Back to Health
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsBack To Health is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for the whole family. Our team of world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, are having in-depth conversations covering trending health topics, wellness tips and medical breakthroughs here on Back to Health. We understand that medicine is complex and can be overwhelming, that’s why we’ve developed this podcast as a resource for you, your loved ones and our community. We believe that knowledge is empowering and necessary to making confident decisions about your health. Parents - check out Kids Health Cast!
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Episodes
Latest Research and Treatments for Brain Tumors
April 15, 2024 06:00 - 12.1 MBDr. Rajiv Magge discusses the latest in research and treatments for brain tumors. He gives an overview of primary and metastatic types of brain tumors and how uncommon they are for most patients. He highlights common symptoms and when patients should seek an evaluation by a neurologist. He gives an update on the latest breakthroughs treatments for brain tumors and advances in immunotherapy. Finally, he highlights the multidisciplinary team approach to treating brain tumors at Weill Cornell M...
Seasonal Changes in Sleep
April 01, 2024 06:00 - 10.6 MBDr. Daniel Barone discusses how seasonal changes can impact sleep. He goes over common sleep issues and problems that can impact patients when daylight savings time changes. He highlights the importance of consistent schedules and gives tips on healthy sleep routines. He also recommends sleep evaluations should issues persist year around. To schedule with Dr. Daniel Barone
Treating and Managing Diabetic Nerve Pain
March 18, 2024 06:00 - 13.4 MBDr. Mohammad Piracha discusses what patients should know about treating and managing diabetic nerve pain. He speaks on the prevalence of diabetes and multifactorial impacts of the condition across the country and globally. He shares on how diabetic neuropathy and how it can impact distal nerves and regulation of the autonomic system. He goes over how lifestyle modification like exercise, sugar moderation and control, etc. can assist with managing the pain. To schedule with Dr. Mohammad Pira...
Nutritional Guidance for Colorectal Surgery
March 04, 2024 07:00 - 12.7 MBDr. Mehraneh Jafari shares what patients should know about healthy eating guidelines for candidates of colon and rectal surgery. She provides dietary recommendations ahead of surgery, especially to help with prep and recovery for after the surgical procedures. She highlights the importance of developing healthy eating habits by incorporating more protein and fiber, and cutting back on sugars and processed foods in the lead up to surgical prep, as well as during the recovery period. She discu...
Cold Weather and Body Aches
February 20, 2024 07:00 - 23.6 MBDr. Philip Petrou discusses what patients should know about body aches during the cold season. He highlights how the change in barometer pressure could impact joint pain and swelling of blood vessels. He gives recommendations for managing the acute pain, like staying active indoors, keeping warm by wearing layers and utilizing heat therapy. He also highlights interventions available for patients with chronic pain. To schedule with Dr. Philip Petrou
Hand & Upper Extremity Injuries
February 05, 2024 07:00 - 19.5 MBDr. Adam Jacoby discusses what patients should know about hand & upper extremity injuries. He review common ailments and conditions, like carpal tunnel and nerve compression. He highlights nonsurgical treatments, like injections and rehabilitation, as well as considerations for patients looking into surgery. To schedule with Dr. Adam Jacoby
Dystonia
January 22, 2024 07:00 - 11.3 MBDr. Andrea Yoo discusses what patients should know about dystonia. She describes the conditions of the movement disorder that causes involuntarily contractions of muscles. While there is currently no cure, she reviews the helpful treatments available to alleviate painful symptoms. To schedule with Dr. Andrea Yoo
Advancements in Obesity and Diabetes Management
January 08, 2024 07:00 - 35.8 MBAnyanate Gwendolyne Jack, M.D. and Rachel Stahl Salzman, M.S. discuss what patients should know about the recent advancements in obesity and diabetes management. The panel discusses the ongoing rise in cases for obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes. They review risk factors and behaviors can lead to obesity, as well as addressing systemic issues that can lead to disparities in diverse communities. They highlight the multidisciplinary team approach available at Weill Cornell Medicine, which can...
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
December 27, 2023 07:00 - 29.8 MBDr. Rekha B. Kumar discusses what women should know about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Kumar describes the various symptoms and causes of PCOS and how it can look different in different people. She addresses the impacts of insulin resistance and how lifestyle modifications for weight management can help alleviate some symptoms. She also highlights the importance of addressing pressing issues with your healthcare provider and asking questions should you be experiencing symptoms of PC...
