Healthlink On Air

Dengue fever, a tropical disease present in subtropical areas of the United States, must be fought on several fronts, such as research, public education and government policy, says Dengue fever, a tropical disease present in subtropical areas of the United States, must be fought on several fronts, such as research, public education and government policy, says Upstate Upstate researcher researcher Anna Stewart-Ibarra, PhD, MPA Anna Stewart-Ibarra, PhD, MPA. She is working to find the solution to this mosquito-borne virus through research both in Syracuse and in Ecuador and outlines the effect of climate change and El Niño as well as attempts to control mosquitoes and find a vaccine for this incurable disease.. She is working to find the solution to this mosquito-borne virus through research both in Syracuse and in Ecuador and outlines the effect of climate change and El Niño as well as attempts to control mosquitoes and find a vaccine for this incurable disease.

October 18, 2015: October 18, 2015: On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air":  On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air":  Michael Weiner, MD Michael Weiner, MD, explains his research on Alzheimer's disease and the, explains his research on Alzheimer's disease and the Brain Health Registry Brain Health Registry. Neurologist . Neurologist  Hesham Masoud, MBBCh Hesham Masoud, MBBCh, tells about interventional neuroradiology and its role in stroke care., tells about interventional neuroradiology and its role in stroke care. Gail Banach Gail Banach from the from the Upstate New York Poison Center Upstate New York Poison Center unveils a new program in Onondaga County for disposing of medical needles and medications. unveils a new program in Onondaga County for disposing of medical needles and medications.        

Zafer Soultan, MD Zafer Soultan, MD Up to half of children have poor sleeping habits and behaviors, with about 10 percent having an actual disorder, says Up to half of children have poor sleeping habits and behaviors, with about 10 percent having an actual disorder, says Zafer Soultan, MD, Zafer Soultan, MD, director of pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine at director of pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine at Upstate‘s Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Upstate‘s Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Sometimes these issues stem from physical problems, but often they involve youngsters who never learn to sleep alone, says Soultan, who also describes how disorders such as apnea can be diagnosed in Upstate‘s pediatric sleep lab and how teens can display sleep problems as their body‘s rhythms clash with school schedules. Sometimes these issues stem from physical problems, but often they involve youngsters who never learn to sleep alone, says Soultan, who also describes how disorders such as apnea

Illness, death and annual health costs of billions of dollars result from people not taking their medicines as prescribed. This age-old problem, called non-adherence, happens all over the world, says Upstate psychiatry resident Swati Shivale, MD (right), who researched the issue with Illness, death and annual health costs of billions of dollars result from people not taking their medicines as prescribed. This age-old problem, called non-adherence, happens all over the world, says Upstate psychiatry resident Swati Shivale, MD (right), who researched the issue with Mantosh Dewan, MD Mantosh Dewan, MD (left), distinguished service professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. (left), distinguished service professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. The solution they suggest The solution they suggest is for doctors to carefully explain the condition and treatment to their patients, who understand and accept responsibility for taking their medicines. is for doctors to carefully explain the condition and tr

Lack of sleep can stem from many causes, and few people are taught good sleep habits, according to Upstate neurologist Lack of sleep can stem from many causes, and few people are taught good sleep habits, according to Upstate neurologist Antonio Culebras, MD, Antonio Culebras, MD, a consultant at the a consultant at the Upstate Sleep Center Upstate Sleep Center. People should follow a routine and limit alcohol, caffeine and screen time before bed to ensure sufficient, uninterrupted sleep, says Culebras, who recommends the. People should follow a routine and limit alcohol, caffeine and screen time before bed to ensure sufficient, uninterrupted sleep, says Culebras, who recommends the “Ten Commandments” “Ten Commandments” of good sleep from the of good sleep from the World Association of Sleep Medicine World Association of Sleep Medicine; Culebras is co-chair of that organization‘s annual; Culebras is co-chair of that organization‘s annual World Sleep Day. World Sleep Day.

Abnormal uterine bleeding can be tricky to detect, let alone trace to a cause, and related factors might involve age, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, high blood pressure or cancer. One key to figuring out whether blood loss is abnormal is that women know their usual menstrual cycle, says Abnormal uterine bleeding can be tricky to detect, let alone trace to a cause, and related factors might involve age, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, high blood pressure or cancer. One key to figuring out whether blood loss is abnormal is that women know their usual menstrual cycle, says Howard Weinstein, MD, Howard Weinstein, MD, division chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate‘s community campus. If a woman‘s cycle is out of sync for three months, she should contact her physician, says Weinstein, who also describes the role of transvaginal ultrasounds and endometrial biopsies. division chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate‘s community campus. If a woman‘s cycle is out of sync for three months, she should contact h

