Healthlink On Air

Upstate nurse practitioner Christopher Norman talks about how seniors can stay healthy and happy for years. Upstate scientist Upstate nurse practitioner Christopher Norman talks about how seniors can stay healthy and happy for years. Upstate scientist Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD, who was in Ecuador during an earthquake, explains how natural disasters affect public health. Rob Kochik, executive director of the, who was in Ecuador during an earthquake, explains how natural disasters affect public health. Rob Kochik, executive director of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, discusses the success of organ transplants and how people can elect to "pass life on.", discusses the success of organ transplants and how people can elect to "pass life on."

Food portion sizes have grown over the years, and figuring out what constitutes a healthy portion can be confusing, but Upstate registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin offers some easy visual cues. One‘s palm can be used as an estimate for protein servings, for example, and one‘s fist for estimating pasta or rice servings. Franklin also notes that a more realistic and less confusing nutritional labeling system is coming into use in the next few years and offers an Food portion sizes have grown over the years, and figuring out what constitutes a healthy portion can be confusing, but Upstate registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin offers some easy visual cues. One‘s palm can be used as an estimate for protein servings, for example, and one‘s fist for estimating pasta or rice servings. Franklin also notes that a more realistic and less confusing nutritional labeling system is coming into use in the next few years and offers an online resource to plan and track one‘s personal diet onli

Zubin Damania, MD (at right in photo), is a medical satirist and founder/CEO of Zubin Damania, MD (at right in photo), is a medical satirist and founder/CEO of Turntable Health Turntable Health and and ZDoggMD.com ZDoggMD.com. He visited Syracuse for the opening of the Upstate MIND, an Upstate initiative led by. He visited Syracuse for the opening of the Upstate MIND, an Upstate initiative led by Robert Corona, DO Robert Corona, DO (at left), Upstate's vice president for innovation and business development and chairman of pathology. Corona interviewed Damania about his online persona as ZDogg and the "primary care and wellness ecosystem" Damania is working on in Las Vegas with Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh. (at left), Upstate's vice president for innovation and business development and chairman of pathology. Corona interviewed Damania about his online persona as ZDogg and the "primary care and wellness ecosystem" Damania is working on in Las Vegas with Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh.

Widespread news reports of “creepy clowns” tie into a real fear that could stem from various sources, says a doctor specializing in forensic psychiatry at Upstate. Fear of clowns, called coulrophobia, has been around for centuries and may tie in to a primitive fear of people with a deformed appearance, says Viral Goradia, MD. It could also relate to the “uncanny valley” hypothesis, which describes how dolls or robots that appear almost human evoke fear and revulsion. This and other phobias can also come from childhood – either through a traumatic experience or a behavior learned from one‘s parents, Goradia explains. Widespread news reports of “creepy clowns” tie into a real fear that could stem from various sources, says a doctor specializing in forensic psychiatry at Upstate. Fear of clowns, called coulrophobia, has been around for centuries and may tie in to a primitive fear of people with a deformed appearance, says Viral Goradia, MD. It could also relate to the “uncanny valley” hypothesis, which describes

Medical oncologist Medical oncologist Sam Benjamin, MD Sam Benjamin, MD, tells what to expect after a breast lump is discovered. MD/PhD student Ryan O'Dell discusses the antipsychotic medications in use today. Nurse and chiropractor, tells what to expect after a breast lump is discovered. MD/PhD student Ryan O'Dell discusses the antipsychotic medications in use today. Nurse and chiropractor Denise Karsten Denise Karsten explains her approach to helping patients with back problems. explains her approach to helping patients with back problems.

With a little effort, older people can remain healthy and happy for years, says Christopher Norman, a nurse practitioner with With a little effort, older people can remain healthy and happy for years, says Christopher Norman, a nurse practitioner with Upstate University Geriatricians Upstate University Geriatricians. Although each person will have different adjustments to make, Norman offers some basic advice on keeping physically fit, mentally active and socially involved and stresses the need for good communication with one‘s primary care provider to keep up with age-related changes.. Although each person will have different adjustments to make, Norman offers some basic advice on keeping physically fit, mentally active and socially involved and stresses the need for good communication with one‘s primary care provider to keep up with age-related changes.

Not every breast lump is cancerous, of course, but "unless we do imaging and, at times, even a biopsy, we won't know that it's not cancer," explains Upstate's Not every breast lump is cancerous, of course, but "unless we do imaging and, at times, even a biopsy, we won't know that it's not cancer," explains Upstate's Sam Benjamin, MD Sam Benjamin, MD, who, as a medical oncologist, specializes in chemotherapy and cancer care. He explains what patients can expect after a breast lump is discovered, the difference between a core biopsy and fine needle biopsy, how breast cancer differs in men and the importance of family history when deciding on treatment. He also explains the benefit of the Upstate Cancer Center's multidisciplinary approach, in which patients can be evaluated by medical, radiation and surgical oncologists collaboratively., who, as a medical oncologist, specializes in chemotherapy and cancer care. He explains what patients can expect after a breast lump is discovered, the difference between a core

