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Cancers of the brain and spinal cord have surpassed leukemia as the largest cause of cancer death in children. More than 50 types of these tumors can appear in children, often as very different types than seen in adults. Diagnosis is often made through a biopsy or medical imaging, and a parent‘s description of a child‘s symptoms can lead the way, says Cancers of the brain and spinal cord have surpassed leukemia as the largest cause of cancer death in children. More than 50 types of these tumors can appear in children, often as very different types than seen in adults. Diagnosis is often made through a biopsy or medical imaging, and a parent‘s description of a child‘s symptoms can lead the way, says Melanie Comito, MD Melanie Comito, MD, Upstate‘s chief of pediatric hematology and oncology. She describes the impact of these tumors, the importance of tumor location and grade and the array of treatment options available to children at Upstate., Upstate‘s chief of pediatric hematology and oncology. She describes

Planning is the key to help families get through a disaster, says Chris Dunham, Upstate‘s director of emergency management. Develop a plan, have it ready to go and have basic supplies available, he advises, noting that in Central New York, severe weather is the most likely emergency. He touches on what will be needed if roads are impassible or the power goes out – everything from food and water to having a contact person for family members separated by the disaster. He also outlines how Upstate University Hospital prepares for emergencies. (Click Planning is the key to help families get through a disaster, says Chris Dunham, Upstate‘s director of emergency management. Develop a plan, have it ready to go and have basic supplies available, he advises, noting that in Central New York, severe weather is the most likely emergency. He touches on what will be needed if roads are impassible or the power goes out – everything from food and water to having a contact person for family members separated by the disaster.

Some simple precautions can help prevent accidental injuries or poisoning during the holidays. Adults should watch for anything that small children might try to put in their mouths, such as button-type batteries, some types of decorations and toys with tiny pieces, says Michele Caliva, a nurse and the administrative director of the Some simple precautions can help prevent accidental injuries or poisoning during the holidays. Adults should watch for anything that small children might try to put in their mouths, such as button-type batteries, some types of decorations and toys with tiny pieces, says Michele Caliva, a nurse and the administrative director of the Upstate New York Poison Center. Upstate New York Poison Center. She also advises on safe ways to handle turkey, hand sanitizer, mistletoe and more -- and says anyone with a question about possible poisoning or choking, for people or pets, can call the center for advice at 800-222-1222. She also advises on safe ways to handle turkey, hand sanitizer, mistl

Pediatrician Pediatrician Travis Hobart, MD Travis Hobart, MD, talks about the exercise needs of children. Chris Dunham, Upstate's director of emergency management, advises how individuals and families can stay prepared for disasters. Surgeon, talks about the exercise needs of children. Chris Dunham, Upstate's director of emergency management, advises how individuals and families can stay prepared for disasters. Surgeon Moustafa Hassan, MD Moustafa Hassan, MD, discusses hernia repair., discusses hernia repair.

A project is underway to protect the A project is underway to protect the portrait collection portrait collection at Upstate Medical University from the dangers of dust, accidents and the ravages of time. Fifty-five paintings and one woven carpet, some pieces many decades old, are undergoing a preservation survey, which will document their condition, plan their future care and hang them in appropriate places, explains at Upstate Medical University from the dangers of dust, accidents and the ravages of time. Fifty-five paintings and one woven carpet, some pieces many decades old, are undergoing a preservation survey, which will document their condition, plan their future care and hang them in appropriate places, explains Cara Howe Cara Howe (at right in photo), Upstate‘s curator of historic collections, who is overseeing the project. These portraits of Upstate notables are being unframed, reframed, photographed from different angles and checked for cracks, dirt and other problems, says Susan Blakney (at left i

Vitamin and herbal supplements can have severe interactions with one‘s prescription medications. This is why people should list any such supplements along with their other medications when visiting the doctor, to be sure they don‘t pose a risk, says Michele Caliva, a nurse and the administrative director of the Vitamin and herbal supplements can have severe interactions with one‘s prescription medications. This is why people should list any such supplements along with their other medications when visiting the doctor, to be sure they don‘t pose a risk, says Michele Caliva, a nurse and the administrative director of the Upstate New York Poison Center. Upstate New York Poison Center. She notes the problems that are caused by some supplements, such as chamomile, St. John‘s wort, soy and ginkgo biloba, and she says there is sparse regulation of these supplements and often little or no research to support their health claims. She notes the problems that are caused by some supplements, such as chamomile, St. John‘s

Pediatrician Pediatrician Jaclyn Sisskind, MD Jaclyn Sisskind, MD, gives prevention tips for common childhood illnesses. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin talks about portion sizes., gives prevention tips for common childhood illnesses. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin talks about portion sizes. Robert Corona, DO Robert Corona, DO, Upstate's vice president for innovation and business development, discusses the changing world of health care and medicine with comedian and medical entrepreneur Zubin, Upstate's vice president for innovation and business development, discusses the changing world of health care and medicine with comedian and medical entrepreneur Zubin "ZDogg" "ZDogg" Damania, MD. Damania, MD.    