Preparing for Pregnancy
December 13, 2023 07:00 - 15.1 MBDr. Sidney Wu discusses what women should know about planning for pregnancy. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing overall health and wellness in preparing for getting pregnant, including healthy weight management and mental health. She discusses the value of prenatal vitamins and nutrition; going over healthy eating for mother and baby. She also discusses vaccinations for expectant mothers and other tools for maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. To schedule wi...
Women and HIV/AIDS
November 29, 2023 07:00 - 12.1 MBDr. Lona Prasad discusses what women should know about HIV/AIDS. She reviews the recommendations for screenings for STIs throughout one's life stage and relationship status. She also gives helpful guidance to HIV seroconcordant/discordant couples and the importance of STI prevention as part of sexual health. To schedule with Dr. Prasad
Hormone and Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause
November 15, 2023 07:00 - 16.1 MBSusan Loeb-Zeitlin, M.D. discusses what patients should know about hormone and non-hormonal treatments for menopause. She highlights the new Women's Midlife Center and services offered to women as they approach the midlife stage. She gives an overview of the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and how patients can manage the changes. She discusses the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, as well as non-hormonal therapies as well. To schedule with Susan Loeb-Zeitlin, ...
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
October 30, 2023 06:00 - 25.2 MBTiffany Lin, M.D. goes over what patients should know about Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). She reviews the ways in which doctors can diagnosis the chronic pain disorder, including addressing trigger points. She goes over pain that can be found in the musculoskeletal system due to MPS. She also highlights the treatments available to address acute pain phases to prevent chronic issues. To schedule with Tiffany Lin, M.D
Healthy Brain Aging
October 16, 2023 06:00 - 42.2 MBMatthew E. Fink, M.D. discusses how to keep your brain healthy as you age. He goes over ways to help preserve brain function including the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as stimulation with social interactions and mental exercises. He reviews the negative impacts that could diminish brain functionality and lead to dementia and other conditions. He also highlights what loved ones can do if you begin to spot early signs of impairment. To schedule with Matthew Fink,...
Pain Management For Back and Spine
October 02, 2023 06:00 - 12.2 MBAlina Boltunova, M.D. discusses what patients should know about managing pain in the back and spine. She highlights common types of pain and the available therapies. She goes over the multimodal approaches, as well as the integrated plans for managing pain after back or spine surgery. She also provides helpful tips for keeping a healthy back, including important mental health tactics. To schedule with Alina Boltunova, M.D
Using Virtual Reality to Treat Pain
September 18, 2023 06:00 - 26.1 MBJohn Rubin, M.D. and Rohan Jotwani, M.D. discuss the current state of virtual reality and pain management. They describe the different types of acute and chronic pain and how pain can manifest. They go over the emerging benefits and latest technology of virtual reality in the treatment of pain and how it can be used as part of a multimodal plan for each patient. They also discuss how they collaborate closely with their patients to help the latter achieve the best quality of life. To schedul...
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Fertility
September 05, 2023 06:00 - 20.5 MBAlexis P. Melnick, M.D. discusses what patients should know about fertility and considerations for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). She gives an overview of the challenges of aging for women and why they may consider HRT to help preserve fertility. She recommends to keep the low estrogen period short and emphasizes the safety of HRT for those considering pregnancy. To schedule with Alexis P. Melnick, M.D
Lyme Disease
August 21, 2023 06:00 - 14.9 MBMaryellen Benito, D.O. discusses what patient should know about ticks and preventing Lyme disease. She highlights how ticks can latch onto humans from pets, animals, and in wooded, grassy areas. She reviews common staged symptoms like target rash and what to tell your doctor if you think you may have been infected. She goes over helpful preventative tips for avoid ticks and other bug bites while you're outdoors. To schedule with Maryellen Benito, D.O
Head and Neck Cancers
August 07, 2023 05:00 - 22.8 MBDavid I. Kutler, M.D. discusses what patients should now about head and neck cancers. He goes over the prevalence and causes of cancer, including smoking, drinking and HPV. He reviews how doctors can identify common symptoms, including checking for lumps and swollen lymph nodes. He also talks about the recent advancements in treatment, including reconstructive and robotics surgery and breakthroughs in immunotherapy. Finally, he highlights the importance of support and communication as part o...
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
July 24, 2023 06:00 - 28.2 MBSuzanne Irene Pastore, M.D. discusses what patients should know about Human Papillomavirus (HPV). She discusses the impacts of HPV as the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. She also goes over how it is tested through the pap smear, which was developed by Dr. George Papanicolaou during his time at Cornell University Medical College’s Department of Anatomy. She highlights the importance of vaccination for teens and adults in the prevention of certain strains...
