News from NYU Langone Health
I’m a neurologist — 6 easy ways to boost your brain over the holidays, especially if you’re lonely
New York Post
Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, provides six ways to boost brain health during the holidays, especially for those experiencing loneliness. He explains that socializing benefits the brain by stimulating cognitive function. His recommendations include starting a new hobby like learning an instrument, solving challenging puzzles, dancing, and using technology to connect with loved ones. He also suggests seeking out like-minded people and getting regular physical exercise, noting that even 3,000 steps a day can help. NYU Langone Health is part of this future of protecting brain health.
12/08/2025
NYC experiences dangerously cold temperatures
Spectrum News NY1
Amid dangerously cold temperatures in New York City, Laura A. Santos, MD, medical director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, advises on safety measures. She recommends dressing in three layers, including a moisture-wicking layer, a wool layer, and a windproof outer layer. Santos also notes that areas like the head, hands, ears, and feet lose heat the fastest and should be well-covered. For infants, she suggests using one more layer than an adult would wear and removing puffy coats before securing them in car seats.
12/08/2025
CDC reports 21st cruise ship norovirus outbreak this year, with nearly 100 people infected
Fox News
The CDC confirmed the 21st cruise ship norovirus outbreak of the year, affecting nearly 100 people on the AIDAdiva. Scott A. Weisenberg, MD, medical director of the NYU Langone Infectious Disease Associates and the NYU Travel Medicine Program, explained that the virus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in crowded environments. He noted the virus can become airborne and stressed that washing hands with soap and water is more effective for prevention than alcohol-based sanitizers. The article also mentions a segment with Marc K. Siegel, MD, medical director of Doctor Radio, and clinical coordinator, NYU Langone Health Sirius Radio Project, discussing the virus.
Also reporting was: WSFX-TV (Wilmington, NC), Aol
12/08/2025
What's top-of-mind for orthopedic leaders heading into 2026
Becker's Spine Review
Orthopedic leaders outline 2026 priorities across reimbursement, access and technology. Eric Grossman, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, warns that unsustainable reimbursement shifts threaten specialists and urges stronger physician advocacy. John Kennedy, MD, chief of the Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery and professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, anticipates broader use of in-office needle arthroscopy with next-generation systems. Joseph Zuckerman, MD, chair of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, flags federal coverage changes as a key risk. Themes include CMS cuts, AI adoption, consolidation and patient access.
12/08/2025
Reducing the Risk of Progression from MASLD to MASH
HealthCentral
Up to 44% of US adults may have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which can progress to a more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), in about 20% of cases. MASH involves liver inflammation and scarring that can lead to cirrhosis. Lisa Ganjhu, DO, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, notes that cirrhosis can result in liver failure, liver cancer, and the need for a transplant. The article also discusses risk factors for progression and management strategies, with commentary from a hepatologist at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital.
12/08/2025
GLP-1s may have profound impact on total joint replacement
Orthopedics Today
Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, says GLP-1 receptor agonists improve glycemic control and drive weight loss, helping patients meet BMI thresholds for hip and knee replacement. Surgeons report lower complication rates in GLP-1 users, but perioperative risks include delayed gastric emptying and aspiration. Institutions vary on when to hold and restart therapy, underscoring the need for standardized protocols. Long-term effects on bone, muscle, wound healing, and arthritis progression remain under study.
12/08/2025
At the Center of it All: New York University’s Expansive Infectious Diseases Footprint
Contagion Live
A profile on New York University's infectious disease programs highlights the work of NYU Langone Health’s Vaccine Center. The center, founded in 2018, helped pioneer COVID-19 vaccines and vaccinated the first participant in a Pfizer-BioNTech trial in May 2020. Angelica Cifuentes Kottkamp, MD, associate director for research and diversity at NYU Langone’s Vaccine Center, serves as a principal investigator for vaccine trials including COVID-19, shingles, influenza, and mpox. She also discussed the importance of inclusivity in trials and the center's close work with the patient population at Bellevue Hospital, particularly within the Hispanic and Latinx communities.
