The Health In Harlem Podcast

Influenza is often underestimated, but it can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death—especially among older adults, young children, pregnant people, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and communities facing limited access to healthcare and other social supports.

In this episode of Health In Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM, Dr. Maurice Selby and Reid Vero explain how influenza viruses spread, what makes some strains more contagious or severe, and how scientists anticipate which viruses may dominate the upcoming season. The discussion examines the global surveillance data used to formulate annual flu vaccines—not simply what circulated during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter—and reviews traditional flu shots, nasal-spray and enhanced vaccines, and the newly available mRNA influenza vaccine.

Listeners will also learn what flu vaccines can and cannot do, how vaccination reduces the risks of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and what additional steps families can take to limit transmission. The episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help individuals and communities prepare for the 2026–2027 influenza season.

Reliable influenza information

Infectious Diseases Society of America: Influenza Resource Center

IDSA: Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines

New England Journal of Medicine: An Early Look at mRNA Vaccines to Prevent Influenza

New England Journal of Medicine: Evidence Update on Influenza and Other Respiratory Vaccines

Your Local Epidemiologist

Those Nerdy Girls: Flu-Vaccine Reminder

Those Nerdy Girls: Infectious-Disease Resources

CDC: Influenza and the Current Flu Season

CDC: Seasonal Flu Vaccine Information

World Health Organization: Seasonal Influenza

Health In Harlem and WHCR

Health In Harlem on WHCR 90.3 FM

WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

The Health In Harlem Podcast

Health In Harlem on Apple Podcasts

This program is intended for education and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, vaccination guidance, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

What is really inside America’s favorite breakfast cereals—and how much of what we believe about them has been shaped by marketing?

In this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with renowned nutrition and food-policy expert Dr. Marion Nestle and former cereal-industry nutrition executive Dr. Lisa Sutherland, authors of Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America’s Favorite Breakfast Food. Together, they unpack the history and business of breakfast cereal, including the industry’s use of health claims, package design, fortification, mascots, and advertising—especially marketing directed toward children.

The conversation also gives consumers practical tools for navigating the cereal aisle. Listeners will learn how to look beyond front-of-package claims, read ingredient lists and Nutrition Facts labels, and compare cereals based on whole grains, fiber, added sugar, sodium, and serving size. More broadly, the episode explores what the cereal box can teach us about food politics, nutrition policy, corporate influence, and the challenges families face when trying to make informed food choices.

Learn more

Sugar Coated — University of California Press

Marion Nestle’s Food Politics website and newsletter

Breakfast cereal consumer guide — University of Florida IFAS Extension

How to understand the Nutrition Facts label — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Health In Harlem on Instagram

WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

Health In Harlem Podcast on Podbean

Health In Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Health In Harlem Podcast on Spotify

In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Maurice Selby speaks with prostate cancer survivor and men’s health advocate Lamont Mitchell about his journey from an unexpected elevated PSA result to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Mitchell shares how educating himself, seeking additional medical opinions, and actively participating in treatment decisions helped him navigate prostate cancer and protect his quality of life.

The conversation also explores prostate cancer screening, the importance of knowing your health numbers, and the disproportionate burden of the disease among Black men. Mitchell discusses his experience receiving an individualized treatment plan that included hormone therapy, brachytherapy, and five-session proton therapy at the New York Proton Center—and how his diagnosis inspired him to encourage other men to become informed, proactive partners in their healthcare.

Learn more and stay connected

Health In Harlem

The Health In Harlem Podcast

WHCR 90.3 FM—The Voice of Harlem

CDC: Prostate Cancer Information and Educational Resources

American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation: Awareness Month Resources

New York Proton Center

New York Proton Center: Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Lamont Mitchell’s Prostate Cancer Story

This program is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized guidance, screening recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

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.

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.

American Heart Association

Additional Trusted Resources

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.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Additional Resources

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.

WHCR 90.3 FM

Health in Harlem Podcast on Spotify

Health in Harlem Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Health in Harlem Podcast on Amazon Music

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.

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/

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.

Health in Harlem

Health in Harlem (WHCR 90.3 FM):

Health in Harlem Podcast:

Cardiovascular Health Resources

American Heart Association – Life’s Essential 8:

American Heart Association – Sleep and Heart Health:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Sleep and Heart Disease:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Why Sleep Matters:

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.

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

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