The Health In Harlem Podcast

Hair loss is common, but its causes—and the treatments that actually work—are often misunderstood. In recognition of Hair Loss Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with Dr. Kristen Lo Sicco, a board-certified dermatologist and academic physician who contributes to SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio. They discuss common forms of alopecia, warning signs that warrant medical evaluation, potentially damaging hair-care practices, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The conversation also explores the emotional and social impact of hair loss and why early evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional can make an important difference.
Learn more
American Academy of Dermatology Hair Loss Resource Center
American Academy of Dermatology: Hair and Scalp Care
SiriusXM Doctor Radio
Health In Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM
WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem
The Health In Harlem Podcast
This program is intended for education and should not replace individualized evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

An aortic dissection is one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies encountered in medicine. Although relatively uncommon, it carries a high risk of death if not recognized and treated quickly. In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and the team discuss what an aortic dissection is, why it occurs, and how early recognition can save lives.
The program explains the anatomy and function of the aorta, common risk factors—including high blood pressure, connective tissue disorders, and smoking—and the warning signs that should never be ignored. Listeners will learn how an aortic dissection differs from a heart attack, why rapid diagnosis is essential, and how emergency physicians and cardiovascular surgeons work together to provide life-saving treatment. The episode also highlights the importance of controlling blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the likelihood of this devastating condition.
As always, Health in Harlem is committed to improving health literacy by providing reliable, evidence-based medical information that helps listeners make informed decisions about their health and know when to seek emergency care.
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
Cardiovascular Health Resources
American Heart Association
Life's Essential 8®
High Blood Pressure Resources
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Additional Trusted Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Disease
Society for Vascular Surgery – Aortic Disease Information
MedlinePlus – Aortic Dissection

Foodborne outbreaks can affect anyone, but knowing how they occur—and how to protect yourself—can significantly reduce your risk. In this episode of Health in Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and the team examine the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak, discussing what Cyclospora cayetanensis is, how it contaminates food, why fresh produce is often implicated, and what public health officials are doing to investigate and contain outbreaks.
The conversation explains the symptoms of cyclosporiasis, how the infection is diagnosed and treated, who is at greatest risk for complications, and practical steps consumers can take to reduce the likelihood of foodborne illness. The episode also explores how local, state, and federal public health agencies—including the CDC, FDA, and local health departments—work together to identify outbreaks, trace contaminated food products, and communicate important safety information to the public.
As always, Health in Harlem is committed to improving health literacy by providing reliable, evidence-based medical 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
Reliable Information About Cyclospora
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC – Cyclosporiasis Overview
CDC – Prevention and Treatment of Cyclosporiasis
CDC – Current Foodborne Outbreak Investigations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA – Outbreak Investigations and Recalls
FDA – Cyclospora Information for Consumers and Industry
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Health – Foodborne Illness Information
NYC Health – Report Foodborne Illness
Additional Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food Safety Education
FoodSafety.gov – Food Recalls and Alerts
Those Nerdy Girls- What's going on with this outbreak of diarrhea in the US?
Your Local Epidemiologist- 10 Cyclospora Questions
Key Takeaways
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness most commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce.
Symptoms typically include prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping, nausea, and low-grade fever.
Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora is not usually spread directly from person to person because the parasite requires time in the environment to become infectious.
Washing produce is important for overall food safety but may not completely eliminate Cyclospora, making outbreak investigations and food recalls especially important.
If you develop persistent diarrhea after eating fresh produce—particularly during an active outbreak—seek medical care. Effective treatment is available with appropriate prescription antibiotics.
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, public health experts, and community leaders. The program airs on WHCR 90.3 FM and is hosted by Maurice Selby. Every episode aims to translate the latest medical evidence into practical, understandable guidance that helps listeners make informed decisions about their health and the health of their communities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

 
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.

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.

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

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
 

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

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