MIT - Conversations with MIT Health

When Massachusetts gets dark at 4:30 in the afternoon, most of us get sleepy, snacky, and deeply offended by the thought of leaving the house. Are we being melodramatic? Not entirely.

Emily talks with Zan Barry, PsyD, MIT Health’s manager of wellness education — and the soothing voice behind the Sleep Line — about surviving the darker months without going full vampire/mole person. They cover daylight, circadian rhythms, time changes, light therapy, caffeine, sleep, and the surprisingly refreshing (and probably fun at parties) “chicken breath” technique.

Oh, and you'll learn why you should consider leaving the MIT tunnels occasionally, even when it's chilly outside.

Find MIT Health wellness programs, upcoming classes, and a place to submit your questions at health.mit.edu/thrive.

In this episode of Office Hours, Pediatric Primary Care Provider Edward Levy, MD, talks about screen time limits, smartphones, parental controls, and the newest parenting challenge: artificial intelligence. What happens when kids turn to chatbots for homework help, advice, or even companionship?

Ed shares practical advice, research, and some reassuring reminders for parents trying to keep up ever-changing tech.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Parenting guidance

American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org

The 5 Cs of Media Use: https://www.healthychildren.org/Engli...

Family Media Plan: https://www.healthychildren.org/Engli...

Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Research and authors

Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

Jean Twenge, researcher on technology and generational change: https://www.jeantwenge.com/

Peter Gray, psychologist and advocate for independent play: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/co...

Chaim Omer, psychologist known for his work on parental presence

AI and Teen Identity Formation, Cindy H. Liu and Tiffany Yip, Pediatrics (2026): https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2026-076609

Perimenopause is all over the internet and social media. On this episode, we talk with Dr. Adi Ratner Nevo to sift through the hormones, the hacks, the rumors and the facts to get to the heart of this hot topic in women's health. 

Learn more about Adi Rattner Nevo, MD 

Dr. Haleh Rokni walks new and returning students through the simple first steps to access mental health support at MIT Health, and explains why reaching out early can make a big difference. Learn how to access counseling and find out what you can expect at your first appointment. For more information or to get connected call 617-253-2916, or visit health.mit.edu. 

Learn more about Haleh Rokni, MD 

We’ve all been there. You’re having an adult beverage, and suddenly, you feel the urge to “go”... and after you go once, you're making repeated trips to the bathroom all night. This is the legendary concept of “Breaking the Seal.” But is it actually real? Is there a physical barrier inside us that, once broken, opens the floodgates? If not, what's actually happening behind the scenes? Dr. Jeffrey Held joins the pod to help us unravel the mysteries of our own plumbing. 

 Learn more about Jeffrey Held, MD 

At MIT it seems that everyone has an emotional support water bottle. Campus is full of people toting their nalgenes, Stanleys, and Yetis — tracking their ounces on apps and stressing about hitting “eight glasses a day.” But among that crowd, two friends are debating the rules of the game: Does it “count” if the water fizzes? Are you cheating at hydration if your water isn’t plain, flat, and boring? 

Learn more about Allison Sherwood, M.S.N, F.N.P.-B.C. 

On this episode of Office Hours with MIT Health, Dr. David Li, a dermatologist at MIT Health answers our questions about sunscreen.

We answer a question from a budding runner who is concerned about shin splints and over-pronation. 

Learn more about Shawn Ferullo, MD 

Getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STIs, is easier than you think! In this episode, we sit down with Maura Rowley, Manager of Student Health Nursing at MIT Health, to talk about how quick, simple, and confidential STI screening is for students. Learn how to book an appointment, what to expect during your visit, and why routine testing is important—even if you feel fine. Plus, we’ll clear up common myths and answer your questions about privacy, cost (spoiler: it's covered!), and next steps if you have concerns. Taking care of your sexual health is stress-free at MIT—tune in to find out how!

Who would make medical decisions for you if you couldn’t? In this episode of Conversations with MIT Health, Jessica Senesi, ANP-BC, and Lydia Barlow, MD, explain why healthcare proxies matter, how to choose one, and the key conversations to have. They’ll also clear up misconceptions and discuss how proxies interact with advance directives. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, this discussion will help you make informed decisions with confidence.