The Health In Harlem Podcast

Milk Madness Part 2

Alt milk? as strange as this term sounds, it's largely true as many plant-based milks are not simply substitutes to dairy milk (especially when comparing the nutritional profiles of dairy and plant-based milks). In this episode we give you the low down on the history, production, pros and cons of plant-based milks and how you might use them in pursuit of your health goals. Also, check out the resources below for more background information regarding this program. As always, the only thing we ask s that you share what you learn with anyone that will listen. Harlem, take care of yourself.
 
U.S. News and World Report: Which Kind of Milk is Healthiest?
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/which-type-of-milk-is-healthiest
 
Cleveland Clinic: What You Need to Know When Choosing Milk and Milk Alternatives
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-need-to-know-when-choosing-milk-and-milk-alternatives/
 
New York Times: Are Plant Milks Good for You?
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/10/style/plant-milk.html
New York Times: I’m Lactose Intolerant, What’s the Best Nondairy Milk Alternative?
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/well/eat/lactose-intolerant-non-dairy-milk.html
Which Alternative Milk is Best for the Environment
https://thebeet.com/youve-ditched-dairy-but-which-plant-based-milk-is-best-for-the-environment/
Meta-Analysis; Soy Intake and Breast Cancer Risk
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930722/
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public health Blog Site: The Nutrition Source- Milk
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/milk/
Prevalence of Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9046619/
Food Manufacturing: Exploring the Growth of Plant-based Milk
https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/article/21723117/exploring-the-growth-of-plantbased-milk#:~:text=Contrary%20to%20public%20perception%2C%20the,East%20in%20the%2013th%20century.

Milk Madness Part 1

Got (soy, almond, rice, cashew, oat, etc.) milk? Considering the varieties and the various pros and cons associated with each, choosing which milk (or milk-like beverage) to drink can be harder than making a decision which car insurance to purchase. Well, Health In Harlem is here to help you sort through the madness and decide which milk or milk-alternative is the best for you. This two-part series will start with the ins and outs of dairy milk and next week we will discuss the various plant-based alternatives out there and compare and contrast them to their dairy counterparts. Please check out the links below to learn more and be sure to hit us up with any questions, comments, or concerns. As always, Harlem, take care of yourself.
U.S. News and World Report: Which Kind of Milk is Healthiest?
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/which-type-of-milk-is-healthiest
 
Cleveland Clinic: What You Need to Know When Choosing Milk and Milk Alternatives
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-need-to-know-when-choosing-milk-and-milk-alternatives/
 
New York Times: Are Plant Milks Good for You?
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/10/style/plant-milk.html
 
New York Times: I’m Lactose Intolerant, What’s the Best Nondairy Milk Alternative?
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/well/eat/lactose-intolerant-non-dairy-milk.html
 
Which Alternative Milk is Best for the Environment
https://thebeet.com/youve-ditched-dairy-but-which-plant-based-milk-is-best-for-the-environment/

New Years’ Show 2023

It's 2023 and while the year is still new, there are many of us who have already reneged on one or more of our resolutions. But no need for sorrow or disappointment as the Health In Harlem team is here to get you back on your path to success! In this episode, Dr. Maurice Selby, Reid Vero, and Anastasia Deda share their resolutions from last year and discuss their ups and downs and their reasons for success and/or failure in pursuit of their goals. Then we flip the script and apply lessons from last year to optimize success and flourish in 2023! Please see the links below for more information and to kick this year off the right way. 
 
