

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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2025 • 14min
Do I Need to Stretch?
In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Katherine Yao, a specialist in rehab and sports medicine, shares how stretching is good for our muscles — and our overall well-being. She also explains the right and wrong ways to stretch, and whether to do it before or after working out. We also return to the Art of Wellbeing series at Lincoln Center, a collaborative effort with NewYork-Presbyterian, the official Hospital for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, to attend a movement session with The New York City Ballet. Attendees learned warmups, stretches, and choreography from professional dancers. Health Matters host Courtney Allison discusses the event with the dancers who led the event, and reflects on the importance of stretching and posture.Click here to learn more about the Art of Wellbeing.___Dr. Katherine Yao is a physiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an assistant professor of clinical rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine where she treats a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders in adults, children, adolescents. Dr. Yao competed as a gymnast at the junior Olympic level and earned several Academic All-American titles on Yale University’s NCAA Division I team. Her experience as an elite student athlete complements her medical training to help her compassionately guide young athletes in managing unique lifestyle demands and challenges. She is currently a National Team Physician for USA Gymnastics and is the head physician for Alvin Ailey Dance School.___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

Aug 13, 2025 • 14min
What Are the Health Benefits of a Cold Plunge?
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 of hopping into frigid water, and some potential risks to keep in mind. __Asad Siddiqi, DO, CAQSM is a sports medicine physician and chief of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He is also an assistant professor of clinical rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine with board certification in rehabilitation medicine and primary care sports medicine. He specializes in the comprehensive management of acute and chronic sports injuries, concussion care, and injury prevention, and he serves as team physician for the City College of New York, the United Nations International School, and a number of youth sport and performing arts organizations. He was a member of the traveling medical staff for Team USA at the 2015 World Karate Federation Junior and Cadet Under-21 Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. He also held a weekly performing arts medicine clinic at the South Carolina Governor's School for Arts and Humanities, focused on prevention and management of injuries in the budding visual and performing artist. Additionally, he attained certification as a regional classifier for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. He maintains active membership in several professional societies including the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Association of Academic Physiatrists, which allows him to stay on the cutting edge of evidence-based treatment principles. He is an advocate for healthy lifestyles and physical activity promotion, and is a firm believer that everybody is an athlete. __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

Aug 6, 2025 • 13min
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Hair Loss?
Curious about why we lose our hair? This week on Health Matters, dermatologist Dr. Shari Lipner returns to the show to share tips on maintaining a healthy head of hair and preventing hair loss. The most common type of hair loss affect 80% of men and 50% of women. She explains various causes of hair loss and walks listeners through treatments that she recommends to her patients. She explains the studies and debunks myths around popular supplements that promote hair growth.Dr. Shari Lipner is board certified in dermatology and has a wide range of clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is one of the few experts in nail disorders in the world, and treats patients with nail psoriasis, nail fungal diseases, brittle nails, and nail cancers. She is also one of the leading researchers in dermatology. She has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications, numerous books and book chapters, lectures nationally and internationally, and is frequently featured by the media including CNN, NPR, Self, Allure, The Washington Post, and The New York Times for her expertise.___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

Jul 30, 2025 • 12min
How Do I Avoid Bug Bites?
This week on Health Matters, we explore how to protect yourself from diseases carried by ticks and mosquitos. Dr. Jennifer Small-Saunders, an infectious disease expert with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains why mosquitos are more attracted to some people than others. She also shares symptoms of diseases like West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease, how we can go about our summer activities without getting bitten, and what to do if you’ve been bitten.___Dr. Jennifer Small-Saunders is an Infectious Diseases physician-scientist who studies molecular mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites. She is a practicing Infectious Diseases physician who sees patients on both the Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases teaching services. She completed Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Diseases fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). Her postdoctoral studies investigated the landscape of mutations in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter PfCRT and how these mutations contribute to parasite resistance to chloroquine and piperaquine in Asia and Africa. Her group now uses mass spectrometry and gene editing techniques to study the role of tRNA modification reprogramming and translational control in resistance to the first line antimalarial, artemisinin. The goal of her group is to uncover stress-response pathways in malaria parasites that can be targeted by new treatments.___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