Advances in technology have made it possible for some cancer patients to receive higher, more precisely targeted doses of radiation in far fewer sessions than in conventional radiation therapy. Known generally as stereotactic radiation, these treatments can produce similar results to traditional tumor surgery without cutting into a patient and while protecting nearby organs, says Advances in technology have made it possible for some cancer patients to receive higher, more precisely targeted doses of radiation in far fewer sessions than in conventional radiation therapy. Known generally as stereotactic radiation, these treatments can produce similar results to traditional tumor surgery without cutting into a patient and while protecting nearby organs, says Michael Mix, MD Michael Mix, MD, a radiation oncologist at Upstate. While not applicable for all tumors, stereotactic radiation provides an added, noninvasive weapon in the cancer-fighting arsenal, he explains, and often, greatly improved outcomes., a radiat

Among the things parents can do to raise healthy children is to encourage physical activity. Among the things parents can do to raise healthy children is to encourage physical activity. Government guidelines Government guidelines prescribe an hour a day of moderate to vigorous activity for most children and teens. Some of that is done at school, notes prescribe an hour a day of moderate to vigorous activity for most children and teens. Some of that is done at school, notes Travis Hobart, MD Travis Hobart, MD, an Upstate pediatrician. He discusses various types of exercise, which are often part of normal play. To further discourage sedentary habits, parents should limit children‘s use of electronic screens -- computers, TV, tablets, phones –- and he recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics website for guidelines on, an Upstate pediatrician. He discusses various types of exercise, which are often part of normal play. To further discourage sedentary habits, parents should limit children‘s use of electronic

Viral Goradia, MD, addresses the fear of clowns and other phobias. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin tells how to navigate fast food in a healthy manner. Clinical toxicologist Viral Goradia, MD, addresses the fear of clowns and other phobias. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin tells how to navigate fast food in a healthy manner. Clinical toxicologist Jeanna Marraffa Jeanna Marraffa talks with a patient about breaking an addiction to loperamide, an opioid. talks with a patient about breaking an addiction to loperamide, an opioid.

Establishing empathy for a patient can be tough for doctors under increasing time pressure. Yet empathy – being able to see the world as the patient does – can benefit both the patient and the doctor, says Establishing empathy for a patient can be tough for doctors under increasing time pressure. Yet empathy – being able to see the world as the patient does – can benefit both the patient and the doctor, says Louise Prince, MD Louise Prince, MD, an emergency physician at Upstate. She explores the difference between sympathy and empathy and discusses research showing that an empathetic doctor can help patients feel trust and follow instructions and give the doctor a feeling of well-being and job satisfaction. Medical schools are beginning to stress empathy, says Prince, who offers some ways to build empathy., an emergency physician at Upstate. She explores the difference between sympathy and empathy and discusses research showing that an empathetic doctor can help patients feel trust and follow instructions and

Hernias, or weak spots where an internal organ bulges through muscle or tissue, come in many forms, including the commonly occurring inguinal or groin hernias as well as incisional hernias, which happen at the site of previous surgery. Since hernias can be dangerous, they should be evaluated by a primary care provider or a surgeon, says Hernias, or weak spots where an internal organ bulges through muscle or tissue, come in many forms, including the commonly occurring inguinal or groin hernias as well as incisional hernias, which happen at the site of previous surgery. Since hernias can be dangerous, they should be evaluated by a primary care provider or a surgeon, says Moustafa Hassan, MD Moustafa Hassan, MD, director of acute care surgery at Upstate. He describes the evaluation process and the multidisciplinary approach used to determine hernia treatment, as well as what patients should expect from a hernia repair operation. (For a humorous but accurate take on hernias, Hassan recommends this, director of ac

Children are going to get colds, viruses and ear infections as they interact with other children, but following some simple practices and keeping in touch with a doctor can help families to get through it all, says Children are going to get colds, viruses and ear infections as they interact with other children, but following some simple practices and keeping in touch with a doctor can help families to get through it all, says Jaclyn Sisskind, MD Jaclyn Sisskind, MD, a pediatrician at Upstate. She advises parents to check out day care facilities before enrolling their children, to keep vaccinations current and to demonstrate proper sanitary habits, such as how to blow one‘s nose or wash one‘s hands. Additional advice includes how to deal with head lice, whooping cough, fevers and antibiotics., a pediatrician at Upstate. She advises parents to check out day care facilities before enrolling their children, to keep vaccinations current and to demonstrate proper sanitary habits, such as how to blow one‘s nose or w

People can eat fast food occasionally and still make healthy choices, as long as they remember to ask, “How can I make it better?” says Maureen Franklin, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Upstate. She offers tips for navigating fast food menus, such as checking online nutritional information beforehand, opting for grilled rather than fried items, limiting sauces and dressings, and considering whether the extra calories in a “meal deal” are a good idea. People can eat fast food occasionally and still make healthy choices, as long as they remember to ask, “How can I make it better?” says Maureen Franklin, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Upstate. She offers tips for navigating fast food menus, such as checking online nutritional information beforehand, opting for grilled rather than fried items, limiting sauces and dressings, and considering whether the extra calories in a “meal deal” are a good idea.

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.