Health Matters

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.

How much can what you eat really influence your heart health — and how quickly can you improve your blood pressure or cholesterol through diet? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with cardiologist Dr. Sean Mendez of NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital to break down the real connection between food and cardiovascular wellbeing.

They explore what your health numbers mean — from blood pressure ranges to LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and the emerging marker ApoB — and how these values signal current or future risk. Dr. Mendez explains how dietary shifts can lower LDL cholesterol by 3 to 15 percent and reduce blood pressure by several points, even without medication. He also discusses salt sensitivity, the impact of saturated fats and processed foods, and why soluble fiber, healthy fats, and whole foods can play a powerful role in improving cholesterol.

The conversation dives into the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, outlining how each works, what they emphasize, and the evidence behind their ability to reduce blood pressure and overall cardiovascular risk. Dr. Mendez offers practical tips for getting started and key lifestyle factors that are essential for heart health. 

Whether you're hoping to lower your numbers, prevent future heart issues, or simply make more informed choices at the grocery store, this episode provides clear, accessible guidance on building a heart‑healthy way of eating.

Chapters:

01:13 – What Do Heart Health Numbers Mean?

04:33 – How Quickly Diet Changes Improve Labs

10:59 – How to Start Changing Eating Habits

Key Topics Covered

What cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and ApoB measure

How these numbers relate to cardiovascular disease risk

Healthy ranges for blood pressure and cholesterol

How diet can lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure

How quickly lab results change after modifying eating habits

The role of salt sensitivity and saturated fats in heart health

Foods that help lower LDL, including soluble fiber and healthy fats

The DASH diet: its structure, purpose, and evidence for lowering blood pressure

The Mediterranean diet: core foods, flexibility, and cardiovascular benefits

Differences between DASH and Mediterranean diets

Practical starting points for improving eating habits

Benefits of tracking food intake and identifying patterns

Easy, heart‑healthy food and snack swaps

Why lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, exercise, and limiting alcohol matter

Common misconceptions about eating for heart health

Why heart‑healthy eating is beneficial at every age

Takeaway Message

Small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can meaningfully improve your heart health — at any age. Understanding your numbers (like LDL, blood pressure, and ApoB) empowers you to make targeted choices, and evidence‑based eating patterns such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet can lower risk over time. Even if medications are part of your care, diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management remain essential tools for protecting your heart.

Expert Guest

Dr. Sean Mendez is a non-invasive cardiologist at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn-Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

His clinical interests include preventive cardiology, valvular heart disease, and cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography, stress testing, and vascular imaging. In addition to seeing patients in his outpatient clinic, he provides inpatient care in the cardiac care unit, cardiac telemetry unit, and consultative cardiology service. Dr. Mendez is passionate about providing his patients with the highest-quality, comprehensive cardiovascular care. He addresses all aspects of health to prevent the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Mendez, a native of Buffalo, New York, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in both biology and mathematics. He attended medical school at the University at Buffalo, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. Dr. Mendez then completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.  He then completed his fellowship in cardiology at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was chief fellow.

For more health and wellness news, visit NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website.

In this episode, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jessica Hennessey, cardiologist at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, about the trend of cozy cardio and how accessible, home‑based movement can support cardiovascular health. Dr. Hennessey explains why moderate‑intensity exercise is both sustainable and effective, offering improvements in cardiovascular function, metabolism, and daily energy levels. 
The discussion explores the benefits of walking versus running, how heart rate zones help guide workout intensity, and the importance of rest and active recovery. Dr. Hennessey also highlights how movement helps regulate stress and why strength training—especially for women—is essential for long‑term metabolic and bone health. 
Chapters:
Chapter 1: Understanding Cozy Cardio – Convenience, Comfort, and Where it Fits in Heart Health
Understanding cozy cardio and how low‑impact movement supports heart health, and how it lowers barriers to exercise and makes movement feel inviting.
Chapter 2: Why Moderate Exercise Matters
Chapter 3: Cozy Doesn’t Mean Easy—Just Accessible
Chapter 4: Walking vs. Running: Which Is Better for the Heart?
Chapter 5: Using Heart Rate to Guide Your Workout
Chapter 6: The Importance of Rest Days and Recovery
Chapter 7: HIIT: Benefits, Risks, and When to Use It
Chapter 8: Strength Training & Heart Health, Especially for Women
Chapter 9: Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine
Chapter 10: Final Takeaway
 
Key Topics Covered
What cozy cardio is and examples
How cozy cardio focuses on convenience, comfort and lowering barriers to exercise.
Moderate vs. High-Intensity ExerciseHow it can improve VO2 max

Accessibility and sustainability in fitness
Walking vs. running
Using heart rate as a guide for exercise
The importance of rest days
Exercise as stress reduction
HIIT workouts: explanation, benefits and risk
Strength training and heart health
Building a sustainable routine by choosing activities you enjoy and making movement a natural part of the day
Takeaway Message
Meaningful improvements in cardiovascular health do not require high‑intensity workouts. Moderate, accessible forms of exercise—such as “cozy cardio”—can effectively enhance heart and metabolic function, support stress regulation, and promote long‑term adherence. By prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and consistency, individuals can integrate movement into their daily routines in ways that are both achievable and beneficial for overall health.
Expert Guest
Dr. Jessica Hennessey is an electrophysiologist who specializes in arrhythmia management with a special focus on catheter ablation, pacemakers/defibrillators, and atrial fibrillation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Hennessey is also the Esther Aboodi Assistant Professor of Cardiology (in medicine) at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology.
For more health and wellness news, visit NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters website.