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

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    How Exercise Changes the Heart

    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 response, and the life-saving measures that everyone should know when it comes to caring for our hearts.  ___ Dr. Sonia Tolani received her medical degree with honors from New York University School of Medicine. She completed her internship, medical residency and her fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Tolani's areas of expertise include consultative cardiology, preventative medicine and women's heart disease including the treatment of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Echocardiography. Dr. Tolani is the co-Director of the Columbia Women's Heart Center, a unique program focusing on providing state of the art treatment and preventative care to women of all ages. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Tolani is also working on developing digital tools to better educate health care providers about heart disease in women and to improve heart disease awareness in women globally. ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    13 min
  2. 29 OCT

    How Can I Tell If I Have Shingles?

    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/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she served as chief resident in her final year. Dr. Perez is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the Skin of Color Society, where she serves on the Center for Leadership Learning Collaborative. She has authored numerous publications and presented research at both national and local conferences. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients.  Dr. Perez provides dermatology services at NewYork-Presbyterian The One, a state-of-the-art center for advanced care with doctors from Columbia in Westchester. NewYork-Presbyterian The One is now accepting appointments and opens in September 2025. The facility will offer adult and pediatric care spanning more than 90 specialties and subspecialties, so patients can find the care they and their families need in one convenient location. ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    9 min
  3. 22 OCT

    What's the Best Way to Take Care of My Eyes?

    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 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Park joined Columbia's Department of Ophthalmology in 2017, and is a well-recognized cataract surgeon with a flourishing practice on Manhattan's west side. She is an expert in the latest surgical techniques including femtosecond-laser assisted cataract surgery and the use of astigmatism and presbyopia correcting intraocular lens implants. Dr. Park lectures nationally and internationally on complex cataract surgery techniques. Her interests include global ophthalmology, and she travels regularly to Guatemala and East Africa to teach and perform humanitarian eye surgery in developing countries, serving on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations dedicated to combating world blindness.  ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    16 min
  4. 15 OCT

    The Benefits of Blood Donation

    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 benefit from a single donation. ___ Dr. Elizabeth Stone is Assistant Director of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapy at NYP Columbia University, Medical Director of Clinical Pathology at NYP Westchester Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Stone’s research focuses on platelet storage conditions and platelet utilization. With advances in medical care, the demand for platelets continues to increase. She is particularly interested in investigating how platelet storage conditions may affect transfusion in different clinical scenarios and in platelet alloimmunization, with the ultimate goal to improve clinical outcomes for patients requiring platelet transfusions.   ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    14 min
  5. 8 OCT

    What's the Difference Between High-Fructose Corn Syrup and Cane Sugar?

    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 Cornell Medical College. He is also the Medical Director for Specialized Nutrition Support New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical Center. Following completion of his training in Internal Medicine he then went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he completed a fellowship in clinical nutrition. He has co-authored numerous articles on the subject of obesity.  Gabrielle Gambino, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC has undergraduate degrees in Clinical Nutrition and Public Relations from Penn State University. She later went on to complete her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at New York University, and obtained her specialty certification as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). Gabrielle specializes in nutrition care for patients with advanced heart failure and enjoys finding novel ways to optimize patients' nutritional status before advanced therapies. ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    14 min
  6. 1 OCT

    Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

    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 Dr. Taiwo also answer common questions about breast cancer, such as what age you can stop screening, and whether common items like deodorant or cell phones increase breast cancer risk. ___ Vivian Jolley Bea, MD, is Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Bea received her masters degree in biology from Drexel University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. Board certified in general surgery, Dr. Bea is an active member in numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncologists, and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons. Dr. Bea's areas of interest include breast cancer, benign breast disease, inflammatory breast disease, and high-risk management. She specializes in skin-sparing and nipple sparing mastectomies as well as oncoplastic breast conservation surgery. Dr. Bea is committed to community outreach, research, and eliminating breast cancer disparities. Dr. Evelyn Taiwo, MD, is a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. She obtained her MD at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Following her residency at Boston University Medical Center, she completed a three-year fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Prior to joining Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Taiwo served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn from July 2011-2019, and as Attending Physician and Site Director for the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Kings County Hospital. While at Kings County Hospital, she served in a leadership role as Director of the Breast Cancer Clinic, overseeing the operations, research activities, clinical care delivery, and education. As a researcher, Dr. Taiwo has contributed to a number of studies on cancer presentation in urban and minority patient populations. ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    18 min
  7. 24 SEPT

    ADVANCES IN CARE: Managing the Complexity of NewYork-Presbyterian’s High Volume Emergency Departments

    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-volume EDs. Dr. Angela Mills, chief of emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, and Dr. Brenna Farmer, chief of emergency medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist, both lead large medical teams in high-volume, New York City emergency departments. They discuss what makes New York City such a unique environment for emergency care, from its massive population and cultural complexity, to the severity and array of traumas that can come through the ED doors each day. Then, they share stories behind the life-saving care they provide, and explain why the collaborative spirit and excitement of the emergency room keeps them coming back to work every day. Dr. Mills and Dr. Farmer also describe some of the ways that they continuously optimize operations in their departments, including addressing language barriers and providing specialized care for patients with complex cardiac needs. Their goal is to ensure that their staff can navigate the organized intensity of the emergency medicine environment without missing a beat. ___ Dr. Angela M. Mills is a nationally recognized leader and expert in emergency medicine. She serves as the inaugural chair of the newly designated Department of Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and chief of Emergency Medicine Services at NewYork-Presbyterian.  Dr. Brenna M. Farmer is Chief of Emergency Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and vice chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is also an associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Farmer is a nationally recognized medical toxicology expert and frequent keynote speaker on quality improvement, patient safety, and medication safety. For more information visit: nyp.org/Advances ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    16 min
  8. 17 SEPT

    How Changing Your Mindset Builds Resilience

    In this special episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison visits Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, to speak with two guests: legendary Mets third baseman David Wright and Dr. Tony Puliafico, a psychologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Together, they discuss the importance of approaching challenges and failures with a growth mindset—in professional sports, at home, at work, at school, and beyond.  Through the latest clinical research and stories from David’s time with the Mets, they explore healthy habits for approaching failure, connecting to a supportive community, and building resilience for the long term.  ___ Anthony Puliafico, Ph.D. is a psychologist with the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian. He is also an associate professor of clinical psychology in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University and serves as Director of the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD) -Westchester, an outpatient clinic that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Puliafico specializes in the assessment and cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety, mood and externalizing disorders. His clinical work and research have focused on the treatment of pediatric OCD, school refusal, and adapting treatments for young children with anxiety. David Wright was a third baseman and captain for the New York Mets from 2004 to 2018. A seven-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner, two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a member of the 30–30 club, Wright was recently inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame and had his number 5 retired by the team.  ___ Health Matters is 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, 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

    23 min

About

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

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