Health Matters

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.

Dr. Jafari explains that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under age 50 and discusses the "birth cohort effect" researchers have identified among people born after 1960. She explores several factors that may be influencing cancer risk, including changes in diet, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, disruptions to the gut microbiome, antibiotic exposure, and the growing presence of microplastics in the environment.

The conversation also focuses on prevention. Dr. Jafari shares practical steps people can take to support a healthy microbiome and reduce cancer risk, including increasing fiber intake, staying physically active, limiting sugary beverages, and making realistic lifestyle changes over time.

Finally, she discusses the exciting advances changing the future of oncology. From targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy to AI-assisted diagnosis and improved screening tools, Dr. Jafari explains why cancer outcomes continue to improve and why early detection remains one of the most powerful tools available—especially when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer?

Understanding the rise of early-onset cancers and why colorectal cancer rates are increasing in adults under 50

03:15 – Diet, Microbiome, and Environmental Risks

How ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, antibiotics, and microplastics may influence cancer risk

07:20 – New Advances in Cancer Treatment

The shift toward targeted therapies, immunotherapy, AI, and personalized cancer care

10:15 – Screening, Prevention, and Living Healthier

Why colonoscopies remain the gold standard and the lifestyle habits that can help lower risk

Key Topics Covered

Early-onset colorectal cancer

Rising cancer rates in young adults

Colorectal cancer mortality trends

Ultra-processed foods and cancer risk

Sugar-sweetened beverages

Gut microbiome health

Antibiotic exposure and cancer

Microplastics and potential health effects

Fiber and digestive health

Cancer prevention strategies

Targeted cancer therapies

Immunotherapy

Artificial intelligence in oncology

Colonoscopy screening

Blood-based cancer screening tests

Fertility preservation during cancer treatment

Holistic cancer care

Cancer survivorship and outcomes

Key Takeaway

While cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, there are meaningful steps people can take to reduce their risk. Prioritizing screening, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, limiting ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, staying active, and paying attention to symptoms can make a difference. At the same time, advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and AI-driven diagnostics are helping improve outcomes and offering new hope for the future of cancer care.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari is chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is the director of clinical research in the department of surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is board-certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Jafari specializes in the comprehensive care of colorectal cancer patients, patients with peritoneal surface disease as well as those patients with benign colorectal disease.

Dr Jafari works with a world-renowned group of multidisciplinary specialists to help promote a patient centered treatment plan for her patients, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists. Her goal is to provide precision medicine to patients that is safe and effective.

Dr. Jafari has expertise in minimal access techniques, including laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. In addition, she has special interests in sphincter preserving surgery (helping rectal cancer patients avoid a permanent ostomy), maintaining fertility in cancer patients, and improving quality of life and bowel function after rectal surgery.  Dr Jafari has been at forefront of research with regards to improving outcomes using enhanced recovery and narcotic sparing protocols.

Dr. Jafari is among a small number of surgeons who offers surgery for metastatic colon, appendiceal and peritoneal surface disease. She utilizes cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves heated chemotherapy applied directly within the abdominal cavity following removal of cancerous tumors.

Dr. Jafari's clinical research focuses on quality of life and oncological outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. Her main area of expertise is starting chemotherapy earlier in cancer treatment to allow patients to recover their quality of life sooner.

Dr. Jafari has written extensively and published in many major journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Annals of Surgery, and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. She has led numerable courses teaching surgeons around the country how to perform minimal invasive surgery.

Dr. Jafari is actively involved in many national surgical and oncologic societies, including the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncologists, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Association of Women Surgeons.

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 driven by fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s and last for several years. These hormonal shifts can lead to a wide range of symptoms—from hot flashes and night sweats to brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and sleep disruption.

The conversation focuses on vasomotor symptoms like night sweats and why they can significantly impact energy, sleep quality, and daily functioning. Dr. Simmons also discusses the emotional and cognitive effects of perimenopause, including the common feeling of “just not yourself.”

Finally, Dr. Simmons outlines treatment options in three categories: holistic approaches such as supplements and lifestyle changes, non-hormonal prescription therapies, and hormone replacement therapy. She emphasizes individualized care, the importance of understanding the whole patient, and how modern hormone therapy has evolved to be safer and more tailored than in the past.

 

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Perimenopause?

How hormone changes drive symptoms and why timing varies for every woman

03:15 – Hormones and Symptoms Explained

The role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in sleep, energy, and mood

07:45 – Why Night Sweats Disrupt Daily Life

Understanding vasomotor symptoms and their impact on sleep and function

12:00 – Treatment Options and Lifestyle Support

From supplements and therapy to hormone replacement and exercise

 

 

Key Topics Covered

Perimenopause definition

Hormone fluctuations (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)

Night sweats and hot flashes

Brain fog and cognitive symptoms

Sleep disruption and fatigue

Emotional and mood changes

Weight, metabolism, and muscle mass

Bone health and estrogen decline

Holistic supplements and nutrition

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Non-hormonal treatment options

Lifestyle strategies for symptom management

 

Takeaway message: Perimenopause can affect nearly every part of the body, but understanding what’s happening hormonally is the first step toward feeling better. With a combination of lifestyle changes, supportive therapies, and personalized care—including hormone treatment when appropriate—women can manage symptoms and maintain their health and well-being through this transition.

