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The need for living kidney donors is growing, partly because people are living longer on dialysis, explains The need for living kidney donors is growing, partly because people are living longer on dialysis, explains Vaughn Whittaker, MD Vaughn Whittaker, MD, a transplant surgeon at Upstate. Everyone has two kidneys and can live with just one, and a kidney from a live donor tends to be of higher quality, he says. While some people fear live donation, Whittaker explains the safety factors and support system that let almost any healthy adult donate, as well as  breakthroughs like the ability to donate to someone with an incompatible blood type. Questions about kidney donation may be made to, a transplant surgeon at Upstate. Everyone has two kidneys and can live with just one, and a kidney from a live donor tends to be of higher quality, he says. While some people fear live donation, Whittaker explains the safety factors and support system that let almost any healthy adult donate, as well as  breakthroughs like t

Opioid addiction presents many challenges for the medical world, including how to get people off the drug successfully. Habitual use of these painkilling drugs can make people more sensitive to pain, notes Opioid addiction presents many challenges for the medical world, including how to get people off the drug successfully. Habitual use of these painkilling drugs can make people more sensitive to pain, notes Brian Johnson, MD Brian Johnson, MD, director of pain medicine and addiction medicine at Upstate. Johnson, who is also a professor of psychiatry and anesthesiology, explains how opioid use got out of control and how Upstate uses a, director of pain medicine and addiction medicine at Upstate. Johnson, who is also a professor of psychiatry and anesthesiology, explains how opioid use got out of control and how Upstate uses a unique, holistic system unique, holistic system to detoxify addicts while dealing with their other medical and psychiatric problems as well. to detoxify addicts while dealing with their

Life-and-death decisions were once made exclusively by doctors, but nowadays those matters are largely in the hands of patients. This can create conflict as relatives disagree over how to treat a failing patient, for example, and that‘s where ethics consultants can help. Two such consultants at Upstate University Hospital – neonatologist Life-and-death decisions were once made exclusively by doctors, but nowadays those matters are largely in the hands of patients. This can create conflict as relatives disagree over how to treat a failing patient, for example, and that‘s where ethics consultants can help. Two such consultants at Upstate University Hospital – neonatologist Thomas Curran, MD Thomas Curran, MD (at right in photo), and attorney (at right in photo), and attorney Robert Olick, JD, PhD (at left), Robert Olick, JD, PhD (at left), who are both bioethics and humanities faculty members at Upstate – explain how they try to clarify and resolve the issues and offer non-binding advice. Using a real-life case

Polio epidemics are a thing of the past in the U.S., wiped out since the 1950s by vaccines. But some survivors of those epidemics are stricken decades later by post-polio syndrome, which brings back the weakness and pain they battled in their youth. There is no medication for this syndrome, but patients can be helped to manage and stabilize the condition, such as through carefully limited exercises, says neurologist Polio epidemics are a thing of the past in the U.S., wiped out since the 1950s by vaccines. But some survivors of those epidemics are stricken decades later by post-polio syndrome, which brings back the weakness and pain they battled in their youth. There is no medication for this syndrome, but patients can be helped to manage and stabilize the condition, such as through carefully limited exercises, says neurologist Burk Jubelt, MD Burk Jubelt, MD, who runs a, who runs a post-polio syndrome clinic post-polio syndrome clinic at Upstate. Jubelt, who is  a professor of neurology, microbiology and imm

July 31, 2016 July 31, 2016 Neurologist Neurologist Burk Jubelt, MD Burk Jubelt, MD, explains polio and post-polio syndrome, and a survivor from a 1950s epidemic shares her story. Bioethicists, explains polio and post-polio syndrome, and a survivor from a 1950s epidemic shares her story. Bioethicists Robert Olick, JD, PhD, Robert Olick, JD, PhD, and and Thomas Curran, MD Thomas Curran, MD, discuss a real-life case involving medical ethics., discuss a real-life case involving medical ethics.

July 24, 2016 July 24, 2016 Respiratory therapist Theresa Hankin goes over the dangers and new regulations of e-cigarettes. Neonatologist Respiratory therapist Theresa Hankin goes over the dangers and new regulations of e-cigarettes. Neonatologist Michelle Bode, MD Michelle Bode, MD, explains the effect of a mother's opiate use on her baby. Gastroenterologist, explains the effect of a mother's opiate use on her baby. Gastroenterologist Divey Manocha, MD Divey Manocha, MD, talks about digestive diseases with one of his patients., talks about digestive diseases with one of his patients.        

July 17, 2016 July 17, 2016 Neurologist Neurologist Amy Sanders, MD Amy Sanders, MD, explains mild cognitive impairment. Infectious disease specialist, explains mild cognitive impairment. Infectious disease specialist Timothy Endy, MD Timothy Endy, MD, tells about the Zika virus. Two pancreas transplant recipients share their experiences with diabetes and kidney disease., tells about the Zika virus. Two pancreas transplant recipients share their experiences with diabetes and kidney disease.

