News from NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Doctor Shares Top Health Resolutions for the New Year
Today with Jenna & Friends
Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at NYU Langone Health, shared several impactful health resolutions for the new year. She advises scheduling and keeping annual appointments with a primary care doctor, dentist, and dermatologist for preventive care. To build muscle, which we start losing at age 30, she suggests simple things like carrying groceries and taking stairs. Dr. Raj also recommends daily walks, especially after meals, to regulate blood sugar and improve mood. She stresses the importance of focusing on social relationships and using AI for general health education rather than for personal diagnosis.
1/05/2026
Top 5 Breast Cancer Stories of 2025: Research, Treatments and Care
CURE Magazine
A retrospective study at NYU Langone Health found low-dose oral minoxidil helps breast cancer survivors regrow hair without serious side effects. According to co-lead author Devyn Zaminski, a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the study of 51 patients showed all experienced improvement or stability in alopecia after three to six months. The findings support the drug as a safe option for hair restoration after treatment. The article also reviews other major 2025 breast cancer developments, including the slower adoption of antibody-drug conjugates for older women, the safety of chemotherapy during pregnancy, and advances in personalized treatment for metastatic disease.
1/06/2026
Do Anti-Aging Diets Actually Work?
ELLE
An article examines the 'food longevity' trend, questioning whether extreme diets and specialized products can extend lifespan. Sean P. Heffron, MD, preventive cardiologist at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Health, provides a reality check, stating that eating fresh, minimally processed foods is more impactful than trendy supplements. He recommends reducing intake of land animals and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Heffron also emphasizes the importance of the social aspect of eating with others, noting that mental health is a significant predictor of longevity.
1/05/2026
Race to Get New Weight Loss Pill
NBC 5 - Today
Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, agrees that the new oral version of Wegovy is a "game changer" that will be more accessible and at least 50% cheaper than injectables, causing user numbers to "skyrocket." She warns of a greater potential for misuse, emphasizing it is a long-term prescription drug for obesity with serious side effects. Dr. Raj stresses it is not a "magic thing" and must be combined with diet and exercise, advising interested patients to speak with their own doctor.
1/05/2026
What Does Creatine Do For Women? Benefits, Side Effects, And How To Use The Supplement
Women's Health
Creatine is a well-researched supplement that can help build lean muscle, boost strength, and enhance exercise performance, with particular benefits for women. According to Nicole Lund, RDN, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone, women of all ages can benefit from taking creatine to boost performance, gain strength, or improve recovery. Lund adds that maintaining muscle mass improves metabolism, overall strength, balance, and mobility, which are essential for healthy aging.
1/04/2026
NYS Health Department Now Confirming Its Vaccine Policies Remain Unchanged
FOX 5 THE 5 O'CLOCK NEWS
Devi E. Nampiaparampil, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and medical contributor for FOX5, that while the CDC has reduced its number of "routine" vaccine recommendations for children, New York State's policies remain unchanged. She notes that vaccines like the flu shot are now part of a "shared decision-making" process between doctors and patients. Dr. Nampiaparampil also discusses winter migraines, explaining that drops in barometric pressure and muscle tension from the cold can be triggers. She recommends keeping the head and neck warm, staying hydrated, and talking to a doctor about preventative medications.
1/05/2026
Uptick in Lyme Disease Underscores Need for Human Vaccine
Medscape
In a commentary, Art Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, expresses frustration over the recent surge in Lyme disease cases. He questions why a human vaccine is not available, noting that a safe and effective vaccine for dogs has existed for two decades. Caplan recalls that a human vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline was withdrawn due to low sales, not safety or efficacy issues. He urges the federal government to either facilitate the re-release of the previous vaccine or fast-track a new one currently in development by Pfizer.
1/06/2026
Ethicists Warn About the Dangers of Linking Assisted Suicide to Organ Donation
National Catholic Register
Some ethicists warn that combining legalized assisted suicide with organ donation, a scenario developing in New York, could pressure vulnerable individuals to end their lives. The article highlights the increasing number of organ donations after 'Medical Assistance in Dying' in Canada. Art Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, is not convinced this will converge in the U.S. but notes that abuses threaten public trust in the transplant system. He labeled the idea of removing organs before death is declared as 'completely unethical.'
1/06/2026
