The Health In Harlem Podcast

healthinharlem

Hosted by Dr. Maurice Selby, the Health In Harlem Podcast is a weekly talk show that distributes evidence-based information that is vital to healthy living. We discuss everything from hypertension and diabetes, heart disease, mental health and well-being, sexual dysfunction, diet and nutrition and public health and policy that affects the health of everyone here and abroad. Health In Harlem is closely associated with WHCR 90.3FM where the show is broadcast every week Thursday from 7pm to 8pm. Learn more at www.whrc.org.

  1. MAR 6

    Sleep and Heart Health

    In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero explore an often-overlooked pillar of cardiovascular health: sleep. In recognition of American Heart Month, the program examines how both sleep duration and sleep architecture—the structure and stages of sleep—play a critical role in maintaining heart health and overall well-being. Listeners will learn how the body cycles through stages of non-REM and REM sleep, why these stages are essential for physiologic recovery, and how disruptions in sleep patterns can contribute to increased risks of hypertension, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular events. The episode also discusses how certain medications, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors can alter sleep architecture and affect long-term health outcomes. Importantly, the conversation connects sleep health with the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a science-based framework for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health through eight key lifestyle and health metrics—including sleep. As always, Health in Harlem aims to promote evidence-based health literacy, helping listeners better understand the science behind health recommendations while dispelling common myths and misconceptions. Learn More Health in Harlem Health in Harlem (WHCR 90.3 FM): https://whcr.org Health in Harlem Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-in-harlem-podcast/id1522090996https://open.spotify.com/show/5PpTWeGSQHHAP5QHFWAyTW Cardiovascular Health Resources American Heart Association – Life’s Essential 8: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8 American Heart Association – Sleep and Heart Health: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Sleep and Heart Disease: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Why Sleep Matters: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep About Health in Harlem Health in Harlem is a weekly radio show and podcast on WHCR 90.3 FM dedicated to improving health literacy and community health awareness through reliable, evidence-based medical information. Hosted by Maurice Selby, the program features expert guests and discussions on public health, prevention, and emerging medical research.

    55 min
  2. FEB 20

    Move to Live: How Physical Activity Protects Your Heart

    For this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby sits down with Lili Barouch, cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Sports Cardiology Program, for an in-depth and empowering conversation about heart health, physical activity, and heart disease prevention during American Heart Month 2026. February is recognized nationally as American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. In this episode, Dr. Barouch explains: Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of both men and women How hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles disproportionately affect minority and marginalized communities The critical role prevention plays in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk Dr. Barouch highlights how even modest increases in physical activity can significantly lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce overall cardiovascular mortality. One of the central themes of this episode is that movement is medicine. Dr. Barouch reviews the evidence behind: The recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity The importance of strength training for cardiovascular and metabolic health How physical activity reduces inflammation and improves vascular function Practical strategies to incorporate movement into busy schedules Importantly, the discussion addresses common misconceptions—such as the belief that exercise must be intense or gym-based to be beneficial. Walking, dancing, gardening, and community-based activities all count. For communities like Harlem and similar urban environments, the episode also touches on structural barriers to exercise—including safety, access to green space, and time constraints—and offers realistic, culturally relevant solutions. Resources for Listeners American Heart Month https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8 Physical Activity and Heart Health https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults 🎙 About Health In Harlem Health In Harlem is a public health–focused radio program and podcast dedicated to improving health literacy and combating misinformation with evidence-based, expert-led discussions. Learn more and listen: WHCR 90.3 FM (The Voice of Harlem): https://www.whcr.org Health In Harlem Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music) Follow updates and episode releases via WHCR programming listings

    56 min
  3. FEB 13

    Life's Essential Eight: Simple Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

    In observance of American Heart Month 2026, Dr. Maurice Selby welcomes leading cardiologist and epidemiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones to Health in Harlem** for an in-depth, evidence-based discussion on cardiovascular health, prevention science, and what our community can do right now to reduce heart disease risk. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, disproportionately impacting Black and other marginalized communities. In this powerful and accessible conversation, Dr. Lloyd-Jones breaks down: The current state of cardiovascular disease in America Why prevention must begin early and across the lifespan The science behind the Life’s Essential 8 framework The critical role of blood pressure control, cholesterol management, diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical activity, sleep health, and tobacco cessation How community-based education and health literacy can change outcomes Drawing from decades of research—including data from the landmark Framingham Heart Study—this episode connects foundational science with practical strategies our listeners can implement in their daily lives. As always, Health in Harlem strives to provide reliable, evidence-based information grounded in public health best practices and evidence-based medicine, while empowering communities with tools to improve long-term health outcomes. You can listen live on WHCR 90.3 FM or stream the podcast version wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Resources & Links Learn More About Health in Harlem Health in Harlem Podcast: https://healthinharlem.podbean.com WHCR 90.3 FM: https://www.whcr.org American Heart Month 2026 American Heart Month (NIH/NHLBI): https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month Life’s Essential 8 Life’s Essential 8 Overview (American Heart Association): https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

