Healthlink On Air

May 15, 2016 May 15, 2016 Upstate surgeon Upstate surgeon Scott Albert, MD Scott Albert, MD, explains the new way of thinking about thyroid cancer. Upstate toxicologist, explains the new way of thinking about thyroid cancer. Upstate toxicologist William Eggleston William Eggleston tells of the dangers of hydrocarbons and commonly abused medications. tells of the dangers of hydrocarbons and commonly abused medications. Support group Support group facilitator facilitator Christine Kowaleski Christine Kowaleski discusses discusses postpartum depression and psychosis postpartum depression and psychosis with Central New York mother with Central New York mother Heather Sherman Heather Sherman. .

Postpartum depression and anxiety Postpartum depression and anxiety are fairly common, says are fairly common, says Christine Kowaleski Christine Kowaleski (at right in photo), a nurse practitioner who facilitates a support group for new mothers and expectant mothers. Taking part in that group is (at right in photo), a nurse practitioner who facilitates a support group for new mothers and expectant mothers. Taking part in that group is Heather Sherman Heather Sherman (at left in photo) of Baldwinsville, who shares (at left in photo) of Baldwinsville, who shares her personal postpartum story her personal postpartum story of suicidal thoughts and of suicidal thoughts and her struggles her struggles to find treatment and help others with similar problems. Kowaleski, an associate professor at Crouse Hospital‘s Pomeroy College of Nursing, also explains the differences between “baby blues” and postpartum depression and tells how to get help (call 315-470-7940 to register for the f to find treatment and help others

Experts are re-examining whether to consider some slow-growing abnormalities of the thyroid gland as chronic diseases to monitor rather than as cancers to remove immediately, says Experts are re-examining whether to consider some slow-growing abnormalities of the thyroid gland as chronic diseases to monitor rather than as cancers to remove immediately, says Scott Albert, MD, Scott Albert, MD, division chief of breast, endocrine and plastic surgery at Upstate. Albert also explains the thyroid‘s functions, the uses of scans, biopsies and radioactive iodine, and how the vast majority of thyroid cancer patients do well after treatment, which generally involves surgical removal of the gland. division chief of breast, endocrine and plastic surgery at Upstate. Albert also explains the thyroid‘s functions, the uses of scans, biopsies and radioactive iodine, and how the vast majority of thyroid cancer patients do well after treatment, which generally involves surgical removal of the gland.

May 8, 2016 May 8, 2016 Paramedic Todd Curtis and emergency physician Paramedic Todd Curtis and emergency physician Jeremy Joslin, MD Jeremy Joslin, MD, tell how they provide medical safety oversight for TV wilderness adventure programs. Cardiologist, tell how they provide medical safety oversight for TV wilderness adventure programs. Cardiologist Harold Smulyan, MD Harold Smulyan, MD, discusses screening of and treatments for high blood pressure. Pediatric cancer researcher, discusses screening of and treatments for high blood pressure. Pediatric cancer researcher William Kerr, PhD William Kerr, PhD, explains his immunotherapy research., explains his immunotherapy research.

A love of the wilderness led a paramedic and a doctor to work with the National Geographic Channel adventure series A love of the wilderness led a paramedic and a doctor to work with the National Geographic Channel adventure series “The Great Human Race.” “The Great Human Race.” Todd Curtis (at left in photo), a paramedic who trained at Upstate and now teaches at Upstate, served as medical safety oversight director for the show, which follows two people as they re-create the conditions of early humans in remote locales in Ethiopia, Mongolia and elsewhere. Curtis got long-distance supervision from emergency physician Todd Curtis (at left in photo), a paramedic who trained at Upstate and now teaches at Upstate, served as medical safety oversight director for the show, which follows two people as they re-create the conditions of early humans in remote locales in Ethiopia, Mongolia and elsewhere. Curtis got long-distance supervision from emergency physician Jeremy Joslin, MD Jeremy Joslin,

High blood pressure is a fairly common condition that can contribute to a stroke, heart attack or vascular problems, and yet it often goes undetected. Since it often shows no symptoms, screening is important to detect it, and treatments are available, says Upstate cardiologist High blood pressure is a fairly common condition that can contribute to a stroke, heart attack or vascular problems, and yet it often goes undetected. Since it often shows no symptoms, screening is important to detect it, and treatments are available, says Upstate cardiologist Harold Smulyan, MD Harold Smulyan, MD. He explains the associated risks, such as smoking, obesity and excessive salt intake, and also who tends to be at higher risk for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. He explains the associated risks, such as smoking, obesity and excessive salt intake, and also who tends to be at higher risk for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension

Pediatric cancer researcher Pediatric cancer researcher William Kerr, PhD William Kerr, PhD, is heading to France on a Fulbright Scholarship to collaborate with other researchers about ways to prompt the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. He explains the promising work that takes place in his Upstate laboratory and the accelerated efforts of American scientists to solve cancer by 2020., is heading to France on a Fulbright Scholarship to collaborate with other researchers about ways to prompt the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. He explains the promising work that takes place in his Upstate laboratory and the accelerated efforts of American scientists to solve cancer by 2020.

