Upstate Health

Upstate Medical University has joined a statewide partnership of leading academic medical centers and public health institutions in the nation's first Center of Excellence for Cannabis Care and Health Equity. upstate.edu/news/articles/…

A RINGING SUCCESS: Three-year-old Everleigh Bylow of Ogdensburg rings the cancer bell to celebrate being cancer-free after a year of treatment. More than a dozen relatives, along with members of the media, gathered to witness the joyful milestone.

On the next “HealthLink on Air”: navigating knee pain, the importance of school recess, graphic medicine, and pancreas transplant surgery for diabetics. The show can be heard Sunday at 6 a.m. on WRVO and online at upstate.edu/informed/2026/….

Never try to re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before throwing away. Soak all spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. (5)

Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting. Never ignite devices in a container. Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. (4)

Protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses when lighting fireworks or standing nearby. Make sure you’re not wearing loose clothing when handling matches or fireworks. Never throw fireworks at another person. Never allow young children to handle fireworks. (3)

Keep pets indoors. Remember fireworks can be very unnerving/frightening to our animal friends; give them some extra comfort. Point fireworks away from homes and people, and steer clear of brush, leaves, dry grass and flammable substances. (2)

Only purchase fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use. Read the instructions. Always check the label and follow the manufacturer's directions. Never use fireworks indoors. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. (1)

Thomas VanderMeer, MD, chief of surgery at the Upstate Cancer Center, explains how the outlook for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has improved in recent years. Surgery is part of the reason, along with new medications. upstate.edu/informed/2026/…

Do not run, jump, twirl, wave, play or point sparklers toward people, pets, buildings, dry grass or anything flammable. Do not hold children while using sparklers. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between children and a lit sparkler. (5)

Hold sparklers at arm’s length, away from the body and away from others. Keep at least 6 feet of space between people. Keep a bucket of water or dirt nearby for used sparklers. Used sparklers can remain hot even after the sparks are gone. (4)

Use sparkling devices outdoors only and at least 10 feet away from any building or structure. Never use indoors. Wear closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose clothing, loose sleeves, and hoodies. Pull long hair back. Sparklers can throw hot embers that may ignite clothing or hair. (3)

In New York state, metal wire sparklers are not legal for sale. Only wood dowel sparklers. It is also illegal for anyone under 18 years old to use sparkling devices. Safe, fun alternatives: fairy light wands, glow sticks. (2)

Sparklers can burn at temperatures upwards of 2000° F. In comparison, the melting point of common glass is between 1300°F to 1800°F. Water boils at 212° F. (1)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2025 saw 13,000 fireworks injuries & 15 fireworks deaths. 38% of the injuries were burns; 22% were to the head, face & ears; 35% were to hands & fingers. Sparkler injuries resulted in 1,300 emergency room treatments. (2)

Be safe this Fourth of July. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals. (1)

Liz Sapio from the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital discusses preventable childhood injuries, including falls and motor vehicle accidents, and gives important tips for keeping kids safe around water. upstate.edu/informed/2026/…

Rectal cancer death rates in U.S. adults younger than 45 are rising up to three times faster than those for colon cancer. Upstate gastroenterology fellow Mythili Pathiyil, MBBS, discusses the importance of early detection and the symptoms to watch for. upstate.edu/informed/2026/…

Upstate has opened a new stem cell islet bioengineering lab where scientists are striving to create a treatment to cure diabetes. upstate.edu/news/articles/…

Upstate pediatrician Priyanka Kaul, MD, explains the role recess, or unstructured time at school, plays in the development and health of children and adolescents. upstate.edu/informed/2026/…