Health Matters

This week on Health Matters, as we continue to observe Heart Month, we will explore the role that genetics play in heart health.Understanding your family history of cardiovascular health is essential. In fact, about 30% of heart disease can be linked to family history. We speak with Dr. Jessica Hennessy, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiogenetics expert at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia to help break down which heart conditions and risk factors may be inherited. She provides valuable insight on effectively managing heart health, including the importance of lifestyle modifications in preventing heart disease, including for individuals with a genetic predisposition. She also explains who should get genetic testing and what that process looks like.___ Dr. Jessica Hennessey specializes in Cardiac Electrophysiology, with a special focus on Sports & Exercise Cardiology. She practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Hennessey graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 2014, and completed her training at Massachusetts General Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Electrophysiology. ___ 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

This week on Health Matters, Courtney Allison is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Steven Mazza of NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia to explore how to improve your listening skills and the powerful benefits of being a good listener.Dr. Mazza explains how focusing on our own thoughts can keep us from listening well and really connecting with the people we care about. He also describes the surprising ways that our own minds may be the biggest obstacle to being fully present, and he offers advice for anyone who wants to retrain their brain and learn better listening.Listening better can lead to significant benefits in relationships with parents, children, friends, and coworkers. Becoming a better listener might be a lifelong process, but Dr. Mazza offers simple tips to start.___Steven J Mazza, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Director of the ABC Early Childhood Program at ColumbiaDoctors. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD), where he specialized in applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Mazza is the clinical director of the ABC Early Childhood Program, which provides evidence-based treatments for emotional and behavioral difficulties in children ages 2-8. Dr. Mazza is a public speaker who conducts trainings for leadership teams, caregivers, educators, and summer camp counselors.___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

February is Heart Month, so this week on Health Matters we talk about heart health with Dr. Emmanuel Moustakakis, a cardiologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. He reminds us: heart disease is the number one cause of death in the western world for both men and women. So: what can we do about it?We explored a number of the common misconceptions about heart health that keep people from making small changes that lead to a big difference for addressing coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other kinds of heart disease. From diet and exercise to smoking and sleep, Dr. Moustakakis offered his top health tips for creating lifelong, heart healthy habits.___Dr. Emmanuel Moustakakis is a board certified Cardiologist specializing in Interventional Cardiology practicing at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Houston Medical School, completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowships in both Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Moustakakis is certified in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease with interest in acute coronary syndromes. Dr. Moustakakis is the Director of the Coronary Care Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital.___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

This week on Health Matters we look back at health tips and takeaways from the month of January, and discuss what healthy habits are sticking. Courtney is joined by Health Matters editor Angelique Serrano to explore the top health takeaways from our episodes on cold plunges, workouts, the health risks of alcohol and ultraprocessed foods.In their conversations with Health Matters, Dr. Sonia Tolani and Dr. Asad Siddiqi also shared inspiring resolutions for 2025 that provide examples for overcoming setbacks and sticking to goals. Dr. Robert Brown and Dr. Michelle Loy offer some additional helpful tips for pursuing a healthy lifestyle when it comes to what we eat and drink.Courtney and Angelique share how the advice from NewYork-Presbyterian doctors has offered them ways to make healthy changes in their own lives.___Health Matters shares stories of science, care, and wellness from NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare systems.NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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/

This week on Health Matters, host Courtney Allison talks to Dr. Sonia Tolani, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about sustainable approaches to working out. They cover everything from understanding fitness metrics like VO2 Max and zone training to helpful tips for building exercise into your daily routine. Dr. Tolani also gives some great advice on how to reframe exercise when it feels intimidating and explains how you can build healthy habits into your day-to-day activities over time. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

