At Health Matters 2026, Stanford Medicine faculty presented their latest research and practical tips for healthy living in three lively Health Talks. This year’s topics focused on advancements in stroke treatment, heart health, and the importance of sleep:
Brain Power: How We’re Winning the Fight Against Stroke—and What It Means for Your Health
Gregory W. Albers, MD, Coyote Foundation Professor and Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences
Thanks to transformative work at Stanford, stroke treatment has undergone a revolution—one that could make a real difference in your life.
For decades, stroke patients had a narrow three-hour window to receive treatment, yet today, groundbreaking research led by Dr. Albers has changed that entirely. By pioneering advanced imaging techniques that show which brain tissue can be saved and improving methods to remove clots, he helped extend that window to a full 24 hours—a breakthrough that’s giving patients here and everywhere not just a chance at survival, but at full recovery.
In this talk, Dr. Albers will take you behind the scenes of this discovery: how it came about, what it means for stroke care today, and—most importantly—the practical steps you can take to reduce your own risk of stroke. You’ll leave informed, empowered, and equipped with knowledge that could help you or someone you love.
The Science of a Healthy Heart
Eldrin F. Lewis, MD, MPH, Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine
Chances are, you only spend a handful of days in your doctor’s office each year. The rest of the time, your health—including that of your heart—is largely in your own hands. How do you make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep it in top form?
In this talk, Dr. Lewis will take a wide-ranging look at how cardiac health develops across a lifetime and what truly drives your risk for heart disease. He will discuss which screenings are most useful and which you can skip, how to recognize the warning signs of heart trouble, and when to seek care. You’ll also learn about the role your genetics, everyday choices, and blood pressure play in shaping your long-term cardiovascular health.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lewis will share a glimpse into the groundbreaking advances taking place at Stanford that are shaping the future of cardiovascular care.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from a world-renowned cardiologist. Your heart will thank you.
Is Sleep the Key to Longevity and Health?
Erin Cassidy-Eagle, PhD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
We all know that sleep matters—but did you know that it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for living a longer and more productive life, thinking more clearly, and feeling better as we age?
With wit and wisdom, Dr. Cassidy-Eagle will explore the science behind sleep and its profound impact on physical health, brain function, immunity, mood, and longevity. You’ll learn how our sleep patterns change as we age, why both too little and too much sleep can spell problems for our health, and how those all-important circadian rhythms and light shape our daily energy and restoration.
Dr. Cassidy-Eagle will also share simple, safe strategies you can use to improve your snooze—while cutting through the noise around popular trends and supplements. You’ll leave with fresh insight, practical tools, and a new appreciation for sleep as a cornerstone of long-term health.
Watch past presentations here from previous Health Matters speakers.
