Health Matters

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 drive...

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 emphasi...

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...

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, oft...

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 dif...

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 ris...

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...

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 support...

Dr. Mary Rosser, obstetrician gynecologist and director of Fazzalari Women’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian The One and Columbia, joins us to explain how the endocrine system functions and how external chemicals can disrupt hormonal signals that influence metabolism, fertility, cancer risk, and long-term health. She details the most common sources of endocrine disruptors — including plastics, pers...

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 he...

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...

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 o...

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 week on Health Matters , we’re sharing an episode of NewYork-Presbyterian’s Advances in Care , a show for listeners who want to stay at the forefront of the latest medical innovations and research.  On this episode of Advances in Care , host Erin Welsh first hears from Dr. Richard Friedman, a clinical psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Director of the Psychopharmacology Clinic at Weill...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney is joined by Erin Welsh, host of NewYork-Presbyterian’s medical research podcast, Advances in Care, to recap an amazing year of health and wellness conversations. They share highlights and discuss the top takeaways from their dozens of conversations with clinicians, researchers – and even a former New York Mets All-Star. This conversation is a great rundown of...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney sits down with Dr. Braden Kuo , Chief of the Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Dr. Kuo covers common gut problems during the holiday season, a time of indulgent meals and treats. From bloat to heartburn to travel-related stomach issues, Dr. Kuo is a trove of information and practical tips for navigating holiday festiv...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with Dr. Warren Ng, a psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian and Columbia, and the Community Health Director for the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian. Dr. Ng explains what makes narcissistic traits distinct from narcissistic personality disorders, and offers an in-depth explanation of the symptoms and management strategies for naviga...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with Dr. Robert Brown, the chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to discuss the benefits and risks of taking dietary supplements, for our liver and our overall health. Dr. Brown offers tips for deciding which supplements to take, which to avoid, and ways we can optimize our liver health.  ___ Dr. Rob...

This week on Health Matters , we return to Courtney Allison’s conversation with sports cardiologist Dr. Sonia Tolani, who explains how exercise changes the heart. These changes are easy to see in elite athletes, Dr. Tolani gives a behind-the-scenes look at the screening process for athletes to ensure their safety in high-level competition. She also describes how teams can prepare for emergency res...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with dermatologist Dr. Victoria Perez of NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia to discuss what cause shingles, how it's treated, and what to expect if you start to see symptoms.  ___ Dr. Victoria Perez earned her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her dermatology residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with ophthalmologist Dr. Lisa Park about the best ways to take care of our eye health as we age.  Dr. Park shares tips on ways to protect eye health and preserve vision, as well as some common conditions to watch out for.  ___ Lisa Park, MD is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center and an Attending Ophthalmologist a...

This week on Health Matters, we revisit Courtney Allison’s conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Stone, assistant director of transfusion medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Unprecedented blood shortages mean that the need for donated blood is as critical as ever. Dr. Stone demystifies the process of giving blood, explains blood types, and shares how both the recipient and the donor can benef...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with nutritionist Gabrielle Gambino and Dr. Jonathan Waitman about the role that sweeteners play in our diet, and how certain options like high-fructose corn syrup and cane sugar impact our health.  ___ Dr. Jonathan Waitman is board certified in Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition. He is the course director for the nutrition curriculum and Weill Cor...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with Dr. Vivian Bea, Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology, and Dr. Evelyn Taiwo, a medical oncologist, at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine.  For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they discuss why breast cancer is on the rise among younger women, breast cancer risk factors, and the importance of screening. Dr. Bea and...

This week on Health Matters , we’re sharing an episode of NewYork-Presbyterian’s Advances in Care , a show for listeners who want to stay at the forefront of the latest medical innovations and research.  On this episode of Advances in Care, host Erin Welsh hears from two emergency department chiefs at NewYork-Presbyterian about how they optimize operations in their uniquely high-intensity, high-vo...