Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, affect millions of people each year, particularly women. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Larissa Rodriguez, urologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains what causes UTIs, why some people seem especially prone to them, and when symptoms may signal a more serious infection. Dr. Rodriguez discusses the factors that increase the risk of UTIs, including anatomy, menopause, and changes to the microbiome. She also explains how UTIs are treated, why antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, and what doctors can do to help prevent recurrent infections. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about UTI prevention, explores the evidence behind cranberry supplements and probiotics, and highlights promising new treatments and research that could change how UTIs are managed in the future.

We've all experienced it: staring at a task, knowing it needs to get done, but feeling unable to start. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Alyssa Ames-Sikora, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains what's happening in our brains when we experience task paralysis. Dr. Ames-Sikora discusses the roles of anxiety, perfectionism, impulsivity, and decision overload in keeping us stuck. She also shares evidence-based strategies to help break tasks into more manageable steps, build momentum, and work through avoidance. The conversation also explores why task paralysis can be especially challenging for children and teens and offers practical advice for parents looking to support healthy habits and follow-through.

Snoring is common, but when is it a sign of something more serious? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains the difference between ordinary snoring and sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions of people and often goes undiagnosed. Dr. Krieger discusses the warning signs of disrupted sleep, how sleep apnea can impact memory, concentration, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being, and why quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. She also shares practical strategies to improve sleep hygiene and reviews the latest treatment options available for sleep apnea. Whether you're concerned about your own snoring or that of a loved one, this conversation offers valuable insights into how better sleep can support a healthier life.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, returning to running after a long break, or simply looking for a new way to improve your health, running offers benefits for both body and mind. In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and an accomplished triathlete, shares expert guidance on how to build a safe, sustainable running routine. Dr. Busko explains why strength training, dynamic warmups, proper recovery, nutrition, and sleep are essential for preventing injuries and improving performance. She also offers practical advice for beginners, including how to ease back into running, train for a race, and distinguish normal discomfort from pain that should be evaluated by a doctor. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just lacing up your sneakers for the first time, this conversation provides actionable tips to help you run stronger, healthier, and with more confidence.

Why is quitting so difficult, whether it's alcohol, nicotine, gambling, social media, or another addictive behavior? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains what addiction really is, how it affects the brain, and why recovery is about far more than willpower. Dr. Avery discusses the complex mix of biology, mental health, environment, and life experiences that can contribute to addiction. He explains how substances and behaviors hijack the brain's reward pathways, why withdrawal can make quitting especially challenging, and how treatments ranging from therapy and medication to community support can help people recover. The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of connection and compassion, and why many people go on to build meaningful, fulfilling lives in recovery.

Did you know that looking down at your phone can place up to 60 pounds of stress on your neck? In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Joseph Lombardi, orthopedic spine surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, explains how everyday habits like texting, sitting for prolonged periods, and slouching can affect the health of our spine over time. Dr. Lombardi breaks down how the spine works, what happens when posture places excess strain on spinal discs, and why sedentary lifestyles can contribute to neck and back pain. He also shares practical strategies to improve posture, including ergonomic workstation tips, core-strengthening exercises, and simple techniques to reduce stress on the neck and lower back. Whether you're working at a desk, scrolling on your phone, or managing chronic back discomfort, this conversation offers actionable advice to help protect your spine and maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari, chief of colorectal surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, explains why cancer is becoming more common in adults under 50 and what researchers are learning about what could be driving this. She discusses the role of diet, the microbiome, ultra-processed foods, microplastics, and other factors in cancer risk, while also highlighting the promising advances transforming cancer care today. From AI-powered diagnostics and targeted therapies to the importance of screening and prevention, Dr. Jafari shares practical guidance and hopeful insights about the future of oncology.

Dr. Cassandra Simmons, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains perimenopause and the hormonal shifts that can lead to symptoms like night sweats, brain fog, and fatigue. She breaks down how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect the body and discusses a range of treatment options—from lifestyle strategies and supplements to hormone therapy. Dr. Simmons also offers reassurance that this often-overwhelming transition is manageable with the right support and care.

Dr. Matthew Fink, who leads neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains how the MIND diet can support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. He breaks down the food sources of key nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants, highlights foods to prioritize—and avoid—and shares how diet, exercise, and sleep work together to protect cognitive function. Dr. Fink emphasizes that small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a powerful impact on long-term brain health.

Dr. Laura Kirkman, an adult infectious disease physician and scientist, and Dr. Karen Acker, a pediatric infectious disease physician and epidemiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York, explain how ticks spread Lyme disease and when you should be concerned about a tick bite. They break down how Lyme disease develops, the symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent and treat infections early—so you can safely enjoy the outdoors. The experts also share information about the lone star tick and meat allergy.