This week on Health Matters, host Courtney Allison talks to integrative health specialist. Dr. Michelle Loy, who breaks down the differences between whole, processed, and ultraprocessed foods. She discusses the health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, such as increased risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. Dr. Loy provides practical tips for identifying ultraprocessed foods in grocery stores and offers budget-friendly strategies for incorporating more whole foods into diets, such as meal prepping, using frozen vegetables, and making homemade sauces.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison discusses the latest studies on the health risks associated with alcohol use with Dr. Robert Brown, chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss how alcohol affects various organs, including your liver, heart, and brain, as well as its link to several cancers. Dr. Brown discusses the cultural perception of alcohol, the current guidelines around safe drinking limits, and how binge drinking harms the body. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

This week on Health Matters our host, Courtney Allison, talks to rehabilitation medicine specialist, Dr. Asad Siddiqi about what is happening in our bodies when we cold plunge, the health benefits hopping into frigid water and some potential risks to keep in mind. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

It’s been an eventful year for Health Matters and we’ve learned a lot about health. Listen in as Faith and Courtney talk through some of their favorite moments and health tips from the past year and share clips from the interviews with meaningful takeaways that have helped them create healthier habits.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

This week on Health Matters, our host, Faith Salie, talks to Dr. Nicholas Crimarco, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about practical strategies for managing tough conversations. Dr. Crimarco shares tips on setting positive tones, expressing goals clearly, validating others' feelings, and using active listening skills to maintain meaningful relationships, especially during the holidays.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

This week on Health Matters we revisit our conversation with clinical dietitian Gabrielle Gambino about ways to combat inflammation through food. Gabrielle explains how fermented foods and fiber provide the basis for a heart-healthy diet, what inflammation really means, and how superfoods and nutrient dense foods give our bodies what we need to fuel a healthy lifestyle.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

This week on Health Matters our host, Faith Salie, talks to Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Ambulatory Care Network and Columbia, about ways parents and caregivers can talk to their children about puberty and the changes that come with this stage in life. Dr. Bracho-Sanchez also discusses why puberty may be happening earlier and earlier in children.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/

This week on Health Matters our host Faith Salie is joined by Dr. David Majure, Medical Director of the Heart Transplant Service with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to discuss the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and WeGovy as a treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in certain adults. They explore the complex connections among weight, cardiovascular health, and inflammation, and how Dr. Majure uses GLP-1 drugs in his work with patients.__Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/

On this episode of Health Matters, Faith Salie talks about resilience with Dr. Anne Marie Albano, clinical site co-director of the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and a child psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Dr. Albano offers mental health tips for how caregivers can foster confidence and independence in children and how to keep communication lines open when kids are processing big transitions and challenging issues. __Health Matters was created to share the remarkable stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks.In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long history of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our world-class physicians, nurses, and 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 University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/

In this special live episode of Health Matters for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Courtney Allison sits down with Kiley Durham, a mom, artist, and multi-cancer survivor. They discuss Kiley’s cancer journey, and invite two doctors from Kiley’s care team to join their conversation and reflect on her treatment. Dr. Tessa Cigler, a medical oncologist, and Dr. John Ng, a radiation oncologist, celebrate Kiley’s resilience and how she beat the odds. They also talked about their approach to cancer care, which doesn’t just treat the disease, but surrounds each patient with everything it takes to fight it.

This week, Faith talks with Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine doctor with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and five-time ironman finisher. They discuss the vast health benefits of running, the best way to avoid injuries, and what to focus on to become a more efficient runner.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we revisit our conversation with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia breast oncologist Dr. Meghna Trivedi. She talks with Angelique Serrano about the major risk factors behind breast cancer, the most common genetic factors in cancer risk, and the kinds of prevention strategies that can limit genetic risks.

This week, Faith talks with Dr. Cynthia Pan, a specialist in geriatric medicine and palliative care with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss the Sandwich Generation—people who find themselves caring for elderly parents and young children at the same time. Dr. Pan describes how common it is to be a caregiver for two different generations, and offers strategies for finding help, starting hard conversions, and avoiding burnout.