Host Linda Cohen with Philip Rose Host Linda Cohen with Philip Rose Even though the message that alcohol can harm young people is getting through, a quarter of those under the legal age still drink alcohol. Among them, binge drinking and a rise in female drinking have been noted, according to Philip Rose, program coordinator for underage drinking for the Even though the message that alcohol can harm young people is getting through, a quarter of those under the legal age still drink alcohol. Among them, binge drinking and a rise in female drinking have been noted, according to Philip Rose, program coordinator for underage drinking for the Prevention Network of Central New York Prevention Network of Central New York. Bad decisions, risky behaviors and harm to the still-developing adolescent brain are all consequences of alcohol use, and peer and other pressures glamorize alcohol, Rose says. Still, he says, parents, teachers and other adults can wield influence by modeling good behavior, developing a trusting re

Communication can frustrate both a person with Alzheimer‘s disease and his or her family and caregivers, but there are ways to help, says Katrina Skeval, chief program officer for the Communication can frustrate both a person with Alzheimer‘s disease and his or her family and caregivers, but there are ways to help, says Katrina Skeval, chief program officer for the Alzheimer‘s Association of Central New York Alzheimer‘s Association of Central New York. Patience and respect are the keys to strategies like speaking clearly to the patient, waiting for an answer, asking questions one at a time and not correcting the patient‘s faulty memory or speech. Skeval also recomends remaining aware of the patient‘s changing abilities and seeking out the free resources offered by groups such as the Alzheimer‘s Association. The 24-hour hotline phone number is 800-272-3900.. Patience and respect are the keys to strategies like speaking clearly to the patient, waiting for an answer, asking questions one at a time an

October 11, 2015: October 11, 2015: On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air": Pediatric rheumatologist On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air": Pediatric rheumatologist Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO, tells of adding integrative medicine to rheumatology. Pediatric infectious disease expert, tells of adding integrative medicine to rheumatology. Pediatric infectious disease expert Jana Shaw, MD Jana Shaw, MD, provides an update on vaccinations. Psychologist, provides an update on vaccinations. Psychologist Kevin Antshel, PhD Kevin Antshel, PhD, explains the psychopathology of autism., explains the psychopathology of autism.    

October 4, 2015: October 4, 2015: On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air": On this week's edition of Upstate Medical University's "HealthLink on Air": Ramsay Farah, MD, Ramsay Farah, MD, discusses melanoma, the diagnosis former President Jimmy Carter recently disclosed. discusses melanoma, the diagnosis former President Jimmy Carter recently disclosed. David Keith, MD, David Keith, MD, goes over theories of family therapy. goes over theories of family therapy. Meghan Jacobs, MD, Meghan Jacobs, MD, discusses the effects of corporal punishment. discusses the effects of corporal punishment.    

Although it‘s often difficult to detect, child abuse does leave signs – odd bruises, sudden emotional changes – and concerned adults have both a state hotline and local organizations that offer help, says pediatrician Although it‘s often difficult to detect, child abuse does leave signs – odd bruises, sudden emotional changes – and concerned adults have both a state hotline and local organizations that offer help, says pediatrician Ann Botash, MD Ann Botash, MD  of the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.  of the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.

Illness and even death can result when children go unvaccinated, says Illness and even death can result when children go unvaccinated, says Jana Shaw, MD, MPH Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, an associate professor of pediatrics and an infectious disease specialist at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Modern vaccines are extremely safe – they do not cause autism -- and are designed to be given on a certain schedule, she says, explaining how unvaccinated children contributed to a measles outbreak in California. Shaw advises parents to follow reliable medical advice and to check with their doctor or school about children‘s required vaccines., an associate professor of pediatrics and an infectious disease specialist at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Modern vaccines are extremely safe – they do not cause autism -- and are designed to be given on a certain schedule, she says, explaining how unvaccinated children contributed to a measles outbreak in California. Shaw advises parents to follow reliable medical advice a

Alternative or integrative therapies -- from homeopathy and nutritional counseling to yoga and deep breathing -- can enhance conventional Western medicine, explains Alternative or integrative therapies -- from homeopathy and nutritional counseling to yoga and deep breathing -- can enhance conventional Western medicine, explains Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Upstate who works in the recently created Division of Pediatric Rheumatology and Integrative Medicine in the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. The marriage of the two approaches to medicine aims to treat the whole child, says Sgarlat Deluca, who tells how nutritional supplements or acupuncture, for example, helps the arthritis and lupus patients she often sees as a pediatric rheumatologist., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Upstate who works in the recently created Division of Pediatric Rheumatology and Integrative Medicine in the Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. The marriage

Jeanette Zoeckler with Michael Lax, MD, medical director of the Occupational Health Clinical Center Jeanette Zoeckler with Michael Lax, MD, medical director of the Occupational Health Clinical Center A low-paying job often brings a host of problems along with it, according to A low-paying job often brings a host of problems along with it, according to “The Low-Wage Workers‘ Health Project,” “The Low-Wage Workers‘ Health Project,” led by the Upstate-affiliated Occupational Health Clinical Centers. Now in its second year, the study hopes to suggest policies and solutions to help those earning barely enough to live at a basic level. These workers often deal with physical pain, lack of access to medical care, dangerous conditions, bullying and ever-changing schedules that complicate family life and second jobs, according to Jeanette Zoeckler, MPH, project manager of the OHCC and lead researcher on the project. led by the Upstate-affiliated Occupational Health Clinical Centers.

