Upstate Health

02/01/2026

On the next "HealthLink on Air": MitraClip for leaky mitral valves and dealing with diabetes distress. The show can be heard Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and online: https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/020126-radioshow.php

The MitraClip offers a minimally invasive way to repair a leak in the heart's mitral valve. Ankur Kalra, MD, explains the procedure and which patients with mitral valve regurgitation might be candidates for it. Kalra is an interventional cardiologist, an associate professor and the chief of cardiology at Upstate.

Also on the show, diabetes distress is a condition that can be brought on by the challenges of living with diabetes, such as requiring up to a couple of hours a day tending to medical needs. Psychologist Lisa Harrell, PhD, from Upstate's Joslin Diabetes Center, discusses diabetes distress and what strategies are used to help deal with it.

https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/020126-radioshow.php

01/29/2026

If you get sick:

• Stay home.
• Rest.
• Drink water/broth/electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Manage pain and fever with acetaminophen/ibuprofen.
• Ease congestion with saline nasal spray/humidifier/steam inhalation.
• Soothe sore throat with lozenges or gargle with warm salt water.

01/27/2026

Who's a good boy?!?

We love you, Bodhi. Good luck at Westminster!

01/27/2026

HealthLink is holding a two-part series on fall prevention and hip repair.

Join us online on February 26th at 5:30 PM for Part 1: Preventing Falls as We Age. Orthopedic Program Manager and nurse Peter Jaskula will cover prevention strategies including balance and strengthening exercises, home modifications, and more.

Register here for your Zoom link: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/PJqLY9CbSxaSp5ENWxkrRg

01/27/2026

Think your child may have a concussion? Get them checked out. Your child's pediatrician or urgent care can offer guidance if unsure.

Falls and collisions can happen during winter sports and knowing what to do next can protect your child’s brain. Think your child may have a concussion?

- Get medical care right away and keep them out of play until they are symptom-free, evaluated, and cleared by a physician.

- Returning to play too soon increases the risk of serious, lasting brain injury. Let their brain rest and heal.

- Always tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion.

01/25/2026

The federal government is no longer broadly recommending several childhood vaccines that many pediatricians still recommend. Pediatrician Steven Blatt, MD, who has been caring for children for more than 40 years, explains vaccine-preventable illnesses and childhood immunization. https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/011526-blatt-podcast.php

He also discusses how vaccines are developed and approved and how pediatricians educate parents about their importance.

Blatt is a professor of pediatrics who oversees the general pediatrics division at Upstate.

01/24/2026

How to recognize if you have the flu:

• Fever/chills
• Body aches/headache
• Fatigue
• Cough/sore throat
• Runny/stuy nose
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

01/24/2026

Tests to measure heart attack risk; the relation between gum disease and stroke; and celebrating the 25th issue of Upstate's annual literary and visual arts journal, The Healing Muse — all on the next “HealthLink on Air,” Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and online at https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/012526-radioshow.php.

Two tests that can help measure a patient's risk for a heart attack are discussed by Upstate cardiologist Adeeb Al-Quthami, MD. He explains the coronary artery calcium test and the quantitative coronary plaque analysis, which help cardiologists decide whether treatment is needed to reduce the risk of heart disease and which treatment is appropriate. Al-Quthami is the director of cardiovascular imaging at Upstate.

Also this week, a study published recently in the journal Neurology shows an association between cavities and gum disease and ischemic stroke. Upstate neurology residents Momo Begum, MD, and Ron Miller, MD explain how the study was conducted and what dental health has to do with stroke risk. Neurology residents are physicians who are training to become neurologists.

And The Healing Muse, Upstate's literary and visual arts journal, was first published in the year 2000. Editor Deirdre Neilen, PhD, discuses the evolution of the journal and its 25th issue, which was published recently. Neilen is an associate professor of bioethics and humanities at Upstate.

01/23/2026

Register now for this free hour-long information and Q&A session with Upstate Section Chief of Cardiac Electrophysiology Dr. Jorge Romero on what to know about atrial fibrillation and treatment options for optimal health and longevity.
https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/JN_2LF6OT2ax8Ku6V4xPXQ

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common arrhythmia in the world and affects close to 50 million people. With timely diagnosis and treatment, people with heart rhythm irregularities can live healthy lives. Dr. Romero will discuss the importance of treating Afib and the different therapeutic strategies for rhythm control and stroke prevention, the latest research and technology and what to consider when deciding on treatment options.

01/23/2026

Simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu:

• Get the annual flu shot.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water/hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Disinfect high-touch items: countertops, doorknobs, phones, keyboards.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Improve your air quality: open windows or use an air purifier.
• Eat well, stay hydrated, sleep 7–9 hours, manage stress.

01/22/2026

Both mental and physical factors are involved in a fear of falling, says Upstate physical therapist Molly Torbitt, DPT, PhD. She explains her research into the value of psychological assessments and physical function when assessing someone’s fear of falling. https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/011526-torbitt-podcast.php

Torbitt is an assistant professor of physical therapy in Upstate’s College of Health Professions.

01/22/2026

Come cheer on the Syracuse Crunch and the medical professionals who serve our community's children.