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Health Matters

Health Matters

NewYork-Presbyterian 152 Episodes Oct 7, 2026

Health Matters is a weekly podcast from NewYork-Presbyterian that offers practical health and wellness information from leading medical experts. Host Courtney Allison shares trustworthy tips, science stories, and insights that listeners can apply to their own lives. Episodes feature doctors and specialists from NewYork-Presbyterian, along with patient and caregiver perspectives. The show also covers new research and innovations in care developed with Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. New episodes are released each Wednesday.

Episodes

Why do UTIs Keep Coming Back?
Why do UTIs Keep Coming Back? Oct 7, 2026 00:15:45 Painful urination, frequent trips to the bathroom, and persistent discomfort are hallmark signs of a urinary tract infection, one of the most common bacterial infections, especially among women. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Larissa Rodriguez, urologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what causes UTIs and why they are so
Feeling Stuck? Why Task Paralysis Happens
Feeling Stuck? Why Task Paralysis Happens Sep 23, 2026 00:14:01 Nearly everyone has put off a task at some point, but task paralysis goes beyond simply procrastinating. It can leave people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and unable to get started, even when they know something is important.In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Alyssa Ames-Sikora, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, about the psychology behind tas
Is Your Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Is Your Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea? Sep 9, 2026 00:15:45 Snoring may be a nuisance, but for some people it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what ca
How to Start Running and Stay Injury-Free
How to Start Running and Stay Injury-Free Aug 26, 2026 00:15:58 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
Why Quitting is So Hard: Understanding Addiction
Why Quitting is So Hard: Understanding Addiction Aug 12, 2026 00:17:20 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. Drawi
How to Improve Your Posture and Prevent Tech Neck
How to Improve Your Posture and Prevent Tech Neck Jul 29, 2026 00:15:59 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,
The Rise of Cancer in Young Adults—and What's Giving Experts Hope
The Rise of Cancer in Young Adults—and What's Giving Experts Hope Jul 15, 2026 00:14:27 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. D
From Night Sweats to Brain Fog: How to Navigate Perimenopause
From Night Sweats to Brain Fog: How to Navigate Perimenopause Jul 1, 2026 00:15:31 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 drive
What is the MIND Diet and How Does it Protect Your Brain?
What is the MIND Diet and How Does it Protect Your Brain? Jun 17, 2026 00:14:31 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 emphasi
How to Protect Against Ticks and Lyme Disease
How to Protect Against Ticks and Lyme Disease Jun 3, 2026 00:15:03 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.
What Does Kindness Do for Your Health?
What Does Kindness Do for Your Health? May 20, 2026 00:13:42 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, ofte
How Can You Protect Your Joints?
How Can You Protect Your Joints? May 6, 2026 00:14:45 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 diff

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