Northwell Health cares for more than any other health care provider in New York. Hear from their experts -- some of the brightest minds in health care breaking down the latest news and developments.
Episodes
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Exposure to the smoke from burn pits — the large open-air fires the military has used to dispose of waste — harmed veterans such as Juan Serrano, Patrick McCaffery and Robert Auletta, who work with Northwell Health's Military Liaison Services. Of the more than 10K U.S. veterans who have already been diagnosed with burn pit damage to their airways, the picture is grim and the reaction, most often, is shock. Conditions range from asthma and COPD, to sleep apnea, to a long list of cancers.
On this episode, Juan Patrick and Robert talk about their experience and efforts in addressing burn pit exposure. They’re joined by Anthony Szema, MD, a pulmonologist and leading expert on burn pits; Dr. Szema is director of Northwell’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences. He has launched a clinical trial that monitors the health of veterans with burn pit exposure. (Many of the veterans on Juan’s team have already signed up.) Explaining his goals for the trial, Dr. Szema also provides an update on the PACT Act, new legislation he played a key role in getting passed; it expands VA benefits to care for veterans with burn pit exposure. To further assist veterans, Juan, Dr. Szema and staff at the Military Liaison Office are helping service members sign up for the PACT Act.
To file a claim online or apply for VA healthcare, click here.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, we take another look at our August 2022 conversation with Anthony Szema, MD. At the time of this episode's recording, the pulmonologist was days removed from a visit to the White House to celebrate the passage of the PACT Act, new legislation that is now helping impacted veterans get treatment. As a leading expert in the health effects of burn pits, he played a key role in making that legislation a reality. Now, He is conducting a trial to collect data on the veterans of the greater NYC area. We'll do a deep dive into his trial and three of the veterans participating in it. That episode will be available tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 10.
Dr. Szema is director of Northwell Health’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences, as well as a published researcher and author.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
While the flu shot has been around since 1945, 2023 marked the introduction of a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — the first ever — and the latest Covid-19 shot. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the two new vaccines, and the protection they offer comes just in the nick of time: Health officials say there is a strong likelihood of another "tripledemic" this winter. In addition to the vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV, there is a new protective treatment for RSV — a potentially life-saving option for those most at risk of complications. On this episode, family medicine doctor Eric Ascher, DO, explains your options for immunization and immune therapies this fall and winter.
Chapters:
- 00:01 - Intro
- 01:28 - Vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV
- 02:01 - Another tripledemic?
- 03:08 - When to get vaccinated
- 04:29 - Can you get the Covid and flu vaccines at the same time?
- 05:29 - "Coadministration" of vaccines
- 06:28 - How effective is the new Covid-19 vaccine?
- 07:01 - Can you get Covid, flu and RSV vaccines at same time?
- 08:03 - Importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations
- 08:29 - Current strains of Covid-19 and flu
- 09:31 - Monovalent Covid vaccine
- 10:20 - Monovalent Covid vaccine side effects
- 10:48 - Will Covid vaccine become an annual shot?
- 11:22 - Covid testing remains critical
- 12:41 - Start with an at-home Covid test
- 13:35 - Flu antiviral treatment (Tamiflu)
- 14:03 - Covid antiviral treatment (Paxlovid, molnupiravir, remdesivir)
- 14:44 - RSV vaccine and immune therapy, nirsevimab
- 15:08 - Supportive care for Covid, flu, RSV
- 15:39 - How else can I stay healthy this fall and winter?
More from the expert
- Eric Ascher, DO, answers the question: Can you sneeze in your sleep?
- Dr. Ascher hosts the Hack Your Health video series from The Well, in which he answers more common health questions.
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
In recent months the FDA and CDC approved two new drugs that experts say will change how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is managed. This comes at a critical time, says Mundeep Kainth, DO, MPH, as hospitals prepare for the influx of RSV, flu and Covid cases this fall and winter. The convergence of those three respiratory viruses, termed a "tripledemic," overwhelmed hospitals nationally last winter. Dr. Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Cohen Children's Medical Center, says these two new protections, just like the flu shot and Covid-19 vaccines, are critical tools to help prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital. On this episode, she explains what everyone should know about the first-ever RSV vaccine, which is for pregnant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks, and those older than 60, as well as the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus), which is for newborns.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
On today’s episode, we revisit a conversation we had with two pioneers of the mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines, Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD. The two were just awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking research in messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. When we spoke with Dr. Kariko and Weissman in June 2022, they had just received the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine. The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research grants this honor to recognize promising careers in the fields of science and research. In this look back on that conversation, the history-making duo discusses what motivated them to endure their decades-long scientific struggles, plans to continue their mRNA research and what it means to be awarded the Ross Prize.
Also on the show, we speak with Kevin Tracey, MD, president of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, about the importance of supporting young scientists, early-stage research and the culture of science.
Meet the experts
- Katalin Kariko, PhD, adjunct professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior vice president at BioNTech
- Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, the Roberts Family Professor of Vaccine Research in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine
The award Drs. Kariko and Weissman received is one of six categories that are recognized each year. Since 1901, there have been 114 prizes in the Physiology or Medicine category awarded to 227 laureates.
Learn more about the Nobel Prize
Learn more about Drs. Kariko and Weissman.
More on the history of mRNA technology
Learn more about the history of mRNA technology and the development of the Covid-19 vaccines on this episode of the podcast, featuring Wall Street Journal writer, Gregory Zuckerman, and two of the first Americans to receive the vaccine, Sandra Lindsay and Yves Duroseau, MD.
Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
On the third and final episode in our series on child suicide prevention, we discuss the spike in suicidality among our LGBTQIA+ youth, as reported in 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, as well as The Trevor Project. David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, and Helena Roderick, PhD, highlight the many challenges negatively impacting these kids, including minority stress, discrimination and unconscious bias, and how each contributes to this horrifying trend. They share what individuals and community institutions can do to help curb the high rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors.
More about the experts:
- David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, is founding medical director for Northwell Health’s Center for Transgender Care and medical director for Northwell’s Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV.
- Helena Roderick, PhD, is senior psychologist for the Center for Transgender Care and the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV and the Division of Medical Genetics.
Our team launched this series during National Suicide Prevention Month in September to offer parents and caregivers a resource as they navigate this very difficult reality, particularly as children return to school. Listen to the previous episodes in this series:
- Kids in crisis: How to start the conversation about child suicidality featuring Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center
- YourMomCares about how you feel, featuring Sharon Feldstein, co-founder and CEO of YourMomCares, and Robin Paul, member and "Power Mom.
NYS Schools update
Learn more about the 2023 update to New York Schools best practices: Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students
Resources for families
- The Trevor Project is a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Reach a counselor 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678
- PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Find a support group.
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
“We need to change the conversation from mental illness to mental wellness,” says Sharon Feldstein, who helped launch a nonprofit called YourMomCares with the goal of creating and supporting programs that better behavioral health in our kids. This group of concerned mothers, whose children are prominent athletes, musicians and actors, is bringing much-needed attention to the crisis in children's behavioral health. Demand for services is far outpacing the resources to support it, and the situation is worsening now that new CDC data reveals there has been a 50% spike in the suicide rate for school-age kids since the year 2000.
On this episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, host Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, speaks with Sharon, co-founder and CEO of YourMomCares, along with one of the group’s "power moms," Robin Paul, about their mission, the organizations and programs they support and their newest endeavor with Northwell, who has partnered with area schools to expand resources for students in need of behavioral health support. A primary effort — school-based Behavioral Health Centers — is keeping kids out of the emergency room and connecting them with clinicians closer to home.
This is Part 2 of a series addressing the rising rate of child suicide in the U.S. Throughout the month of September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month. In Part 1 (available for listening here), Dr. Lindsay spoke with child behavioral health specialist Vera Feuer, MD, about methods parents can use to discuss mental issues with their children.
Resources for families
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
With suicidal thoughts and behaviors on the rise in the U.S., Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, joins Sandra Lindsay, RN, on the podcast to explain the warning signs and helpful resources for caretakers, including what language to use — as well as what to avoid — when talking to children struggling with suicidality.
This is Part 1 of our series examining child suicidality, a term that may be new to some. It is defined as suicidal ideation coupled with a plan for ending one’s own life, and it looms increasingly large over America’s children. Over the next several weeks, we'll be speaking with experts and advocates who are finding innovative ways to address this problem and improve access to care. Following our conversation with Dr. Feuer, in Part 2 of this series, we speak with a group of concerned mothers who are using their platform to elevate and amplify programs that support mental wellness — including one that Dr. Feuer is spearheading at Nortwhell Health. In Part 3 two experts from Northwell's Center for Transgender Care explain what these recent reports tell us about LGBTQIA children and their suicidality risk.
The Data
- National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released in June 2023 found the suicide rate among young people ages 10‒24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey released in February 2023 showed significant increases in the percentage of youth who seriously considered suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide. It also showed biggest impact was in young girls.
- Get expert insight into this data, what it means and what those caring a loved one who is struggling with suicidality should know.
Resources for families
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Murray Bocian, 76, was prone to spilling things: His hands were so shaky that he had to begin using a child's sippy cup. Murray was battling a condition called essential tremor, and it was impacting many aspects of his daily life. A nervous system disorder, essential tremor starts in the brain and triggers shakiness in the extremities, most often the hands. For most of the 10 million Americans living with essential tremor, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms. But when the condition interferes with daily activities as it was Murray, more targeted therapies are needed. For decades, the solution has been to open the skull and operate on the brain. Now there's a new incision-less procedure called high-intensity focused ultrasound — HIFU — which can be done with an MRI scanner in a single two-hour outpatient session. And the effects are immediate. On this episode, we hear from Murray and speak with his surgeon, Albert Fenoy, MD, who explains how this new procedure works, who is a candidate, and how HIFU is improving the quality of life for patients living with essential tremor.
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
The field of sports medicine isn’t just for serious athletes: The Nicholas Institute for Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT), Northwell’s sports injury clinic, has made sports medicine better, more accessible, and grounded in research. On this episode, the 20-Minute Health Talk team pays a visit to NISMAT, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, to talk to Tak Fukunaga, DPT, ATC, CSCS, sports physical therapist and NISMAT’s Manager of Rehabilitation Services, and Michael Zacchilli, MD, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Lenox Health Greenwich Village and team physician for the College of Staten Island, to shed light on what they do to treat people at all levels of physical activity.
More from the experts
- ACL tears and the menstrual cycle: Is there a connection? Dr. Amy West discusses on the latest 20-Minute Health Talk.
- Drs. Zachilli and Fukunaga explain why seeing a sports medicine physician is for everyone — not just athletes.
- Learn common causes of pain under the left rib cage.
- Have pain under the right rib cage? An emergency medicine physician breaks down the most common causes, and what to do for each.
- Dr. Zacchilli weighs in on Covid protocols in sports during the first wave of the pandemic.
- Dr. Zacchilli offers tips on how to handle youth sports during Covid-19.