Health Matters

Latest Episodes:

An Expert’s Guide to Healthy Summer Skin Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

It’s fun to be outside in the sun, but it also means you’re at greater risk for sun burns, bug bites, and other skin issues. This week, dermatologist Dr. Victoria Perez of NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia offers an expert guide to how to protect your skin this summer and all year round. She discusses the best sunscreen to use, how to manage bug bites and heat rashes, and when it’s time to see a doctor for your skin ailment.

NewYork-Presbyterian experts will be sharing simple tips all month long on how to stay healthy and safe this summer.

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Dr. Victoria Perez earned her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her dermatology residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she served as chief resident in her final year. Dr. Perez is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the Skin of Color Society, where she serves on the Center for Leadership Learning Collaborative. She has authored numerous publications and presented research at both national and local conferences. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients.

Dr. Perez will provide dermatology services at NewYork-Presbyterian The One, a state-of-the-art center for advanced care with doctors from Columbia in Westchester. NewYork-Presbyterian The One is now accepting appointments and opens in September 2025. The facility will offer adult and pediatric care spanning more than 90 specialties and subspecialties, so patients can find the care they and their families need in one convenient location.

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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

How Sharing Your Story Can Help You Heal Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Health Matters, we explore the power of storytelling in a health journey. As part of the Art of Wellbeing series at Lincoln Center, a collaborative effort with NewYork-Presbyterian, the official Hospital for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, we attend a storytelling workshop with The Moth, a nonprofit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. The workshop guided attendees through telling a personal story about their own health, led by an expert instructor. Health Matters host Courtney Allison discusses the healing power of storytelling with workshop facilitator, Anna Roberts, and reflects on the importance of stories with Dr. Rita Charon, a general internist, founder of the field of narrative medicine, and chief of the Division of Narrative Medicine at Columbia. Dr. Charon helps train doctors to be better listeners so that they can treat the whole patient.

Click here to learn more about the Art of Wellbeing and upcoming events.

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Dr. Rita Charon is a general internist and literary scholar who originated the field of narrative medicine. She is Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University. She completed her MD at Harvard in 1978 and PhD in English at Columbia in 1999, concentrating on narratology. Her research focuses on the consequences of narrative medicine practice, narrative medicine pedagogy, and health care team effectiveness.

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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.

To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

How Music Has Made Me a Better Surgeon Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Health Matters, we talk to Dr. Peter Liou, a transplant surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, whose passion outside of work is playing the piano. He shares how the lessons he’s learned in music — and the discipline it takes to master a song — translates to the work he does in the operating room.

Dr. Liou was recently part of the surgical team at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center that performed the first fully robotic liver transplant in New York. He shares what it was like to be part of the pioneering procedure and describes how surgery, like playing music, is an art. He also talks about how music taught him about both failure and resilience — and how his childhood piano teacher, Miss Olga, remains one of the most influential mentors in his life.

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Dr. Peter Liou is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is board-certified in general surgery and received specialty training in abdominal transplant and hepatobiliary surgery. Dr. Liou received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry and Music from Columbia College, and subsequently attended medical school at Columbia.

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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.

To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org

Why Am I Feeling Dizzy? Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Health Matters, we discuss what causes dizziness with Dr. Louise Klebanoff, a neurologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Klebanoff explains the different types of dizziness, such as lightheadedness, vertigo, and gait instability. We also cover how to differentiate between these types, the potential causes, and when to seek medical attention.

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Dr. Louise Klebanoff, MD has been named the Chief of General Neurology and the Vice Chair of Operations for the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also an Assistant Attending Neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Klebanoff received her medical degree from Georgetown University Medical Center, graduating first in her class, and went on to complete a residency in Neurology and a fellowship in Critical Care Neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

Prior to joining the Weill Cornell faculty, Dr. Klebanoff served as Attending Neurologist at Beth Israel Medical Center, where she also held leadership roles on various committees and served as the first female president of the Medical Board.

Dr. Klebanoff is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Neurology.

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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.

Daily Habits to Age Well Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

This week on Health Matters we reflect on the top health tips and takeaways from our May series dedicated to Women’s Health Month. Courtney is joined by Angelique Serrano to talk more about how to care for our skin, bone, and brain health, as well as ways to recognize and manage perimenopause symptoms. In their conversations with Health Matters, neurologist Dr. Sonja Blum and dermatologist Dr. Shari Lipner shared small daily habits that can make big contributions to long term health. Dr. Mary Rosser, an OB-GYN, shares a process for tackling sleep issues during perimenopause. Physiatrist Dr. Erica Eldon explains the importance of bone strength and how to prevent ailments like a broken hip. Courtney and Angelique share how the advice from NewYork-Presbyterian doctors opens space for women to discuss health care decisions in ways that are often overlooked and how they are inspired to prioritize their own health.

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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/

How Do I Keep My Brain Healthy? May 28, 2025

Show notes

This week on Health Matters, Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Sonja Blum, a neurologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Blum shares simple ways to protect your brain health as you age.

