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): https://whcr.org

• Health in Harlem Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-in-harlem-podcast/id1522090996https://open.spotify.com/show/5PpTWeGSQHHAP5QHFWAyTW

Cardiovascular Health Resources

• American Heart Association – Life’s Essential 8: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

• American Heart Association – Sleep and Heart Health: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Sleep and Heart Disease: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Why Sleep Matters: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep

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.