 

Doctor Bios

Dr. Cassandra Simmons is the chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In this role, Dr. Simmons directs clinical operations for the division of General Ob/Gyn, with the goal to deliver the highest quality of care to patients. She also sees patients at NewYork-Presbyterian The One in Westchester.

Before joining the faculty at Columbia, Dr. Simmons practiced as an Ob/Gyn in many states across the country, including California, Georgia, New Jersey, and the New York Metropolitan Area. This diverse breadth of professional experience has given her an idea of what Ob/Gyn care could, and should, look like for patients. Informed by these experiences, Dr. Simmons emphasizes the importance of building trusting patient-provider relationships and improving processes that support continuity of care.

In her clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Simmons is passionate about addressing the myriad determinants of health that can shape outcomes for women and their families. Specifically, Dr. Simmons is focused on the accessibility of preventative care as a means for mitigating health disparities among vulnerable populations. Outside of her work, Dr. Simmons is a proud mother of three children.

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 emphasizes whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting salt, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. He breaks down how key nutrients such as B vitamins and antioxidants support brain metabolism, reduce inflammation, and may slow the aging process.

The conversation also highlights the brain’s high energy demands and why proper nutrition is essential for cognitive function. Dr. Fink shares research showing that healthy lifestyle interventions can significantly lower the risk of dementia and discusses the broader benefits of the MIND diet for heart health and stroke prevention.

Finally, Dr. Fink outlines additional habits that support brain health, including regular physical activity, quality sleep, and social connection, emphasizing that even small, gradual changes can lead to meaningful long-term benefits.

 

Chapters

00:00 – Why Brain Health Is in Your Control

How lifestyle choices can reduce dementia risk and why prevention starts early

03:00 – What Is the MIND Diet?

Key components of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and how they support the brain

06:00 – Brain-Boosting Nutrients and Foods to Avoid

The role of B vitamins, antioxidants, and which foods increase risk

10:30 – Beyond Diet: Exercise, Sleep, and Daily Habits

How movement, rest, and social connection contribute to cognitive health

 

 

Key Topics Covered

MIND diet overview

Mediterranean diet and DASH diet

Brain metabolism and energy use

B vitamins and brain health

Antioxidants and inflammation

Foods that support cognitive function

Foods to limit (salt, sugar, processed foods)

Dementia and Alzheimer’s prevention

Stroke and heart disease connection

Exercise and brain function

Sleep and cognitive health

Lifestyle changes for healthy aging

 

Takeaway Message

You have more control over your brain health than you might think. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods, limiting processed options, staying active, and getting enough sleep, you can significantly reduce your risk of cognitive decline and support a healthier brain as you age.

 

Doctor Bios

Matthew E. Fink, MD is the Louis and Gertrude Feil Professor and chair of the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and neurologist-in-chief at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.  In addition, he is chief of the Division of Stroke and Critical Care Neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and vice chair of the medical board. Dr. Fink attended college at the University of Pennsylvania, medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, and served as resident and chief resident in internal medicine at Boston City Hospital. He came to New York and trained in neurology at the Neurological Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and served as chief resident under Dr. Lewis P. Rowland. Subsequently, he joined the faculty of Columbia University and became the founding director of the Neurology-Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and was appointed associate professor of clinical neurology and neurosurgery while at Columbia. Dr. Fink was a founding member and chair of the critical care section of the American Academy of Neurology, and the research section for neurocritical care of the World Federation of Neurology. He is board-certified in internal medicine, neurology, critical care medicine, vascular neurology, and neurocritical care.  He has been elected as a Fellow of the American Neurological Association, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. Throughout his career, Dr. Fink has been involved in the education and training of students, residents and fellows in the field of stroke and critical care neurology, as well as an active participant in clinical research within this field. He is a leader in this new specialty, has lectured widely, and has published many research and clinical articles in the field of stroke and critical care. In addition, he currently serves as editor of the monthly publication, NEUROLOGY ALERT, and is a past-president of the New York State Neurological Society.

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. Kirkman explains the types of ticks found in the U.S., where they live, and how they attach to the body. She emphasizes that not every tick bite leads to Lyme disease—it depends on the tick species, whether it carries the bacteria, and how long it remains attached.

Dr. Acker explains how Lyme disease is transmitted and outlines the stages of infection, including early symptoms such as the characteristic bullseye rash, fever, and fatigue, as well as less common complications involving the nervous system, heart, or joints.

