Health Matters

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How Common Is Infertility? Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

How easy is it to get pregnant?

For a successful pregnancy to occur, many things have to happen, including a healthy egg developing, the right quality and quantity of sperm, and the uterus, fallopian tubes, and hormones all functioning optimally. On top of that, the timing has to be just right.

In recognition of Infertility Awareness Week, host Faith Salie talks with Dr. Alexis Melnick, reproductive endocrinologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to dispel the myths of infertility and dig into the realities of human fertility. They explore the facts about conception, similarities between the reproductive hormones for men and women, and talk about the role of fertility treatment for people who want to become parents. In their conversation, Faith and Dr. Melnick share a little of their own stories, and discuss the emotional weight of fertility issues.

More about Dr. Alexis Melnick

Can Going Outside Benefit My Mental Health? Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Research has shown that the outdoors can improve a person’s mental and physical health. In honor of Earth Day, Faith is joined this week by Dr. Erin Engle, a psychologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia to discuss the many ways that nature can reduce distractions and impact mood. Whether it's a brief walk around the block, playing outside with your kids, or volunteering at your local community garden, being outside has many benefits for mental health.

Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe for My Health? Apr 10, 2024

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Recent surveys have shown that more than 60% of Americans are alcohol drinkers. But is there such a thing as a safe amount of alcohol? How does alcohol impact your health? Dr. Robert Brown, a hepatologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and gives recommended intakes for men and women.

How Does Living Organ Donation Work? Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Filling in for Faith this week is Angelique Serrano, a managing editor at NewYork-Presbyterian. In honor of National Donate Life Month, Angelique sat down for a special conversation with living organ donor surgeon Dr. Joseph Del Pizzo, and his patient Steve Wilson, who donated his kidney to a stranger. Steve shares his journey — from his decision to donate to his recovery — while Dr. Del Pizzo offers his perspective on the procedure.

What is High-Functioning Anxiety? Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

This week we revisit one of our favorite episodes. Host Faith Salie, talks to NewYork-Presbyterian psychiatrist, Dr. Adrian Jacques Ambrose, about high-functioning anxiety, the sometimes crippling stress felt by high-achieving, successful individuals. They keep it together on the outside, but may be filled with self-doubt and racing thoughts on the inside. Dr. Ambrose of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia joins us to drill down into what high-functioning anxiety looks like and how to manage it.

Is Lead Poisoning Me? Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Are you seeing the headlines about lead poisoning?

Maybe you’ve heard that water bottles contain lead, or that cinnamon in applesauce was poisoning shoppers. Host Faith Salie talked with Dr. Adam Blumenberg to discuss the crucial context for news about lead poisoning. A toxicologist and doctor of emergency medicine, Dr. Blumenberg explains what lead is, what makes it poisonous, and how exposure might happen in our daily lives—and of course, what to do about it.

Colon Cancer Rates Are Rising for Young People—Am I At Risk? Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Colon cancer is the deadliest form of cancer for men and the second deadliest for women under fifty, behind only breast cancer. Since 2020, colon cancer rates have risen nine percent in people under fifty. Millennials are at a higher risk for early onset colon cancer than previous generations have been.

Take all of that together, and it’s very clear that people of all ages need to educate themselves about the signs of colon cancer and how to prevent it. In this episode, we give you the tools you need to stay vigilant about your colon health.

How Can I Get More Energy? Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Feeling tired? There are simple things you can do to maximize your energy. This week, Dr. Chiti Parikh shares with host Faith Salie ways to help our metabolism and circadian rhythms sync up — which will help with energy throughout the day. Dr. Parikh offers insights from her book, Intentional Health: Detoxify, Nourish, and Rejuvenate Your Body Into Balance, and explains how necessary it is to have a consistent daily routine. Along the way, she describes where hormones like cortisol factor in, and why when you eat can matter as much as what you eat.
Click here for the episode transcript.

Can Food Fight Inflammation? Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Faith Salie brings back clinical dietitian Gabrielle Gambino to discuss how to combat inflammation through food. They discuss how fermented foods and fiber provide the basis for a heart-healthy diet, what inflammation really means, and how superfoods and nutrient dense foods give our bodies what we need to fuel a healthy lifestyle.

When to Worry About Your Blood Pressure Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

February is American Heart Month. When's the last time you measured your blood pressure? Do you know what "good" blood pressure even is? Or what about "good" cholesterol?

Brush up on the fundamentals – and get some clear guidelines for keeping tabs on your heart health - from Dr. Marc Eisenberg, a cardiologist from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia.
Click here for the episode transcript.

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