Health Matters

NewYork-Presbyterian
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Oct 1, 2025 • 18min

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
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Sep 24, 2025 • 16min

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
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Sep 17, 2025 • 23min

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
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Sep 10, 2025 • 13min

Why It’s Important to Screen for Prostate Cancer

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. ___Dr. Michael Feuerstein, MD, MPH, is the chief of urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester and assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Feuerstein is a board-certified urologist with over ten years of experience, specializing in minimally-invasive surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer. He received his medical degree and completed his urology residency training at Albany Medical Center. He completed a two-year fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and received a master’s degree in public health at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Feuerstein's research focuses on improving quality of care and quality of life for patients diagnosed with urologic cancers. Dr. Feuerstein provides care at NewYork-Presbyterian The One, a state-of-the-art center for advanced care with doctors from Columbia in Westchester. The facility offers 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
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Sep 3, 2025 • 15min

Should AI be Used for Therapy?

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 understand that chatbots aren’t always the ideal replacement for human therapists, and come with many concerns around safety, data, and privacy. ___Dr. Shannon Bennett, PhD is associate director of the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and an assistant professor of psychology in clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine who specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, tic disorders, and related conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Bennett oversees clinical services in the outpatient department and partial hospitalization programs, working with adolescents and young adults with anxiety and related conditions in individual and group treatment modalities. Her primary research includes developing, evaluating, and disseminating cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety and related disorders. She oversees multiple research studies, teaches, writes, and presents nationally and internationally on these topics, and has co-authored three books on the treatment of youth anxiety and OCD. Dr. Bennett was honored with a Career Development Leadership Award from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for the Tourette Association of America.___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
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Aug 27, 2025 • 16min

Should I Avoid Seed Oils?

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 the benefits and risks of seed oils.___Dr. David Majure is the medical director of the Heart Transplant Service at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. He specializes in the care of patients with heart failure, patients requiring or who have a heart transplant or ventricular assist device (LVAD), and patients with pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Majure received his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as well as a Masters in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He completed his training in cardiology and advanced heart failure at the University of California, San Francisco, where he also served as an assistant clinical professor of medicine. He subsequently served as director of Research of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C and Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at North Shore University Hospital, where he developed the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) program. He has contributed extensively to research and has served as principal investigator in multiple clinical trials, exploring all aspects of advanced heart failure. Dr. Majure has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2020.___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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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