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

Health In Harlem Podcast – Lessons Learned from Dry January (2026)

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero reflect the lessons learned from Dry January in years past to inform actions regarding alcohol use in 2026. The conversation explores how alcohol use affects physical health, mental well-being, sleep, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life, while also addressing the social and cultural role alcohol plays in many communities.

Listeners will hear an evidence-based discussion on the potential benefits of reducing or abstaining from alcohol, common misconceptions around “healthy” drinking, and practical takeaways for anyone reconsidering their relationship with alcohol—whether for a month or long term. As always, this episode emphasizes health literacy, informed decision-making, and meeting people where they are in their health journey.

This program is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for care from a licensed medical professional.

Learn more and stay connected:

• Health In Harlem Podcast: https://healthinharlem.org

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

• Listen and subscribe on major podcast platforms by searching Health In Harlem Podcast

For reliable, evidence-based information on alcohol use and health, visit:

• CDC – Alcohol and Public Health: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol

• CDC- Check Your Drinking Tool: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/checkyourdrinking/index.html
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): 6 Tips for Dry January from the NIAAA- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/about-niaaa/directors-page/niaaa-directors-blog/kicking-new-year-with-dry-january-here-are-six-tips-success

As we look ahead to a new year, Health In Harlem invites listeners to rethink the way we approach New Year’s resolutions—especially when it comes to our health. In this episode, we explore how evidence-based goal setting, realistic expectations, and community-centered strategies can help people make sustainable changes that last beyond January.

Whether your goals involve nutrition, physical activity, stress management, or preventive care, this episode offers thoughtful insights designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward safely and confidently.

Health In Harlem is committed to providing accurate, accessible, and evidence-based health education for the community—on the air, online, and beyond.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Influenza Update

https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-50.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Norovirus Information

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html

National Weather Service: Cold Weather Safety

https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Moe Selb and Reid Vero get together to bring you tips and strategies that will get you through this holiday season in the healthiest way possible. Everything from how to be more physically active to financial tips to reduce stress during the holiday shopping season. As we round out the 2025 calendar year, the tips in this show serve as a great guide to preparing for 2026 as the information in this program could serve as the on ramp to hitting the ground running with your new year's resolutions!

As a bonus, check out these reliable and high quality health education programs and resources:

Those Nerdy Girls- Check out Those Nerdy Girls! Yes, that is exactly who they are! A collection of incredible public health professionals, epidemiologists, clinicians, and researchers that are dedicated to distributing high quality health education to the masses. Real information coming from real people that are really dedicated to improving peoples' lives and their health through health education.

The Vajenda- Created by Dr. Jen Gunter, the Vajenda is an incredible resource on everything regarding women's health. Whether you like short, fun and whitty articles or in-depth interviews and podcasts, the Vajenda has it all. In addition to that, you can get even more evidence-based and reliable information from Dr. Gunter's books, the Vagina Bible and Menopause Manifesto.

Maintenance Phase- Hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, the subtitle for this program says it all: "wellness and weight loss debunked and decoded". If you are looking to laugh and learn at the same time, then add this to your podcast library ASAP! Patrons of the show get access to additional bonus programs that supplement the great information from the show all while supporting the great work of this duo.

In observance of World AIDS Day 2025, check out the information below:

World Health Organization- World AIDS Day 2025

Centers for Disease Control- Preventing HIV with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

Centers for Disease Control- Preventing HIV with PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have exploded into public consciousness as “weight-loss shots”—but what do they actually do inside the body, who are they really for, and what are the risks and benefits beyond the before-and-after photos?

In this episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero sit down with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Patti, endocrinologist and physician-scientist at Harvard and the Joslin Diabetes Center, to break down:

• How GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed and how they work

• Why obesity is a complex, biology-based disease—not a willpower problem

• Benefits beyond weight loss, including impact on diabetes, heart health, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and more CDC+1

• Real-world barriers to access (cost, coverage, side effects, and equity concerns)

• Safety questions around compounded and micro-dosed GLP-1 products Diabetes Journals+1

• Where GLP-1s fit alongside lifestyle changes and bariatric/metabolic surgery

The conversation also touches on stigma, body image, and why decisions about GLP-1 therapy should always be individualized and made with a trusted clinician.

• Health in Harlem Podcast home: Health in Harlem on Podbean Health In Harlem

• Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3FM: Show page at WHCR 90.3FM WHCR 90.3 FM

• Health in Harlem on Apple Podcasts: The Health in Harlem Podcast listing Apple Podcasts

For listeners who want to dive deeper into GLP-1s, diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic health:

• CDC – Newer diabetes medicines (including GLP-1s): Overview of how GLP-1 medicines lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and protect the heart and kidneys CDC

• CDC – GLP-1 injectable use data brief (NHIS 2024): National data on GLP-1 use among adults with diabetes CDC+1

• American Diabetes Association (ADA): Guidance on GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 drugs, including a statement cautioning against non–FDA-approved compounded products American Diabetes Association+1

• Endocrine Society – Diabetes treatments & GLP-1 receptor agonists: Patient-focused explanations of how GLP-1s are used, including injectable and oral options Endocrine Society+1

• American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE): Updates on GLP-1s in obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer risk reduction AACE+1

• American Heart Association (AHA): Professional summaries on GLP-1s and cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction in people with type 2 diabetes professional.heart.org+1

• National Library of Medicine (NCBI/MedlinePlus/StatPearls): In-depth clinical reviews of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their mechanisms, benefits, and adverse effects NCBI+2PMC+2

• FDA – Safety concerns with unapproved GLP-1 products: Important information on risks of non-approved or compounded GLP-1 drugs marketed for weight loss

In this episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby is joined by Dr. Judith Prochaska of Stanford University—one of the nation’s leading experts in tobacco addiction and smoking cessation—for a timely discussion in observance of the Great American Smokeout.

Together, they explore the history of tobacco use and research, the evolution of our understanding of nicotine addiction, and the latest evidence-based strategies for quitting smoking. The conversation also tackles myths, misinformation, and stigma surrounding smoking cessation—empowering listeners to take control of their health or support loved ones on their quit journey.

Listeners will learn about:

• The health risks of tobacco and nicotine use

• Modern cessation tools and treatment options (nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling, and medications)

• How to overcome barriers to quitting

• The importance of accurate information and supportive community resources

This episode highlights the power of knowledge, compassion, and evidence-based medicine in saving lives and improving public health.

🎧 Health in Harlem Podcast – Tips for Quitting Smoking

• American Cancer Society: The Great American Smokeout

• American Heart Association: Quit Smoking for Good Heart Health

• National Library of Medicine: Nicotine Dependence and Treatment Research

• Smokefree.gov: Personalized Quit Plans and Resources

• Smoking Cessation Hotline: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
• Five Reasons Why Calling a Quitline Can Be Key to Your Success: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quitline/index.html#:~:text=(1%2D800%2D784%2D8669)&text=If%20you%20are%20thinking%20about,a%20highly%20trained%20quit%20coach.