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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

Sept. 18, 2016 Sept. 18, 2016 Exercise physiologist Exercise physiologist Carol Sames, PhD Carol Sames, PhD, tells about balance, core strength and preventing falls. Maria Fazzini explains the value of art therapy for children at the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Nurse Brooke Fraser discusses her overseas volunteer work., tells about balance, core strength and preventing falls. Maria Fazzini explains the value of art therapy for children at the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Nurse Brooke Fraser discusses her overseas volunteer work.

Preventing falls is a prime concern as people age because of the injuries and challenges to mobility and self-confidence falls can cause. Paying attention to regular exercise, balance and core strength, even among the elderly, can help prevent falls, says Preventing falls is a prime concern as people age because of the injuries and challenges to mobility and self-confidence falls can cause. Paying attention to regular exercise, balance and core strength, even among the elderly, can help prevent falls, says Carol Sames, PhD Carol Sames, PhD, an exercise physiologist and director of Upstate‘s, an exercise physiologist and director of Upstate‘s Vitality Fitness Program Vitality Fitness Program. She explains age-related changes that can predispose people to falls and gives some simple suggestions toward fall prevention.. She explains age-related changes that can predispose people to falls and gives some simple suggestions toward fall prevention.

Sept. 11, 2016 Sept. 11, 2016 Upstate surgeon Upstate surgeon Kim Wallenstein, MD Kim Wallenstein, MD, discusses pediatric trauma. Syracuse University associate professor of social work, discusses pediatric trauma. Syracuse University associate professor of social work Ellen deLara, PhD Ellen deLara, PhD, shares research on adults who were bullied as children. Ethicists, shares research on adults who were bullied as children. Ethicists Thomas Curran, MD, Thomas Curran, MD, and and Robert Olick, JD, PhD, Robert Olick, JD, PhD, explain why end-of-life care decisions should be made before a crisis. explain why end-of-life care decisions should be made before a crisis.

While there is no single definition of bullying, it can be described as mean-spirited, disrespectful treatment designed to make people feel bad. Bullying can be found among all ages groups, take place once or go on for years, and often occurs online, explains family therapist While there is no single definition of bullying, it can be described as mean-spirited, disrespectful treatment designed to make people feel bad. Bullying can be found among all ages groups, take place once or go on for years, and often occurs online, explains family therapist Ellen deLara, PhD Ellen deLara, PhD, an associate professor of social work at Syracuse University who researches this behavior. While some people can become stronger after being bullied, others face medical and emotional problems later on, a topic she details in a new book,, an associate professor of social work at Syracuse University who researches this behavior. While some people can become stronger after being bullied, others face medical and emotional problems l

A desire to help others and be part of the world community has led a nurse from Syracuse to medical projects in the developing world. Brooke Fraser, who specializes in childhood cancer at the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital, has used her vacation time to help set up a A desire to help others and be part of the world community has led a nurse from Syracuse to medical projects in the developing world. Brooke Fraser, who specializes in childhood cancer at the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital, has used her vacation time to help set up a pediatric cancer program in Ethiopia pediatric cancer program in Ethiopia and work with a general medical clinic in El Salvador. Inspired to step out of her comfort zone after 20 years as a nurse, she hopes to set an example for her own children in global citizenship. Fraser describes the rewards and challenges of her overseas work and the support she has received from neighbors in her school district, whose students help her raise funds and hear her speak about her effor

Art therapist Maria Fazzini uses creativity and a willing ear to improve the well-being of patients at the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Fazzini is a mental health professional who offers the opportunity to draw, paint or use other materials so that young patients can feel more at home, more relaxed and, in many cases, more willing to express their anxieties. A Art therapist Maria Fazzini uses creativity and a willing ear to improve the well-being of patients at the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Fazzini is a mental health professional who offers the opportunity to draw, paint or use other materials so that young patients can feel more at home, more relaxed and, in many cases, more willing to express their anxieties. A rt therapy rt therapy aims to provide emotional support and help patients meet their health goals, says Fazzini, who gets referrals from the medical staff. Participation is voluntary, and the time per session varies according to the patient. aims to provide emotional support and