Did you know there’s more serotonin in the gut than in the brain? The connection between our digestive health and our mental health are strong and surprising. To explore this link, Faith Salie talks with Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, a gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and the Director of Clinical Research at Columbia’s Celiac Disease Center. He’s an expert on the connections between gastrointestinal health and the other systems in our body that rely on good digestion. He describes how GI diseases like Celiac have implications for mental health, and what anyone can do to support their digestive health.

This week, Faith is joined by Dr. Andrew Chan, a neurosurgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, to discuss the rising issue of Tech Neck. Dr. Chan explains the causes and symptoms of this modern condition, which is linked to poor posture when using devices such as cell phones and computers. He also offers advice on prevention and treatment, including stretches and strengthening exercises.

This week, Faith is joined by urologist Dr. Alfred Winkler from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss prostate health and why it’s so important for men to get screened for prostate cancer. Dr. Winkler also shares how it’s among the most treatable cancers, and why some men can be under “active surveillance” and live with the slow-growing cancer with minimal impact on their lives.

This week, our host Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Elena Lister, a psychiatrist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine who specializes in grief. Dr. Lister discusses the importance of facing the many emotions that come with the death of a loved one or other losses. She also talks about her personal experience with grief after the death of her youngest daughter and how to find hope after loss.

Dr. Tony Puliafico, a psychologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, joins Faith to discuss procrastination. They explore how procrastination relates to mental health, how avoidant behaviors like procrastination get out of hand, and tips on how to stop procrastinating when it becomes a habit that its hindering our daily lives.

To address one small change we can all make to make a big improvement in our health, we’re bringing back the conversation between Faith Salie and Dr. Carolyn Newberry, a gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and the director of the Gastrointestinal Nutrition Program at Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss the importance of fiber and why we need more of it than we may think.

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Susan Broner, neurologist and headache specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains the difference between a headache and a migraine. She also shares common migraine triggers and the new migraine treatments that offer hope and relief for people who suffer from migraines.

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Hoosna Haque, an OBGYN at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, discusses what to know about birth control methods, including IUDs, progesterone, and progesterone and estrogen pills. She also dives into concerns people may have about weight gain, mood swings, or impacts to fertility.

This week we talk to a sleep medicine expert at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to better understand just why sleep is so vital, how to make it a top priority, and to find specific steps we can take each day for a better night’s sleep.

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Rahul Sharma, Emergency Physician-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Chair of Emergency Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, discusses how to stay safe during a heat wave, including signs of heat illness and the importance of staying hydrated and cool. Dr. Sharma explains how hydration impacts body function, provides guidelines for fluid intake, and addresses common misconceptions about electrolyte drinks. Dr. Sharma also highlights the importance of staying informed, dressing appropriately, and taking preventive measures.

This week, Faith talks to Dr. Daniel Freedberg, a gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. They discuss how the gut microbiome contributes to our overall health, and what we can do to keep the microbes in our gut thriving. Along the way, Dr. Freedberg demystifies probiotics, explains the biggest threat to our gut microbes, and explains why fiber is the most powerful tool for supporting microbial diversity in our digestive system.

With new advances in the treatment of brain cancer, patients have more options than ever. This week, Faith talks with Dr. Kathryn Beal, a radiation oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore how breakthroughs in immunotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery can successfully treat metastatic cancer in the brain. In recognition of Glioblastoma Awareness Day, Dr. Beal also explains treatment options for gliomas, and her hope for the future for patients with brain tumors and brain metastases.