May 1, 2016 May 1, 2016 Jack Wohlers, PhD, of Jack Wohlers, PhD, of Centre Syracuse Centre Syracuse tells about detection and treatment of eating disorders. tells about detection and treatment of eating disorders. Rich O'Neill, PhD, Rich O'Neill, PhD, talks about how to help a loved one struggling with addiction. Upstate graduate talks about how to help a loved one struggling with addiction. Upstate graduate Michael Weiner, MD Michael Weiner, MD, discusses an, discusses an Alzheimer's disease research project Alzheimer's disease research project that seeks participants. that seeks participants.

April 24, 2016 April 24, 2016 Pediatric urologist Pediatric urologist Matthew Mason, MD Matthew Mason, MD, explains diagnosis and treatment of undescended testicles and other urologic problems that affect babies. Urologist, explains diagnosis and treatment of undescended testicles and other urologic problems that affect babies. Urologist Natasha Ginzburg Natasha Ginzburg, MD, discusses pelvic floor disorders affecting women. Urologist, MD, discusses pelvic floor disorders affecting women. Urologist JC Trussell, MD JC Trussell, MD, tells about causes and treatments for erectile dysfunction., tells about causes and treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, can be viewed as a way to cope with life changes and stress, says psychologist Jack Wohlers, PhD. These complex disorders often occur during the transition from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to early adulthood, says Wohlers, the clinical director of Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, can be viewed as a way to cope with life changes and stress, says psychologist Jack Wohlers, PhD. These complex disorders often occur during the transition from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to early adulthood, says Wohlers, the clinical director of Centre Syracuse Centre Syracuse, a treatment program for adults and teens with eating disorders. He describes the secretive behaviors and shame that can be associated with these disorders and the importance of early detection and treatment., a treatment program for adults and teens with eating disorders. He describes the secretive behaviors and shame that can be ass

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that is generally treated with a three-tiered approach, says Upstate urologist Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that is generally treated with a three-tiered approach, says Upstate urologist JC Trussell, MD JC Trussell, MD. Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection for satisfactory sexual performance, Trussell says, and it's an issue for more men as they get older. He describes the types of ED, contributing factors including stress, diabetes and heart disease, and the usual remedies, starting with medications, then moving to devices if needed, and, as a last option, an implanted prosthesis, all of which have had high rates of success.. Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection for satisfactory sexual performance, Trussell says, and it's an issue for more men as they get older. He describes the types of ED, contributing factors including stress, diabetes and heart dis

The pelvic floor is a complex structure that can be the source of disorders as women age and bear children, says The pelvic floor is a complex structure that can be the source of disorders as women age and bear children, says Natasha Ginzburg, MD, Natasha Ginzburg, MD, urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and surgery at Upstate. She describes the pelvic floor as a hammock of muscle and tissue that, in women, includes the vagina, rectum and uterus. Problems with urination, defecation and protruding organs in the pelvic floor can be treated successfully through behavioral changes, physical therapy, medicines and biofeedback, with surgery (generally minimally invasive) as a last choice, she said. urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and surgery at Upstate. She describes the pelvic floor as a hammock of muscle and tissue that, in women, includes the vagina, rectum and uterus. Problems with urination, defecation and protruding organs in the pelvic floor can be treated successfully through b

An undescended testicle occurs in about 3 percent of full-term baby boys but in as many as 45 percent of boys born prematurely, explains An undescended testicle occurs in about 3 percent of full-term baby boys but in as many as 45 percent of boys born prematurely, explains Matthew Mason, MD, Matthew Mason, MD, a pediatric a pediatric urologist urologist at Upstate. The reasons why one testicle (or occasionally both) does not find its way to the scrotum are unclear, he says, noting that pediatricians check for this problem in well-child visits. Mason also describes aspects of the condition and possible complications, such as reduced fertility and testicular cancer, as well as treatment options. at Upstate. The reasons why one testicle (or occasionally both) does not find its way to the scrotum are unclear, he says, noting that pediatricians check for this problem in well-child visits. Mason also describes aspects of the condition and possible complications, such as reduced fertility and testicular cancer, as w

April 17, 2016 April 17, 2016 Urologist Urologist Oleg Shapiro, MD Oleg Shapiro, MD, discusses kidney cancer. Nurses Lorrie Langdon and Michelle Vallelunga tell about atrial fibrillation and its connection to stroke. Wikipedian Lane Rasberry talks about the medical information available at the online encyclopedia., discusses kidney cancer. Nurses Lorrie Langdon and Michelle Vallelunga tell about atrial fibrillation and its connection to stroke. Wikipedian Lane Rasberry talks about the medical information available at the online encyclopedia.

