Upstate showcases services, expertise, offers health screenings at New York State Fair, beginning Aug. 22

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- Upstate Medical University will showcase an array of services, educational programs, offer health information and provide free health screenings--along with an opportunity to wander through a giant brain--at the New York State Fair, which runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3.

Located in the Science and Industry Building, Upstate’s exhibit is open each day of the fair from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last year’s exhibit attracted nearly 150,000 people who walked away with information on how to stay safe, healthy, and how to prevent or manage a variety of health care conditions.

“Upstate Medical University’s fair line up this year has something for everyone,” said Darcy Dibiase, Upstate assistant director of marketing and university communications who coordinates Upstate’s New York State Fair presence. “It highlights the breadth and depth of services and expertise that Upstate offers the region.”

All aspects of Upstate’s mission, from teaching and research to clinical care will be featured at the fair with more than 400 experts on hand througout the run of the fair to answer health questions. Of course, the exhibit will have plenty for fairgoers to take home, from sunscreen and hand sanitizer to notepads, magnetic clips and pens.

On Students Day, Aug. 31, Upstate will present a 15-foot tall brain that fairgoers can visit. A walk through the brain will highlight the anatomy of the brain and show what happens to the brain during a traumatic injury, stroke or concussion.

On Seniors Day, Upstate will give away 1,000 vial for life bags to senior fairgoers. The bags contain a vial, similar to a prescription bottle, where individuals can store all their important health information. For example, a list of all medications one is taking, names of physicians and family members, etc., can be placed in the vial which is then stored in the refrigerator for safe keeping. A sticker on the refrigerator alerts the EMS providers of the information that can be found inside the refrigerator. Having this information immediately available for medical professions can make a big difference in the care of the patient.

People in the vicinity of Upstate’s exhibit are likely to hear the sweet sounds of bell ringing. Once again, the Upstate Cancer Center will have on display its Survivor Bell, which can be rung by cancer survivors whenever they stop by the exhibit.

“It’s one of the most wondrous sounds at the fair,” said DiBiase. “It seems like we are hearing the bell ring more and more each year, which means more people are surviving cancer.”

Upstate’s exhibit will also provide educational information on PrEP and HIV prevention, how to live healthy with a chronic condition, and on how to prevent and treat concussion. It will offer free vision screenings and the opportunity for people to sign up for a study sponsored by its Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and for clinical trials offered through its Center for Global Health & Translational Science.

Each day, Upstate staff will be at the exhibit to answer questions. Look for these Upstate experts and departments at the fair:

Wednesday, Aug. 22 (Governor’s Day) Concussion Management Program, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Center for Global Health and Translational Science, Joslin Diabetes Center, Upstate Cancer Center.

Thursday, Aug. 23 (Agriculture Day): Comprehensive Stroke Center, Emergency Medicine (Opioid Overdoes Prevention Training), Community Campus Orthopedics, Clark Burn Center, Upstate Cancer Center.

Friday, Aug. 24 (Pride Day): Immune Health Services, Pathology, Infectious Disease, Upstate Cancer Center.

Saturday, Aug. 25: Healthy Hearts screening, noon to 6 p.m.; Upstate Volunteers, Upstate Cancer Center.

Sunday, Aug. 26: Wound care and carbon monoxide education, Upstate Volunteers, Upstate Cancer Center.

Monday, Aug. 27 (Law Enforcement Day/Seniors Day): Vision Screening, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.; Geriatrics, Healthlink/OASIS/Living with Chronic Disease Program; Brain and Spine Center; Upstate Cancer Center.

Tuesday, Aug. 28: (Beef Day/Seniors Day/Fire and Rescue Day): Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center; Triage and Transfer, Upstate Connect; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders; Upstate Cancer Center.

Wednesday, Aug. 29 (Women’s Day): Cardiovascular, Upstate Orthopedics, Family Birth Center, Occupational Health Clinical Center, Upstate Cancer Center.

Thursday, Aug 30 (Armed Forces Day/Dairy Day): Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center, Upstate Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Nurse Recruitment, Upstate Cancer Center.

Friday, Aug. 31 (Students Day/Six Nations Day): Pediatrics Emergency Department and Upstate Golisano After Hours Care, Safe Kids Upstate New York Coalition, Pediatric Trauma, Upstate Cancer Center (Pediatrics).

Saturday, Sept. 1 (Grange Day): Healthy Hearts Screenings, noon to 6 p.m.; Upstate Volunteers.

Sunday, Sept. 2: Upstate Volunteers, Upstate Cancer Center.

Monday, Sept. 3: Upstate Volunteers, Upstate Cancer Center.