The Health In Harlem Podcast

Heat Safety 2026: Protecting Yourself During the Nationwide Heat Wave

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.
Learn More
Health in Harlem
WHCR 90.3 FM
Health in Harlem Podcast on Spotify
Health in Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Health in Harlem Podcast on Amazon Music
Heat Safety Resources
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.

Prevent, Detect, Survive: Colorectal Cancer Awareness & Screening with Dr. Arpit Chhabra of the New York Proton Center

 
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.
Resources & Learn More
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/
Why This Episode Matters
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.

Sleep and Heart Health

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.
Learn More
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.

Move to Live: How Physical Activity Protects Your Heart

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.
Resources for Listeners
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
🎙 About Health In Harlem
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

Life's Essential Eight: Simple Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

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.
🔗 Resources & Links
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
 

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: What’s New, What’s Changed, and Why It Matters

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.healthinharlem.org
Health In Harlem Podcast: https://healthinharlem.buzzsprout.com
WHCR 90.3 FM: https://www.whcr.org

Lessons Learned: Rethinking Alcohol Use in Dry January 2026

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 

2026 New Years Resolutions Show!

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
 
 

Holiday Health Tips 2025!

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 Update with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Patti

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.
Learn more about Health in Harlem & WHCR 90.3FM
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
Evidence-based resources on GLP-1 medications
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