What is really inside America’s favorite breakfast cereals—and how much of what we believe about them has been shaped by marketing?

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with renowned nutrition and food-policy expert Dr. Marion Nestle and former cereal-industry nutrition executive Dr. Lisa Sutherland, authors of Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America’s Favorite Breakfast Food. Together, they unpack the history and business of breakfast cereal, including the industry’s use of health claims, package design, fortification, mascots, and advertising—especially marketing directed toward children.

The conversation also gives consumers practical tools for navigating the cereal aisle. Listeners will learn how to look beyond front-of-package claims, read ingredient lists and Nutrition Facts labels, and compare cereals based on whole grains, fiber, added sugar, sodium, and serving size. More broadly, the episode explores what the cereal box can teach us about food politics, nutrition policy, corporate influence, and the challenges families face when trying to make informed food choices.

Learn more

• Sugar Coated — University of California Press

• Marion Nestle’s Food Politics website and newsletter

• Breakfast cereal consumer guide — University of Florida IFAS Extension

• How to understand the Nutrition Facts label — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans

• Health In Harlem on Instagram

• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Podbean

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts

• Health In Harlem Podcast on Spotify

In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with prostate cancer survivor and men’s health advocate Lamont Mitchell about his journey from an unexpected elevated PSA result to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Mitchell shares how educating himself, seeking additional medical opinions, and actively participating in treatment decisions helped him navigate prostate cancer and protect his quality of life.

The conversation also explores prostate cancer screening, the importance of knowing your health numbers, and the disproportionate burden of the disease among Black men. Mitchell discusses his experience receiving an individualized treatment plan that included hormone therapy, brachytherapy, and five-session proton therapy at the New York Proton Center—and how his diagnosis inspired him to encourage other men to become informed, proactive partners in their healthcare.

Learn more and stay connected

• Health In Harlem

• The Health In Harlem Podcast

• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

• CDC: Prostate Cancer Information and Educational Resources

• American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer

• Prostate Cancer Foundation: Awareness Month Resources

• New York Proton Center

• New York Proton Center: Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

• Lamont Mitchell’s Prostate Cancer Story

This program is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized guidance, screening recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Hair loss is common, but its causes—and the treatments that actually work—are often misunderstood. In recognition of Hair Loss Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with Dr. Kristen Lo Sicco, a board-certified dermatologist and academic physician who contributes to SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio. They discuss common forms of alopecia, warning signs that warrant medical evaluation, potentially damaging hair-care practices, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The conversation also explores the emotional and social impact of hair loss and why early evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional can make an important difference.

• American Academy of Dermatology Hair Loss Resource Center
• American Academy of Dermatology: Hair and Scalp Care
• SiriusXM Doctor Radio
• Health In Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM
• WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem
• The Health In Harlem Podcast

This program is intended for education and should not replace individualized evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

An aortic dissection is one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies encountered in medicine. Although relatively uncommon, it carries a high risk of death if not recognized and treated quickly. In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and the team discuss what an aortic dissection is, why it occurs, and how early recognition can save lives.

The program explains the anatomy and function of the aorta, common risk factors—including high blood pressure, connective tissue disorders, and smoking—and the warning signs that should never be ignored. Listeners will learn how an aortic dissection differs from a heart attack, why rapid diagnosis is essential, and how emergency physicians and cardiovascular surgeons work together to provide life-saving treatment. The episode also highlights the importance of controlling blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the likelihood of this devastating condition.

As always, Health in Harlem is committed to improving health literacy by providing reliable, evidence-based medical information that helps listeners make informed decisions about their health and know when to seek emergency care.

• WHCR 90.3 FM
• Health in Harlem Podcast on Spotify
• Health in Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Health in Harlem Podcast on Amazon Music

American Heart Association

• Life's Essential 8®
• High Blood Pressure Resources
• Heart Attack Warning Signs

Additional Trusted Resources

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Disease
• Society for Vascular Surgery – Aortic Disease Information
• MedlinePlus – Aortic Dissection

As temperatures rise across the country, heat-related illness is becoming an increasingly important public health concern. In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and the team explore the science behind heat illness and heat emergencies, helping listeners understand how the human body regulates temperature, why those protective mechanisms can fail, and what happens when the body's ability to compensate is overwhelmed.