A new approach aims to help patients find which treatments work best for back problems, which about 80 percent of adults will have at some point in their lives. A new approach aims to help patients find which treatments work best for back problems, which about 80 percent of adults will have at some point in their lives. Denise Karsten Denise Karsten of the of the Upstate Brain & Spine Center Upstate Brain & Spine Center explains her role as a primary spine practitioner, someone who guides patients through the often bewildering treatment options available. Karsten, who is a nurse and a chiropractor, also discusses common back problems, how diagnoses are made and possible treatments. explains her role as a primary spine practitioner, someone who guides patients through the often bewildering treatment options available. Karsten, who is a nurse and a chiropractor, also discusses common back problems, how diagnoses are made and possible treatments.

Not enough organs are available for transplant because people are reluctant to register to become donors or to discuss the matter with loved ones, says Rob Kochik, executive director of the Not enough organs are available for transplant because people are reluctant to register to become donors or to discuss the matter with loved ones, says Rob Kochik, executive director of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, which coordinates organ donation in Syracuse and much of Upstate New York. He encourages people to think of donation as a way to “pass life on” to others and explains Lauren‘s Law, which asks New York state driver‘s license applicants whether they wish to which coordinates organ donation in Syracuse and much of Upstate New York. He encourages people to think of donation as a way to “pass life on” to others and explains Lauren‘s Law, which asks New York state driver‘s license applicants whether they wish to join the donor registry join the donor registry. More than

An antidiarrheal medication called loperamide is being abused for its opioid properties in high doses, which can be lethal, according to a woman who nearly died of an overdose and an Upstate toxicologist who treated her. Kate Rayland (at right in photo) of Rome, N.Y., began taking the drug, sold as Imodium, to prevent withdrawal from a prescription opioid painkiller to which she was addicted. The massive doses of loperamide needed for this caused a near-fatal heart attack. Upstate‘s An antidiarrheal medication called loperamide is being abused for its opioid properties in high doses, which can be lethal, according to a woman who nearly died of an overdose and an Upstate toxicologist who treated her. Kate Rayland (at right in photo) of Rome, N.Y., began taking the drug, sold as Imodium, to prevent withdrawal from a prescription opioid painkiller to which she was addicted. The massive doses of loperamide needed for this caused a near-fatal heart attack. Upstate‘s Jeanna Marraffa Jeanna Marraffa (at left), one o

Drugs prescribed to treat psychoses, especially symptoms of schizophrenia, have evolved from the first generation antipsychotic drugs of the 1950s, such as Thorazine, to the third generation drugs now on the market, such as Abilify. Ryan O‘Dell (pictured), a student in the MD/PhD program at Upstate, and Drugs prescribed to treat psychoses, especially symptoms of schizophrenia, have evolved from the first generation antipsychotic drugs of the 1950s, such as Thorazine, to the third generation drugs now on the market, such as Abilify. Ryan O‘Dell (pictured), a student in the MD/PhD program at Upstate, and Thomas Schwartz, MD, Thomas Schwartz, MD, interim chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate, have co-written a interim chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate, have co-written a handbook to these drugs f handbook to these drugs f or medical professionals. The book describes antipsychotic drugs in terms of how they work, the symptoms they treat – such as hallucinations or disordered t

Assistant professor Assistant professor Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD, tells of a mosquito trap that could help reduce the spread of the dengue and Zika viruses. Associate professor of nursing, tells of a mosquito trap that could help reduce the spread of the dengue and Zika viruses. Associate professor of nursing Karen Klingman, PhD Karen Klingman, PhD, discusses sleep disorders., discusses sleep disorders. Jeanna Marraffa Jeanna Marraffa, a doctor of pharmacy, addresses the accidental poisoning deaths connected to the opioid epidemic., a doctor of pharmacy, addresses the accidental poisoning deaths connected to the opioid epidemic.

Poisoning deaths are now the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States, says Upstate toxicologist Poisoning deaths are now the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States, says Upstate toxicologist Jeanna Marraffa. Jeanna Marraffa. Many of those deaths involve opioids, prescription pain medications that patients may mix with alcohol or other medications without realizing the dangers. Marraffa discusses the epidemic of opioid abuse, how it began, how it became so deadly and what withdrawal is like. Many of those deaths involve opioids, prescription pain medications that patients may mix with alcohol or other medications without realizing the dangers. Marraffa discusses the epidemic of opioid abuse, how it began, how it became so deadly and what withdrawal is like.

