Bi-Valent Covid booster and flu clinic open to Upstate community

Wegmans will host a Pfizer Covid booster clinic for those 12 years of age and older Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Driver’s Village (5885 E. Circle Dr., Cicero, NY). The Upstate community is welcome at this clinic. Flu shots will also be available. To register, visit: https://www.wegmans.com/covid-vaccine-registration/.

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Productivity Enhancement Program for state employees is open

The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) has been announced by the NYS Department of Civil Service for New York state-eligible CSEA, PEF, UUP represented and MC affiliated employees. PEP allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation and/or personal leave) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis for 2023. In no case can the credit available under the program be applied to the employer share of NYSHIP premiums. For more information, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/hr/intra/benefits/pep.php. Enrollment closes Dec. 12.

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Flex Spending Account Program is open

The 2023 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program open enrollment period for New York state employees is open now through Dec. 12. To be eligible to enroll in the Flexible Spending Account Program, state employees must be annual salaried, work at least half time, meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), and be expected to be employed for the entire 2023 calendar year. For more information, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/hr/intra/benefits/changing_options_state.php

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NYSHIP Health Insurance Option Transfer Period is open

The New York State  planning-for-option-transfer-2023.pdf (ny.gov) flyer has been mailed to homes. The publication includes information about the upcoming Option Transfer Period, when you can make changes to your 2023 NYSHIP option for yourself and your enrolled dependents. Health insurance Choices for 2023, which contains a more detailed comparison of NYSHIP benefits, will be available online and from your HBA later this fall. Shortly after, be sure to check your mailbox for the 2023 rate information and Option Transfer deadlines.

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Applications sought for 2023 Your Cause charity  

Team Upstate seeks applications from the Upstate community for a CNY agency to be its featured Your Cause charity in 2023. The Your Cause program, offers Upstate employees an opportunity to nominate a charity that will be the focus of Upstate volunteer outreach through the year. This year’s Your Cause agency was Sarah’s Guest House. 

To nominate an agency for the Your Cause sponsorship, complete and submit an application by Nov. 30. Team Upstate committee will review applications and announce the winning organization in December. Application is available here: https://www.upstate.edu/teamupstate/your-cause/index.php. Email completed applications to Nancy Prott at prottn@upstate.edu. Questions? Email Becca Pesci at PesciR@Upstate.edu.

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Volunteer Express has relocated 

Volunteer Express at Upstate University Hospital has moved to the second-floor lobby, at the end of the bridge. The Express volunteers will continue to support Upstate by delivering specimen, flowers and patient belongings, supplies and equipment. Volunteers assist with patient and visitor escorts, wheelchair transports as well as special projects. Volunteer Express can be reached by phone at 315-464-5182 or on Vocera with ‘Volunteer Express.’ For more information about volunteering at Upstate, visit https://www.upstate.edu/volunteers/.

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Pathway to Wellness announcements

All Pathway to Wellness (PTW) events are accessible via https://upstate.webex.com/meet/brisks unless otherwise noted. 

• Nov. 2 at noon is How to Incorporate One Positive Thing Into Your Day with Amy Bidwell, PhD, SUNY Oswego. To register for this session, visit: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/k2/j.php?MTID=t6a942d5f8ac984da01c8046ab2cdaff5
• Three Good Things—a gratitude exercise that can improve wellbeing, mental health and happiness—will be held Nov. 3, 10, 17 at noon.
• Quit tobacco for a day or a lifetime will be held Nov. 8 at noon. Theresa Hankin, RRT, NCTTS, an experienced tobacco treatment specialist, will share her knowledge and passion to help you quit for the Great American Smokeout.
• Healthy living for your brain and body will be held Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Join to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement.  Use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.  Registration required. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3e3eaAJ   
• Learn the benefits of practicing gratitude Nov. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Great American Smokeout event is Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Café 750 Upstate University Hospital.

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The Healing Muse launch is Nov. 2

The Healing Muse, Upstate’s journal of literary and visual arts, will celebrate its 22^nd issue with a launch party Nov. 2 from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. The program will feature readings by some of the writers featured in Muse 22. For more information and to get a Zoom link for the event, email Andrea Chiaravalloti at ChiaraAn@Upstate.edu.

