The Health In Harlem Podcast

Health In Harlem Presents the Great American Smokeout 2025: Quitting for Life

In this episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby is joined by Dr. Judith Prochaska of Stanford University—one of the nation’s leading experts in tobacco addiction and smoking cessation—for a timely discussion in observance of the Great American Smokeout.
Together, they explore the history of tobacco use and research, the evolution of our understanding of nicotine addiction, and the latest evidence-based strategies for quitting smoking. The conversation also tackles myths, misinformation, and stigma surrounding smoking cessation—empowering listeners to take control of their health or support loved ones on their quit journey.
Listeners will learn about:
The health risks of tobacco and nicotine use
Modern cessation tools and treatment options (nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling, and medications)
How to overcome barriers to quitting
The importance of accurate information and supportive community resources
This episode highlights the power of knowledge, compassion, and evidence-based medicine in saving lives and improving public health.
🔗 Learn More & Listen:
🎧 Health in Harlem Podcast – https://www.whcr.org/programs/health-in-harlem/📻 WHCR 90.3FM “The Voice of Harlem” – https://www.whcr.org/🎙️ Stream on Spotify / Apple Podcasts – [Insert Podcast Link Here]
✅ Trusted, Evidence-Based Resources on Smoking & Quitting:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Tips for Quitting Smoking
American Cancer Society: The Great American Smokeout
American Heart Association: Quit Smoking for Good Heart Health
National Library of Medicine: Nicotine Dependence and Treatment Research
Smokefree.gov: Personalized Quit Plans and Resources
Smoking Cessation Hotline: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Five Reasons Why Calling a Quitline Can Be Key to Your Success: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quitline/index.html#:~:text=(1%2D800%2D784%2D8669)&text=If%20you%20are%20thinking%20about,a%20highly%20trained%20quit%20coach.

Tylenol Talk: Pregnancy, Fears, Facts, and Setting the Record Straight

In this special live episode of Health in Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby is joined by Dr. Jennifer Braverman (University of Colorado), Dr. Heidi Feldman (Stanford University), and Dr. David O’Banion (Emory University) for an honest, evidence-based conversation about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy and the recent claims linking it to autism.
Together, they unpack the science behind the headlines, explain how to interpret “association” versus “causation,” and emphasize the importance of trust, health literacy, and shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. This episode sheds light on misinformation, maternal health, and how to support families navigating developmental diagnoses with compassion and clarity.
✅ Trusted, Evidence-Based Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Medication and Pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Acetaminophen and Children’s Health
National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM) – Acetaminophen Use and Pregnancy Research
For credible information on autism and child development:
CDC – Learn the Signs. Act Early.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources
National Library of Medicine (NLM) – Autism Spectrum Disorder Overview
🎙️ Listen, learn, and join the conversation.At Health in Harlem, we’re not just talking at you — we’re talking with you.
Credits:
The Hill- Trump Tells Pregnant Women 'DON'T TAKE' Tylenol, Contradicting Standard Guidance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ejX-BlTEZTk)

Empowering Awareness: The Truth About Breast Cancer

In this powerful episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby sits down with Dr. Kristin Hsieh, Radiation Oncologist at the New York Proton Center, to unpack the realities of breast cancer—its prevalence, risk factors, early detection, and treatment options.
Dr. Hsieh sheds light on the vital role of proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation that precisely targets tumors while protecting healthy tissue—especially important for patients with left-sided breast cancers or prior chest radiation. Together, they address common myths and misinformation surrounding breast cancer, emphasize the importance of health literacy, and explore ways communities can advocate for equitable access to life-saving care.
This conversation reminds us that awareness must continue year-round—beyond October’s pink ribbons—because early detection saves lives and accurate information empowers communities.
🔗 Learn more:
Health In Harlem: https://www.whcr.org/programs/health-in-harlem/
WHCR 90.3FM: https://www.whcr.org/
Health In Harlem Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/0zR4E9v1K2zjG2vT1IQbnP
📚 Trusted breast cancer resources:
CDC – Breast Cancer Awareness: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/
American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
National Cancer Institute – Breast Cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast
National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/breastcancer.html
New York Proton Center: https://www.nyproton.com/

Lessons on Longevity

October is Health Literacy Month, a time to remind ourselves how vital it is to be able to obtain, process, and use health information and services to make informed decisions for better health. In this special episode of the Health In Harlem Podcast, we explore five evidence-based tips for longevity that don’t require fancy gadgets or expensive supplements—just simple, sustainable lifestyle habits that can add years to your life and life to your years.
From the science of movement and nutrition to the power of mindset and sleep, this episode breaks down practical ways to improve your well-being based on credible research, including findings from The New York Times, Sleep Health Journal, and the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
As part of Health Literacy Month, we also highlight the importance of knowing how to find and use trusted and reliable health information—because your ability to understand your health is one of the most powerful tools for longevity.
🎧 Listen now to learn how small, evidence-based actions can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
🔗 Learn more and explore trusted resources:
🌐 Health In Harlem Podcast
🧠 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Health Literacy
📖 National Institutes of Health – Clear Communication Initiative
❤️ CDC Healthy Aging and Longevity
📰 The New York Times – Longevity & Wellness

