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.

For this episode of Health In Harlem, Dr. Maurice Selby sits down with Lili Barouch, cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Sports Cardiology Program, for an in-depth and empowering conversation about heart health, physical activity, and heart disease prevention during American Heart Month 2026.

February is recognized nationally as American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. In this episode, Dr. Barouch explains:

• Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of both men and women

• How hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles disproportionately affect minority and marginalized communities

• The critical role prevention plays in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk

Dr. Barouch highlights how even modest increases in physical activity can significantly lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce overall cardiovascular mortality.

One of the central themes of this episode is that movement is medicine. Dr. Barouch reviews the evidence behind:

• The recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity

• The importance of strength training for cardiovascular and metabolic health

• How physical activity reduces inflammation and improves vascular function

• Practical strategies to incorporate movement into busy schedules

Importantly, the discussion addresses common misconceptions—such as the belief that exercise must be intense or gym-based to be beneficial. Walking, dancing, gardening, and community-based activities all count.

For communities like Harlem and similar urban environments, the episode also touches on structural barriers to exercise—including safety, access to green space, and time constraints—and offers realistic, culturally relevant solutions.

American Heart Month

https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

Physical Activity and Heart Health

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Health In Harlem is a public health–focused radio program and podcast dedicated to improving health literacy and combating misinformation with evidence-based, expert-led discussions.

Learn more and listen:

• WHCR 90.3 FM (The Voice of Harlem): https://www.whcr.org

• Health In Harlem Podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music)

• Follow updates and episode releases via WHCR programming listings