Upstate Health

06/05/2026

The new OmniaSecure lead for implanted cardioverter-defibrillators; studying tau protein in human brain tissue to understand its role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease; and the warning signs of stroke: all on the next “HealthLink on Air,” Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and available online at https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/060726-radioshow.php.

People with dangerous irregular heart rhythms may need a device called an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD. A new type of lead, called OmniaSecure, is available for such patients. Upstate cardiologist Kiran Devaraj, MD, explains the device's unique conduction system pacing and shares what he tells patients about living with an ICD.

Also on the show, tau is a protein that plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Computational neuroscientist Chris Gaiteri, PhD, is part of a team studying tau "seeds" — a form of that protein — in human brain tissue to understand their role in the progression of the disease. Gaiteri is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Upstate Medical University.

And nurse Michelle Vallelunga from the Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center goes over the warning signs of a stroke.

06/04/2026

We're having a big baseball weekend with the Syracuse Mets. What a great way to spend a night/afternoon. Hope to see you at the ballpark!

05/29/2026

On the next “HealthLink on Air”: a pivotal patient rights case; how a virus may lead to MS; and the symptoms of measles. The show can be heard Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and can be found online (audio and a written transcript) at https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/053126-radioshow.php.

Karen Ann Quinlan spurred a dramatic court case in 1976 that helped establish the rights of medical patients. After a cardiac arrest, she went into a persistent vegetative state, and her parents fought for the right to make decisions about her care and to let her die. Attorney Robert Olick, JD, PhD, talks about that case and its enduring impact. Olick is an Upstate emeritus professor of bioethics and humanities who specializes in law, ethics and the physician-patient relationship.

Also on the show, more and more research shows a connection between the common Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis. Neurologist Corey McGraw, MD, explains who is susceptible and other MS risk factors. He is director of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care at Upstate.

And pediatric infectious disease specialist Danielle Daniels, MD, goes over the symptoms of measles.

05/28/2026

Over the past two decades, nearly 15,000 patients from Central New York and the North Country have received stroke care through Upstate’s comprehensive network of specialists, emergency teams and regional partners.

What began in 2004 as a strong clinical program has evolved into one of the region’s most trusted and nationally recognized stroke centers.

05/27/2026

Pediatrician Lou Pellegrino, MD, discusses risk factors for autism and explains how the condition is diagnosed and the importance of early intervention. https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/043026-pellegrino-podcast.php

Pellegrino is an associate professor of pediatrics at Upstate, specializing in neurodevelopmental pediatrics.

05/26/2026

Stroke treatments.

05/16/2026

On the next “HealthLink on Air”: Reducing fall risks for older adults, caregivers for patients recuperating from traumatic brain injury, and Upstate’s grade on the Planetary Health Report Card. The show can be heard Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and online at https://www.upstate.edu/informed/2026/051726-radioshow.php.

The risk of falling rises with age: More than one in four people over age 65 has a serious fall each year. Nurse Peter Jaskula, an orthopedic program manager at Upstate, explains who is most at risk and goes over some ways to reduce fall risk.

Also on the show, when a person completes rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury, a loved one often takes on the role of their caregiver. Upstate neurotrauma nurse navigator Melissa Port discusses what informal caregivers can expect.

Plus, medical students all over the world are looking to improve the health not only of future patients but of the planet. Through the Planetary Health Report Card, these students are grading their schools on how well they are insuring the planet’s health. Two of the leaders in Syracuse are Kathleen Renna and Veronica Rive, students in Upstate’s Norton College of Medicine who are working toward not only their medical degrees but also master’s degrees in public health. They discuss Upstate's grade.

05/15/2026

Join us as Jason Cherry, PT, DPT, EdD, talks to the community in a free online session about knee pain and lifestyle management.

Knee pain from a variety of causes is a common complaint among people of all ages and can limit activities. While there are a variety of treatments, lifestyle changes and exercises also have a powerful impact on reducing pain. In this session, learn habits you can try at home and how physical therapy can provide plans to improve knee health and reduce or eliminate pain.

The session is Thursday, June 11, at noon, with the recording sent to all registrants!

Register here to receive your Zoom link: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/bdfwp8MfTpadBtgSK0hyIA

05/14/2026

The FDA recently approved the Gemcitabine Intravesical System for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Unlike traditional chemotherapy treatment, this system allows for continued release of the cancer-fighting drug.

A device, shaped like a soft pretzel, is inserted into the bladder through a catheter during a quick, outpatient procedure. It allows for the sustained release of chemotherapy for seven days or more, a major increase in the amount of time the cancer is exposed to the drug.

Clinical trial led by Upstate physician helped bring breakthrough bladder cancer treatment to patients.

05/14/2026

Stroke signs and symptoms: Act FAST.