With perspectives spanning hepatobiliary, gynecologic, and cardiac surgeries, NewYork-Presbyterian’s Dr. Jason Hawksworth (Columbia), Dr. Tamatha Fenster (Weill Cornell Medicine), and Dr. Arnar Geirsson (Columbia) describe how they each came to incorporate robotics into their practices. One of the biggest takeaways: robotic surgeries allow for more accuracy in minimally-invasive approaches; so patients experience shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries, even after major procedures. But there are some limitations to robotic surgeries that the doctors are still navigating. Dr. Fenster discusses how there are haptics limitations in robotic surgery. As a result, she shares more about her innovative smartHER 3D MRI program that is addressing this issue and details how her and her team are developing a way of holographically projecting 3D MRIs over patients to help guide surgeons while they operate. For more information visit nyp.org/Advances

With summer in full swing, we’re revisiting an important episode on some of the most common myths about the sun and sunscreen. Faith Salie talks to Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at NewYork Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine.They discuss guidance on how to choose a sunscreen that works for you and also share helpful tips on how to gauge if a mole could be a sign of something more serious.

Over 20 million Americans have some kind of thyroid issue – and 12 million of them don't even know it. Dr. Hyesoo Lowe joins Faith to explain what the small and mighty thyroid does — from regulating our body temperature, to supporting heart function, digestion, even energy and mood. They discuss why thyroid issues impact women more than men, what to do to support thyroid health, and explore the signs that might mean it’s time to head to your doctor to look into your thyroid function.

This week, Faith talks to pediatrician Dr. Melanie Wilson-Taylor from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine about how to prepare your children for the summer. They cover everything from sunscreen to water safety to keeping up with academic skills. Whether your kid is going to sleep away camp or day camp, Dr. Wilson-Taylor shares tips to keep them safe and having fun all summer long.

This week, Faith is joined by urologist Dr. Alfred Winkler from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. They discuss prostate health and why it’s so important for men to get screened for prostate cancer. Dr. Winkler also shares how it’s among the most treatable cancers, and why some men can be under “active surveillance” and live with the slow-growing cancer with minimal impact on their lives.

Faith Salie talks to Dr. Sorana Segal-Maurer, an infectious disease expert at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what to do if you or a loved one is bitten by a tick. She debunked some common misconceptions about tick-borne illnesses and breaks down the steps to preventing tick bites and conducting tick checks. Click here for the episode transcript.

This week, Faith is joined by Dr. Colleen Cullen to discuss how, no surprise, friendship has been shown to have amazing effects on both mental health and physical health. They discuss the recent research behind loneliness, the powerful impacts of friendship on our bodies, as well as how to make new friends as adults and how to nurture the friendships that we have.

In recognition of Women’s Health Month, we’re revisiting an important episode focused on OB-GYN care. Our host, Faith Salie talks to Dr. Lauren Osborne, an OB-GYN and reproductive psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about how to protect mental health during and after pregnancy. Dr. Osborne discusses common anxiety and depression symptoms during this time and provides advice on medication and seeking support. Click here for the episode transcript.

This week, Faith is joined by Dr. JoAnn Difede, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine and a specialist in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. “Trauma” is a term that we use every day, but most of us aren’t talking about trauma in the strictly medical sense. Dr. Difede explained how trauma forms when we respond to threats that provoke us to fight, flee, or freeze, and described the difference between trauma and PTSD. Despite the challenging nature of a conversation that covers examples of traumatic events, we end this episode on a hopeful note: effective treatments exist for people with PTSD.

Going by the dictionary, to gaslight someone is a strategy to psychologically manipulate them over a period of time so the targeted person questions the validity of their own thoughts and their perception of reality. While gaslighting isn't a formal medical diagnosis, it can have a big impact on our mental health. To help us better understand the term, since it's everywhere these days, Faith is joined this week by Dr. Warren Ng, a psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian and Columbia, and the Community Health Director for New York Presbyterian's Center for Youth Mental Health. He shares how to recognize the signs of gaslighting and offers tips on how to combat it and protect your mental health.

Conversations about menopause often raise more questions than answers. This phase of life has been shown to impact everything from mental health to heart health to sleep — leaving many women in search of ways to help manage symptoms and ease this transition. Join Dr. Susan Loeb-Zeitlin, a gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and the director of the Women’s Midlife Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore menopause science in this Women's Health Month episode.

