Health Matters

Dr. Haley Zylberberg, gastroenterologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, breaks down how the gut works—and what you can do to keep it healthy. Dr. Zylberberg also shares practical tips on increasing fiber safely, incorporating fermented foods, and knowing when to talk to a doctor about digestive symptoms.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Sean Mendez, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, about how diet influences heart health. They break down what common health numbers — like blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and ApoB — reveal about cardiovascular risk, and how lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve them. Dr. Mendez explains how foods high in soluble fiber and healthy fats can help lower LDL, why some people are especially salt sensitive, and how quickly lab results can respond to changes in eating habits. He also compares two of the most studied heart healthy diets — the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet — discussing how each one supports cardiovascular health and who may benefit most. In addition to nutrition, Dr. Mendez highlights the essential roles of sleep, exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking in protecting the heart. Ultimately, he emphasizes that heart healthy eating is beneficial at any age — and that even small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Hugh Cahill, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian the One and Columbia, about how alcohol affects the brain. They explore how alcohol alters neurotransmitters to create short-term feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but over time can lead to increased risk for brain atrophy, memory problems, mood disorders, vascular damage, and dementia. Dr. Cahill explains that even moderate drinking is associated with measurable brain changes, and that the effects are cumulative across a lifetime. He emphasizes that protecting brain health involves reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, managing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining proper nutrition (especially B vitamins), and prioritizing sleep.

Two psychiatrists discuss the mechanisms of psychedelic compounds, including what sets them apart from standard approaches to psychiatric treatment and therapy, how to study them in a clinical research setting, and the potential risks and benefits of their emergence as a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders.

A gastroenterologist covers common gut issues that crop up during holiday festivities and shares practical tips for avoiding conditions like bloat, heartburn, and constipation.

A hepatologist discusses the risks and benefits of dietary supplements, including how they may impact the liver.

A dermatologist explains what shingles is and how it spreads, describes the common treatments, and answers common questions.

A doctor of transfusion medicine describes the importance of blood donation, the process behind donating, and what happens to that blood between the donation center and the transfusion for the patient who needs it.

A breast surgeon and a medical oncologist discuss the common questions people have about breast cancer, including if deodorant cases breast cancer and why more and more younger people are being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Former New York Mets Third Baseman discusses the mental health impact of failure, resilience, and community with a psychologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia.

A psychologist weighs the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence as a tool for mental health.

An expert in sports medicine shares the importance of stretching and posture — and the right way to do it.