They explore the science behind nutrition and exercise in relation to the brain, as well as the importance of social engagement, mental health, and quality sleep. They also speak about evidence that shows how meditation benefits the brain. Plus, they touch on whether or not brain puzzles actually help with cognitive function, and the unique brain health challenges faced by women.

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Dr. Sonja Blum, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine and Associate Attending at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Director of Memory Disorders and Cognitive Neurology Division at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Blum sees adults of all ages who are having memory, attention, language, and other cognitive concerns, or who have a family history of dementia and concerned about their risks. Dr. Blum also has expertise in traumatic brain injury (TBI), including recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC) and the long-term effects of moderate to severe TBI, as well as concussions. Her research focuses on mechanisms of cognitive aging and long-term memory dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Blum trained as a physician scientist completing the MD/PhD program at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston. She completed her neurology residency and behavioral neurology fellowship at the Columbia University Neurological Institute in New York City.

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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.

What Are the Symptoms of Perimenopause? May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Mary Rosser, a gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains perimenopause, breaking down what symptoms are normal, when it's time to see a doctor, and the best options for managing some of the more challenging symptoms of perimenopause.

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Dr. Mary L. Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., NCMP is the Director of Integrated Women's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Richard U. and Ellen J. Levine Assistant Professor of Women's Health (in Obstetrics and Gynecology) at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. She joined the faculty of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University in April 2018 to provide routine gynecology care and to further develop a comprehensive well-woman program. She has been a practicing obstetrician gynecologist for more than 20 years, starting in private practice and then joining the faculty at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. While at Montefiore, she created, launched, and led the forty-person Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Rosser received her undergraduate degree at Emory University and a Ph.D. in Endocrinology at the Medical College of Georgia. She attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Emory University. She is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, able to provide high-quality care for patients at menopause and beyond.

Primary care and heart disease in women have always been areas of focus for Dr. Rosser. She conducted basic science research on heart disease during graduate school and was the Chair of the "Women & Heart Disease Physician Education Initiative" for District II of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She continues to conduct clinical studies around patient awareness and understanding of heart disease and well-woman care. Dr. Rosser serves on the Medical Leadership Team of the Go Red for Women movement of the American Heart Association and she is ACOG's liaison to the American College of Cardiology.

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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.

How Can I Build Stronger Bones? May 14, 2025

Show notes

This week on Health Matters, Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Erica Eldon, physiatrist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia.

They discuss how our body builds strong and healthy bones, and what happens to our bones as they age—including why they can get brittle and contribute to things like breaks in hips or wrists, and even losing height in our spine.

Dr. Eldon describes the key factors in maintaining bone health over time. She explains why it’s especially important for women to incorporate resistance training into their self care, and offers some practical steps for everyone to take toward strong, healthy bones at every phase of life.

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Dr. Erica Eldon, DO, is doctor of interventional spine care with NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia. She specializes in treating patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal and spine injuries. Dr. Eldon is board eligible in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. She received her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Midwestern University-Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, underwent residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital where she also served as Chief Resident, and completed a multidisciplinary pain medicine fellowship at Weill Cornell/NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.

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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.

What is the Best Skin Care Routine? May 07, 2025

Show notes

These days it seems like everyone has a take on the ideal skin care routine. So rather than listen to an influencer or celebrity, we decided to ask one of our experts: what is the right way to care for our skin over time? And what vitamins and products are actually important?

NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medical dermatologist Dr. Shari Lipner shares some of her recommendations for how to take care of your skin, addresses some myths about skin and aging and gets into which fads may actually be dangerous for your health.

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Dr. Shari Lipner is board certified in Dermatology and has a wide range of clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is one of the few experts in nail disorders in the world, and treats patients with nail psoriasis, nail fungal diseases, brittle nails, and nail cancers. She is also one of the leading researchers in dermatology. She has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications, numerous books and book chapters, lectures nationally and internationally, and is frequently featured by the media including CNN, NPR, Self, Allure, The Washington Post, and The New York Times for her expertise.

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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.

How Can I Manage Anxiety? Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Courtney DeAngelis, a clinical psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia discusses what happens in the mind and body during anxiety, distinguishes between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, and shares effective strategies and practical advice for managing anxiety.

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Courtney DeAngelis, PsyD, is an Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University. She also serves as a licensed clinical psychologist at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders-Westchester (CUCARD-Westchester).

Dr. DeAngelis specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, mood, habit, posttraumatic stress, and disruptive behavior disorders. She has expertise in treating OCD, generalized, separation, and social anxiety disorders, specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, and childhood externalizing disorders (ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder).

Throughout her career, Dr. DeAngelis has received specialized training in the provision of several evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), functional family therapy (FFT), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Dr. DeAngelis has more recently received specialized training in the treatment of complicated grief. She is accepting patients of all ages who may be experiencing traumatic stress and/or grief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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.

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