The discussion covers the spectrum of heat-related illness—from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke—along with warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. The program also highlights practical prevention strategies, including hydration, acclimatization, environmental awareness, and recognizing populations at increased risk, such as older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Listeners will also learn how the body's response to heat differs from that of many animals and why understanding basic physiology can help us stay safe during periods of extreme heat.

As always, Health in Harlem is committed to improving health literacy by providing reliable, evidence-based information that empowers listeners to make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.

• WHCR 90.3 FM

• Health in Harlem Podcast on Spotify

• Health in Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts

• Health in Harlem Podcast on Amazon Music

• National Weather Service Heat Safety Page

• National Weather Service Heat Index Information

• National Weather Service HeatRisk Tool

• National Weather Service Heat Preparedness and Prevention Resources

• National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) Heat Safety Resources

• CDC Extreme Heat Information

About Health in Harlem

Health in Harlem is a weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to improving health literacy and promoting evidence-based public health education through conversations with physicians, scientists, and community leaders. The program airs on WHCR 90.3 FM and is hosted by Maurice Selby and the Health in Harlem team.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe this summer. Knowing the signs of heat illness can save a life—possibly your own or that of someone you love.

In this important episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby and the team are joined by Dr. Arpit Chhabra of the New York Proton Center for a critical conversation on colorectal cancer awareness, prevention, and advances in treatment.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States—but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. In observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this episode explores the science behind screening, risk factors, and the life-saving impact of early detection.

Dr. Chhabra provides expert insight into:

• The importance of routine screening, including colonoscopy and stool-based tests

• Risk factors and disparities, particularly in underserved and minority communities

• Evidence-based strategies for prevention and lifestyle modification

• The evolving role of precision radiation therapy, including proton therapy, in the treatment of colorectal cancers

This episode reinforces a key public health message: screening saves lives, and improving access and health literacy is essential to reducing disparities in outcomes.

Health in Harlem & WHCR 90.3FM

• Health in Harlem (WHCR): https://www.whcr.org

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

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

Colorectal Cancer Awareness & Screening

• CDC – Colorectal Cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal

• National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm

• American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Screening Guidelines: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening

New York Proton Center

• New York Proton Center: https://www.nyproton.com/

Improving awareness and access to colorectal cancer screening is a critical step toward closing the gap in cancer outcomes, especially in communities historically affected by health inequities. This episode equips listeners with the knowledge needed to take action, advocate for their health, and support loved ones in doing the same.

In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero explore an often-overlooked pillar of cardiovascular health: sleep. In recognition of American Heart Month, the program examines how both sleep duration and sleep architecture—the structure and stages of sleep—play a critical role in maintaining heart health and overall well-being.

Listeners will learn how the body cycles through stages of non-REM and REM sleep, why these stages are essential for physiologic recovery, and how disruptions in sleep patterns can contribute to increased risks of hypertension, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular events. The episode also discusses how certain medications, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors can alter sleep architecture and affect long-term health outcomes.

Importantly, the conversation connects sleep health with the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a science-based framework for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health through eight key lifestyle and health metrics—including sleep.

As always, Health in Harlem aims to promote evidence-based health literacy, helping listeners better understand the science behind health recommendations while dispelling common myths and misconceptions.

Health in Harlem

• Health in Harlem (WHCR 90.3 FM): https://whcr.org

• Health in Harlem Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-in-harlem-podcast/id1522090996https://open.spotify.com/show/5PpTWeGSQHHAP5QHFWAyTW

Cardiovascular Health Resources

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

• American Heart Association – Sleep and Heart Health: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Sleep and Heart Disease: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Why Sleep Matters: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep

About Health in Harlem

Health in Harlem is a weekly radio show and podcast on WHCR 90.3 FM dedicated to improving health literacy and community health awareness through reliable, evidence-based medical information. Hosted by Maurice Selby, the program features expert guests and discussions on public health, prevention, and emerging medical research.