    56 min
  4. JAN 17

    Lessons Learned: Rethinking Alcohol Use in Dry January 2026

    Health In Harlem Podcast – Lessons Learned from Dry January (2026) In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero reflect the lessons learned from Dry January in years past to inform actions regarding alcohol use in 2026. The conversation explores how alcohol use affects physical health, mental well-being, sleep, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life, while also addressing the social and cultural role alcohol plays in many communities. Listeners will hear an evidence-based discussion on the potential benefits of reducing or abstaining from alcohol, common misconceptions around “healthy” drinking, and practical takeaways for anyone reconsidering their relationship with alcohol—whether for a month or long term. As always, this episode emphasizes health literacy, informed decision-making, and meeting people where they are in their health journey. This program is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for care from a licensed medical professional. Learn more and stay connected: Health In Harlem Podcast: https://healthinharlem.org WHCR 90.3 FM (The Voice of Harlem): https://www.whcr.org Listen and subscribe on major podcast platforms by searching Health In Harlem Podcast For reliable, evidence-based information on alcohol use and health, visit: CDC – Alcohol and Public Health: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol CDC- Check Your Drinking Tool: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/checkyourdrinking/index.html National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): 6 Tips for Dry January from the NIAAA- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/about-niaaa/directors-page/niaaa-directors-blog/kicking-new-year-with-dry-january-here-are-six-tips-success

    54 min
  5. Holiday Health Tips 2025!

    12/12/2025

    Holiday Health Tips 2025!

    In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Moe Selb and Reid Vero get together to bring you tips and strategies that will get you through this holiday season in the healthiest way possible. Everything from how to be more physically active to financial tips to reduce stress during the holiday shopping season. As we round out the 2025 calendar year, the tips in this show serve as a great guide to preparing for 2026 as the information in this program could serve as the on ramp to hitting the ground running with your new year's resolutions!  As a bonus, check out these reliable and high quality health education programs and resources: Those Nerdy Girls- Check out Those Nerdy Girls! Yes, that is exactly who they are! A collection of incredible public health professionals, epidemiologists, clinicians, and researchers that are dedicated to distributing high quality health education to the masses. Real information coming from real people that are really dedicated to improving peoples' lives and their health through health education.   The Vajenda- Created by Dr. Jen Gunter, the Vajenda is an incredible resource on everything regarding women's health. Whether you like short, fun and whitty articles or in-depth interviews and podcasts, the Vajenda has it all. In addition to that, you can get even more evidence-based and reliable information from Dr. Gunter's books, the Vagina Bible and Menopause Manifesto.    Maintenance Phase- Hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, the subtitle for this program says it all: "wellness and weight loss debunked and decoded". If you are looking to laugh and learn at the same time, then add this to your podcast library ASAP! Patrons of the show get access to additional bonus programs that supplement the great information from the show all while supporting the great work of this duo. In observance of World AIDS Day 2025, check out the information below: World Health Organization- World AIDS Day 2025   Centers for Disease Control- Preventing HIV with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Centers for Disease Control- Preventing HIV with PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

    54 min
  6. 11/21/2025

    GLP-1 Update with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Patti

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have exploded into public consciousness as “weight-loss shots”—but what do they actually do inside the body, who are they really for, and what are the risks and benefits beyond the before-and-after photos? In this episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero sit down with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Patti, endocrinologist and physician-scientist at Harvard and the Joslin Diabetes Center, to break down: How GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed and how they work Why obesity is a complex, biology-based disease—not a willpower problem Benefits beyond weight loss, including impact on diabetes, heart health, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and more CDC+1 Real-world barriers to access (cost, coverage, side effects, and equity concerns) Safety questions around compounded and micro-dosed GLP-1 products Diabetes Journals+1 Where GLP-1s fit alongside lifestyle changes and bariatric/metabolic surgery The conversation also touches on stigma, body image, and why decisions about GLP-1 therapy should always be individualized and made with a trusted clinician. Learn more about Health in Harlem & WHCR 90.3FM Health in Harlem Podcast home: Health in Harlem on Podbean Health In Harlem Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3FM: Show page at WHCR 90.3FM WHCR 90.3 FM Health in Harlem on Apple Podcasts: The Health in Harlem Podcast listing Apple Podcasts Evidence-based resources on GLP-1 medications For listeners who want to dive deeper into GLP-1s, diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic health: CDC – Newer diabetes medicines (including GLP-1s): Overview of how GLP-1 medicines lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and protect the heart and kidneys CDC CDC – GLP-1 injectable use data brief (NHIS 2024): National data on GLP-1 use among adults with diabetes CDC+1 American Diabetes Association (ADA): Guidance on GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 drugs, including a statement cautioning against non–FDA-approved compounded products American Diabetes Association+1 Endocrine Society – Diabetes treatments & GLP-1 receptor agonists: Patient-focused explanations of how GLP-1s are used, including injectable and oral options Endocrine Society+1 American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE): Updates on GLP-1s in obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer risk reduction AACE+1 American Heart Association (AHA): Professional summaries on GLP-1s and cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction in people with type 2 diabetes professional.heart.org+1 National Library of Medicine (NCBI/MedlinePlus/StatPearls): In-depth clinical reviews of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their mechanisms, benefits, and adverse effects NCBI+2PMC+2 FDA – Safety concerns with unapproved GLP-1 products: Important information on risks of non-approved or compounded GLP-1 drugs marketed for weight loss

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Dr. Maurice Selby, the Health In Harlem Podcast is a weekly talk show that distributes evidence-based information that is vital to healthy living. We discuss everything from hypertension and diabetes, heart disease, mental health and well-being, sexual dysfunction, diet and nutrition and public health and policy that affects the health of everyone here and abroad. Health In Harlem is closely associated with WHCR 90.3FM where the show is broadcast every week Thursday from 7pm to 8pm. Learn more at www.whrc.org.