Health

Fluoride for all? Why communities do and don't add it to their water

WRVO News — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:04:05 +0000

In the last several years, about 140 communities across the country have decided to stop added fluoride to their water supplies. In November, the village of Pulaski's water board voted to no long put fluoride in their water. Earlier this week, the Watertown City Council heard arguments that they should do the same thing. Communities like these worry the element could be harming their citizens, corroding their pipes or feel like it's just a government intrusion. This trend comes despite dentists and the Centers for Disease Control calling fluoridation of water a major public health advancement of the last century. Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, hosts of WRVO's weekly health and wellness show "Take Care" recently spoke about this controversial issue with Dr. William Bowen, a dental health expert and professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who has also worked for the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC.

Cynthia Morrow on the Campbell Conversations

Grant Reeher — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:36:36 +0000

When it comes to health, what does the region do well, and what does it do poorly? What are the next frontiers in making the community healthier? In this edition of the Campbell Conversations, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Cynthia Morrow reflects on recent statistics about the county's health, discusses different approaches that communities and government can take toward improving health, and speculates about possible futures.

Hospitals fear the unknown when it comes to the Affordable Care Act

Ellen Abbott — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:54:04 +0000

In a little more than six months, the Affordable Care Act will change the lay of the land for healthcare in this country. For hospitals, it continues changes that started a decade ago, says Richard Umbdenstock, the president of the American Hospital Association, who was in Syracuse Monday.

100% Natural: What's in a name?

Take Care Staff — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:01:58 +0000

When it comes to going to the supermarket, Dr. Marion Nestle wants you to keep one thing in mind:

“The purpose of the entire layout of the supermarket is to sell food products. There’s a sales pitch with every single product, every single layout.”

This week, “Take Care” interviews Nestle, a professor in nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University. She is the author of many books on the topic of food labeling, including Food Politics, which is currently celebrating its 10^th anniversary of publication.

Click "Read More" to hear our interview with Dr. Marion Nestle.

Rally hopes to shed light on diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease

Ellen Abbott — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:51:20 +0000

Victims of Lyme disease converge on Albany today for an awareness rally meant to focus attention on the tick-borne disease, that can attack a person's skin, nervous system, heart or joints. Over 95,000 cases have been reported to the New York State Health Department since Lyme disease became reportable in 1986, including hundreds in central New York.

The importance of food labels

WRVO News — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:44:38 +0000

As more Americans try to eat healthier, consumers are trying to find out more information about the food they purchase at the grocery store. And that means reading the labels. But terms like "organic" and "all natural" can be confusing. Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, hosts of WRVO's health and wellness program "Take Care," recently spoke to NYU professor of sociology and nutrition, Dr. Marion Nestle about how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates food labels and how consumers have demanded changes in those rules.

A step closer to online patient portals

Kate O'Connell — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:25:15 +0000

The state is one step closer to giving patients access to their medical information online. The New York e-Health Collaborative has announced nine finalists in their competition to design an online patient portal.

Hidden hazards in household products

Take Care Staff — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:01:00 +0000

Are there hidden hazards in your home? Are you bringing in other substances that are unknowingly causing us harm? On this week’s Take Care, Sloan Barnett, a New York Times bestselling author and consumer reporter, talks about the potential harm in everyday household products like cleaners, deodorizers, and even makeup -- as well as her personal experience with converting her home to a more natural, heath conscious environment.

Click 'Read More...' to hear our interview with Sloan Barnett.

When does public health intervention work?

Take Care Staff — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

This week, “Take Care” explores the issue of government intervention into public health – something that often causes controversy.

Click 'Read More' to hear our interview with Tracy Fox.

Keeping the country healthy: The government's role in public health

WRVO News — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:47:08 +0000

When New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed banning large sugary drinks, there was a lot of public backlash. But this country actually has quite a history of government intervening in the name of public health. Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, hosts of WRVO's weekly health show "Take Care," spoke with nutrition policy expert Tracy Fox who argues this kind of intervention is sometimes warranted - and often works.

Schumer calls for curbing of hydrocodone prescriptions

Ellen Abbott — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:05:19 +0000

Sen. Charles Schumer is continuing his assault on the misuse of prescription drugs with a proposal to tighten control over the painkiller hydrocodone.

Prostate cancer: to treat or not to treat?

Take Care Staff — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:01:00 +0000

This week on Take Care, Dr. Anthony Scalzo talks about the diagnosis of the most common cancer for men -- prostate cancer -- and its treatments. Dr. Scalzo is a medical oncologist at Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York, and medical advisor for the support group Man to Man, which helps men cope with prostate cancer and is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Click 'Read More' to hear our interview with Dr. Anthony Scalzo, and for more information.

Berry, berry good for you

Take Care staff — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

They’re small, sweet and easy to eat. Just pick, rinse, and pop one in your mouth. Not only do berries taste good, they’re good for you as well. Regardless of shape or size, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries -- any berries -- experts say they provide significant health benefits, which is why some people call them the new super fruit.

Click the "Read More" button to hear our interview with Joan Rogus.

Prostate cancer: when to screen?

WRVO News — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:06:59 +0000

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men. But many of those malignancies develop so slowly, the patient is never effected by it. That fact has started a debate over who to screen for the disease, and when. Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, hosts of WRVO's weekly health show "Take Care" spoke with Dr. Anthony Scalzo, a medical oncologist at Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York, about how men should deal with this issue.

