News from NYU Langone Health
I’m a doctor — 5 major lessons we can learn from people who live past 100
New York Post
In an opinion piece, Sakina Ouedraogo Tall, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric & Palliative Medicine at NYU Langone Health, outlines five key lessons for healthy aging based on people who live past 100. She emphasizes that lifestyle choices are the primary drivers of longevity and highlights five crucial behaviors: regular exercise, healthy eating, treating hearing loss, maintaining social connections, and managing cardiovascular risks. Dr. Ouedraogo Tall also discusses predictors of a long, healthy life, such as grip strength and walking speed, and advises when an older patient should see a geriatrician at a facility like NYU Langone’s Pearl I. Barlow Center for Memory Evaluation & Treatment.
1/04/2026
Dr Asif Noor discusses the flu season
WNBC-TV (New York, NY)
New York State is experiencing a record number of flu hospitalizations, with 4,500 people admitted during the week of December 21st alone. According to Asif Noor, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, the severity is due to the dominant H3 strain, which is known to cause more severe disease, particularly for individuals over 65. Health officials, including State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, emphasize that the flu shot remains the best defense and that it is not too late to get vaccinated.
1/01/2026
Will Josh Hart’s sprained ankle have any lingering effects? | The Injury Report
New York Post
Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, joins The Injury Report to discuss New York Knicks player Josh Hart's recovery from a sprained ankle. Dr. Gonzalez-Lomas breaks down how Hart can recover after sustaining the injury during the Knicks' Christmas Day win over the Cavaliers, outlining the necessary steps for a full return to play without lingering effects.
1/02/2026
East Patchogue boy who fell through ice reunites with Suffolk police officers who saved him
Newsday
An 8-year-old boy named Tayvion, who fell through the ice on a pond on Christmas Day, was reunited with the three Suffolk County police officers who saved his life. The officers waded into the freezing water, also falling through the ice, to rescue the boy who had been stranded for about 20 minutes. After the rescue, Tayvion was evaluated at NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk in East Patchogue and was released in time to be home for Christmas dinner. The officers were honored in a ceremony for their life-saving actions.
1/05/2026
Enter 2026 stronger than ever with these expert-approved fitness tips
USA Today
Fitness experts advise taking small, actionable steps to reach 2026 fitness goals. Julia L. Iafrate, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, and director, Social Media, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, emphasizes meeting weekly exercise targets, such as 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. She recommends a mix of cardio, muscle strengthening, and balance work to improve overall ability and reduce injury risk. Dr. Iafrate also notes that proper hydration is crucial before working out to prevent fatigue and ensure peak performance. Other experts suggest choosing enjoyable activities and prioritizing consistency over perfection to maintain a routine.
1/03/2026
Issues in Lifestyle Psychiatry: November Special Report Recap
Psychiatric Times
In a special report on lifestyle psychiatry, Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, MEd, clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, introduces the topic and its six pillars: physical activity, healthy nutrition, restorative sleep, minimizing toxic exposures, stress management, and connectedness. Dr. Merlo highlights the growing evidence for lifestyle interventions in preventing and managing mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder. The report also explores the role of green spaces and religion in mental well-being, aligning with the theme of the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.
1/02/2026
Endocrinologists Reveal the Surprising Way Weather Impacts Blood Sugar
Prevention
Extreme hot and cold weather can significantly impact blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. According to Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, clinical professor, Department of Medicine, Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Langone Health, cold weather can result in less insulin secretion and absorption, while paradoxically increasing hypoglycemia risk. She confirms both temperature extremes can cause fasting glucose levels to rise and notes that behavioral changes, such as exercising less in winter, also play a role. Dr. Pessah-Pollack advises careful insulin storage and warns that glucometers could be inaccurate in extremely cold conditions.
1/02/2026
Wellness trends worth taking into the new year (and some that aren't)
NPR
An article reviewing popular wellness trends from 2025 examines the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for people without diabetes. According to research co-led by Collin Popp, PhD, assistant professor in NYU Langone's Department of Population Health, results from using CGMs vary significantly among individuals. Popp noted that while some study participants lost considerable weight, others gained weight. The article concludes that while CGMs can be helpful, their data should be interpreted with caution, as readings can be inconsistent.