Psychology Today: The Practice and Habit of Happiness by Jeffrey Davis
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tracking-wonder/201912/the-practice-and-habit-happiness
NPR: Time is Fleeting. Here's how to stay on track with New Years' goals
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/01/02/1144894026/time-is-fleeting-heres-how-to-stay-on-track-with-new-years-goals
The Atlantic: New Years' Resolutions That Will Actually Lead to Happiness
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/12/new-years-resolutions-will-make-you-happier/617439/
Red Cross: CPR Certification Class
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class?scode=PSG00000E017&ds_rl=1289062cid=generator&med=cpc&source=google&gclid=CjwKCAiAwomeBhBWEiwAM43YIEsEy2_HXiHhtLcyV7GgXrMOb2Gt951OpJtUebg0tKWdzR61h5u_7hoC1FMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
 
 
 

The Pandemic Might Be Over (But COVID Is Not): The Omicron Booster Show

On Sunday September 18, 2022, in an interview on 60 Minutes President Joseph R. Biden declared "the pandemic is over." While some experts (mainly epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists) would disagree with the President's assessment, it's kind of hard to say he is flat out wrong. We are in a very different place as the rates of COVID had been falling for weeks before recently plateauing along with hospitalizations and deaths from the illness. Things have certainly gotten better. But the fact remains that SARS-CoV-2 is still out there, and if the pattern for the last two years holds up, we'll be seeing surges of cases this Fall and Winter season. Thus, on Health In Harlem this week, we have a cozy chat about the bivalent vaccines/boosters that will be paramount in preventing severe illness and death as well as decreasing the economic and social burden of the disease. While you listen in, check out the resources below to learn more about recent COVID guidelines, vaccine information, and a vaccine eligibility tool! Enjoy and as always, Harlem, take care of yourself."    
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Streamlines COVID-19 Guidance to help the public better protect themselves and understand their risk
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html
Centers for Disease Control and prevention: The Update on “Up to Date”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID Vaccine Eligibility Tool
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#when-you-can-get-booster
 
 

Probiotics and Your Health

It is no surprise that a the distribution and consumption of probiotics has grown multi-billion dollar industry. Spurred by breakthroughs in understanding of the way the human microbiome impacts our health and wellness, it seems like a sure bet that the consumption of beneficial microorganism will contribute to improved health and wellness. However, there are many indications that the science is unsettled. In this episode of Health In Harlem we are joined by Dr. Pieter Cohen, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and Director of the Supplement Research Program and Dr. Daniel Merenstein, Professor of Family Medicine at the Georgetown University and an expert in probiotics that has recruited more than 2000 patients for clinical trials involving probiotics. So, are probiotics for you and are they the key to you living the healthiest life possible, listen in to find out. 
 
National Institutes of Health: Probiotics Fact Sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-Consumer/
 
The New York Times: What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/27/style/self-care/probiotics-benefits.html
 
The New york Times: The Problem with Probiotics
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/upshot/the-problem-with-probiotics.html
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Regulatory Oversight and Safety of Probiotic Use
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/16/11/10-0574_article
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UV Safety Month

We on Health In Harlem are fans of enjoying the sun and getting those vitamin D levels up, but we are also very aware that scorched skin is no fun. July is UV Safety Month and that is because as ubiquitous as the sun is, the damage it causes is just as widespread. In this episode we discuss the danger of UV radiation and deliver the information you need to stay safe while enjoying the best that Summer has to offer. As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the program, please hit us up on our message board or via our social media pages. 
UV Safety Sources
Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology: Ten-year Follow-Up of Persons with Sun-damaged Skin Associated with Subsequent Development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7992022/
Summit Medical Group Blog: UV Safety Month  2022
https://www.summitmedical.com/blog/2022uv
 
Wirecutter (The New York Times): Lots of People Apply Sunscreen Wrong: Here’s How to Do It Right
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-apply-sunscreen/
 
 

The BBL Show!

With more than 40,000 procedures performed in 2020 and a 90% increase in the number of procedures performed between 2015 and 2019, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)- aka buttocks augmentation or gluteal augmentation- is among the most popular cosmetic surgeries. But buyer beware, as it is also the most deadly. In this episode, the Health In Harlem team is joined by Doris Hansen, a Surgical Physician Assistant working in plastic and cosmetic surgery sits with us to discuss the ins and out of this procedure and how to select the right surgeon to get the job done. Please be sure to leave your questions and comments and we will be sure to answer them as best we can. As always, Harlem, take care of yourself.
 
