News from NYU Langone Health
290 Hospitals With 5 Stars From CMS. (Becker's Hospital Review)
(8/11) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2025 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, where 290 hospitals received a five-star rating, including NYU Langone Health in New York City, reflecting their performance in mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
How To Get More Out Of Physical Therapy. (Washington Post)
(8/11) Joseph G. Lume, PT, DPT, physical therapist, Department of Orthopedics, Rusk Rehabilitation Center, emphasizes the benefits of physical therapy for pain management and prehabilitation before surgery, highlighting its role in strengthening muscles and improving recovery outcomes.
He Faced Cancer Three Times Before 50. His Advice Could Save Your Life. (Men's Health)
(8/11) Elizabeth Comen, MD, associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, participated in a conversation about cancer, discussing the increasing rates of breast and colon cancer and the importance of personalized care, advocating for early detection and lifestyle changes like exercising and limiting alcohol; she also addressed the disparity in sexual health counseling between men and women, saying, “We’re two times more likely to ask men about sexual side effects from targeted cancer therapy than we are to ask women.”
Women’s Cancer Symptoms Are Still Dismissed. Survivors – And Doctors – Demand Better Care. (Women's Health)
(8/11) Elizabeth Comen, MD, associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, discussed the rising rates of breast and colon cancer and the importance of personal risk assessment and early screening; Dr. Comen criticizes the use of battle metaphors in cancer discussions and advocates for compassionate language, saying, “There’s no patient I’ve ever had that died of their cancer that didn’t have a will to live.”
Study Reveals: Stalking Linked To Increased Heart Disease Risk. (HealthDay)
(8/11) A study published in the journal Circulation found women who were stalked or had restraining orders experienced a 41% and 70% increased risk of heart disease, respectively, with Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology, and the Saul J. Farber Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health, saying, “While this study shows a more moderate risk, given the long time frame, it highlights how feeling unsafe can affect the body, in addition to the mind.”
Also reporting is (8/11).
6 Cardiologists Share Their Go-To Breakfast For A Healthy Start. (Health)
(8/12) Cardiologists, including Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology, and the Saul J. Farber Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health, share their preferred heart-healthy breakfasts, ranging from nut and dark chocolate bars to steel-cut oatmeal with berries and walnuts, each emphasizing the importance of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
The Problem Is With Men’s Sperm. (New York Times)
ճ (8/12) In an opinion piece, Jessica Grose discusses the overlooked issue of male fertility, specifically the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on sperm quality, and references Linda G. Kahn, MPH, PhD, assistant professor, Departments of Pediatrics, and Population Health, who said that exposure to these chemicals during a male infant’s “mini-puberty” can impair Sertoli cells, essential for healthy sperm creation.
5 Serious Side Effects Of Benadryl Doctors Say You Shouldn’t Ignore. (Verywell Health)
(8/11) A review in the World Allergy Organization Journal suggests that the risks associated with Benadryl (diphenhydramine) now outweigh its benefits, citing severe side effects such as sedation, impaired concentration, hallucinations, vision problems, urination difficulties, and potentially fatal overdoses; Clifford Bassett, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, advocates for safer, second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, and Xyzal, stating, “These newer, safer options are preferred, and they work just as well for most people, without the drowsiness or cognitive risks.”
Some People Shouldn’t Use Weighted Blankets – Are You One Of Them? (Daily Beast)
ճ (8/11) Weighted blankets, filled with materials like plastic pellets or beads, provide pressure that may alleviate stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system; however, Rohan S. Mankikar, MD, clinical instructor, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, advises that they may worsen symptoms for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or sleep apnea due to restricted airflow, and are not recommended for children under two or individuals prone to panic attacks or claustrophobia.
Nutritionists Say Eating These Seeds Could Do Wonders For Your Health. (Good Housekeeping)
(8/11) Both chia and flax seeds offer considerable health benefits, including fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, though they differ in nutritional content and how they are best consumed, according to Sophie M. Balzora, MD, clinical professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, who notes that “Chia seeds are higher in fiber than flax seeds, but both are great choices for anyone trying to increase their fiber intake.”
I’ve Lost 3st Since Coming OFF Fat Jabs. (The Irish Sun)
(8/11) A TikToker shared her weight loss journey using Mounjaro, with further weight loss attributed to maintaining healthy habits, while research published in the journal Nutrients highlights food cue reactivity which Priya Jaisinghani, MD, clinical assistant professor, Department of Medicine, the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, says could “contribute to overeating and therefore living with overweight and obesity and developing weight-related complications.”
Doctors’ Number-1 Tip For Banishing Gas, Pain, And Bloating Quickly. (Prevention Magazine)
(8/11) Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, professor, Department of Population Health, suggests dietary changes, slower eating, meditation, and pelvic floor exercises to manage gas effectively, noting that eating slower “reduces burps and prevents large amounts of food from reaching the intestines all at once and causing gas,” while meditation “helps regulate the autonomic nervous system in the GI tract, which can lead to less gas.”
Narcan And Condoms And Plan B, Oh My! Parents Pack Doomsday Kits For Their College-Bound Kids — Here’s How They’re Preparing For The Worst. (New York Post)
ճ (8/11) Parents are increasingly including Narcan and Plan B in their children’s back-to-school supplies, prompting discussions on social media and among experts like Yamalis Diaz, PhD, clinical associate professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, who stated, “If parents choose to get Narcan or condoms for their kids, the message isn’t, ‘Here, go do drugs and have sex,’...The message is, ‘I don’t want you to get into any kind of tricky predicaments, but here are some tools that you can use to make smart choices after the fact.’”