Time for Healing: Health In Harlem Refocused

Time for Healing: Health In Harlem Refocused
Health In Harlem is back! In this powerful reboot episode, hosts Dr. Maurice Selby, Reid Vero, Anastasia Deda, and Michael Holmes discuss the renewed mission of Health In Harlem as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through evidence-based health education.
The team explores the importance of health literacy, the growing threat of health misinformation and disinformation, and the need for credible voices in today’s crowded information landscape. As part of National Immunization Awareness Month, they also celebrate one of humanity’s greatest public health triumphs — vaccines — exploring their history, safety, and the life-saving impact of immunization.
Join us as we refocus our mission to inform, engage, and uplift Harlem and communities everywhere — because health empowerment begins with knowledge.
💡 Learn More and Access Reliable Health Resources:
About Health In Harlem:
Health In Harlem Podcast (insert official link when available)
Trusted Vaccine & Immunization Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Vaccine Basics
World Health Organization – A Brief History of Vaccination
American Association of Immunologists – Vaccine Myths and Facts
American Journal of Managed Care – Vaccine Research & Policy
New York Times – Vaccines and Autism: What the Evidence Shows

Beyond the Stigma: Prostate Cancer Awareness and the Fight for Men’s Health

In this special Health in Harlem episode for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby sits down with Dr. Irini Yacoub, Radiation Oncologist at the New York Proton Center, to break down one of the most common cancers affecting men today—prostate cancer.
Together, they explore how early detection and education can save lives, and how modern treatments such as proton therapy are changing the landscape of prostate cancer care. Dr. Yacoub explains how this precise form of radiation therapy can target cancer cells while minimizing side effects and preserving quality of life.
The conversation also dives into health disparities, misinformation, and the stigma that often prevent men—especially Black and minority men—from getting screened and treated early. Tune in for a candid, evidence-based discussion that empowers men, families, and communities to take charge of their health.
🔗 Learn More & Get Involved
Prostate Cancer Foundation Awareness Toolkit: https://www.pcf.org/pcam/toolkit
NCCN Guidelines for Patients – Prostate Cancer: https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients/all-prostate-cancer-resources
American Cancer Society – Prostate Cancer: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html
CDC – Prostate Cancer Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/
New York Proton Center: https://www.nyproton.com
The New York Times – Rise in Advanced Diagnoses Linked to Reduced Screening: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/health/prostate-cancer-rise-reduced-screening.html
#ProstateCancerAwareness #MensHealth #HealthInHarlem #ProtonTherapy #ProstateCancer #EarlyDetection #BlackMensHealth #CancerPrevention #NYProtonCenter #CommunityHealthEducation

Precision in Cancer Care: Exploring the Power of Proton Therapy

In this enlightening episode of Health In Harlem, we’re joined by Dr. Arpit Chhabra, a leading Radiation Oncologist at the New York Proton Center, to explore the cutting-edge world of proton therapy. Dr. Chhabra walks us through how this advanced form of radiation targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy—sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects for patients battling cancer.
We’ll discuss who benefits most from proton therapy, how it differs from traditional radiation treatments, and what it means for the future of cancer care—especially in pediatric and hard-to-reach tumors.
Located in East Harlem, the New York Proton Center is one of the few centers in the U.S. offering this lifesaving technology. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community outreach, the center is transforming the landscape of radiation oncology in New York and beyond.
🔗 Learn more or refer a patient: www.nyproton.com📞 Phone: (833) NYPROTON (697-7686)📍 Address: 225 East 126th Street, New York, NY 10035📧 Email: info@nyproton.com
Tune in to hear how precision is reshaping hope in cancer treatment.

Addiction Treatment in the Black Community

This week on Health In Harlem, we welcome Rahwa Gebrezghier and Traci Norman of the Addiction Treatment in the Black Community (ATBC) Initiative in Harlem! In partnership with the First Corinthians Baptist Church, the ATBC works to peer support, coping skills, and evidence-based strategies and interventions for Black adults with alcohol-use disorder. The aim of this project is to decrease barriers faced by Black individuals who have alcohol problems or alcohol and other drug problems, and assess whether a computer-based program offered in a Black church is a good way to increase access to care versus standard treatment at a clinic.  To learn more or to see if you are eligible to participate, please contact Rahwa Gebrezghier at (917) 873-8109 or email Traci.Norman@nyulangone.org
 

Dr. Moe Goes to the Doctor

It sounds ridiculous, but despite the face value of the dictum "physician, heal thyself" doctors need primary care too! In this episode, Health In Harlem's Reid Vero sits with Dr. Moe Selb to talk about his visit to his primary care physician and how to optimize your visit to your primary care provider. Learn why primary care is not only lifesaving, but also a vital part of longevity and living a healthy life.
Weill Cornell- Optimizing Your Care- https://weillcornell.org/news/optimizing-your-care
 
5 Steps to Optimize Your Doctor's Visit by Dr. Zoe McMillen of LifeScape Premier- https://www.lifescapepremier.com/blogs/5-steps-to-optimize-your-doctors-visit
 
The Importance of Primary Care- The Economist- https://www.economist.com/special-report/2018/04/26/the-importance-of-primary-care?utm_medium=cpc.adword.pd&utm_source=google&ppccampaignID=17210591673&ppcadID=&utm_campaign=a.22brand_pmax&utm_content=conversion.direct-response.anonymous&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9e1haXhtjagI5eif3qTyswNvlsOt8dKm8X6RpogrFWaM2nD1aX6uUehoC5OUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
 

We ❤️ LiveOnNY

Amidst the miracles of modern medicine that we see in semaglutide, endovascular therapies for stroke, and pandemic ending vaccines, there is one that has been largely overlooked in our day-to-day discourse on what is hot and what is not on the health news scene. LiveOnNY is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide the logistics and infrastructure needed to coordinate successful organ and tissue donation in New york State. In this episode, we sat down with Mr. Leonard Achan, CEO of LiveOnNY to learn about this amazing organization and how we can all save and improve lives through organ and tissue donation.