Child abuse can take many, often hidden, forms, and overcoming it requires victims to learn how to trust and not to blame themselves, according to Child abuse can take many, often hidden, forms, and overcoming it requires victims to learn how to trust and not to blame themselves, according to Ann Botash, MD Ann Botash, MD, professor of pediatrics at Upstate, co-director of the Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation Program and medical director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center. She describes the signs of neglect and physical, emotional and sexual abuse and shares a five-point guideline: learn the facts, minimize opportunities, talk about it, recognize the signs and react responsibly. She recently appeared in a TLC program about child sexual abuse called, professor of pediatrics at Upstate, co-director of the Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation Program and medical director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center. She describes the signs of neglect and physical, emotional and sexual abuse and shares a fi

Autism spectrum disorder often brings with it attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or anxiety disorders, says Autism spectrum disorder often brings with it attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or anxiety disorders, says Kevin Antshel, PhD, Kevin Antshel, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Syracuse University and an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate. He describes the concurrent conditions and ascribes at least part of the increase in autism cases in recent years to more awareness among the public and pediatricians, earlier screening and changes in educational laws to accommodate children with the disorder. an associate professor of psychology at Syracuse University and an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate. He describes the concurrent conditions and ascribes at least part of the increase in autism cases in recent years to more awareness among the public and pediatricians, earlier screening and changes in educ

A leading researcher hopes to monitor millions of people online in a long-term study to find out who is at risk for Alzheimer's disease. A leading researcher hopes to monitor millions of people online in a long-term study to find out who is at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Michael Weiner, MD Michael Weiner, MD, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, has created the website, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, has created the website www.brainhealthregistry.org www.brainhealthregistry.org, which encourages people to take free brain function tests twice a year and hopes to find candidates for Alzheimer treatment trials. Weiner, who earned his MD degree at Upstate in 1965, explains how Alzheimer‘s differs from normal memory loss and how he helped create the world‘s largest Alzheimer‘s research project.  , which encourages people to take free brain function tests twice a year and hopes to find candidates for Alzheimer treatment trials. Weiner, who earned his MD degree

September 27, 2015: September 27, 2015: Robert Kellman, MD, and Seung Shin Hahn, MD, Robert Kellman, MD, and Seung Shin Hahn, MD, provide an overview of head and neck cancers. provide an overview of head and neck cancers. Christian Knutsen, MD Christian Knutsen, MD, tells about the return of the house call, for urgent health matters., tells about the return of the house call, for urgent health matters. Roberto Izquierdo, MD Roberto Izquierdo, MD, discusses diabetes in children., discusses diabetes in children.

The deadliest skin cancer, melanoma, can affect the liver and brain in its later stages, as happened to former President Jimmy Carter, explains The deadliest skin cancer, melanoma, can affect the liver and brain in its later stages, as happened to former President Jimmy Carter, explains Ramsay Farah, MD Ramsay Farah, MD, division chief of, division chief of dermatology dermatology at Upstate. Caused by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, melanoma is best treated when caught early, says Farah, who notes the significance of irregular moles and the need for regular skin exams. Farah also details Carter's cutting-edge treatment, which awakens the body‘s immune system to fight the melanoma. at Upstate. Caused by pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, melanoma is best treated when caught early, says Farah, who notes the significance of irregular moles and the need for regular skin exams. Farah also details Carter's cutting-edge treatment, which awakens the body‘s immune system to fight the melanoma.

An old medical custom -- the house call -- is being revived. Upstate at Home will send a doctor to homes in Syracuse‘s eastern suburbs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily to deal with minor maladies, such as sore throats or ear infections, thus avoiding a difficult trip to a hospital or a long wait at a doctor‘s office, explained An old medical custom -- the house call -- is being revived. Upstate at Home will send a doctor to homes in Syracuse‘s eastern suburbs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily to deal with minor maladies, such as sore throats or ear infections, thus avoiding a difficult trip to a hospital or a long wait at a doctor‘s office, explained Christian Knutsen, MD Christian Knutsen, MD, the Upstate, the Upstate emergency medicine emergency medicine physician who created the program. Patients call 315-464-4646 to speak to a nurse, who sends a doctor if the case is appropriate. The visit requires a co-payment, and many insurance companies will cover the visit. Learn more at physician who created the program. P