12/08/2025
Daily Mail
Multiple restaurants are eliminating seed oils amid debate over omega-6 fats, with some New York venues switching to tallow, olive, avocado, or algae oils. Leah Kaufman, registered dietitian at NYU Langone's Weight Loss Management Program, warned that seed oils pervade processed foods and advised consumers to favor olive or avocado oils and reduce ultra-processed products. Health organizations including the American Heart Association and World Health Organization still deem seed oils safe in moderation, while research on risks from oxidation and high omega-6 intake remains mixed.
12/08/2025
2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by State
U.S. News and World Report
U.S. News has named NYU Langone Hospitals to its list of the 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The list recognizes hospitals across the country for excellence in caring for uncomplicated pregnancies. Hospitals were evaluated on several factors, including C-section rates and unexpected newborn complication rates. Other New York-based hospitals on the list include Mount Sinai Morningside, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
12/08/2025
Phys.org
Researchers from the University of Maryland, Oxford, Imperial College London, NYU Langone Health, and the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute report in JAMA Network Open that Medicare patients received 13.5 billion milliliters of imaging contrast from 2011 to 2024. Iodinated agents comprised 12.9 billion milliliters across 169 million procedures, with abdominal and pelvic CTs leading use. Gadolinium-based agents totaled nearly 600 million milliliters, led by brain MRI. The authors urge contrast stewardship, including appropriateness criteria, weight-based dosing, recycling or multiuse vials, and exploring biodegradable alternatives or AI-driven dose reduction to reduce environmental impact.
12/08/2025
The miracle that fades: New study reveals troubling reality of post-treatment weight regain
Natural News
At ObesityWeek 2025, researchers from NYU Langone Health presented a real-world analysis using a national claims database of more than 1.2 million patients, finding 58% who discontinued GLP-1 weight-loss drugs regained significant weight within 12 months. Among 18,228 patients who lost at least 5% before stopping, average weight increased 4.5% by three months, 6% by six months, and 7.5% by one year. Findings suggest ongoing therapy may be necessary, raising cost pressures and conflicting with policies that limit treatment duration.
12/08/2025
Moss: A New Club That Tries to Redraw the Lines of New York Life
Luxatic
A new private club, Moss, has opened at 520 Fifth Avenue in Midtown, focusing on intelligent leisure and physical culture. The club's wellness facilities include Bedrock Athletics, which offers personalized fitness programs developed with NYU Langone’s Sports Performance Center to provide academic rigor. The gym also utilizes NYU-certified trainers. Spanning five floors, Moss features dining venues, social spaces, a library bar, a podcast studio, and an extensive spa area with pools and treatment rooms, aiming to support the full daily activities of its members.
12/08/2025
Alex Vaccaro in 2025: 5 key insights
Becker's Spine Review
Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, discussed the practice's partnership with NYU Langone Health. He explained that Rothman chose NYU Langone Health as its partner in the New York metropolitan area to improve orthopedic care in the Westchester region. Vaccaro noted that NYU Langone Health provided the necessary financial support for Rothman to thrive in Manhattan and Westchester. He added that NYU Langone Health was the preferred candidate to acquire the practice for rapid expansion in Westchester. Vaccaro also commented on the potential of AI in medicine, particularly for revenue cycle management.
12/08/2025
Why You Sweat When You Poop and What You Can Do About It
Everyday Health
Some people experience sweating and dizziness during a bowel movement, a phenomenon sometimes known as “poop sweats.” According to David M. Poppers, MD, PhD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, director, GI Quality and Strategic Initiatives, Center for Women's Health and Center for Men's Health, this is not usually a cause for concern. The issue often stems from a reflex called vasovagal syncope, which involves the vagus nerve and causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Common triggers include straining from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, certain medications, and spicy foods. Prevention strategies include increasing fiber and water intake to avoid constipation and straining.
12/08/2025
9 Things You Should Never See in the Toilet Bowl, According to Doctors
TODAY
A consumer health explainer highlights red flags in stool, urine, and vomit that warrant medical evaluation. Seth Cohen, MD, MPH, urologist at NYU Langone Health, and director, Sexual Dysfunction Program, advises that bloody, dark brown, or cloudy urine can signal infection, stones, liver disease, or muscle breakdown and should prompt care if persistent. A Weill Cornell specialist outlines stool warning signs such as blood, black tarry stools, pale clay color, greasy floating stools, and hard pellets, plus coffee-ground vomit, emphasizing timely assessment for potential GI or liver conditions.
12/08/2025