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Addiction Psychiatry Conference is Nov. 4

The fourth annual Addiction Psychiatry Conference will be held Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium of Hutchings Psychiatric Center. The conference will focus on opioids—illicit use and prescription use, maintenance treatments with opioids, difficult patient interactions in the hospital setting, and social determinants of health. A complete brochure and online registration is available at http://www.upstate.edu/cme. For more information, contact Linette Thorp at thorpl@upstate.edu.

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Limb Preservation in 2022 is Nov. 5

Limb Preservation in 2022: Innovations and Advancements will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 4414 Academic Building. Experts from Vasculary Surgery, Endovascular Service, Hyperbaric Medicine, and Wound Care will provide information on limb preservation, including: arterial and venous pathology, neuropathy, foot problems associated with diabetes, and advanced wound care. Pre-registration is required, here: https://www.eventsquid.com/event/17845. Questions? Email Rosemarie More at MoreR@Upstate.edu.

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Burn Run is Nov. 6

The 16^th annual Burn Run will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 at the East Syracuse Fire Department fire station #2, 148 Sauders Creek Parkway. The kids fun run will begin at 8:30 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m.; 10K at 10 a.m. Register online at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastSyracuse/TheBurnRun. Packet pickup and in-person registration will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 at Fleet Feet Dewitt and on race day. 

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Celebration of Life for Jorge Grimes, EdD, is Nov. 6 (location updated)

A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Jorge Grimes will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Interfaith Chapel on the first floor of Upstate University Hospital (note location change). Dr. Grimes was associate professor and chair of the graduate nursing program at Upstate’s College of Nursing in the 1990s and served as interim dean in 1997-98. All are welcome to attend. Donations may be made to the Jorge Grimes Nursing Scholarship #644, Upstate Foundation, 750 E. Adams St. CAB 326, Syracuse, NY 13210.

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Headaches for the Holidays Seminar is Nov. 7

Awss Zidan, MD, director of Upstate’s Headache Center, will present Headaches for the Holidays Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Dr. Zidan will discuss diagnosis and management of headaches, and what can be done to limit them during the holidays and beyond. The HealthLink seminar is live, free and open to the public. Register here for your Zoom link: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkfu2tpzgoEtIH5x-jCCoNJti_c7gyvH2m. Questions on HealthLink seminars? Email Amy Allen at AllenAm@Upstate.edu.

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Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Lecture is Nov. 7

The Upstate community is welcome to attend the annual Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Lecture Nov. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. in 1159 Weiskotten Hall. The lecture will include a keynote address by Kornelia Polyak, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. Honors will be given to Donna Vavala and Carla Corona. For questions and to R.S.V.P., contact Amy Green at greenamy@upstate.edu or 315-464-4517. Click here for Zoom or, go to https://upstate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 946 4170 9398 and password: 574139. Join from dial-in phone line: Dial: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 646 931 3860 https://upstate.zoom.us/u/adGSYs3jEMeeting ID: 946 4170 9398 Participant ID: Shown after joining the meeting. 

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Pet visit is Nov. 8

Upstate staff are invited to visit with Pet Partners dog, Casey, Nov. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room CC0124 at Community. For more information on this pet visit, email Vicki Casper at CasperV@Upstate.edu.

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Easy for You is Nov. 8

Easy for You, Upstate's tobacco treatment program, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 7335B Upstate University Hospital. Those with an Upstate ID are welcome to receive help quitting tobacco, chew, and vape. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available. For more information contact Theresa Hankin or Carolyn Walczyk at 315-464-3519 or walczykc@upstate.edu. 

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Primary Care Task Force presentation is Nov. 9

The Upstate Primary Care Task Force will offer a presentation for all primary care providers on the management of chronic lumbosacral pain Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. via WebEx. HeeRak Kang, MD, PMR, will present and answer questions. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m59f7d318670f26f82ece3fcc747ed88d.

