Healthlink On Air

Communication and patience are the keys to caring for someone with Communication and patience are the keys to caring for someone with Alzheimer‘s disease Alzheimer‘s disease, say Linh Nguyen (right) and Kaylin Brainerd (left),, say Linh Nguyen (right) and Kaylin Brainerd (left), geriatric resource nurses at Upstate geriatric resource nurses at Upstate University Hospital. Start communicating with the loved one when Alzheimer‘s is first diagnosed and try to keep him or her involved even as memory fades, they advise. They also offer University Hospital. Start communicating with the loved one when Alzheimer‘s is first diagnosed and try to keep him or her involved even as memory fades, they advise. They also offer tips for caregivers tips for caregivers, such as trying to live in the loved one‘s world – don‘t correct their errors or finish their sentences, and try to keep up a routine that includes familiar faces and places and avoids isolation. , such as trying to live in the loved one‘s world – don‘

The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to Howard Simon, MD, Howard Simon, MD, director of director of bariatric surgery bariatric surgery at Upstate. People with morbid obesity (with a at Upstate. People with morbid obesity (with a body mass index body mass index above 40) have a metabolic disease too complicated to treat with just drugs, diet or exercise, he says, and most will regain weight lost through those methods. He explains why bariatric surgery, combined with behavioral changes, has a high rate of long-term success.  above 40) have a metabolic disease too complicated to treat with just drugs, diet or exercise, he says, and most will regain weight lost through those methods. He explains why bariatric surgery, combined with behavioral changes, has a high rate of long-term success. 

The Burns Archive contains more than a million medically related photos, such as this one of Dr. William L. Rodman‘s Surgical Clinic, Philadelphia, March 26, 1902. (PHOTOGRAPH © STANLEY B. BURNS, MD, and THE BURNS ARCHIVE) The Burns Archive contains more than a million medically related photos, such as this one of Dr. William L. Rodman‘s Surgical Clinic, Philadelphia, March 26, 1902. (PHOTOGRAPH © STANLEY B. BURNS, MD, and THE BURNS ARCHIVE) Adviser Stanley Burns, MD (left), instructs actor Clive Owen on historical accuracy on the set of the Cinemax series "The Knick," set in a New York City hospital in 1900. (PHOTOGRAPH BY MARY CYBULSKI / CINEMAX) Adviser Stanley Burns, MD (left), instructs actor Clive Owen on historical accuracy on the set of the Cinemax series "The Knick," set in a New York City hospital in 1900. (PHOTOGRAPH BY MARY CYBULSKI / CINEMAX) A passion for detail and for history led Stanley Burns, MD, to amass A passion for detail and for history led Stanley Burns, MD, to amass an unparalleled co

June 19, 2016 June 19, 2016 Surgeon Surgeon Howard Simon, MD Howard Simon, MD, discusses the connection between weight loss and metabolism, and the effect surgery can have for people with morbid obesity. Researchers, discusses the connection between weight loss and metabolism, and the effect surgery can have for people with morbid obesity. Researchers Sandra Lane, PhD Sandra Lane, PhD, and, and Arnett Haygood-El Arnett Haygood-El talk about the impact of poverty and violence on health. talk about the impact of poverty and violence on health. Geriatric resource Geriatric resource nurses Kaylin Brainerd and Linh Nguyen provide guidance to caregivers of people with dementia. nurses Kaylin Brainerd and Linh Nguyen provide guidance to caregivers of people with dementia.

Pharmacist Andrew Burgdorf discusses the variety of medications available to treat prostate cancer. Dermatologist Pharmacist Andrew Burgdorf discusses the variety of medications available to treat prostate cancer. Dermatologist Ramsay Farah, MD Ramsay Farah, MD, tells about the causes of and treatments for acne. Physical therapist, tells about the causes of and treatments for acne. Physical therapist Cassi Terpening Cassi Terpening explains the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. explains the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment.