Jul 23, 2025 • 14min
Why is Air Quality Worse in the Summer?
In this episode of Health Matters we discuss how to breathe easier this summer with Dr. Kalliope Tsirilakis, a pediatric pulmonologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. She explains why heat and wildfires make air quality worse in the summer, and shares tips on how to protect lung health.___Kalliope Tsirilakis, M.D. is the director of pediatric pulmonology and the Pediatric Asthma Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. She is also an assistant attending pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. A lifelong New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and raised in Westchester, she graduated from Weill Cornell Medicine and completed her residency in pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Tsirilakis continued her training at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, where she completed a fellowship in pediatric respiratory medicine. She is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric pulmonology. Her expertise includes the full spectrum of pediatric pulmonary conditions, with special expertise in severe asthma, patient education, quality improvement, flexible bronchoscopy, and aerodigestive disorders.___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

Jul 16, 2025 • 14min
How Do I Prepare for an Emergency?
This week on Health Matters, we’re joined by Dr. Brenna Farmer of NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine to talk through what you need to do to be prepared for emergencies. From the supplies you need in case of summer storms and power outages to the simple safety tips to prevent trips to the emergency room during summer fun, Dr. Farmer offers listeners the basics of emergency preparedness.___Brenna Farmer, MD is the 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 has previously served as an assistant residency program director for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Residency program. Dr. Farmer is board certified in both emergency medicine and toxicology. She is active nationally in several organizations and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and the American College of Medical Toxicology. Her primary areas of focus are quality improvement, patient safety, and medication safety.___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

Jul 9, 2025 • 12min
An Expert’s Guide to Healthy Summer Skin
It’s fun to be outside in the sun, but it also means you’re at greater risk for sun burns, bug bites, and other skin issues. This week, dermatologist Dr. Victoria Perez of NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia offers an expert guide to how to protect your skin this summer and all year round. She discusses the best sunscreen to use, how to manage bug bites and heat rashes, and when it’s time to see a doctor for your skin ailment.NewYork-Presbyterian experts will be sharing simple tips all month long on how to stay healthy and safe this summer.___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 will provide 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

Jun 25, 2025 • 12min
How Sharing Your Story Can Help You Heal
In this special episode of Health Matters, we explore the power of storytelling in a health journey. As part of the Art of Wellbeing series at Lincoln Center, a collaborative effort with NewYork-Presbyterian, the official Hospital for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, we attend a storytelling workshop with The Moth, a nonprofit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. The workshop guided attendees through telling a personal story about their own health, led by an expert instructor. Health Matters host Courtney Allison discusses the healing power of storytelling with workshop facilitator, Anna Roberts, and reflects on the importance of stories with Dr. Rita Charon, a general internist, founder of the field of narrative medicine, and chief of the Division of Narrative Medicine at Columbia. Dr. Charon helps train doctors to be better listeners so that they can treat the whole patient.Click here to learn more about the Art of Wellbeing and upcoming events.___Dr. Rita Charon is a general internist and literary scholar who originated the field of narrative medicine. She is Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University. She completed her MD at Harvard in 1978 and PhD in English at Columbia in 1999, concentrating on narratology. Her research focuses on the consequences of narrative medicine practice, narrative medicine pedagogy, and health care team effectiveness.___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

Jun 18, 2025 • 18min
How Music Has Made Me a Better Surgeon
In this special episode of Health Matters, we talk to Dr. Peter Liou, a transplant surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, whose passion outside of work is playing the piano. He shares how the lessons he’s learned in music — and the discipline it takes to master a song — translates to the work he does in the operating room.Dr. Liou was recently part of the surgical team at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center that performed the first fully robotic liver transplant in New York. He shares what it was like to be part of the pioneering procedure and describes how surgery, like playing music, is an art. He also talks about how music taught him about both failure and resilience — and how his childhood piano teacher, Miss Olga, remains one of the most influential mentors in his life.___Dr. Peter Liou is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is board-certified in general surgery and received specialty training in abdominal transplant and hepatobiliary surgery. Dr. Liou received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry and Music from Columbia College, and subsequently attended medical school at Columbia.___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

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
Why Am I Feeling Dizzy?
In this episode of Health Matters, we discuss what causes dizziness with Dr. Louise Klebanoff, a neurologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Klebanoff explains the different types of dizziness, such as lightheadedness, vertigo, and gait instability. We also cover how to differentiate between these types, the potential causes, and when to seek medical attention.___Dr. Louise Klebanoff, MD has been named the Chief of General Neurology and the Vice Chair of Operations for the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also an Assistant Attending Neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Klebanoff received her medical degree from Georgetown University Medical Center, graduating first in her class, and went on to complete a residency in Neurology and a fellowship in Critical Care Neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.Prior to joining the Weill Cornell faculty, Dr. Klebanoff served as Attending Neurologist at Beth Israel Medical Center, where she also held leadership roles on various committees and served as the first female president of the Medical Board.Dr. Klebanoff is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Neurology.___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