Health Matters

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 osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, including how each impacts joint movement, pain, and stiffness.

The conversation covers conservative treatment strategies such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, bracing, and injections—along with when surgery becomes the right option. Dr. Sarpong also explains how modern joint replacement surgery works, how long implants now last, and what recovery looks like.

Dr. Sarpong debunks common myths, including whether cracking your knuckles is harmful, if weather really affects joint pain, and the idea that people with arthritis should avoid movement. His key message: motion really is lotion—and staying active is essential for protecting your joints and preserving long-term mobility.

 

Chapters

00:00 – What Are Joints and How Do They Work?

An overview of joint anatomy, function, and why joints are essential to movement

04:30 – Arthritis and Joint Conditions

The difference between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, causes of joint pain and stiffness

08:45 – Treating Joint Pain and Arthritis

Conservative care, physical therapy, injections, and when surgery becomes the right option

12:00 – Protecting Your Joints and Busting Myths

Exercise, weight management, common misconceptions, and the importance of staying active

 

Key Topics Covered

How joints function in the body

Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis

Causes of joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage loss

Physical therapy and non-surgical treatments

Joint replacement surgery and recovery

Exercise recommendations for joint health

Weight loss and joint load reduction

Myths about cracking joints and weather-related pain

Takeaway Message

Joint pain doesn’t mean you should stop moving. Staying active, strengthening the muscles around your joints, and managing weight can help protect joint function and slow arthritis progression. When conservative treatments stop working, modern joint replacement surgery offers safe, durable solutions that can restore mobility and independence for decades.

 

Doctor Bio

Nana Sarpong, MD, MBA, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. He is skilled in minimally invasive techniques, including partial knee reconstruction, primary hip replacement (both direct anterior and mini-posterior hip approaches), knee replacement, hip resurfacing, and complex primary and revision hip and knee replacement after failed surgeries. His practice leverages advanced technologies, including computer-assisted navigation and robotics, and offers the latest evidence-based surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Based on a rigorous process to identify healthcare providers with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Super Doctors named Dr. Sarpong one of New York's Rising Stars.

Dr. Sarpong was raised in New York City and attended Brandeis University, in Massachusetts, on the Posse Foundation Leadership and Merit scholarship, graduating magna cum laude. He received his MD/MBA degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and received the Norman S. Stearns MD/MBA Excellence in Leadership Award. Dr. Sarpong completed his orthopedic surgery residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he was elected as executive chief resident in his final year. As a chief resident, he was the recipient of the Nas Eftekhar award for excellence in adult reconstruction and the chief resident teacher of the year award. He completed the prestigious adult reconstruction and joint replacement surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he received specialized training in navigation and computer-assisted joint replacement and complex and revision reconstruction.

Dr. Sarpong is actively engaged in research, with more than 80 peer-reviewed papers, textbook chapters, editorials, and national and international scientific presentations to his credit. His ongoing research interests include the impact of enabling technologies on patient outcomes after hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Sarpong has served as a peer reviewer for many academic journals, including Foot & Ankle Specialist, the Journal of Arthroplasty, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, HSS Journal, and the Knee Journal. He is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association, where he was elected as an emerging leader. Dr. Sarpong is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in medicine as a mentor to medical students, residents, and fellows.

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 explains the difference between short‑term, helpful inflammation and long‑term inflammation that lingers for months or years, affecting everything from joints to the heart, brain, and immune system.

The conversation explores autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, what causes inflammation, and how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, stress, and physical activity can impact inflammation. Dr. Meng also discusses treatment options ranging from targeted immune therapies to lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and emerging research on GLP‑1 medications.

This episode offers clear, science‑based guidance to help listeners understand inflammation—and what they can do to help keep it in check.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Inflammation, and When Is It Helpful?

How inflammation works as the body’s natural defense system

03:45 – Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation

Why inflammation sometimes doesn’t shut off—and how it can cause harm

07:30 – Inflammation and Disease Risk

Autoimmune conditions, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

09:45 – How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Medical treatments, diet, exercise, sleep, and emerging research

 

Key Topics Covered

Inflammation and the immune system

Acute vs. chronic inflammation

Autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis

Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risk

Anti‑inflammatory lifestyle habits

Mediterranean diet and inflammation

Exercise, sleep, and immune balance

Acupuncture and integrative care

GLP‑1 medications and inflammation research

 

Takeaway Message

Inflammation is the body’s natural healing response, but when it becomes chronic and doesn’t turn off, it can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While some chronic inflammation is driven by autoimmune disease or factors beyond our control, healthy habits like diet, exercise, and sleep can still help support the body and reduce long-term health risks.

 

Doctor Bio

Dr. Charis Meng is an assistant attending rheumatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, who is also certified in acupuncture. Her practice is in general rheumatology, and her special interests are in treating older patients with chronic pain, low back pain and inflammatory arthritis.

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 symptoms like sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and brain fog, and why hay fever is actually an overreaction of the immune system—not the pollen itself. He discusses why allergy seasons are lasting longer, how environmental factors and modern living may play a role, and the surprising ways allergies can affect sleep, concentration, and mental health.