*The price range for BBLs mentioned in the show varies according to the location, surgical practice, practitioner and can even vary state-to-state. The price in the United States can range from $3000 to $30,000 and does not always include the costs of aftercare and other supplies, garments, medications, etc. that will be necessary to ensure success of the procedure. Please read the resources below to learn more.
 
American Society of Plastic Surgery: How Do I Choose a Surgeon for Buttock Enhancement? 
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buttock-enhancement/surgeon
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Are Brazilian Butt Lifts Safe?
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/cosmetic-medicine/are-brazilian-butt-lifts-safe/
 
Harper's Bazaar: Just How Dangerous is a Brazilian Butt Lift?https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a28170595/what-is-brazilian-butt-lift/#:~:text=How%20Much%20Does%20a%20BBL,anywhere%20from%20%243%2C000%20to%20%2430%2C000.
 
The New York Times: Brazilian Butt lifts Surge, Despite Risks
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/19/style/brazillian-butt-lift-bbl-how-much-risks.html
 
Vox: The $5000 Quest for the Perfect Butt
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22598377/bbl-brazilian-butt-lift-miami-cost-tiktok
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Cosmetic Vs. Plastic Surgery
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/
 

Summer Safety 2022

No matter your politics, religious beliefs, income level, Facebook status, everyone can agree that It's hot as heck right now! All across the United States (and around the World), the heat is almost unbearable as a heat wave has lead to record high temperatures and we are undoubtedly paying a price (other than high energy costs). There are literally people losing their lives to heat-related illness and the Health In Harlem team is here to say it does not have to be that way. We give you the critical information regarding heat-related illness and the tips and strategies to stay cool and above all else, stay healthy. Please hit us up with any questions or concerns on our message board and as always, enjoy the show!
 
Environmental Protection Agency: Climate Change Indicators: Heat-related deaths
https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-related-deaths#:~:text=Some%20statistical%20approaches%20estimate%20that,set%20shown%20in%20Figure%201.
 
NYC Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/
 
NYC.Gov Cooling centers: https://maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/inactive.html?1656000600000
 
Cool It! NYC Parks map
https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc

Monkeypox???! ＞＞＞ What You Need to Know

The bad news is that there is another viral pathogen floating around out there! The good news is that the premier public health agency in the world is on the case and working actively to contain the spread of the virus. In this episode of Health In Harlem, we discuss the specifics of this outbreak as well as the work done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to surveil emerging infectious diseases and prevent the spread of such illness in the United States and around the world. As always, we hope that you learn from our program and please let us know how we can best serve you in future shows!
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Monkeypox in a traveler returning from Nigeria
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7114a1.htm
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Monkeypox Clinical Recognition
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/clinical-recognition.html
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Traveler's Health
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
 
    

The Never-ending Story: COVID-19 Update May 2022

If there were such a thing as a post-COVID world, this is what I imagine it would feel like. Masks, while optional (and in some establishments, still required), seem to be present on faces in smaller and smaller amounts. Graduation parties and cookouts have resumed, along with concerts, conferences, and conventions. You can even fly maskless again. But the harsh reality is that SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating and there are upwards of 300 Americans dying form the illness each day. With cases and hospitalizations rising throughout the country yet again, some experts are bracing for yet another wave of illness that can again overwhelm our healthcare systems and hobble the economy. In this latest episode of Health In Harlem, we discuss COVID-19 testing, new therapeutics, and more ways in which you can keep yourself and your family safe in the face of this seemingly omnipresent and stubborn virus.
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 Testing
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Use and Care of Masks
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
 
National Institutes of Health: COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines
https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antiviral-therapy/ritonavir-boosted-nirmatrelvir--paxlovid-/