How easy is it to get pregnant?For a successful pregnancy to occur, many things have to happen, including a healthy egg developing, the right quality and quantity of sperm, and the uterus, fallopian tubes, and hormones all functioning optimally. On top of that, the timing has to be just right.In recognition of Infertility Awareness Week, host Faith Salie talks with Dr. Alexis Melnick, reproductive endocrinologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to dispel the myths of infertility and dig into the realities of human fertility. They explore the facts about conception, similarities between the reproductive hormones for men and women, and talk about the role of fertility treatment for people who want to become parents. In their conversation, Faith and Dr. Melnick share a little of their own stories, and discuss the emotional weight of fertility issues.More about Dr. Alexis MelnickHear more from Dr. Melnick about how IVF works

Research has shown that the outdoors can improve a person’s mental and physical health. In honor of Earth Day, Faith is joined this week by Dr. Erin Engle, a psychologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia to discuss the many ways that nature can reduce distractions and impact mood. Whether it's a brief walk around the block, playing outside with your kids, or volunteering at your local community garden, being outside has many benefits for mental health.

Recent surveys have shown that more than 60% of Americans are alcohol drinkers. But is there such a thing as a safe amount of alcohol? How does alcohol impact your health? Dr. Robert Brown, a hepatologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and gives recommended intakes for men and women.

Filling in for Faith this week is Angelique Serrano, a managing editor at NewYork-Presbyterian. In honor of National Donate Life Month, Angelique sat down for a special conversation with living organ donor surgeon Dr. Joseph Del Pizzo, and his patient Steve Wilson, who donated his kidney to a stranger. Steve shares his journey — from his decision to donate to his recovery — while Dr. Del Pizzo offers his perspective on the procedure.

This week we revisit one of our favorite episodes. Host Faith Salie, talks to NewYork-Presbyterian psychiatrist, Dr. Adrian Jacques Ambrose, about high-functioning anxiety, the sometimes crippling stress felt by high-achieving, successful individuals. They keep it together on the outside, but may be filled with self-doubt and racing thoughts on the inside. Dr. Ambrose of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia joins us to drill down into what high-functioning anxiety looks like and how to manage it.

Are you seeing the headlines about lead poisoning? Maybe you’ve heard that water bottles contain lead, or that cinnamon in applesauce was poisoning shoppers. Host Faith Salie talked with Dr. Adam Blumenberg to discuss the crucial context for news about lead poisoning. A toxicologist and doctor of emergency medicine, Dr. Blumenberg explains what lead is, what makes it poisonous, and how exposure might happen in our daily lives—and of course, what to do about it.

Colon cancer is the deadliest form of cancer for men and the second deadliest for women under fifty, behind only breast cancer. Since 2020, colon cancer rates have risen nine percent in people under fifty. Millennials are at a higher risk for early onset colon cancer than previous generations have been.Take all of that together, and it’s very clear that people of all ages need to educate themselves about the signs of colon cancer and how to prevent it. In this episode, we give you the tools you need to stay vigilant about your colon health.

Feeling tired? There are simple things you can do to maximize your energy. This week, Dr. Chiti Parikh shares with host Faith Salie ways to help our metabolism and circadian rhythms sync up — which will help with energy throughout the day. Dr. Parikh offers insights from her book, Intentional Health: Detoxify, Nourish, and Rejuvenate Your Body Into Balance, and explains how necessary it is to have a consistent daily routine. Along the way, she describes where hormones like cortisol factor in, and why when you eat can matter as much as what you eat.Click here for the episode transcript.

Faith Salie brings back clinical dietitian Gabrielle Gambino to discuss how to combat inflammation through food. They discuss how fermented foods and fiber provide the basis for a heart-healthy diet, what inflammation really means, and how superfoods and nutrient dense foods give our bodies what we need to fuel a healthy lifestyle.