Idiopathic Neuropathy
July 10, 2023 05:00 - 7.87 MBNorman Latov, M.D., Ph.D. discusses what patients should know about idiopathic neuropathy. As the causes are unknown for the condition, Dr. Latov describes common comorbities that could trigger the symptoms. He discusses possible treatments that can help improve one's conditions once the neuropathic pain is identified. He highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to help patients alleviate pain caused by the neurological condition.To schedule with Norman Latov, M.D., Ph.D
Long-COVID Headache
June 26, 2023 05:00 - 15.4 MBDr. Matthew Robbins discusses what patients should know about long COVID & headache disorders. He goes over common symptoms and genetic connections to headaches and migraines, as well as the likelihood of developing them as a result of recovering from COVID-19. He highlights the importance of involving your care team when treating headaches and migraines, as they could be a result of other comorbidities. He also covers his recent trip to Capitol Hill advocating for his patients and making app...
Polycystic Kidney and Liver Diseases (PKD and PLD)
June 12, 2023 05:00 - 44.2 MBJames Chevalier, M.D., Danielle Brandman, M.D. and Benjamin Samstein, M.D. discuss polycystic kidney & liver diseases (PKD and PLD). The doctors give an overview of the two types of polycystic diseases and how they can be passed down through family genetics. They share how specialists can track the symptoms in patients and how cysts can impact other organs in the body. They also review the multidisciplinary treatment options available to help manage the cystic diseases and the special consid...
Egg Freezing
May 31, 2023 05:00 - 14.4 MBIsaac Kligman, M.D. discusses what women should know about egg freezing. He gives an overview around fertility, including the changes in egg quality throughout a women's lifespan. He describes the ovarian reserve and the tests that reproductive medicine specialists implement to monitor the amount of mature eggs available. He highlights the current options for fertility preservation, including egg freezing and the process of the procedure. Weill Cornell Medicine’s Ronald O. Perelman and C...
Treatments and Management of Endometriosis
May 17, 2023 05:00 - 25.1 MBThis episode from our Women's Health Wednesday series on Back to Health features Cynthia Arvizo, M.D. discussing what women should know about the treatments and management of endometriosis. She reviews both surgical and non-surgical options that women can discuss with their doctors and the shared decision-making process. She highlights the importance of women addressing their pain and advocating for their own health. Most importantly, she highlights why women should always seek the right heal...
Heart Disease and Pregnancy
May 03, 2023 05:00 - 14.6 MBInna V. Landres, M.D. discusses diseases that can impact the heart during pregnancy. She reviews common cardiac illnesses and conditions and other conditions, including abnormalities, during pregnancy that may affect the heart. She also highlights pre-existing conditions that can have an impact on cardiac health as well. She discusses the importance of identifying risk factors and speaking with your doctor about any concerning issues. To schedule with Inna V. Landres, M.D.
Women's Nutrition
April 19, 2023 05:00 - 29.7 MBSarah Barenbaum, M.D. and we discuss what women should know about nutrition. She discusses how women can develop a healthy relationship with food and make healthy choices for themselves and their families. She highlights ways for successful long term lifestyle change for weight loss and management, as well as discussing the importance of exercise in your overall health journey. To schedule with Sarah Barenbaum, M.D.
Moderation in Drug and Alcohol Use For Women
April 05, 2023 05:00 - 13.3 MBDr. Jonathan Avery and he discusses what women should know about moderating alcohol and drug use. He goes over who may be most a-risk for substance use dependency and abuse and ways to manage one's condition. He also gives advice on the best ways to moderate drug and alcohol use so that women can partake responsibly. He also highlights what to know about the recent legalization of recreational marijuana use and how it compares to alcohol usage. To schedule with Jonathan Avery, M.D.