Is Is street violence an addictive behavior? street violence an addictive behavior? How does a violence or poverty affect how a child learns, how police deal with crime and how landlords treat tenants? These and other How does a violence or poverty affect how a child learns, how police deal with crime and how landlords treat tenants? These and other social determinants of health social determinants of health are being studied by are being studied by Sandra Lane, PhD Sandra Lane, PhD (at left), a professor of public health at Syracuse University, and Arnett Haygood-El (at right), associate director of the (at left), a professor of public health at Syracuse University, and Arnett Haygood-El (at right), associate director of the Street Addiction institute Inc. in Syracuse Street Addiction institute Inc. in Syracuse. Health does not exist in a vacuum but as part of a person‘s environment, they explain, and they are seeking solutions to the trauma inflicted by violence and poverty. . Health does not exist in a vac

Using poetry, art and essays to explore how patients, care providers and others view illness and treatment is the guiding spirit behind Using poetry, art and essays to explore how patients, care providers and others view illness and treatment is the guiding spirit behind The Healing Muse The Healing Muse, now in its 16th year of publication at Upstate. The journal‘s editor,, now in its 16th year of publication at Upstate. The journal‘s editor, Deirdre Neilen, PhD Deirdre Neilen, PhD (at right), offers a look at the latest edition, which includes an award-winning poem by fourth-year medical student Kaitlin Kyi (at left). Kyi reads her work, “Kind of a Bummer,” a meditation on people who leave without saying goodbye, and she and Neilen discuss the insights and feelings the journal explores. (at right), offers a look at the latest edition, which includes an award-winning poem by fourth-year medical student Kaitlin Kyi (at left). Kyi reads her work, “Kind of a Bummer,” a meditation on people who leave without say

Men have an advantage over women when it comes to bone health, since they are able to build up stronger bones in their youth. This is why older men are much less likely than older women to get the weaker, thinner bones of osteoporosis. Upstate physical therapist Men have an advantage over women when it comes to bone health, since they are able to build up stronger bones in their youth. This is why older men are much less likely than older women to get the weaker, thinner bones of osteoporosis. Upstate physical therapist Karen Kemmis Karen Kemmis specializes in osteoporosis and preventing falls. She explains how people can enhance bone health through exercise and a proper diet or detract from it through smoking, a poor diet and sedentary habits. specializes in osteoporosis and preventing falls. She explains how people can enhance bone health through exercise and a proper diet or detract from it through smoking, a poor diet and sedentary habits.

Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, can bring debilitating pain and sometimes lead to cancer. Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, can bring debilitating pain and sometimes lead to cancer. Nuri Ozden, MD Nuri Ozden, MD (at left), an interventional gastroenterologist at Upstate, discusses the function of the pancreas and diseases that affect it, and he previews Upstate's planned islet transplant program. One of his patients, Jane Cross (at right), offers a personal view of pancreas disease. She chairs the New York State Chapter of the (at left), an interventional gastroenterologist at Upstate, discusses the function of the pancreas and diseases that affect it, and he previews Upstate's planned islet transplant program. One of his patients, Jane Cross (at right), offers a personal view of pancreas disease. She chairs the New York State Chapter of the National Pancreas Foundation National Pancreas Foundation, which has recognized Upstate as one of only two hospitals in the state to provide

June 5, 2016 June 5, 2016 Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologist Nuri Ozden, MD, Nuri Ozden, MD, and Jane Cross, chapter chair for the and Jane Cross, chapter chair for the National Pancreas Foundation National Pancreas Foundation, tell about multidisciplinary care for people with pancreatitis. Physical therapist, tell about multidisciplinary care for people with pancreatitis. Physical therapist Karen Kemmis Karen Kemmis provides steps to better bone health. Editor provides steps to better bone health. Editor Deirdre Neilen, PhD Deirdre Neilen, PhD, shares the new edition of, shares the new edition of The Healing Muse The Healing Muse literary journal. literary journal.