Lane Rasberry is confident that Wikipedia, the most consulted source of medical information, is of comparable value to online medical sources such as WebMD and the Mayo Clinic. As the Wikipedian in residence at Consumer Reports, specializing in health information, he visited Upstate to explain the free online encyclopedia and show how people can become involved. Rasberry notes his history with Wikipedia, how its medical and other information is edited and the importance of citing reliable sources. Lane Rasberry is confident that Wikipedia, the most consulted source of medical information, is of comparable value to online medical sources such as WebMD and the Mayo Clinic. As the Wikipedian in residence at Consumer Reports, specializing in health information, he visited Upstate to explain the free online encyclopedia and show how people can become involved. Rasberry notes his history with Wikipedia, how its medical and other information is edited and the importance of citing reliable sources.

April 10, 2016 April 10, 2016 Neurosurgeon Neurosurgeon Satish Krishnamurthy, MD Satish Krishnamurthy, MD, discusses hydrocephalus with the parent of a patient. Nurse and certified diabetes educator Kristi Shaver provides tips for living with diabetes. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin shares ideas for maintaining weight loss long term., discusses hydrocephalus with the parent of a patient. Nurse and certified diabetes educator Kristi Shaver provides tips for living with diabetes. Registered dietitian nutritionist Maureen Franklin shares ideas for maintaining weight loss long term.    

Handling an alcoholic or drug-addicted loved one is a particularly thorny issue because people worry that frank talk about the problem might endanger their relationship, says psychologist Handling an alcoholic or drug-addicted loved one is a particularly thorny issue because people worry that frank talk about the problem might endanger their relationship, says psychologist Rich O‘Neill, PhD Rich O‘Neill, PhD. O‘Neill touches on the related issues of enabling, tough love, blame and interventions and advises that people who keep silent about the love one‘s addiction will likely lose the relationship anyway.. O‘Neill touches on the related issues of enabling, tough love, blame and interventions and advises that people who keep silent about the love one‘s addiction will likely lose the relationship anyway.

Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation, or “a-fib,” is a common heart problem that can greatly increase the risk of stroke, as two Upstate nurses explain. A heart that is in atrial fibrillation is beating too fast, too slow or irregularly, which might allow blood to pool and clot instead of being pumped normally, say Lorraine “Lorrie” Langdon (at right), coordinator of the, or “a-fib,” is a common heart problem that can greatly increase the risk of stroke, as two Upstate nurses explain. A heart that is in atrial fibrillation is beating too fast, too slow or irregularly, which might allow blood to pool and clot instead of being pumped normally, say Lorraine “Lorrie” Langdon (at right), coordinator of the Heart Failure Program Heart Failure Program, and Michelle Vallelunga (at left), data coordinator of the, and Michelle Vallelunga (at left), data coordinator of the Comprehensive Stroke Center Comprehensive Stroke Center at Upstate. Those clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The nurses go over ris

Kidney cancer is often “silent” and discovered when a patient receives an imaging scan for something else, says Kidney cancer is often “silent” and discovered when a patient receives an imaging scan for something else, says Oleg Shapiro, MD Oleg Shapiro, MD, vice chair of urology at Upstate. Minimally invasive surgery can usually be done to remove tumors when they are caught early. Shapiro also explains how renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, how it can be aggressive and what treatments are on the horizon., vice chair of urology at Upstate. Minimally invasive surgery can usually be done to remove tumors when they are caught early. Shapiro also explains how renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, how it can be aggressive and what treatments are on the horizon.

Hydrocephalus is a fairly common but poorly understood condition with limited remedies, and an Upstate doctor and one of his patients‘ families are seeking better treatments. Neurosurgeon Hydrocephalus is a fairly common but poorly understood condition with limited remedies, and an Upstate doctor and one of his patients‘ families are seeking better treatments. Neurosurgeon Satish Krishnamurthy, MD Satish Krishnamurthy, MD (at right in photo), explains how the condition creates excess fluid and pressure on the brain, often resolved through surgical insertion of a shunt as a drain. That process can lead to infections and repeated surgeries. Tom Clough, (at left) whose daughter, now 6, has had six shunts inserted, explains how his family started a (at right in photo), explains how the condition creates excess fluid and pressure on the brain, often resolved through surgical insertion of a shunt as a drain. That process can lead to infections and repeated surgeries. Tom Clough, (at left) whose daughter, now 6, has