Addressing Your Family's Mental Health
March 20, 2023 12:14 - 14.8 MBToday's special episode of Back to Health comes from Kids Health Cast. This conversation features Dr. Shannon Bennett and we discuss what parents should know about addressing the mental wellness of their family during difficult times impacted by recent events. To schedule with Dr. Shannon Bennett
Cirrhosis
March 06, 2023 06:00 - 16.3 MBDanielle Brandman, M.D. discusses what patients should know about cirrhosis. She highlights the alcoholic and nonalcoholic causes that can damage to the liver and how providers can diagnose the scarring of the organ. She also reviews the main functions of the liver and what can happen when the organ fails. She goes over the patient journey from diagnosis to liver transplant, and the treatments currently available to patients at Weill Cornell Medicine. To schedule with Danielle Brandman, M.D
Headache Surgery
February 21, 2023 06:00 - 8.89 MBLisa Gfrerer, M.D., Ph.D. discusses what patients should know about headache surgery. She reviews the conditions that causes nerve compression, leading to most headaches and migraines in patients. She discusses how the minimally invasive procedure helps to find and remove tissues that constrict the nerves to help release them, leading to improvements of symptoms and success rates for qualified surgical candidates. To schedule with Lisa Gfrerer, M.D., Ph.D
SUDEP (Sudden, Unexpected Death In Epilepsy)
February 06, 2023 06:00 - 15.8 MBPadmaja Kandula, M.D. discusses what patients should know about SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). She reviews the recent developments with treating seizures and epilepsy and how people can manage the conditions. She notes how the prevalence of certain risk factors and uncontrolled severe types of seizures in certain populations can impact the likelihood of SUDEP. Finally, she highlights the multidisciplinary care and treatments available through the Epilepsy Center at Weill Cornell...
CADASIL Awareness
January 23, 2023 06:00 - 14.9 MBMatthew Fink, M.D. discusses what patients should know about Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopath (CADASIL). He reviews the signs and symptoms of the rare disease and how it may cause strokes in younger adult patients. He goes over the risk of inheritance of the gene that may cause CADASIL and how parents who may carry it can still have healthy children through a coordinated collaborative care approach to treatment. To schedule with Matthe...
Neurological Effects of Long Haul Covid
January 09, 2023 06:00 - 23.1 MBAnna S. Nordvig, M.D. discusses what patients should know about the neurological effects of long COVID. She highlights how the impacts of COVID-19 can cause long-term complications to the brain and the peripheral nervous systems, including common effects like brain fog, chronic fatigue, and confusion. She reviews the cognitive dysfunctions of the condition and how patients advocacy groups helped to shed light on these issues. She shares how patients can help with treatment and research throug...
Navigating Alcohol Use Disorder, Recovery, and Sobriety
December 27, 2022 06:00 - 16.7 MBDr. Jonathan Avery discusses what people should know about navigating alcohol use and sobriety. He discusses how the heightened stress from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased rates of depression and substances use. He highlights how mindfulness about drinking alcohol can help with navigating the holidays, especially at parties and gatherings. He reassures sober and recovering patients that they are not alone and provides support resources available for people moderating their alcohol ...
Healthy Lifestyles for Aging Women
December 21, 2022 06:00 - 23.3 MBDrs. Emily Coskun and Emily Fessler discuss what aging women should know about maintaining healthy lifestyles. They highlight the importance of a nutritious diet, regular exercise routines, and healthy sleep hygiene for overall wellness. The doctors discuss the important screenings that women should consider as they get older for preventative health. The panelists also discuss resources for caregivers and addressing the stress related to taking care of older loved ones. To schedule with Dr. ...
Breast Reinnervation Surgery
December 12, 2022 06:00 - 11.3 MBDr. Lisa Gfrerer discusses what patients should know about breast reinnervation surgery. She highlights the benefits of the surgical treatments for women and transgender patients seeking female-to-male gender-affirming procedures. She covers the sensory deficits that can occur after mastectomies and how the latest surgical procedure can help preserve the nerves in the breast and chest areas. To schedule with Dr. Lisa Gfrerer
Aging Voice Disorders
November 28, 2022 06:00 - 12.8 MBLucian Sulica, M.D. discusses what patients should know about voice disorders as we get older. He goes over common injuries of the vocal cord from overuse and how to successfully manage vocal health. He also provides considerations for treatment for older people as many more stay in their occupations for longer periods as they age. He also highlights the multidisciplinary services offered at the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice at Weill Cornell Medicine. To schedule with Lucian Sulica, M.D
Addressing the Stigma Surrounding Opioid Addiction
November 14, 2022 06:00 - 20.2 MBJonathan Avery, M.D. addresses substance use disorders, overdose, and addiction. He speaks with Robin Keller and John Sicher, the mother and stepfather of Zoe, to discuss about her passing from an overdose and how her story inspires them to continue doing work in harm reduction and prevention. The panelists also highlight the distribution of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, and ways to address stigma around substance use. To learn more about Zoe's...