Mild cognitive impairment is when some brain processes are not functioning the way they should at one‘s age. This state, short of full-on dementia and not serious enough to interfere with daily life, might involve problems with memory, language use, reasoning, or visual and spatial abilities, says Upstate neurologist Mild cognitive impairment is when some brain processes are not functioning the way they should at one‘s age. This state, short of full-on dementia and not serious enough to interfere with daily life, might involve problems with memory, language use, reasoning, or visual and spatial abilities, says Upstate neurologist Amy Sanders, MD Amy Sanders, MD, who runs a clinic that tests for the condition (call 315-464-4243 for information). Sanders touches on screening methods, the role of memory, the relationship to dementia and tips to keep the aging brain healthy., who runs a clinic that tests for the condition (call 315-464-4243 for information). Sanders touches on screening methods, the role of memor

For the first time in their lives, Patrick Nolan, 52 (at left in photo), and Harry Tynan, 39 (at right), are doing what most people take for granted: living without having to constantly check their blood sugar or inject insulin. Each man was diagnosed as a child with Type 1 diabetes and has spent his life dealing with the disease and the kidney damage it can cause. Each man has also received a kidney transplant, and each recently received a transplanted pancreas at Upstate, in effect curing their diabetes. “I‘m reliving my youth again. … I just wake up and go, ‘Wow!‘“ says Nolan of Syracuse. “It‘s a complete change just to look forward and not have to do injections,” notes Tynan of Oswego. “I‘m ready to pick up the insulin pen, and I don‘t have to.” For the first time in their lives, Patrick Nolan, 52 (at left in photo), and Harry Tynan, 39 (at right), are doing what most people take for granted: living without having to constantly check their blood sugar or inject insulin. Each man was diagnosed as a child w

Electronic cigarettes, promoted as producing water vapor instead of smoke, actually produce an aerosol with tiny particles that could cause lung problems, says Theresa Hankin, a respiratory therapist at the Upstate Cancer Center. The tobacco-derived liquid in e-cigarettes and related devices contains highly addictive nicotine and traces of elements including heavy metals, Hankin notes. Although some tout the devices as a way to quit smoking, many people end up using both kinds of cigarettes. She notes that much research needs to be done and that the Food and Drug Administration has just begun to regulate the e-cigarette or “vaping” industry, which has been marketing its products to young consumers. Electronic cigarettes, promoted as producing water vapor instead of smoke, actually produce an aerosol with tiny particles that could cause lung problems, says Theresa Hankin, a respiratory therapist at the Upstate Cancer Center. The tobacco-derived liquid in e-cigarettes and related devices contains highly addicti

Education and awareness underlie the best ways to prevent drowning, says Education and awareness underlie the best ways to prevent drowning, says Robert Newmyer, MD Robert Newmyer, MD, a pediatric critical care physician at Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Learning the basics of swimming and water safety is most important, and learning CPR too, if possible, explains Newmyer, who is a former lifeguard and swimming instructor. Other points he discusses include checking for potential hazards in a swimming area, the buddy system, the limits of lifeguards, the concept of “dry drowning” and how children perceive risk., a pediatric critical care physician at Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Learning the basics of swimming and water safety is most important, and learning CPR too, if possible, explains Newmyer, who is a former lifeguard and swimming instructor. Other points he discusses include checking for potential hazards in a swimming area, the buddy system, the limits of lifeguards, the concept of “dry

Upstate doctors are now offering a pancreas transplant option for some patients with diabetes, the most common cause of kidney failure. A pancreas transplant may be a proactive way for many with diabetes, especially the more severe cases, to avoid kidney failure, says Upstate doctors are now offering a pancreas transplant option for some patients with diabetes, the most common cause of kidney failure. A pancreas transplant may be a proactive way for many with diabetes, especially the more severe cases, to avoid kidney failure, says Rainer Gruessner, MD Rainer Gruessner, MD (at right in photo), Upstate‘s transplant chief and professor of surgery. His colleague, surgeon (at right in photo), Upstate‘s transplant chief and professor of surgery. His colleague, surgeon Mark Reza Laftavi, MD Mark Reza Laftavi, MD (at left), director of Upstate's Pancreas Transplant Program, describes the dangers diabetes poses to the kidneys and other organs. Gruessner and his team offer pancreas transplants -- separately or combine

July 10, 2016 July 10, 2016 Transplant surgeons Transplant surgeons Rainer Gruessner, MD Rainer Gruessner, MD, and, and Mark Laftavi, MD Mark Laftavi, MD, discuss the pancreas transplant program. Pediatrician, discuss the pancreas transplant program. Pediatrician Robert Newmyer, MD, Robert Newmyer, MD, talks about drowning and water safety. Urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD, tells how the "breast cancer gene" increases a man's risk of prostate cancer. talks about drowning and water safety. Urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD, tells how the "breast cancer gene" increases a man's risk of prostate cancer.