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Coffee with the CMO is Nov. 11

Coffee with the CMO will be held Friday, Nov. 11 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in 8405A Upstate University Hospital. All Upstate physicians, APPs and clinical staff are invited to gather with colleagues for an update from Chief Medical Officer, Amy Tucker, MD. An open Q&A will follow. Coffee and wrapped breakfast treats will be offered. R.S.V.P. to Darcy DiBiase at dibiased@upstate.edu.

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Shine a Light on Lung Cancer with Syracuse Crunch is Nov. 12

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer with the Syracuse Crunch will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Shine a Light on Lung Cancer aims to raise awareness for lung cancer. Giveaways, information tables, digital messages, in-game announcements, and more will be offered. For more information, email Christine Benton at BentonCh@Upstate.edu.

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EAP session on SAD is Nov. 14

Neil Mcgillicuddy, PhD, will present on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. via WebEx. Mcgillicuddy will talk about the differences between SAD and the winter blues and what we can do to overcome both issues. Questions? Email Annemarie Cristino at CristinA@Upstate.edu. To join the session, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m8983e9604329805d7be467d821d21a7a (meeting number is 2314 855 1615 and meeting password is rYQXZaA4H42).

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HealthLink seminar on fire and burn safety is Nov. 14

A virtual HealthLink seminar on fire and burn safety in the fall and winter months will be held Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Tamara Roberts, MSN, RN, burn program manager at Upstate’s Clark Burn Center, and Paul Knierman, president of the East Syracuse Fire Department and fire fighter/EMT for over 28 years, will provide simple and effective methods to prevent fires and burns in and around the home. To register for a Zoom link, visit: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtcuCoqzoqGtOQNx371hicR_wqI1PaMOiw. The event is free and open to the public. 

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Great American Smokeout is Nov. 17

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout, Upstate Cancer Center will host a giant inflatable lung Thursday, Nov 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the atrium of the cancer center. Stop by to walk through, learn how to maintain your lung health, and get a photo with the lung.

Stop by the atrium of Upstate Cancer Center Nov 4 through Nov 11 to sign the banner for Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. Sign your name to honor someone who has battled or is battling lung cancer. The banner will be displayed at Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Night at the Syracuse Crunch game on Saturday, Nov 12. Questions? Email Christine Benton at BentonCh@Upstate.edu.

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Upstate Foundation Benefit Concert is Nov. 18

The Upstate Foundation’s Benefit Concert, will be held Friday, Nov. 18 at the Landmark Theatre. The event will feature Grammy Award winning Blood, Sweat and Tears. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with the pre-concert patron and sponsor party starting at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Upstate’s commitment to implementing sustainable systems to create a healthy environment for patients, students, employees and the surrounding region. For concert reservations and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Upstate Foundation at 315-464-4416 or visit www.upstatefoundation.org/benefitconcert. 

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Property Management closed Nov. 25

Property Management at Ainsley Surplus Warehouse will be closed Nov. 25.

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Mindful Meditation is every Tuesday 

Mindful Meditation will be held every Tuesday from 11 to 11:15 a.m. via WebEx. Annemarie Cristino, LCSW, CEAP, coordinator of Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program, will offer 15 minutes of mindful meditation instruction and information. Mindfulness centers on fostering connections between the brain, mind, body, and behavior. To join the session, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/meet/cristinA.

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The Informed Patient: Demystifying prostate cancer; preventing RSV; volunteering for a clinical trial

Recent topics explored on The Informed Patient podcast include prostate cancer; a preventive treatment for a common, sometimes deadly, infection; and a look at how clinical trials work.

• Pathologist Gustavo de la Roza, MD, explains the staging and grading of prostate cancer.  
• Pediatric infectious disease specialist Joe Domachowske, MD, talks about a promising medication to prevent respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, which can hit infants and seniors hard.  
• Infectious disease specialist Stephen Thomas, MD, describes clinical trials of vaccines, including an ongoing study of a dengue fever vaccine.  

The Informed Patient podcast and HealthLink on Air radio show are produced by Upstate Marketing and University Communications. The Informed Patient interviews are available through various podcast platforms, and HealthLink on Air is broadcast on WRVO Public Media at 6 a.m. Sundays. Audio and transcripts of the podcasts and the radio shows are also available at www.upstate.edu/informed.