NewsChannel 9 - Health Headlines

Study: Binge drinking is a more significant problem among female college students than male college students

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:32:41 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV/ABC) – A new study is shedding light on binge drinking among college students.

The latest research from Harvard Medical School indicates that the problem is more significant among female students than their male counterparts.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 44 percent of students at four-year colleges at some time drink alcohol at “binge levels.”

According to the Harvard Medical School’s researchers, of the 992 students studied, women exceeded their recommended limit – no more than three drinks a day and seven a week – more than men, whose limit is four per day and seven per week.

While the men’s drinking declined over time, the women’s drinking did not.

The authors warn that women who do not grow out of binge drinking behavior after they leave college increase their risk for liver disease and breast cancer as they age.

Allergy season hitting Central New Yorkers hard

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:12:33 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - If you have itchy eyes, an itchy throat, and post-nasal drip, you’re not alone.

Allergy season is hitting Central New Yorkers hard this year.

Doctors say they’re seeing more people than normal with allergy symptoms this year.

“This year we're seeing it a bit more - and it's really been in the last week to 10 days,” said Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Upstate University Hospital Dr. Kaushal Nanavati.

That's because while trees like oaks, beeches and ashes are in full bloom, grasses are starting to become a problem too.

One thing that could provide relief for those who are prone to allergy symptoms is rain.

“The stamens releasing the pollen need dry conditions to do so – so I think if there's a fair amount of regular rain or really moist conditions, you don't have as much pollen movement in the air,” said SUNY-ESF Professor Donald Leopold.

It's been an extra dry May, however, with 3/4 of an inch below normal rainfall. In addition, windy conditions and a lack of humidity have set up adverse conditions for the allergy prone.

Although allergies may have you reaching for medicine, beware of over-the-counter antihistamines and nose sprays.

Doctors say those can be dangerous if they’re used as long-term solutions.

People with persistent symptoms should call their doctor.

Study suggests women with depression are more at risk for strokes

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:31:14 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV/ABC) – New research suggests that women who are depressed are also at an increased risk for stroke.

According to the American Stroke Association, 425,000 women suffer a stroke each year in the US.

Strokes kill twice as many women as breast cancer.

Depression has long been known as a complication of strokes.

Now, a study in the journal “Stroke” finds depression may indicate a higher risk for stroke in some women.

Researchers spent 12 years studying more than 10,000 women ages 47 to 52.

They found that depressed women had a 2.4 times higher risk of stroke than those who weren’t depressed.

The authors say it’s unclear why depression and stroke are associated with the age group.

They suggest diagnosing and treating depression among younger women could help reduce strokes later in life.

Preemptive breast removal a growing trend

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:17:35 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Shortly after revealing that she had a preventative double mastectomy, actress Angelina Jolie said she will also have her ovaries removed.

Jolie has a genetic mutation that sharply increases the risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

Recently, a North Syracuse woman chose to have a double mastectomy for similar preventative reasons.

According to Andrea Riccelli’s doctor, she had an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer.

A mother of three, Riccelli elected to have her breasts removed.

“I decided I'd rather choose the preventive mastectomy rather than illness, I'd rather choose that - than have my kids see me sick, or not be here in a decade or so,” she said.

Riccelli has a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer.

Genetic testing showed she was a carrier of the BRCA-1 gene, which dramatically increases the risk of breast cancer.

The number of women choosing to have preventive surgery has increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years.

Riccelli has a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer.

For many of our patients, it’s what they choose to do after carefully considering all the factors,” said Dr. Jayne Charlamb of Upstate University Hospital’s Breast Care Center.

There are other options to reduce the risk, including taking medicine and carefully monitoring the situation.

But doctors say the surgery, though drastic, is the most effective way to reduce the risk.

“It’s not perfect. We can never say you won’t get breast cancer, but it’s the most effective way. Again though, it has to be the right decision for the woman involved.

Riccelli says it was. She says the surgeries were difficult and whole process took about four months.

But she has no regrets and hopes the procedure will leave her cancer-free and worry-free.

“87 percent is almost 90 percent and I like to tell people that doubt me, would you get on an airplane if they told you this plane had a 90 percent chance of crashing?” she asked.

Her sister is scheduled to receive a double mastectomy on Thursday.

Women are advised to talk to their doctors about the procedure, but also to talk to other women.

