Mount Sinai Morningside

“As a surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, I work with patients to safely increase activity—no matter their starting point,” says John Harvey, MD, Comprehensive Weight Management Program, Mount Sinai Morningside. “So, before you start any new exercise program, check with your physician. Also, ask if your medications can increase heat sensitivity.” “If you have asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, summer exercise can be safe and beneficial. But you need to know when and how to adapt,” adds Dr. Harvey. Asthma: Warm, humid air can be a trigger. Always carry a rescue inhaler and exercise early or indoors. Heart disease: Avoid peak heat hours; notify your doctor if you feel dizzy, overly fatigued, or short of breath. Diabetes: Heat affects blood sugar and insulin absorption. Monitor levels closely and stay hydrated. Consider exercises less prone to overheating—like swimming or water aerobics—to stay cool while getting a full-body workout. When starting an exercise program, begin slowly and gradually increasing duration and intensity to avoid injury or over-exertion. Pay attention to how you’re feeling during activity. If you feel uncomfortable, dizzy, or unwell—stop, rest, and seek help if needed. Already a Mount Sinai patient? Send your physician a MyMountSinai message and ask any questions before heading outdoors. #WeFindAWay

Happy Health Unit Coordinators Week! Please join us as we celebrate our Health Unit Coordinators (HUCs) whose tireless dedication helps our units run efficiently, allowing our healthcare providers to focus on delivering quality patient care. Thank you, HUCs, for your incredible work and commitment to our medical staff. You truly make a difference in the lives of our patients and staff, not only this week but every day! #WeFindAWay #HUCWeek

Summer break is the perfect time to build healthy habits as a family—and the best part? It doesn’t have to feel like exercise. “As a bariatric surgeon (and a parent), I remind families that movement is more sustainable—and more fun—when it’s done together,” says John Harvey, MD, Comprehensive Weight Management Program, Mount Sinai Morningside. Here are some easy ways to stay active as a family this summer: 👟 Evening walks after dinner (bonus: fewer screens, more chats) 🧘 Try outdoor yoga or tai chi—many NYC parks offer free sessions 🚴 Bike to the farmers market or local library 🌳 Explore new parks or nature trails Want to make it social? Join a community walking group, a local parent–child fitness class, or check out NYC Parks’ free events calendar for fun outdoor options: https://lnkd.in/eNgyTG9R “Kids love to try new things. Make that new activity a fun and energetic day for the whole family. Not only will you build connection, but you will model healthy habits for your kids,” adds Dr. Harvey. “So, get outdoors and boost your physical and mental well-being—great for all ages!” #WeFindAWay

Not sure whether to go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: Choose Urgent Care for: • Minor cuts or sprains • Colds, flu, sore throat • Mild asthma symptoms • Ear infections • Minor burns or rashes Go to the ER for: • Chest pain or difficulty breathing • Serious head injury • Severe bleeding • Signs of stroke (sudden numbness, slurred speech) • High fever in an infant under 3 months Knowing the difference can save you time and ensure you get the right care when it matters most. Visit Mount Sinai Doctors-Urgent Care, conveniently located on the Upper West Side at 638 Columbus Avenue. https://bit.ly/3FMPrOQ #WeFindAWay

Mount Sinai Morningside is hiring for a Halfway House Supervisor. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://mshs.co/4fCuDa5

Congratulations to the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart team at Mount Sinai Morningside, who has received certification from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association as a Comprehensive Heart Attack Center (CHAC). We are proud that Mount Sinai Morningside is the only Certified Comprehensive Heart Attack Center in New York City, and the second in New York State. Certified CHACs are STEMI receiving centers that provide Primary PCI and Cardiac Surgery 24/7. Programs that meet eligibility requirements are awarded a 2-year certification for providing excellence in heart attack care, treatment, and services that include the following: • Acute Coronary Syndrome • Percutaneous coronary interventions • Cardiac surgeries • Cardiac resuscitation & cardiogenic shock • Cardiac rehabilitation (either on site or by referral) #Cardiology

Mount Sinai Morningside is hiring for a Special Procedures / CAT Scan Technologist. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://mshs.co/4luQX6W

Back-to-school season is here—and so are the last-minute checklists! If your child still needs a physical exam or required immunizations, and your pediatrician is not available, stop by Mount Sinai Doctors-Urgent Care instead. We offer school and sports physicals, as well as all recommended childhood vaccines—no appointment needed. Quick, convenient, and walk-in ready. Visit us on the Upper West Side at 638 Columbus Avenue: https://bit.ly/3FMPrOQ #WeFindAWay

Think sunscreen is just for the beach? Think again. “When you're exercising outdoors, sweat, sun, and time all reduce sunscreen's effectiveness. And prolonged exposure in peak heat can lead to more than just sunburn,” says John Harvey, MD, Comprehensive Weight Management Program, Mount Sinai Morningside. As someone who treats patients and runs outdoors, here’s what I recommend for staying sun-safe during workouts: ☀️ Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ – water/sweat-resistant is essential 🕒 Reapply every 80 minutes if sweating or towel-drying 👃 Choose “sport” formulas to avoid stinging eyes ✅ Apply 15–30 minutes BEFORE heading out ✅ Don’t skip high-sweat zones – nose, ears, scalp, back of neck “Look for UPF-rated clothing and running hats with built-in sun protection to reduce reapplication needs on long runs or rides,” adds Dr. Harvey. “Your skin is your largest organ—protect it like the rest of your body.” #WeFindAWay

Summer isn’t just a good time to move your body—it’s one of the best times to support your mental health through exercise. “As a bariatric surgeon and enthusiastic runner, I’ve seen how even modest daily movement can lead to big changes—not just in weight, but in mindset,” says John Harvey, MD, Comprehensive Weight Management Program, Mount Sinai Morningside. Here’s why movement matters, especially in summer: ✅ Lowers stress hormones like cortisol ✅ Boosts sleep quality (key when longer days disrupt routines) ✅ Increases energy and focus, even after short sessions ✅ Improves mood, thanks to those feel-good endorphins “Personally, I get some of my best ideas while out on a run—maybe it’s the blood flow, the adrenaline, the endorphins, or just the rhythm of footfalls. I’ve started keeping voice memos so I don’t forget these gems on the run home!” adds Dr. Harvey. Not a runner? Don’t sweat it: • Take a 20-minute walk after dinner • Do yoga or mobility work in the park • Bike to a coffee shop or local market • Put on music and dance with your kids For a fun, social activity, join one of the hundreds of running clubs across NYC—open to all ages and abilities: https://bit.ly/4m5738F What’s your go-to mental reset activity in summer? We’d love to hear. #WeFindAWay