For this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby sits down with Lili Barouch, cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Sports Cardiology Program, for an in-depth and empowering conversation about heart health, physical activity, and heart disease prevention during American Heart Month 2026.

February is recognized nationally as American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. In this episode, Dr. Barouch explains:

• Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of both men and women

• How hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles disproportionately affect minority and marginalized communities

• The critical role prevention plays in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk

Dr. Barouch highlights how even modest increases in physical activity can significantly lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce overall cardiovascular mortality.

One of the central themes of this episode is that movement is medicine. Dr. Barouch reviews the evidence behind:

• The recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity

• The importance of strength training for cardiovascular and metabolic health

• How physical activity reduces inflammation and improves vascular function

• Practical strategies to incorporate movement into busy schedules

Importantly, the discussion addresses common misconceptions—such as the belief that exercise must be intense or gym-based to be beneficial. Walking, dancing, gardening, and community-based activities all count.

For communities like Harlem and similar urban environments, the episode also touches on structural barriers to exercise—including safety, access to green space, and time constraints—and offers realistic, culturally relevant solutions.

American Heart Month

https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

Physical Activity and Heart Health

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Health In Harlem is a public health–focused radio program and podcast dedicated to improving health literacy and combating misinformation with evidence-based, expert-led discussions.

Learn more and listen:

• WHCR 90.3 FM (The Voice of Harlem): https://www.whcr.org

• Health In Harlem Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music)

• Follow updates and episode releases via WHCR programming listings

In observance of American Heart Month 2026, Dr. Maurice Selby welcomes leading cardiologist and epidemiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones to Health in Harlem** for an in-depth, evidence-based discussion on cardiovascular health, prevention science, and what our community can do right now to reduce heart disease risk.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, disproportionately impacting Black and other marginalized communities. In this powerful and accessible conversation, Dr. Lloyd-Jones breaks down:

• The current state of cardiovascular disease in America

• Why prevention must begin early and across the lifespan

• The science behind the Life’s Essential 8 framework

• The critical role of blood pressure control, cholesterol management, diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical activity, sleep health, and tobacco cessation

• How community-based education and health literacy can change outcomes

Drawing from decades of research—including data from the landmark Framingham Heart Study—this episode connects foundational science with practical strategies our listeners can implement in their daily lives.

As always, Health in Harlem strives to provide reliable, evidence-based information grounded in public health best practices and evidence-based medicine, while empowering communities with tools to improve long-term health outcomes.

You can listen live on WHCR 90.3 FM or stream the podcast version wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn More About Health in Harlem

• Health in Harlem Podcast: https://healthinharlem.podbean.com

• WHCR 90.3 FM: https://www.whcr.org

American Heart Month 2026

• American Heart Month (NIH/NHLBI): https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month

Life’s Essential 8

• Life’s Essential 8 Overview (American Heart Association): https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby is joined by Dr. Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, for an in-depth discussion of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Together, they break down what’s new, what’s changed, and why these guidelines matter for everyday health—especially for communities that continue to face disproportionate rates of diet-related chronic disease.

Dr. Nestle helps listeners understand how dietary guidance is developed, the science behind current recommendations, and the ongoing controversies and misconceptions surrounding nutrition policy. The conversation also explores practical, evidence-based approaches to eating patterns that support long-term health and cardiovascular disease prevention, cutting through misinformation that often dominates nutrition discussions.

As always, Health In Harlem focuses on improving health literacy and empowering listeners with reliable, science-based information they can trust.

Dr. Marion Nestle

• Food Politics Newsletter: https://foodpolitics.com

Heart-Healthy Nutrition & Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

• American Heart Association – Healthy Eating: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating

Health In Harlem & WHCR 90.3 FM

• Health In Harlem: https://www.whcr.org