Diabetes in Women
November 09, 2022 06:00 - 17.4 MBDr. Laura Cristina Alonso and we discuss what women should know about diabetes. She discusses how the different types of diabetes impact women. She also provides tips on how to best track blood sugar levels often, as well as lifestyle changes that can help patients live a healthy, fulfilling life. To schedule with Dr. Laura Cristina Alonso
Minimally Invasive Treatments for Prostate Care
October 31, 2022 05:00 - 15.3 MBTimothy McClure, M.D. discusses what patients should know about minimally invasive treatments for prostate care. He discusses common issues seen in male patients, including elevated PSA and enlarged prostates. He also reviews general guidelines for when men should go in for screenings for prostate cancers and shared decision-making for care teams. He highlight the less-invasive treatments currently available for patients and the multidisciplinary approach to care at WCM. To schedule with Tim...
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention
October 12, 2022 05:00 - 21.9 MBPanagiota Andreopoulou, M.D. discusses what women need to know about osteoporosis. She goes over how the drop in estrogen levels for older women can lead to a period of accelerated bone loss, which increases risk for the “brittle bone disease." Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, Dr. Andreopoulou highlights the ways to screen, diagnose and manage the condition. To schedule with Panagiota Andreopoulou, M.D
Bone & Joint Health
October 03, 2022 05:00 - 20.9 MBNasser Ayyad, D.O. discusses what patients should know about healthy bone and joint health. He highlights potential risk factors for potential issues and preventative habits patients can take now to mitigate pain. He goes over treatment options available for people who may be dealing with joint pain and inflammation. He also reviews diet and exercise options that can help compliment with rehabilitation and intervention. To make an appointment with Nasser Ayyad, D.O
Depression and Anxiety in Women
September 28, 2022 05:00 - 17 MBLauren Osborne, M.D. discusses depression and anxiety in women. She highlights the clinical disorder and what constitutes as symptoms of the condition. She goes over how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted women's mental health and the effects of the recent years. She also highlights the treatments and therapies available for patients dealing with various mood disorders.
Cancer Rehabilitation
September 19, 2022 05:00 - 18.4 MBDr. Nasim A. Chowdhury discusses what patients should know about cancer rehabilitation. He highlights the importance of an individualized, multidisciplinary care approach to help treat patients recovering and rehabilitation from cancer and its treatment. As the Medical Director of Cancer Rehabilitation at Weill Cornell Medical Center, he has a particular focus on cancer patients that are affected with musculoskeletal issues including those with spinal cord and brain injury, sports injuries, a...
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
September 06, 2022 05:00 - 24.2 MBDr. Michael G. Stewart discusses what patients should know about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. He goes over the common symptoms and complications often associated with shingles. He highlights how the rare condition is diagnosed by clinicians and the care treatments available to patients at Weill Cornell Medicine. To schedule with Dr. Michael G. Stewart
Treatment Decisions for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
August 22, 2022 05:00 - 16.7 MBDr. Ulrike W. Kaunzner discusses what people should know when making treatment decisions for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She highlights the recent research and care available to MS patients, including new medication options. She reviews the shared decision making that can happen with patients and their doctors as they determine the appropriate treatment plans. She also reviews the multidisciplinary approach that the Judith Jaffe Multiple Sclerosis Center at Weill Cornell Medicine uses to address...
Multidisciplinary Care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
August 08, 2022 05:00 - 17.6 MBDr. Jai S. Perumal discusses what patients should know about multidisciplinary care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She gives an overview of what MS is and how the condition is diagnosed and treated. She highlights the comprehensive and collaborative care available for people living with MS at the Weill Cornell Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Center. To schedule with Dr. Jai S. Perumal
Preeclampsia
July 25, 2022 05:00 - 11.1 MBGeorges Sylvestre, M.D. discusses what patients should know about preeclampsia. He shares the risk factors that contributes to the complication of pregnancy and birthing adults should be aware of. He also highlights the ways to prevent the condition and how to catch the symptoms early on. To schedule with Georges Sylvestre, M.D
Myasthenia Gravis
July 11, 2022 05:00 - 13.2 MBMary Vo, M.D. discusses what patients should know about myasthenia gravis. She reviews the rare chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease and how it manifests in adults at different life stages. She highlights the symptoms of the condition and how neurological providers diagnose it in patients. Finally, she shares the available treatments for patients at Weill Cornell Medicine. To schedule with Mary Vo, M.D.