.05.2026 14dk

  Dr. Nana Sarpong, an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains how joints work, why they wear down, and what people can do to protect their joint health at every stage of life. He breaks down common joint conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, debunks widespread myths, and shares practical, evidence-based guidance on protecting our joints through exercise, weight management, and treatment options—from physical therapy to joint replacement surgery.
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  What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health? 22.04.2026 14dk

  Dr. Charis Meng, rheumatologist at NewYork Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains inflammation—when it helps the body heal and when it can turn harmful. She breaks down the difference between acute and chronic inflammation, including forms driven by autoimmune disease, and shares evidence based medical and lifestyle strategies to help reduce inflammation and support long term health.
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  Why Allergies Happen and How to Find Relief 08.04.2026 16dk

  Dr. David Gudis, otolaryngologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, breaks down what hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, really is: an overreaction of the immune system to harmless triggers like pollen, pet dander, and dust. He explains why allergy seasons are getting longer, how allergies can affect sleep and mental health, and shares practical, evidence‑based strategies for managing allergies, so listeners can breathe easier this allergy season and beyond.
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  Gut Health, Fiber, and the Microbiome, Explained 25.03.2026 16dk

  Dr. Haley Zylberberg, gastroenterologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, breaks down how the gut works—and what you can do to keep it healthy. Dr. Zylberberg also shares practical tips on increasing fiber safely, incorporating fermented foods, and knowing when to talk to a doctor about digestive symptoms.
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  Diet and Your Heart: Can What You Eat Improve Your Numbers? 25.02.2026 12dk

  In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Sean Mendez, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, about how diet influences heart health. They break down what common health numbers — like blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and ApoB — reveal about cardiovascular risk, and how lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve them. Dr. Mendez explains how foods high in soluble fiber and healthy fats can help lower LDL, why some people are especially salt sensitive, and how quickly lab results can respond to changes in eating habits. He also compares two of the most studied heart healthy diets — the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet — discussing how each one supports cardiovascular health and who may benefit most. In addition to nutrition, Dr. Mendez highlights the essential roles of sleep, exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking in protecting the heart. Ultimately, he emphasizes that heart healthy eating is beneficial at any age — and that even small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time.
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  Is ‘Cozy Cardio’ as Effective as High-Intensity Workouts? 11.02.2026 17dk

  In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jessica Hennessey, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, to explore the popular trend of cozy cardio—movement done at home in a comfortable, accessible setting—and whether low impact workouts can benefit heart health as much as high intensity routines.
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  How Does Alcohol Change Your Brain? 28.01.2026 13dk

  In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Hugh Cahill, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian the One and Columbia, about how alcohol affects the brain. They explore how alcohol alters neurotransmitters to create short-term feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but over time can lead to increased risk for brain atrophy, memory problems, mood disorders, vascular damage, and dementia. Dr. Cahill explains that even moderate drinking is associated with measurable brain changes, and that the effects are cumulative across a lifetime. He emphasizes that protecting brain health involves reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, managing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining proper nutrition (especially B vitamins), and prioritizing sleep.
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  Can Biohacking Reverse the Aging Process? 14.01.2026 17dk

  Can we really “biohack” our way to a younger biological age? Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, discusses aging well. She explains what biohacking means, what habits actually support longevity, and what hacks are unproven. Dr. Kumar also breaks down lifespan vs. health span, the foundational habits that matter most, and the evidence behind tools like wearables and popular supplements—from peptides and nootropics to nutrigenomics and the microbiome. The bottom line: there are no shortcuts, but there are proven, safe ways to support healthy aging.
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  ADVANCES IN CARE: Exploring Psychedelics as the Next Wave of Psychiatric Innovation 17.12.2025 19dk

  Two psychiatrists discuss the mechanisms of psychedelic compounds, including what sets them apart from standard approaches to psychiatric treatment and therapy, how to study them in a clinical research setting, and the potential risks and benefits of their emergence as a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders.
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  The Top Takeaways From This Year of Health Matters 10.12.2025 19dk

  NewYork-Presbyterian’s two podcast hosts come together for a special year-end episode to discuss their top takeaways from the dozens of conversations they had with doctors, researchers, and other health experts over 2025.
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  How Can I Avoid Holiday Bloat? 03.12.2025 18dk

  A gastroenterologist covers common gut issues that crop up during holiday festivities and shares practical tips for avoiding conditions like bloat, heartburn, and constipation.