The conversation also covers how Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, including when testing is necessary and when a preventive dose of antibiotics may be recommended after a tick bite.

Finally, the doctors share practical strategies to prevent tick bites—from tick checks and proper clothing to repellents and safe tick removal—and discuss emerging concerns like lone star ticks and alpha-gal syndrome. Their key message: with awareness and simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk.

 

Chapters

00:00 – Understanding Ticks and Their Risks

Overview of tick species, where they live, and how they interact with humans

04:30 – What Is Lyme Disease?

How Lyme disease is transmitted, early symptoms, and stages of infection

08:45 – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Tick Removal

When to test for Lyme disease, antibiotic options, and how to safely remove a tick

12:00 – Preventing Tick Bites and Emerging Concerns

Prevention strategies, protecting kids and pets, and lone star tick risks

 

Key Topics Covered

Tick species in the U.S.

Where ticks live and how they attach

Lyme disease transmission

Early symptoms of Lyme disease

Bullseye rash and warning signs

Diagnosis and antibody testing

Antibiotic treatment and prevention

Proper tick removal techniques

Tick bite prevention strategies

Lone star tick and alpha-gal syndrome

Takeaway Message

A tick bite does not automatically mean Lyme disease. By checking for ticks regularly, removing them promptly, and using simple prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk. When caught early, Lyme disease is highly treatable—making awareness and prevention your best tools for staying safe outdoors.

 

Doctor Bios

Dr. Laura Kirkman is a physician-scientist whose research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of infection with bloodborne parasitic diseases: malaria and babesiosis. Dr. Kirkman received her M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine with distinction in research where she benefitted from support from a Howard Hughes Medical Student research award. She completed her clinical training in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her infectious disease fellowship at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is an associate professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

 

Dr. Karen Acker is a pediatric hospital epidemiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York, and an assistant professor in clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. She received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center followed by a residency in pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. After completing her fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2018, she joined the pediatric infectious disease division at Weill Cornell Medicine, and has served as a hospital epidemiologist since 2019. Her clinical and research interests include the epidemiology of infectious outbreaks and healthcare-associated infections, diagnostic stewardship, Staphylococcus aureus infections, respiratory viral infections in children, and factors influencing vaccine uptake in children. Dr. Acker is board-certified in pediatrics and board-certified for pediatric infectious diseases.

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, often leading to small but meaningful actions that can ripple outward to others.

The conversation explores the biology of kindness, including how it increases oxytocin—often called the “feel-good” hormone—while boosting serotonin and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. These changes can support heart health, lower anxiety, and even strengthen the immune system.

Dr. Ng also discusses research linking kindness and social connection to longer life expectancy and better cognitive health, including studies on volunteering and brain function in older adults. He introduces the concept of “kindfulness,” or being intentional about kindness, and offers practical tips on how to incorporate it into daily life—whether through helping others, expressing gratitude, or practicing self-compassion.

 

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Kindness and Why Does It Matter?

Defining kindness as intention, connection, and action—and how small acts can create a ripple effect

04:00 – The Science of Kindness in the Body

How oxytocin, serotonin, and reduced cortisol improve mood, heart health, and stress levels

08:00 – Kindness, Longevity, and Brain Health

Research on social connection, volunteering, immune function, and cognitive benefits over time

11:30 – Practicing “Kindfulness” Every Day

Practical ways to be kind to others and yourself, and why connection is essential for well-being

 

Key Topics Covered

What kindness is and how it shows up in daily life

The “feel-good” hormones released by kind acts

Effects of kindness on stress, heart health, and immunity

The link between kindness, connection, and longevity

Volunteering and its impact on brain health and cognitive function

The concept of “kindfulness” and intentional compassion

Strategies for practicing self-kindness and building self-esteem

The role of kindness in reducing loneliness and isolation

 

Takeaway Message

Kindness isn’t just a social gesture; it’s a powerful driver of health. Even small, intentional acts can lower stress, strengthen connection, and improve both mental and physical well-being. In a world where many feel isolated, kindness offers a simple, meaningful way to care for ourselves and each other – and to build healthier, more connected lives.

 

Doctor Bio

Warren Y.K. Ng, MD, MPH is the community health director at the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian. He is a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, medical director for outpatient behavioral health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center; and director of clinical services, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at CUIMC; behavioral health service line clinical innovation officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Dr. Ng oversees the comprehensive spectrum of clinical programs in child, adolescent, and adult outpatient and community behavioral health at NewYork-Presbyterian's Division of Community and Population Health. He also oversees the psychiatric services at the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital at Children’s Hospital of New York within the outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient services. He is the immediate past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent (AACAP) and serves on the NYS Governor's Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council. At the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he served in the Council on Children, Adolescents, and their Families. He is an Aspen Institute Health Innovator Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Learning Network. He has been the recipient of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Martha Hooven Award for Excellence in Community Service.

Warren Y.K. Ng, MD, MPH - Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian