Health Matters

In this special episode of Health Matters, we celebrate Doctor’s Day. Dr. David Slotwiner, Chief of Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, shares how his dogs Cosmo and Luna have taught him about perseverance and problem solving, making him a better leader and doctor.___David Slotwiner, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Dr. Slotwiner is a board certified Cardiologist specializing in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology practicing at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital located in Flushing, NY. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, completed his internship in Internal Medicine, residency in Cardiovascular Disease and fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Slotwiner is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. He specializes in heart diseases such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, and heart failure.___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 infectious disease expert from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, Dr. Marcus Pereira, to learn what we need to know about bird flu.Dr. Pereira explains that while the cases of bird flu in humans have been mostly mild, there is still a risk that the virus could mutate and spread more easily from human-to-human. He talks about ways to protect ourselves from bird flu, and explains whether it’s safe to eat eggs, meat and other dairy products.___Dr. Marcus Pereira is an Associate Professor of Medicine at CUMC and the Director of Clinical Services in the Division of Infectious Diseases. In addition, he is the Medical Director of the Transplant Infectious Diseases Program, where he oversees the development of infection prophylaxis and treatment protocols for immunocompromised patients. His areas of interest include the management of multi-drug resistant bacterial and fungal infections, as well as drug resistant CMV infections and more recently the impact of COVID-19 in transplant recipients. He has also collaborated in important multi-center studies as well as the 2025 International CMV Guidelines, sponsored by the Transplantation Society. Dr. Pereira is an active member in national societies such as the American Society of Transplantation and Infectious Disease Society of America, and is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Transplantation.___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 heads to NewYork-Presbyterian's Teddy Bear Clinic, where she asks kids what they want to know about their health. Then she sits down with Dr. Robert Hagerty, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of New York, to get answers.Dr. Hagerty helps explains the risks and benefits of screen time, why it’s important to get a lot of sleep when you’re a kid, and how vaccines can help our bodies fight infections. He also addresses parents’ health concerns for their children and explains why the standard schedule for vaccines is the gold standard for care.___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

Dr. Alessandro Fichera, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, discusses the alarming rise in colorectal cancer among those under 50. He links this trend to poor dietary habits, including high animal fat and low fiber intake. Practical tips for cancer prevention include prioritizing natural fiber, staying hydrated, and moderating sugar and alcohol consumption. Fichera emphasizes simple lifestyle changes that can support gut health and reduce cancer risk.

In recognition of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, we’re revisiting an important episode focused on disordered eating. Angelique Serrano speaks with Dr. Evelyn Attia, Director of the Center for Eating Disorders at NewYork-Presbyterian. They discuss the differences between healthy and unhealthy eating, how to recognize the signs of eating disorders, and what treatment options are available today. Dr. Attia offers guidelines for people of all ages who want to have a healthy relationship with food.___Dr. Evelyn Attia is Director of the Center for Eating Disorders at New York-Presbyterian, an integrated clinical research program at both Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Medical Centers. Dr. Attia is a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Formerly the director of the inpatient eating disorders program at The New York State Psychiatric Institute, Dr.  Attia has more recently focused on research involving the psychobiology and treatment of anorexia nervosa. Since 1999, she has received uninterrupted funding for her research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dr. Attia is a member of the eating disorders work-group for DSM-5. She is also a member of The Eating Disorders Research Society and has been elected Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders. (source)___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, 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

Dr. Emmanuel Moustakakis, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, shares crucial insights about heart health. He highlights heart disease as a leading cause of death and busts common misconceptions that hinder healthy lifestyle changes. The conversation offers practical advice on maintaining heart health through diet, exercise, and sleep. Dr. Moustakakis emphasizes regular check-ups, the impact of sugar intake, and customizing fitness routines to foster lifelong heart-healthy habits.

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/ 

Dr. Sonia Talani, a cardiologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, shares her expertise on sustainable workout strategies. She discusses the significance of fitness metrics like VO2 Max and exercise zones for enhancing workout efficiency. Dr. Talani also emphasizes that exercise can be approachable and rewarding, encouraging small daily movements rather than intense gym sessions. Additionally, she explains how regular physical activity can significantly improve heart health and quality of life, especially in older adults.