May 29, 2016 May 29, 2016 Vascular surgeon Vascular surgeon Michael Costanza, MD Michael Costanza, MD, goes over the importance of screening for vascular diseases. Research scientist, goes over the importance of screening for vascular diseases. Research scientist Stephen Glatt, PhD Stephen Glatt, PhD, discusses the genetic epidemiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Meaghan Greeley and Tiffany Brec from, discusses the genetic epidemiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Meaghan Greeley and Tiffany Brec from Vera House Vera House talk about strategies for stopping sexual violence. talk about strategies for stopping sexual violence.

May 22, 2016 May 22, 2016 Stephen Glatt, PhD Stephen Glatt, PhD, and Seetha Ramanathan, MD, talk about Mental Health First Aid. Nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley tells what new and expectant parents need to know., and Seetha Ramanathan, MD, talk about Mental Health First Aid. Nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley tells what new and expectant parents need to know. Jennifer Kelly, DO Jennifer Kelly, DO, explains the role of the endocrine system in osteoporosis. Psychologist, explains the role of the endocrine system in osteoporosis. Psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD, Rich O'Neill, PhD, provides a "Check Up from the Neck Up." provides a "Check Up from the Neck Up."

The debate over whether nature (genes) or nurture (environment) contributes more to mental and other disorders is moving toward how nature and nurture interact. A genetically predisposed person might be "resilient" and never develop a mental disorder, perhaps because of environmental factors, says The debate over whether nature (genes) or nurture (environment) contributes more to mental and other disorders is moving toward how nature and nurture interact. A genetically predisposed person might be "resilient" and never develop a mental disorder, perhaps because of environmental factors, says Stephen Glatt, PhD, Stephen Glatt, PhD, an associate professor of neuroscience and physiology at Upstate. Fast-moving research in this area is also examining whether environmentally acquired traits could then be passed on to one‘s children. Glatt is an associate professor of neuroscience and physiology at Upstate. Fast-moving research in this area is also examining whether environmentally acquired traits could then be pass

The earlier a mental health problem can be identified and dealt with, the better. That is part of the reasoning behind The earlier a mental health problem can be identified and dealt with, the better. That is part of the reasoning behind increased funding increased funding to expand to expand Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid, a longstanding program in Central New York, say Seetha Ramanathan, MD, (at left in photo) a psychiatrist with the, a longstanding program in Central New York, say Seetha Ramanathan, MD, (at left in photo) a psychiatrist with the state Office of Mental Health state Office of Mental Health, and, and Stephen Glatt, PhD, Stephen Glatt, PhD, an Upstate associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (at right). The program, used worldwide, trains lay people to recognize mental problems in young people and direct them to services, while fostering empathy and lessening the stigma of mental illness. an Upstate associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (at

Polio epidemics, which paralyzed and killed children and terrified parents before Jonas Salk, MD, developed a vaccine, are brought to life by a survivor of a 1953 outbreak. Polio epidemics, which paralyzed and killed children and terrified parents before Jonas Salk, MD, developed a vaccine, are brought to life by a survivor of a 1953 outbreak. Janice Flood Nichols Janice Flood Nichols was a DeWitt first-grader when she and seven classmates were stricken. Three of them, including her twin brother, Frankie, died (the twins are shown on their last birthday before his death, and Nichols is shown at right in a recent photo). Nichols recovered, took part in the Salk vaccine trials of 1954 and today advocates for vaccination against polio and other diseases. She also touches on her mild case of post-polio syndrome, which can attack polio survivors decades later. was a DeWitt first-grader when she and seven classmates were stricken. Three of them, including her twin brother, Frankie, died (the twins are shown on thei