Riccelli felt that same need, so she started a support group for women undergoing the procedure. They meet once every few months.

For more information on the group Riccelli started, email caitlinnuclo@9wsyr.com.

Additional information:

Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years.

But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options.Tthey can be watched carefully and there are drugs they can take like tamoxifen to reduce their risk by as much as 50 percent.

The best and clearest way to assess your genetic risk is to look at your family history, and count the number of first-degree relatives who've had cancer, particularly cancer that onset before the age of 50.

Only your parents, siblings, and children are considered first-degree relatives; aunts, uncles and grandparents are second-degree relatives.

Here's how the National Cancer Institute calculates your familial risk for BRCA testing:

If you're a Jewish woman whose ancestors came from eastern europe, called Ashkensi, you should consider genetic testing if you have:

•Any first-degree relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
•Two second-degree relatives (same side of the family) with breast or ovarian cancer

If you're not of Ashkenazi Jewish descent:

•Two first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, one of whom age 50 or younger when diagnosed. or Three or more first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at any age
•A first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer (in both breasts)
•A combination of two or more first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer, no matter what their age
•A first- or second-degree relative diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer
•Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative

Study suggests American youths are heavily impacted by violence

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:06:25 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV/ABC) – According to a new survey, the number of kids being affected by violence may be worse than imagined.

For a survey published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers questioned more than 4,500 children and teenagers 17 and under.

The study indicates that 40 percent of US children and adolescents were victims of physical violence in the past year.

More than 10 percent suffered serious injury.

The violence included:

Assault with and without weapons
Attempted or completed kidnapping
Dating violence
Bias attacks

According to the survey, 2 percent of young people sustained sexual assault or abuse in the past year – almost 11 percent of girls 14 to 17 did so.

In addition, almost 14 percent of youngsters experience repeated violence from a caregiver.

The authors call for more intense tracking of children’s exposure to violence.

Recent trend: Lyme disease cases on the rise in CNY

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:29:14 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - It's more important than ever to check for ticks this season. Lyme disease cases are on the rise in Central New York.

According to the most recent data from New York State Department of Health, every county in Central New York has seen more Lyme cases nearly every year since at least 2005.

In 2011, Tompkins County had 145 cases, the most in the area, and Onondaga County had 86 that same year.

Just 8 years ago, no county in Central New York had more than 10 reported cases in one year.

The graph and table attached to this story show the rise in the prevalence of the disease over time. Local doctors expect this trend to continue.

"Lyme disease is real and it's out there," said Dr. Mitchell Brodey, the chief of internal medicine at Upstate University Hospital Community Campus. "We see a lot of it and we're probably going to see a lot more of it."

Ticks that can carry Lyme disease are tiny: adults only grow to be the size of a sesame seed. It can take 24-36 hours for a trick to transmit the disease, so it's important to check for them daily.

The Center for Disease Control recently released new Lyme disease resources to help people protect themselves from the disease. This comic strip for kids reminds them to do "tick checks" even when away from parents at camp.

The CDC also released this new reference guide for health care providers on tick-borne diseases.

Doctors say taking simple precautions can go a long way.

"People should walk around if they can and use insect repellent that's going to help repel the ticks and just be aware. If you get a rash don't ignore it," said Dr. Brodey.

The Department of Health says New York State has the highest number of confirmed Lyme disease cases in the country.

For additional information about Lyme disease, click here.

Americans spend a lot on health care, but less than in the past

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:29:04 -0400

Syracuse (ABC) - $9,000 per person – that’s what America spends on health care. And that’s more than any other country.

But a report out today from IMS health, a healthcare information company, found that in 2012 Americans spent less on healthcare.

We may not be saving for the right reasons. Americans saved by skipping doctor visits and taking fewer prescriptions. Experts say Americans are skipping out because of a weak economy.

We also saved by buying lower-cost generic drugs – 84 percent of all prescriptions are now for generics.

But today’s study found that not everyone is saving. Patients with private insurance are paying more out of pocket in co-pays and higher deductibles.

New study shows exercise can alleviate kidney stones in women

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:15:23 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR –TV) – A new study shows that even light exercise can significantly lower the risk of kidney stones in women.

Physically active women had about a 30 percent lower risk for kidney stones than women who did not exercise.

In one analysis, the risk reduction ranged as high as 80 percent.

The intensity of the exercise did not matter, even women who did minimal exercise benefited.