A growing number of babies are born to mothers who took a narcotic of some kind during pregnancy, and that puts the babies at risk for developing neonatal abstinence syndrome, says A growing number of babies are born to mothers who took a narcotic of some kind during pregnancy, and that puts the babies at risk for developing neonatal abstinence syndrome, says Michelle Bode, MD Michelle Bode, MD, an Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital assistant professor and Crouse Hospital neonatologist. Within the first week of life, a baby who was exposed to prescription or nonprescription opioids in the womb may become irritable, have trouble feeding and develop a shrill cry, she says. The baby is likely to have a longer-than-normal hospital stay, which impacts on bonding time with his or her mother. Bode points out that for mothers who watch their babies go through withdrawal, "the shame and guilt is immense.", an Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital assistant professor and Crouse Hospital neonatologist. Within the first

A gene mutation linked to breast cancer appears to play a role in some prostate cancer as well, according to a A gene mutation linked to breast cancer appears to play a role in some prostate cancer as well, according to a study study co-authored by Upstate urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD. The co-authored by Upstate urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD. The study l study l ooked mostly at the BRCA2 genes, which, when mutated, can lead to breast cancer. When they occur in close relatives, these mutated genes raise the risk of breast cancer for women as well as prostate cancer for men, the study shows, and those prostate cancers tend to be more aggressive. Vourganti explains how a medical student conceived the idea for the study, its implications for African-American men in particular, and how the knowledge might help shape future screenings and treatments. ooked mostly at the BRCA2 genes, which, when mutated, can lead to breast cancer. When they occur in close relatives, these mutated genes raise the risk of breas

Some may be completing a course of antibiotics. Some may have a new diagnosis of diabetes and need help learning to manage their disease. Others could be recovering from a fall that caused a broken bone. A variety of Medicare patients spend from five to 20 days in the Some may be completing a course of antibiotics. Some may have a new diagnosis of diabetes and need help learning to manage their disease. Others could be recovering from a fall that caused a broken bone. A variety of Medicare patients spend from five to 20 days in the Transitional Care Unit Transitional Care Unit before they are discharged from Upstate University Hospital. What these older patients have in common is the goal to return to their homes. Medical director before they are discharged from Upstate University Hospital. What these older patients have in common is the goal to return to their homes. Medical director Sharon Brangman, MD Sharon Brangman, MD (at left in photo), says patients on the Transitional Care Unit receive the same type

The autoimmune diseases known as lupus are hard to diagnose, unpredictable and affect many more women than men, explains Upstate rheumatologist The autoimmune diseases known as lupus are hard to diagnose, unpredictable and affect many more women than men, explains Upstate rheumatologist Hiroshi Kato, MD Hiroshi Kato, MD. Lupus causes the immune system to attack the body‘s healthy tissues and organs, and while its cause is unknown, it appears to involve both genetic factors and environmental triggers, Kato says. Close monitoring by a rheumatologist is usually necessary to help control the disease, he notes.. Lupus causes the immune system to attack the body‘s healthy tissues and organs, and while its cause is unknown, it appears to involve both genetic factors and environmental triggers, Kato says. Close monitoring by a rheumatologist is usually necessary to help control the disease, he notes.

As scientists have documented the importance of breast-feeding to a baby's current and future well-being, more American women are opting to breast-feed, says As scientists have documented the importance of breast-feeding to a baby's current and future well-being, more American women are opting to breast-feed, says Jayne Charlamb, MD Jayne Charlamb, MD, director of breast health and, director of breast health and breast-feeding medicine at Upstate. breast-feeding medicine at Upstate. She says the majority of infants born in America receive some breast milk, but she and other experts would like more babies to be breast-fed for at least six months. Babies who are breast-fed have a lower risk of developing ear infections, some leukemias and obesity. In addition, breast-feeding helps mothers lose their pregnancy weight and adjust their glucose regulation. She says the majority of infants born in America receive some breast milk, but she and other experts would like more babies to be breast-fed for at least six mon

Most men with prostate cancer can be treated successfully through surgery and/or radiation, but when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a systemic approach using medication is often prescribed, says Most men with prostate cancer can be treated successfully through surgery and/or radiation, but when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a systemic approach using medication is often prescribed, says Bernard Poiesz, MD Bernard Poiesz, MD, a professor of medicine at the Upstate Cancer Center. He describes both advances in and limitations of treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which stimulates the body‘s immune system to attack the cancer., a professor of medicine at the Upstate Cancer Center. He describes both advances in and limitations of treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which stimulates the body‘s immune system to attack the cancer.

Asking whether someone is contemplating suicide can be a way to let that person talk about his or her troubles and perhaps find some relief or hope, crisis intervention experts say. Cheryl Giarrusso (at left in photo) and Stephanie Lewis (at right), who both work for the Asking whether someone is contemplating suicide can be a way to let that person talk about his or her troubles and perhaps find some relief or hope, crisis intervention experts say. Cheryl Giarrusso (at left in photo) and Stephanie Lewis (at right), who both work for the Contact Community Services Contact Community Services Crisis Intervention Services program, say a common misconception about suicide is that people should avoid mentioning the word to someone who is suspected of being suicidal. They describe warning signs, the role of social media and how ordinary people can help. Contact runs a Crisis Intervention Services program, say a common misconception about suicide is that people should avoid mentioning the word to someone who is susp