Health

Onondaga County reports more than 1200 peple have confirmed flu cases so far this flu season.  That includes 270 cases the week ending January 28th. 

County Medical Director Dr. Quoc Nguyen relies on information provided by the State Health Department, which confirms cases.  He says the number of patients experiencing respiratory issues due to flu complications isn’t as high as in other parts of the state.

Cholesterol, it's something most of feel we are battling our entire lives. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol but the balancing of those two is a tricky equation to solve. This week on Science on the radio Dr. Marvin Druger looks at Statins, the medication that helps try to limit the bad cholesterol while maintaining the good.

Hear Science on the Radio each Wednesday Night at 8:35 on WAER.

A new health study on obesity finds New York is doing better than most states, but still is seeing far more health impacts than even 15 years ago.  WAER News Director Chris Bolt got to speak with one of the study’s authors about a health problem that costs the nation $150 billion annually in higher medical costs. 

Obesity will be the focus of an event this Saturday, May 27th , as the nation continues to struggle with its waistline and the numerous diseases made worse by weight.  One local practice helps point out how science is helping those who are motivated to drop some pounds – and get healthier.

So the bad news about the obesity epidemic is it’s not going anywhere – despite increasing attention on weight loss, healthy eating, wellness.  The good news is science is helping the medical community learn more about what to do. 

This week on Science on the Radio Dr. Marvin Druger addresses the issue of Alzheimer's Disease. You'll found out how the disease was originally discovered, how many people are impacted by the disease in the United States, and newly emerging treatments. 

You can hear Science on the Radio each Wednesday Night at 8:30 on WAER.

Onondaga County’s health commissioner says recent rankings of the community’s overall health indicate our behaviors are more of a factor in determining health outcomes more than the availability and quality of care. While residents can make better choices, social and economic factors also come in to play. 

Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta says the big picture is key when looking at a person’s overall health. 

"In public health we say ‘everything affects health,’ and then also ‘health affects everything.’"

A Syracuse organization has some tips on how to follow through on New Year’s Resolutions.  The path to your better future might benefit from some Science and Sensibility.

Difficulty enrolling as an organ donor might be keeping many in Central New York and across the State from making that lifesaving decision.  New York’s 26 percent registration rate is second lowest in the country. Nancy Ryan of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network says the state has to give potential donors more options to register.

A number of Central New York employers provide incentives, programs and facilities so their employees can be healthier. 

Eight were recognized by the American Heart Association with their Platinum-level Award for being a “Fit-Friendly Worksite.”