Monthly Archives: April 2018

The halls are alive with the sound of music

Posted on April 30, 2018 by

BY JIM HOWE Some volunteers are bringing live music — and, they hope, a smile — to patients and staff at Upstate University Hospital. The Music at Upstate group includes strolling violinists and a guitar and vocal duo who play in the … Continue reading →

Posted in entertainment, health care, medical student

Concept of ‘designer’ babies raises thorny questions, few answers

Posted on April 27, 2018 by

BY JIM HOWE If parents could create a “better” baby, should they? Would “better” mean a healthier child than the average baby? Cuter? Smarter? Taller? Should scientists and doctors help parents to genetically customize an embryo that would become that better … Continue reading →

Posted in genetics, health care, maternity/obstetrics, research, technology

7 ways to care for aging skin

Posted on April 25, 2018 by

BY AMBER SMITH What causes our skin to look old? You can blame intrinsic processes, such as changes in lipid content and shortening of the capillaries, which are universal and inevitable. But the most visible signs of aging — including … Continue reading →

Posted in aging/geriatrics, dermatology/skin care, health care | Tagged , ,

Maybe less harmful – but not harmless: Use of e-cigarettes carries health risks

Posted on April 23, 2018 by

BY AMBER SMITH A pharmacist in China in 2007 developed the first of what scientists call an electronic nicotine delivery system — what’s now known as an electronic cigarette or e-cig. Seeking to kick his own smoking habit, the pharmacist designed the … Continue reading →

Posted in adolescents, health care, poison center/toxicology, Smoking Cessation | Tagged , , , , ,

Why your baby needs tummy time

Posted on April 20, 2018 by

BY AMBER SMITH The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies need to be placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome during the first year of life. But daily supervised play time while … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, health care, physical therapy/rehabilitation, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged

A change of plans: Stroke affects family routine, son’s career path

Posted on April 18, 2018 by

BY JIM McKEEVER John Licata had a decade of experience in TV/film, print and marketing when he made an abrupt career change. It was Father’s Day weekend of 2013. His father, John Licata Sr., suffered a stroke that left him … Continue reading →

Posted in brain/neurology, health care, health careers, physical therapy/rehabilitation, stroke

‘She’s alive today because of them’

Posted on April 16, 2018 by

BY SUSAN KEETER Eight-year-old Kaelynne Driscoll and her father, Christopher, were riding an inner tube on Skaneateles Lake on July 6, 2016, when a wave knocked them off the tube and under water. They were struck by a boat and injured, … Continue reading →

Posted in bones/joints/orthopedics, brain/spine/neurosurgery, emergency medicine/trauma, health care, patient story, surgery, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | 1 Comment

Burn survivor: New laser assists in patient’s recovery from house fire

Posted on April 13, 2018 by

BY AMBER SMITH She lies on her stomach, exposing her bare back to a laser wielded by her surgeon. “Dr. Dolinak saved my life,” Stephanie Bridge says emphatically, as she positions herself for treatment that will help restore the texture … Continue reading →

Posted in dermatology/skin care, emergency medicine/trauma, health care, patient story, surgery, technology | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Surgical solution: A fix for sunken chests

Posted on April 11, 2018 by

Upstate thoracic surgery chief Jason Wallen, MD, offers surgery to repair sunken chests, a somewhat rare condition some people are born with called pectus excavatum. Those affected may be self-conscious and also have trouble breathing. “It’s not felt to be due … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, surgery | Tagged , , , , , ,

Rural care: How a small-town PA found a niche career

Posted on April 9, 2018 by

BY JIM HOWE “Physician extenders” — such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners — have proved their worth to health care, especially in small towns and rural areas, where doctors are often scarce. “Doctors have found out that there is … Continue reading →

Posted in community, health care, health careers, volunteers