Where should a newborn sleep? How much weight should a pregnant woman gain? Is breastfeeding important? The answers to these questions – in its own crib in the parents‘ room; probably about 25 pounds but check with your health care provider; and yes, very – are among the topics nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley fields as coordinator of Where should a newborn sleep? How much weight should a pregnant woman gain? Is breastfeeding important? The answers to these questions – in its own crib in the parents‘ room; probably about 25 pounds but check with your health care provider; and yes, very – are among the topics nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley fields as coordinator of Upstate‘s Best Beginnings classes. Upstate‘s Best Beginnings classes. The sessions help expectant and new parents learn about pregnancy, labor, delivery and newborn care. The sessions help expectant and new parents learn about pregnancy, labor, delivery and newborn care.

Teenagers looking to get high are abusing easily available household products, says Upstate toxicologist Teenagers looking to get high are abusing easily available household products, says Upstate toxicologist William Eggleston William Eggleston. Hydrocarbons, found in aerosol sprays, are being inhaled and can lead to irregular heart rhythms and “sudden sniffing death syndrome.” Loperamide (brand name: Imodium), an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea drug, is being taken in megadoses for a heroinlike effect. Dextromethorphan, found in cough and cold remedies, acts like the drug PCP in high doses and causes agitation and combativeness. Eggleston, who sees drug overdose cases through the. Hydrocarbons, found in aerosol sprays, are being inhaled and can lead to irregular heart rhythms and “sudden sniffing death syndrome.” Loperamide (brand name: Imodium), an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea drug, is being taken in megadoses for a heroinlike effect. Dextromethorphan, found in cough and cold remedies, acts like the drug

Countering sexual violence can start with a conversation to raise awareness and encourage people to speak out and intervene If necessary. This applies to college campuses as well as the larger society, say Meaghan Greeley (at left in photo)  and Tiffany Brec (at right in photo) of Countering sexual violence can start with a conversation to raise awareness and encourage people to speak out and intervene If necessary. This applies to college campuses as well as the larger society, say Meaghan Greeley (at left in photo)  and Tiffany Brec (at right in photo) of Vera House, Vera House, a Central New York agency that deals with domestic and sexual violence. In community sessions about sexual violence, Brec and Greeley encourage people to think about the culture‘s and their own attitudes, the role of bystanders and how violent acts eventually affect society as a whole. a Central New York agency that deals with domestic and sexual violence. In community sessions about sexual violence, Brec and Greeley encourage peopl

Many factors can put someone at risk for the bone-weakening conditions of osteopenia and the more serious osteoporosis, says endocrinologist Many factors can put someone at risk for the bone-weakening conditions of osteopenia and the more serious osteoporosis, says endocrinologist Jennifer Kelly, DO. Jennifer Kelly, DO. Among them are a woman‘s postmenopausal drop in estrogen, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism, says Kelly, clinical director of the bone density unit at Upstate‘s Joslin Diabetes Center. She also describes the lifestyle changes and drugs recommended to treat osteoporosis. Among them are a woman‘s postmenopausal drop in estrogen, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism, says Kelly, clinical director of the bone density unit at Upstate‘s Joslin Diabetes Center. She also describes the lifestyle changes and drugs recommended to treat osteoporosis.

Vascular disease, or diseases of the blood vessels, can lead to difficulty walking, heart attacks, strokes and gangrene, explains Upstate vascular surgeon Vascular disease, or diseases of the blood vessels, can lead to difficulty walking, heart attacks, strokes and gangrene, explains Upstate vascular surgeon Michael Costanza, MD Michael Costanza, MD. Changes in lifestyle habits often help: Don‘t smoke, get reasonable exercise, follow a healthy diet, and control any problems with diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure. Costanza also addressed how vascular disease is diagnosed, who is likely to get it and the importance of screening.. Changes in lifestyle habits often help: Don‘t smoke, get reasonable exercise, follow a healthy diet, and control any problems with diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure. Costanza also addressed how vascular disease is diagnosed, who is likely to get it and the importance of screening.