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Health Matters

Health Matters

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 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 healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long legacy of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights 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 academic partners Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org© 2023 NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Développement personnel Hygiène et vie saine Maladie et pathologies physiques Psychologie Psychologie et psychiatrie Réussite personnelle
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  • How Can You Protect Your Joints?

    How Can You Protect Your Joints?
    May 6 2026
    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 bodyOsteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritisCauses of joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage lossPhysical therapy and non-surgical treatmentsJoint replacement surgery and recoveryExercise recommendations for joint healthWeight loss and joint load reductionMyths 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 ...
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    15 min
  • What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health?

    What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health?
    Apr 22 2026

    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.
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    15 min
  • Why Allergies Happen and How to Find Relief

    Why Allergies Happen and How to Find Relief
    Apr 8 2026

    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.
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    16 min
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