Also reporting was: NPR Illinois, KUNC-FM (Greeley, CO), Georgia Public Broadcasting, Idaho Matters, KANU-FM (Lawrence, KS), KUAF-FM (Fayetteville, AR), KMUW-FM (Wichita, KS), WVXU-FM (Cincinnati, OH), Utah Public Radio, WPSU-FM (State College, PA)
1/03/2026
Can a mammogram detect heart disease? What to know about breast calcium deposits
NBC News
A study from Mount Sinai is examining the link between breast arterial calcifications (BAC) found on mammograms and heart disease risk. The research adds to evidence that cardiovascular clues may be present in the breasts. Commenting on the findings, Naomi Ko, MD, section chief of breast medical oncology at NYU Langone Health, who is not involved in the study, said it adds to a growing body of evidence. Ko noted that while more research is needed, if the information influences improved health behaviors, it is a positive development. She emphasized that BAC is just one data point and patients should not panic.
Also reporting was: WMAQ-TV (Chicago, IL), WTVJ-TV (Miami, FL), WBTS-TV (Boston, MA), KXAS-TV (Fort Worth, TX), WNBC-TV (New York, NY), WCAU-TV (Philadelphia, PA), KNBC-TV (Los Angeles, CA), WVIT-TV (West Hartford, CT), KNSD-TV (San Diego, CA), NBC4 Washington / WRC-TV
1/03/2026
Oscar Lahoud: New CMO at NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn
Time.News
NYU Langone Health has appointed Oscar Lahoud, MD, as the new Chief Medical Officer of NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, effective immediately. He succeeds Joseph Weisstuch and will oversee all clinical operations at the hospital, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. His role will also involve developing and implementing new clinical programs and initiatives. This strategic appointment is part of NYU Langone Health's ongoing commitment to enhancing patient services, improving healthcare quality, and driving innovation within the Brooklyn community.
1/03/2026
Deadly 'superbug' is spreading across US as drug resistance grows, researchers warn
Fox News
A deadly, drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, is spreading rapidly through U.S. hospitals and becoming more threatening worldwide, according to a new scientific review. The CDC has designated C. auris an 'urgent antimicrobial threat.' The fungus poses the greatest risk to critically ill patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, noted that it is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs and tends to spread in hospital settings on equipment used for immunocompromised patients. He also mentioned that its symptoms can be mistaken for other infections, delaying treatment.
Also reporting was: WSFX-TV (Wilmington, NC), WFVX-TV (Bangor, ME), WAGA-TV (Atlanta, GA), WNYW-TV (New York, NY), New York Post, LiveNOW from FOX, WFLD-TV (Chicago, IL), KSAZ-TV (Phoenix, AZ), WTTG-TV (Bethesda, MD), WTXF-TV (Philadelphia, PA)
1/03/2026
States require AI disclosure in healthcare with new transparency laws
Fox News
A growing number of states are enacting laws that require healthcare organizations to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in patient care, creating a patchwork of regulations in the absence of a federal mandate. States such as California, Colorado, and Utah are leading this effort, focusing on transparency in areas like patient communications, utilization reviews, and coverage decisions to maintain trust and informed consent. The article features commentary from Marc K. Siegel, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health and a Fox News senior medical analyst, who discusses how AI could significantly improve the healthcare system.
1/02/2026
Medical Aid in Dying: Not for Dementia, Says Ethicist
Medscape
In a commentary, Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, argues against extending medical aid in dying to people with dementia. He states that a person with dementia is not competent to make such a request, and there is a risk of abuse from exhausted caregivers. Caplan also notes that the high cost of care is not an ethical justification for ending a life. While he supports the practice for terminally ill patients who are competent to choose, he believes there is no real choice when it comes to dementia.
1/02/2026
Arthur Caplan raises ethical concerns about cloning pets
Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, raises significant ethical concerns about cloning pets. He emphasizes that "cloning is not xeroxing," meaning the new animal will not have the same soul or personality as the original. Given the high cost of the procedure—around $50,000—and the vast number of pets in shelters, he questions the morality of this "specialty way to make a pet." Dr. Caplan suggests that people would be better off adopting an animal in need.
1/02/2026