News stories tagged with "medicine"

(12/01/11) A new book profiles the early history, founders, and staff of St. Lawrence County's first hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. It opened in 1885, and over the years, the hospital has housed a nursing school and was the first to bring many new health services to the region, including an artificial kidney machine in the late 1960's.

Todd Moe talks with Cyndy Clusen and Kelsey Redpath, creators of the latest Arcadia photo book that celebrates Claxton-Hepburn's past. They'll lead a discussion about the hospital and the new book at the Brewer Bookstore in Canton this Saturday afternoon at 1 pm.

(02/23/11) The Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo is now offering the first-ever vaccine to treat cancer. But as the Innovation Trail's Daniel Robison reports, the drug isn't for everyone. more

(12/10/10) A report published this week by the Healthcare Association of New York State found that North Country hospitals are one of the region's biggest economic engines. The study shows that, statewide, hospitals employ nearly 687,000 New Yorkers and generate $108 billion in economic activity.

As Chris Morris reports, this report is the latest salvo in a debate over how to fund hospitals and the state's healthcare system. more

(11/30/10) Cough syrup, pain relievers, and nasal sprays are going to bring some relief to Massena's struggling economy. A maker of over-the-counter liquid medicines plans to begin manufacturing in a vacant plant in February. David Sommerstein reports the company's CEO says proximity to Canada was key, and he is pursuing an expansion plan that could employ more than 100 people. more

(11/22/10) Most of us hate to talk or think about death. It may be the last taboo subject in America. But beginning last spring, Brian Mann asked one North Country family to do just that.

As part of a series called The Hospice Path, Brian documented the lives of Bill and Tommie Gallagher. Bill joined the High Peaks Hospice program after he was diagnosed with an untreatable lung ailment. He died last Monday at his home in Saranac Lake, surrounded by family and helped in his final hours by a hospice nurse.

But it turns out that Bill's death isn't the final step in the hospice process. As Brian learned, the program's nurses and counselors will now work with his family as they begin to grieve and say good-bye. more

(11/04/10) Two weeks after officials at Trudeau Institute announced plans to expand off-site, an internal memo indicates the Institute may also consider leaving Saranac Lake.

The memo from David Woodland, president and director of the biomedical research facility, lists "relocation, with the intent of re-purposing the Saranac Lake facilities" as one of the strategic options being considered for Trudeau's future development.

Trudeau is one of the area's largest employers. As Chris Knight reports, local officials are concerned. more

(09/07/10) North Country Public Radio has begun an on-going series looking at the ways that hospice programs can help when someone is approaching the end of their life.

It turns out a social worker here in New York was one of the pioneers of hospice and end-of-life care. Zelda Foster passed away in 2006.

At that time, reporter Gregory Warner profiled a woman who spent forty years advocating for people's right to die with dignity.

(05/31/10) Veterans in the Tri-Lakes are should get relief soon from long drives for medical care. New York Veterans Administration officials were in Essex County last week to announce plans for a new clinic in Saranac lake, and relocation of the existing clinic in Elizabethtown. That old clinic will remain in Elizabethtown until a new location is found. The Saranac Lake clinic is the result of years of lobbying led by one local vet, Frank Karl. Martha Foley has more. more

(03/22/10) There were competing health care rallies in Plattsburgh over the weekend, aimed at swaying Democratic congressman Bill Owens. But in the end Owens and Glens Falls Democrat Scott Murphy voted in favor of the fiercely debated overhaul plan approved last night. As Brian Mann reports, their decision to support President Obama's health care bill is already drawing praise and criticism.

(02/17/10) A new study released this morning aims to rank New York's counties by the health of their residents. The report, compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also looks at local factors like air quality and the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables that can help people get healthier. The study gives high marks to some North Country counties - including Essex, Hamilton and Warren. But Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties don't fare so well. Brian Mann has our story.