Researchers to gather in Syracuse to discuss emerging threat of Dengue fever

Ellen Abbott — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:17:52 +0000

Biomedical researchers from across the world will converge in Syracuse Friday to discuss a disease that is usually associated with tropical climates. Dengue fever, which is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the tropics, has turned up in the United States.

Privatizing aged care is controversial, as counties feel the financial pinch

Kate O'Connell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:02:46 +0000

The Civil Service Employees Association, or CSEA, is currently involved in several law suits across New York state with counties, including Onondaga County, that are trying to get out of the business of running nursing homes. Now Ontario County may now face legal action from the union over its decision to put its county-run nursing home on the market.

Joint replacement surgery has come a long way

Take Care Staff — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:10:00 +0000

This week on “Take Care,” an interview with Dr. Seth Greenky on joint pain and joint replacement surgery. Dr. Greenky is the department chairman for orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse and associate professor at SUNY Upstate medical College.

(click on "Read more" for the podcast of this interview and more information)

Take your medicine -- but in what form?

Take Care Staff — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:05:00 +0000

It can be overwhelming -- even for a well person -- to stand in the cold and flu aisle at the pharmacy wondering what version of a medication is best to take. Powdered packets, syrups, capsules, chewable tablets, gel tabs, dissolving tabs, coated pills -- there are endless options of ways for you to take your medicine. This week on “Take Care,” Dr. Lindsay McNair helps us understand the significant differences in how these formulas work.

(click on "Read more" for the podcast of this interview and more information)

Joint pain may be inevitable, but staying active is key to prevention

WRVO News — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:28:44 +0000

Two of the most common surgeries among people over 65 are knee and hip replacements. Baby boomers in particular are seeking relief because they often don't want joint pain to slow them down. Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, hosts of WRVO's new weekly health show, "Take Care" spoke with Dr. Seth Greenky, the chairman for orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, about the causes of joint pain and what to do about it.

Just 20 minutes: The surprising science of exercise

Take Care Staff — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:05:00 +0000

This week on Take Care, an interview with Gretchen Reynolds, journalist, author and fitness advocate. Her most recent book “The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer” explains that being fit doesn’t have to mean running a marathon. In fact, just getting up and moving around regularly can greatly reduce your risk of dying prematurely.

(click on "Read more" for the podcast of this interview and more information)

Heel thyself

Take Care Staff — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

This week on Take Care, an interview with Dr. Neal Blitz on the negative effects wearing high heels can have on posture, the spine, and the wearer’s over-all orthopedic and podiatric health. Dr. Blitz is chief of foot surgery and associate chairman of orthopedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in New York City, and a leading authority on bunion surgery.

(click on "Read more" for the podcast of this interview and more information)

Research study could lead to new test for colon cancer

Ellen Abbott — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:34:08 +0000

Researchers at Upstate Medical Center are helping in a nationwide study that could change the way people are screened for colon cancer, and the potential to change the way one of the most dreaded medical screening tests is used.

It may take less exercise than you think to improve your health

WRVO News — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:37:00 +0000

It seems like new studies come out all the time that offer evidence for how long, when, or what kind of exercise you should do. But fitness expert Gretchen Reynolds says it may take a lot less exercise than you think to see benefits to your health. The author of "The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer” spoke with Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen, the hosts of WRVO's new weekly health show "Take Care."

Organization tries to encourage organ donation

Ellen Abbott — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:17:16 +0000

New York state has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the country, at 20 percent. Donor boosters are trying to get the word out that donating an organ is something most everyone can do to save a life.

Wearable sensors could unlock secrets to epilepsy, stress and autism

Kate O'Connell — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:41:00 +0000

It’s exactly what it sounds like. "Wearable technology" involves sensors that are worn in something like a bracelet that gather information and sends the data to a computer via Bluetooth. This technology is now being developed for use across a range of health-related applications. New research suggests that it could be used to help prevent seizures in people living with epilepsy.

Images of the brain could unlock learning difficulties

Kate O'Connell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:38:19 +0000

Researchers in western New York have been using brain scans to add to our understanding of how humans comprehend numbers. The new data could have implications in diagnosing learning disabilities earlier on, and aid in our understanding of why some kids struggle at school.

Startup uses sensors to find cause of knee pain

Matt Richmond — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:03:24 +0000

Tim Cortesi is a software engineer at a downtown Binghamton company called Sonostics. At the company's offices in Binghamton's startup incubator, he sticks four small patches attached to wires onto the muscles around his knee.

Local health experts promote workplace wellness programs

Ellen Abbott — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:34:00 +0000

Stickley, Audi and Co. could be a poster child for workplace wellness. The 900 employees at the Manlius furniture making company lost a collective 2,600 pounds during its last round of a Biggest Loser contest, inspired by the popular TV show.

Deaths from Alzheimer's disease increasing in the region

Ellen Abbott — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:13:53 +0000

More and more people across the country are dying from Alzheimer's disease -- and central New York is not immune to the trend.

HIV screening crucial for pregnant women

Kate O'Connell — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 12:04:00 +0000

The reported cure of a baby girl born with HIV in Mississippi has sparked excitement in the medical community. Doctors say the apparent disappearance of her infection is due to very early treatment of the infant with standard drug therapies. They say the case is a proof of concept that HIV infection could potentially be curable in infants.