Health Matters

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. Drawing on research and clinical experience, he discusses how genetics, mental health, trauma, social factors, and brain chemistry all play a role in the development of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.

The conversation examines how addictive behaviors, from alcohol use and opioid dependence to gambling and social media use, affect the brain's reward system and why quitting can be so difficult. Dr. Avery also shares how newer treatments, including medications and emerging research on GLP-1 medications, are changing the landscape of addiction care.

Finally, Dr. Avery discusses the importance of reducing stigma, building supportive communities, and recognizing that recovery is possible. He offers practical advice for people who may be struggling themselves as well as guidance for supporting loved ones with compassion and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Addiction?

Why addiction is more than a substance, the role of trauma and mental health, and what happens in the brain

05:05 – Gambling, Screens, and Modern Addictions

How behavioral addictions affect the brain and why smartphones have changed the landscape

09:00 – Treatment, Recovery, and New Hope

Available therapies, medications, emerging GLP-1 research, and why most people do get better

11:30 – Breaking Stigma and Supporting Recovery

Why connection matters, how addiction overlaps with mental health, and ways to support loved ones

Key Topics Covered

Addiction

Recovery

Substance use disorders

Alcohol use disorder

Opioid addiction

Fentanyl epidemic

Behavioral addictions

Gambling addiction

Social media addiction

Gaming addiction

Nicotine and vaping

Dopamine and reward pathways

Withdrawal

Mental health and addiction

Trauma and addiction

Addiction stigma

Recovery support

Community and connection

Addiction treatment

Medication-assisted treatment

GLP-1 medications

Self-medication hypothesis

Depression and addiction

Anxiety and addiction

Addiction psychiatry

Key Takeaway

Addiction is a complex health condition influenced by brain biology, mental health, life experiences, and environment, not simply a lack of willpower. While quitting can be challenging, effective treatments, supportive communities, and growing understanding of addiction are helping more people achieve lasting recovery. Reaching out for help is often the first and most important step.

 

Bio:

Jonathan Avery, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and vice chair of addiction psychiatry, a professor of clinical psychiatry, and the Stephen P. Tobin and Dr. Arnold M. Cooper Professor in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is the program director for the addiction psychiatry fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. He also serves as the medical director of the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program.

Dr. Avery graduated from the New York University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. During residency, he was selected as a Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Fellow, served as co-chief resident in his final year, and received several awards for his clinical and academic work. He then completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine before joining the faculty at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Avery has published widely in addiction psychiatry, with work spanning clinician attitudes toward patients with addiction, treatment approaches for substance use disorders, and the intersection of mental illness and addiction. He is the founder of the NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine Program for Substance Use and Stigma of Addiction, and his research on stigma has been supported by multiple national grants and awards.

He has served on the editorial board for the DSM-5 Clinical Cases book and is the editor and author of more than 10 books, including Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment and The Stigma of Addiction: An Essential Guide. His forthcoming book, Thriving with Addiction: A New Roadmap for Lasting Recovery and Health (Prometheus Books, 2026), explores how recovery can become a pathway to improved brain and physical health.

Dr. Avery is also the host of the Thriving with Addiction podcast, where he interviews leading researchers, clinicians, athletes and public figures about addiction, recovery and behavior change. He has received numerous awards for his clinical and academic work, including the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Faculty Innovation in Education Award and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the New York County Psychiatric Society.

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, about why posture matters and what happens when poor positioning places excess strain on the neck and back.

Dr. Lombardi explains the mechanics of the spine and how spinal discs function as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. He discusses the phenomenon known as "tech neck" or "text neck," describing how tilting the head forward dramatically increases stress on the cervical spine and may contribute to disc degeneration over time.

The conversation also covers practical ways to support spinal health. Dr. Lombardi shares tips for setting up an ergonomic workstation, explains why sitting and slouching increase pressure on the lower back, and discusses the importance of taking movement breaks throughout the day.

Finally, he highlights exercises that can strengthen the core and support better posture and outlines warning signs that may indicate a more serious spinal condition requiring medical attention.

Chapters

00:00 – Tech Neck and the Hidden Stress on Your Spine

How looking down at phones and computers increases strain on the neck and what happens to spinal discs over time

03:58 – Why Posture Matters for Long-Term Spine Health

The connection between poor posture, disc degeneration, sciatica, and age-related changes in the spine

06:30 – Ergonomics, Sitting, and Building Better Habits

Simple workstation adjustments, standing desks, movement breaks, and ways to reduce pressure on the spine

09:00 – Exercises, Prevention, and When to See a Doctor

Core-strengthening exercises, healthy movement habits, warning signs of serious spinal issues, and practical tips for lifelong spine health

Key Topics Covered

Posture and spine health

Tech neck and text neck

Neck pain

Back pain

Disc degeneration

Spinal discs and biomechanics

Ergonomic workstations

Standing desks

Sitting posture

Slouching and spinal stress

Core strength

Lumbar support

Bird dog exercise

Planks and core stability

Sciatica

Cervical spine health

Lower back pain

Sedentary lifestyles

Healthy aging and the spine

Physical therapy

Spine injury prevention

Orthopedic spine surgery

Workplace ergonomics

Musculoskeletal health

Key Takeaway

Good posture is about more than standing up straight. Everyday habits like looking down at a phone, slouching at a desk, and sitting for long periods can place significant stress on the spine and contribute to pain and disc degeneration over time. By improving workstation ergonomics, staying active, strengthening the core, and addressing symptoms early, people can take meaningful steps to protect their spine and support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Doctor Bio

Dr. Joseph Lombardi is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the operative management of spinal disorders in adult and adolescent patients. His practice is focused on minimally invasive surgical treatments for both common and complex spinal conditions, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformity. Dr. Lombardi leverages the latest surgical technology – robotics, guided navigation, and advanced instrumentation – to provide patients with tailored surgical procedures, accelerated recovery times, and superior outcomes.

After receiving his undergraduate and medical degrees from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, Dr. Lombardi went on to complete his post-doctoral residency training in orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center where he served as chief resident. Dr. Lombardi remained at Columbia and Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian for fellowship training in advanced adult and pediatric spine surgery.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lombardi is involved in training future surgeons as an assistant professor and vice chair of clinical research for Columbia University's Department of Orthopedic Surgery. As vice chair, Dr. Lombardi works closely with the orthopedic surgery research leadership team, as well as all faculty, residents and administration to further clinical research. His research interests focus on the application of new technologies to complex spinal conditions with the goal of improving patient outcomes. To date, Dr. Lombardi has published over 20 book chapters, authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has received numerous academic awards, including: the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society, Julius S. Neviaser Award in Orthopedic Surgery, Harold M. Dick Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Surgery, and the Alexander Garcia Award for Excellence in Clinical Orthopedic Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Lombardi enjoys hiking, jogging, fishing and traveling.

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.