Health Matters

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 levels. 

The discussion explores the...

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 of relaxation and euphoria, why it can ...

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 Episode

What “biohacking” reall...

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 Cornell Medicine. Using his background ...

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 important health reminders and tip...

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 festivities with good choices for your gut...

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 navigating relationships with narcissists...

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. 

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Dr. Robert Brown is an expert in liver disea...

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 ...

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. 

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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 Ce...

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. 
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Lisa Park, MD is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center and an Attending Ophthalmologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr....

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.

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Dr. El...

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. 

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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 ...

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 questi...

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 em...

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 l...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney talks with urologic oncologist Dr. Michael Feuerstein of Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian The One, a new center for advanced care in Westchester, to discuss the importance of screening for prostate cancer. Dr. Feuerstein explains how blood tests work to detect prostate cancer, explores the latest advancements in treatment, and debunks common myths and misunderstandings about prostate health. 

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In this episode of Health Matters, we explore the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence as a tool for therapy. Dr. Shannon Bennett, associate director of The Center for Youth Mental Health and a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, identifies the potential for the technology to broaden access to mental health treatment and help therapists improve their care. But she also cautions users to underst...

This week on Health Matters, we bust myths about seed oils and learn the difference between saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Dr. David Majure, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains different types of fat and fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, including where they come from and what they mean for our health. He also shares the results of several studies that help get to the bottom of ...