This episode offers practical, science‑based guidance—from simple prevention strategies to over‑the‑counter treatments and allergy shots—to help you breathe easier this season and beyond.

Chapters:

00:00 – What Is Hay Fever?

An introduction to allergic rhinitis and why allergy symptoms happen

04:00 – Why Are Allergy Seasons Getting Worse?

Climate, environment, and changes in immune response

09:40 – How Do Allergies Affect Sleep, Focus, and Mental Health?

The surprising impact on wellbeing, mood, and daily life

10:45 – How Do I Find Relief? Treatments That Work

Avoidance strategies, medications, allergy shots, and nasal rinses

Key Topics Covered:

Hay fever / allergic rhinitis

Immune system overreaction

Seasonal and environmental allergies

Mental health and sleep disruption

Pollen season and climate effects

Allergy prevention and treatment

Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and immunotherapy

Takeaway Message:

Hay fever isn’t “just allergies” — it’s a real, systemic condition caused by an overactive immune response that can affect sleep, mood, concentration, and quality of life. The good news? Effective treatments exist, and with the right approach, allergy symptoms can be controlled

Doctor Bio:

Dr. David Gudis is an otolaryngologist and Chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia. He specializes in disorders of the nose and sinuses, including allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and nasal inflammation. Dr. Gudis is dedicated to helping patients understand the root causes of their symptoms and access effective, personalized treatments that improve daily life and overall wellbeing.

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’s “normal” gut function looks different, and how stress and mental health can directly affect the digestive system. She also shares signs of a healthy gut, red flags that shouldn’t be ignored, and why colorectal cancer screening is so important—especially as younger adults are being diagnosed more often.

Whether you’re curious about probiotics, wondering how much fiber you really need, or looking to better understand your body, this episode offers practical, science‑backed guidance to help support lifelong gut health.

Chapters:

00:00 – The Basics of Gut Health and the Microbiome

What the gut is, how digestion works, and why the microbiome plays a critical role in overall health.

06:30 – Fiber, Food, and Supporting Your Gut

How fiber supports digestion, how much you need each day, common misconceptions, and tips for increasing fiber safely.

11:30 – The Gut‑Brain Connection

How stress affects digestion, why the gut and brain communicate so closely, and what that means for digestive symptoms.

15:10 – Red Flags and Colorectal Cancer Screening

Warning signs of an unhealthy gut, when to see a doctor, and why colorectal cancer screening is essential and preventive.

Key Topics Covered

 

·  Gut anatomy and digestion

·  The gut microbiome and “good” bacteria

·  Fiber benefits and daily fiber intake

·  Fermented foods and probiotics

·  Gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea

·  The gut‑brain connection and stress

·  Red flag digestive symptoms

·  Colorectal cancer prevention and screening guidelines

Takeaway Message

Your gut plays a central role in your overall health, and small, consistent habits—like eating enough fiber, managing stress, and knowing what’s normal for your body—can make a big difference. Paying attention to changes and staying up to date with recommended screenings can help catch problems early and even prevent serious disease.

Expert Guest

Dr. Haley Zylberberg’s clinical focus is general gastroenterology, with a specialization in celiac disease. She has a sustained interest in patient-outcomes research using large databases and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on celiac disease diagnosis and its clinical manifestations. 

Dr. Zylberberg earned her B.A. in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University and her medical degree at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine, where she graduated with a distinction in research. She completed internal medicine residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she served as chief fellow. During her fellowship, Dr. Zylberberg undertook advanced training in research methods, culminating in a master's degree in patient-oriented research from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health.

Dr. Mary Rosser, obstetrician gynecologist and director of Fazzalari Women’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian The One and Columbia, joins us to explain how the endocrine system functions and how external chemicals can disrupt hormonal signals that influence metabolism, fertility, cancer risk, and long-term health.

She details the most common sources of endocrine disruptors — including plastics, personal care items, cleaning products, and pesticides — and shares clear, manageable strategies for reducing everyday exposure. Dr. Rosser’s guidance empowers listeners to make small, sustainable changes that can help protect hormonal well‑being.

 

Chapters:

00:00:00 — Understanding Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors

00:05:01 — Health Effects Linked to Endocrine Disruptors

00:09:55 — Everyday Sources and How to Reduce Exposure

00:17:28 — Can the Body Recover? Practical Steps and Final Takeaways

 

Key Topics Covered

What hormones are and how the endocrine system works

What endocrine disruptors are and how they interfere with hormone signaling

How endocrine disruptors enter the body (skin, food, air)

Health impacts: metabolism, fertility, cancer risk, and chronic conditions

Common sources of disruptors (plastics, BPA, phthalates, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, microplastics)

Practical ways to reduce exposure in daily life

How to monitor hormone health and when to talk to a doctor

The body’s ability to recover once exposure is reduced

 

Takeaway Message

This episode empowers listeners to understand how everyday chemicals can interfere with the body’s delicate hormonal system — and shows that small, practical changes in the products we use and the foods we choose can meaningfully reduce exposure.

 

Expert Guest

Dr. Mary L. Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., NCMP is an obstetrician gynecologist and the director of Fazzalari Women’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian The One and Columbia. She is 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.