Doctors say the exercise might work by changing how the body processes vitamins and minerals.

Study: Doctors finding connection between prostate cancer and sleep problems

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:12:29 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV/ABC) - Doctors have found a surprising connection between sleep problems and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

More than 2,400 men between the ages of 67 and 96 were asked about their sleep habits, including whether they:

Took sleep medication
Had difficulty falling asleep
Had difficulty falling back to sleep if they wake up too soon
Felt unrested after sleep

Men who reported trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep were more likely to get prostate cancer.

And they tended to have more severe disease at the time of the diagnosis.

The study’s authors say it’s not clear whether sleep disruptions directly contribute to prostate cancer or whether poor sleep is a sign of overall poor health, making men more susceptible to the disease.

5 items to have on hand for summer health issues

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:12:20 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – It’s the season for bug bites and other summer health issues. Did you know there are five items every home needs to be prepared?

In addition to the basics, of band aids and a thermometer, here they are from Consumer Reports on Health:

- White vinegar. A dab of undiluted vinegar can take the itch out of bug bites.

- Vaseline. Plain petroleum jelly can be dabbed on minor cuts instead of an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. It forms a barrier without the risk of allergic reactions.

- A neti pot. Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution can help relieve congestion from allergies.

- 100 percent pure Shea butter is a great natural remedy for rashes and dry skin and its less likely to irritate sensitive skin than moisturizers.

- A meat thermometer. It's a must have to prevent food poisoning from undercooked meats. Steaks should be cooked to 145 degrees, ground beef to 160 degrees, and poultry should read 165 degrees.

Premature babies need added vitamins to keep their bones healthy

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:50:59 -0400

(ABC) -- Premature babies have different bone mineral requirements than full-term infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says pre-term infants with a feeding tube need extra calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus to keep their bones healthy.

Breast milk and regular formula are not enough, especially for preemies who weigh less than 4.4 pounds.

The Academy says they should get fortified human milk or formula specially made for pre-term infants.

They recommend 200 to 400 units of vitamin D per day during hospitalization and after discharge from the hospital.

That can go as high as a thousand units a day once the babies put on more weight.

Those with evidence of rickets need enhanced calcium and phosphorus intake.

Suicide rate sharply increases among middle-aged New Yorkers

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:24:52 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A rise in suicide rates among middle-aged New Yorkers is growing at an alarming rate. According to the CDC, the suicide rate among 35 to 64 year olds grew 42 percent in the last decade, from 8.3 suicides per 1,000 people in 1999 to 11.7 in 2010.

Dr. Robert Gregory, a psychiatrist at Upstate University Hospital, says the economy likely has something to do with it.

“This is very much a sandwich generation, too. They’re trying to take care of elderly parents, in addition to worrying about their children, being able to get them into college, college costs have gone up,” explained Gregory.

Total assets – like the value of their home – may have gone down and work is no guarantee either.

“If they lost their job, that’s also a challenging thing to their identity and worth as a person,” Gregory continued.

Access to proper care may play a part as well. Gregory says the rising cost of healthcare typically doesn’t include mental healthcare. Reimbursement rates in the industry remain low, which can make psychiatrists hard to find.

Whatever the reason, there is help and it’s just a phone call away. Contact Community Services in East Syracuse has specially trained line workers who are standing by to take your call 24 hours a day. Staff is specially trained in what’s called “reflective listening.”

"We check into their emotional state and make a connection with them, about them, where they are in their lives,” said Don Mackay with Contact Community Services, “and try to find out ways to show them that there are things worth living for.”

While the suicide rate among middle aged people in New York is alarming, it's still one of the lowest in the country. The national average is nearly 6 percent higher.

“Having said that, the finding is real and it's something we need to pay attention to and figure out what's going on," said Gregory.

If you need someone to talk to, day or night, call the Community Services hotline at (315) 435-8300.

Is hand soap making bacteria resistant to antibiotics?

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:17:56 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The Food and Drug Administration plans to complete a long-awaited safety review of a common ingredient in hand soap products this year. It will also look at whether the chemical actually works.

Triclosan has been used in products like anti-bacterial soap for more than 40 years. The FDA says the chemical is not currently known to be hazardous to your health.

But it says several scientific studies have come out since its last review that merit another look.

The agency says animal studies have shown the ingredient changes hormone regulation.

