Health Matters

Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits that extend far beyond cardiovascular fitness. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and a competitive triathlete, about the physical and mental rewards of running.

Dr. Busko explains why strength training is a critical foundation for runners and...

Addiction affects millions of people, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking help. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about the realities of addiction and recovery.

Dr. Avery explains that addiction is more than a problem of willpower. Drawing on research and clinical experie...

Back and neck pain have become increasingly common in the digital age. Many of us spend hours each day sitting at desks, working on computers, or looking down at our phones, often without realizing the impact these habits can have on our spine.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Joseph Lombardi, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, about why posture matters and what...

Cancer has long been associated with aging, but in recent years, doctors have seen an alarming rise in colorectal cancer and other cancers among younger adults. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, about what may be contributing to this growing public health concern.

Dr. Jafari explains that colorectal ...

Perimenopause is having a moment, but for many women, it can still feel confusing, unpredictable, and difficult to navigate. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Cassandra Simmons, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about what’s really happening during this transitional phase.

Dr. Simmons explains that perimenopause is driven by fluctuating levels of es...

Many people worry about memory loss and cognitive decline as they age. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Matthew Fink, neurologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about how lifestyle choices—especially diet—can help protect the brain.

Dr. Fink explains the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which emphasizes whole foods like le...

Tick bites and concerns about Lyme disease are increasing, especially during warmer months. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Laura Kirkman and Dr. Karen Acker of NewYork-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York about what people should know about ticks and Lyme disease.

Dr. Kirkman explains the t...

Kindness may seem simple—but it has powerful effects on our health, relationships, and longevity.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Warren Ng, a psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Center for Youth Mental Health, about what it really means to be kind and why it matters more than ever. Dr. Ng explains that kindness begins with intention and connection, often leading to small but ...

Joints play a critical role in how we move, stay active, and maintain independence—but joint pain and arthritis can make everyday activities challenging.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Nana Sarpong, an orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about how joints function and what happens when cartilage wears down. Dr. Sarpong explains the difference between mechanical ost...

Show Notes

Inflammation is one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms—but when it doesn’t shut off, it can quietly contribute to serious health problems.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Charis Meng, a rheumatologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about how inflammation works and why chronic inflammation can put the body at risk. Dr. Meng explai...

Why do allergies happen—and why do they seem to be getting worse every year? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. David Gudis, an otolaryngologist and chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, to break down the basics of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Gudis explains what’s really behind common allergy s...

What does your gut really do—and how can you keep it healthy? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. Haley Zylberberg, a gastroenterologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to find out the basics of gut health, from digestion and the microbiome to fiber, fermented foods, and the gut‑brain connection.

Dr. Zylberberg explains how fiber supports digestion, why everyone&rsqu...

How much can what you eat really influence your heart health — and how quickly can you improve your blood pressure or cholesterol through diet? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with cardiologist Dr. Sean Mendez of NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital to break down the real connection between food and cardiovascular wellbeing.

They explore what your health numbers mean — from...

In this episode, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jessica Hennessey, cardiologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, about the trend of cozy cardio and how accessible, home‑based movement can support cardiovascular health. Dr. Hennessey explains why moderate‑intensity exercise is both sustainable and effective, offering improvements in cardiovascular function, metabolism, and daily energy levels. 

The discussion explore...

What really happens in your brain when you drink alcohol — and what are the long-term effects over a lifetime? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. Hugh Cahill, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian the One and Columbia, to break down the science behind alcohol’s impact on brain health.

They explore how alcohol affects neurotransmitters to create feelings of relaxatio...

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Rekha Kumar, endocrinologist and primary care physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to unpack the science behind aging well. They discuss biohacking, longevity, and health span, separating evidence-based strategies from social media hype and exploring what truly helps us age well.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What “bioha...

This week on Health Matters, we’re sharing an episode of NewYork-Presbyterian’s Advances in Care, a show for listeners who want to stay at the forefront of the latest medical innovations and research. 

On this episode of Advances in Care, host Erin Welsh first hears from Dr. Richard Friedman, a clinical psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Director of the Psychopharmacology Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine. Usin...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney is joined by Erin Welsh, host of NewYork-Presbyterian’s medical research podcast, Advances in Care, to recap an amazing year of health and wellness conversations. They share highlights and discuss the top takeaways from their dozens of conversations with clinicians, researchers – and even a former New York Mets All-Star. This conversation is a great rundown of important health remin...

This week on Health Matters, Courtney sits down with Dr. Braden Kuo, Chief of the Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. Dr. Kuo covers common gut problems during the holiday season, a time of indulgent meals and treats. From bloat to heartburn to travel-related stomach issues, Dr. Kuo is a trove of information and practical tips for navigating holiday festivities with good choices for your...