A man in Machala, Ecuador, looks at a sample of mosquitos collected by researchers collaborating with Upstate's Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD. The man's wife contracted the dengue virus, which, like the Zika virus, is carried by mosquitos. (PHOTO BY DANY KROM) A man in Machala, Ecuador, looks at a sample of mosquitos collected by researchers collaborating with Upstate's Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD. The man's wife contracted the dengue virus, which, like the Zika virus, is carried by mosquitos. (PHOTO BY DANY KROM) Studies being conducted in Ecuador aim to document and alleviate mosquito-borne viruses including dengue fever and Zika, which plague tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the southern United States. The varied work looks at everything from improving housing to perfecting a cheap mosquito trap, says Studies being conducted in Ecuador aim to document and alleviate mosquito-borne viruses including dengue fever and Zika, which plague tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including t

Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD (center), is shown in flooded Machala, Ecuador, in early 2016. She was also part of earthquake relief efforts in Ecuador, where she conducts research. (PHOTO BY DANY KROM) Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD (center), is shown in flooded Machala, Ecuador, in early 2016. She was also part of earthquake relief efforts in Ecuador, where she conducts research. (PHOTO BY DANY KROM) During the April 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, Upstate‘s During the April 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, Upstate‘s Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD Anna Stewart Ibarra, PhD, and her team of researchers in that country helped mobilize relief efforts, including setting up a basic health clinic and buying emergency supplies with a, and her team of researchers in that country helped mobilize relief efforts, including setting up a basic health clinic and buying emergency supplies with a continuing fund through the Upstate Foundation continuing fund through the Upstate Foundation. The researchers also saw the impact of the disaster on reside

As many as 30 percent to 50 percent of adults have a sleep disorder, many without seeking treatment and some not even knowing they have one. These disorders – insomnia, restless leg syndrome and jet lag are among the better-known ones – can worsen other health issues, such as blood pressure, anxiety and cardiovascular disease, says As many as 30 percent to 50 percent of adults have a sleep disorder, many without seeking treatment and some not even knowing they have one. These disorders – insomnia, restless leg syndrome and jet lag are among the better-known ones – can worsen other health issues, such as blood pressure, anxiety and cardiovascular disease, says Karen Klingman, PhD Karen Klingman, PhD, an associate professor of nursing at Upstate who specializes in sleep disorders. She explains the six basic sleep disorders, tells of a, an associate professor of nursing at Upstate who specializes in sleep disorders. She explains the six basic sleep disorders, tells of a sleep questionnaire sleep questionnaire sh

Kamal Khurana, MD Kamal Khurana, MD, talks about fine needle aspiration and cytopathology. Le Moyne College assistant professor, talks about fine needle aspiration and cytopathology. Le Moyne College assistant professor Jonathan Parent, PhD Jonathan Parent, PhD, goes over changes in abortion laws over the years., goes over changes in abortion laws over the years. Joseph Domachowske, MD Joseph Domachowske, MD, and, and Manika Suryadevara, MD, Manika Suryadevara, MD, discuss the importance of childhood vaccinations. discuss the importance of childhood vaccinations.

Infectious disease specialists Infectious disease specialists Joseph Domachowske, MD, Joseph Domachowske, MD, and and Manika Suryadevara, MD Manika Suryadevara, MD, explain why immunization rates among low-income residents in Syracuse have been higher than in other parts of the country, in this reissue of a 2013 interview. The two Upstate pediatricians were recently honored with the Salvation Army‘s highest civic honor (see photo) for their efforts to provide free flu shots to parents and children who registered for the Salvation Army‘s annual holiday toy distribution, as part of a program designed to provide education to participating families about the flu vaccine. Read their study on vaccinations in low-income households, explain why immunization rates among low-income residents in Syracuse have been higher than in other parts of the country, in this reissue of a 2013 interview. The two Upstate pediatricians were recently honored with the Salvation Army‘s highest civic honor (see photo) for their efforts t

Laws governing abortion in America have changed over time, from no laws in Colonial days, when it was considered a medical issue, to the various state restrictions seen today. In the 1820s, states started restricting medicines that women took to induce abortions, mostly out of concern for the women‘s health, and abortion also became a legal matter, says Laws governing abortion in America have changed over time, from no laws in Colonial days, when it was considered a medical issue, to the various state restrictions seen today. In the 1820s, states started restricting medicines that women took to induce abortions, mostly out of concern for the women‘s health, and abortion also became a legal matter, says Jonathan Parent, PhD Jonathan Parent, PhD, a political science professor at Le Moyne College in Syracuse who studies the history of abortion law. He traces how such laws developed, explains the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision and notes that public attitudes toward abortion have tended to remain stable

A simple procedure can give a diagnosis of a suspicious lump fairly quickly and with little pain or inconvenience. Called fine needle aspiration, this process can often determine whether someone‘s tumor is cancerous, says A simple procedure can give a diagnosis of a suspicious lump fairly quickly and with little pain or inconvenience. Called fine needle aspiration, this process can often determine whether someone‘s tumor is cancerous, says Kamal Khurana, MD Kamal Khurana, MD, professor of pathology and medical director of, professor of pathology and medical director of cytopathology cytopathology at Upstate. He explains how the needle draws cells from the tumor and that it hurts about as much as getting a flu shot. This process can let the patient avoid the more expensive, more involved and more invasive procedure of a surgical biopsy. at Upstate. He explains how the needle draws cells from the tumor and that it hurts about as much as getting a flu shot. This process can let the patient avoid the more expensi