It also says other studies have raised the possibility it contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Weight loss surgery may benefit the moderately obese

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:09:26 -0400

(ABC) -- Right now, the FDA only approves bariatric weight loss surgery for morbidly obese people.

Now, doctors are studying new data made available by the lap-band maker Allergan that could make lap-band surgery available to people who are just moderately obese.

One year after surgery, nearly 85-percent of the patients had lost at least 30-percent of their weight. Two-thirds of the patients were no longer considered obese, and they had lower levels of cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.

Still, lap-band surgery should be carefully evaluated since it carries serious risks.

Suicide rates up among middle-aged Americans

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:06:32 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Suicide rates are up alarmingly among middle-aged Americans.

The latest numbers from the federal government show there was a 28 percent rise in suicide rates for people aged 35 to 64 between 1999 and 2010.

Rates for children and younger adults and people over 65 didn’t change much over the same time.

The CDC didn’t look at why suicides might be up. Other reports have shown a link between bad economic times and suicide, although the American Association for Suicidology denies this.

ProAct Rx discount card saves Onondaga County residents millions

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:36:54 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A drug discount card is saving Onondaga County residents millions of dollars.

The ProAct drug discount card has saved residents more than $18 million since 2007, filling more than 435,000 prescriptions at -- an average savings of 57 percent on each medication filled.

“The ProAct Drug Discount card is an excellent way for those who are uninsured or underinsured to realize real savings on everyday prescription medication purchases. We are happy to offer this free service at no taxpayer expense to the residents of Onondaga County,” said County Executive Joanie Mahoney said in a written release.

The drug discount card program was launched in November 2007. The program aims to help uninsured or underinsured residents afford prescription medication.

The program saves residents 10 to 20 percent on name brand medications and up to 70 percent off on generic medications.

The card can be used at most any pharmacy. Print yours by visiting www.NYRxDiscountCard.com. While there you’ll also find their nearest participating pharmacy or look up the cost of prescription medications.

One card can cover an entire family and is free to county residents. There are no forms to fill out or prerequisites to use the card.

FDA approves selling morning-after pill over-the-counter to girls ages 15 and up

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:22:09 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, will be made available over the counter to girls ages 15 and up.

The Food and Drug Administration announced the decision Tuesday evening, days before a court-imposed deadline.

The pill will now be available on drug store shelves and buyers will be required to prove their age at the register.

Earlier this month, a judge ruled that there should be no age restriction on the pill and gave the FDA 30 days to act.

The FDA said their decision was independent of the court case.

Click here to read the FDA's news release.

Doctors advise against home birth

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:13:56 -0400

(ABC) -- Giving birth at home is becoming popular again, but a prominent doctors group says – beware.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says home births in the United States increased 29 percent from 2004 to 2009.

But, in a new statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics frowns on the practice.

The authors say hospitals and birthing centers are the safest places to deliver a baby, citing:

Trained personnel
Medical equipment
And, immediate specialized care

That way any complications that may arise can be dealt with appropriately.

Research suggests home birth in the United States is associated with a two-to-threefold increase in neo-natal seizures.

The academy recommends using only midwives certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

They add that at least one person should be present whose job is just to care for the newborn and who has the skills to perform resuscitation if necessary.

Study: Girls may only need 2 shots to protect them against HPV

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:05:33 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Girls may not need three shots to protect them from the virus that causes cervical cancer.

A new study from Canada suggests two doses of the HPV vaccine may work just as well as the recommended three doses in protecting against infection.

In the study, girls who received two doses of the HPV vaccine had just as good of an immune response to the vaccine as women who received three doses, even three years after vaccination.

In studies of women, the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing early signs of cervical cancer and genital warts.

For now, researchers say females between the ages of 9 and 26 should still get the recommended three doses over six months because it’s too early to know the long term results of getting only two.

Caffeinated gum prompts FDA investigation

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:10:45 -0400

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The Associated Press is reporting that the Food and Drug Administration will launch an investigation into foods with added caffeine and their potential impact on the health of children and adolescents.

A gum introduced by Wrigley that promises “the right energy, right now" prompted the investigation.

FDA’s Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor says the rapid production of foods with caffeine added is “beyond anything FDA envisioned."

Taylor said the agency will look at the potential impact of these "new and easy sources" of caffeine on children’s health.

The FDA has also investigated the safety of energy drinks.