Tanning Beds May Increase Risk of Melanoma Up To Fourfold

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

6/2/2010

Syracuse, NY – The summer sun is shining, but bronzed beauties beware: if you’re hitting the tanning bed before the beach, you might want to reconsider. According to a new study by theAmerican Association for Cancer Research (AACR), people who tan indoors are up to four times more likely to develop Melanoma than those who don’t use tanning beds.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease and can spread to other organs in the body.

“Melanoma [is] very rapidly spreading. I don’t think there is any such thing as a healthy tan or anyone that really should tan,” said Sue Green, a Crouse Hospital RN.

“Tanning represents the skin’s response to injury; it’s trying to prevent injury to the skin so it darkens,” she continued.

New Findings

Before the study, tanning beds were only weakly associated with Melanoma. Now, the AACR’s in-depth study points to the conclusion that tanning indoors causes cancer.

Along with the new findings, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) is considering stricter regulations, or possibly a complete ban, on tanning for teens under the age of 18. But according to the study, the age people start tanning doesn’t matter nearly as much as how often they do it.

Tanning Salons Not Too Concerned

But despite the negative attention the study brings towards indoor tanning, some salon owners aren’t expecting to see much change.

“We actually saw a mild spike in tanning this year, about 3% up,” said Dominick Barbano, owner of Garbo’s Tanning Salon.

“Truth be told, young people especially, are concerned with their appearance and It’s also a proven statement that people of color are more attractive,” he concluded.

For Barbano, it’s all about moderation.

“Listen, It’s been medically proven for decades that alcohol causes cerosis of the liver. Does that mean you’re not supposed to drink?” asked Barbano. “No, it means you’re not supposed to drop a quart of vodka every night. Apply that to tanning: if it’s in moderation, and you can tan, then it’s fine,” he said.

And many customers agree. For them, the risk is worth it.

“I don’t worry about it too much, I just don’t,” said Terri Battisto, a Garbo’s Salon customer. “It’s worth the tradeoff for me, it really is.”

Bronzing Without the Burn

There are many ways people can get that coveted tan without exposing themselves to damaging UV rays. One method is a paying around $25-$30 for a spray tan, where a salon employee airbrushes the customer by hand with bronzer.

But if you’re not willing to spend that kind of cash on temporary color, there are more affordable spray-on tanners costing around $10 a bottle.

Friends and family come together in memory of Liverpool teen

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

5/26/2010

Bridgeport, NY – A vigil for 17-year-old Victoria Deverso of Liverpool is set to begin at 7pm. It will be held on Route 31 in Bridgeport at the crash site where she was killed on Monday. Hundreds of students are expected to attend.

Little Reminders

Though it has been a couple days since the accident, the light smell of gasoline lingers in the air near the site. Skid marks are still visible on the road. Shards of glass, metal, and fragments of a demolished car lay scattered around two hand-made crosses, put up in memory of Deverso. All are somber reminders that life is too short.

“It’s only here”

Even Michael Latzkowski, owner of Bridgeport Lawn and Garden Repair, built a cross so more people could share their memories and condolences. Latzkowski’s shop is located just a few steps away from the crash site. He was there a couple hours after the accident and watched authorities take the mangled cars away; he wasn’t surprised that the dangerous road took another life.

“This happens five times per year […] It’s definitely that corner. It’s only here and it’s only when people are going really fast,” said Latzkowski.

Some people living in the area are livid about the accidents that seem to keep occurring along the same stretch of road. A resident of Bridgeport said this was the third fatal accident since the first of the year and another crash is inevitable.

Adjustments at Liverpool High School

At Liverpool High, a mock DWI (driving while intoxicated) car wreck demonstration was postponed. On Tuesday, School officials said going through with the demonstration as planned would hit too close to home, so they decided to move it from this week to next week.

“One of the things we’re very concerned with [is] not only making our young people responsible citizens and taking responsibility for all of their acts but to be safe and be healthy,” said Liverpool Superintendent Dr. Richard Johns.

21^st Century Grieving

In addition to the vigil tonight, students have created a Facebook page for Deverso.

“I think that’s how they grieve now,” began Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maureen Patterson. “They grieve by communicating with each other, with photos, with words, with text as opposed to maybe verbalizing with each other. If they can find some sanity in that for themselves, that’s important,” she concluded.

Victoria Deverso was killed while riding as a passenger with 18-year-old Chelsea Kuss of Syracuse. The accident happened as they were driving westbound on Route 31. Kuss tried to pass a car and ran head-on into 38-year-old Peggy Blume. Currently, Kuss is in critical condition at University Hospital and Blume, who is also at University Hospital, is in serious condition.

Below is a short video of Michael Latzkowski talking about the accident aftermath and the reputation surrounding the small segment of road.

A Love of Clocks in Central New York

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

4/21/2010

Syracuse, NY – Finding a clock maker or a clock repair shop can be pretty tough these days. As people have moved towards digital timekeeping, horologists, experts who build or repair clocks, have slowly begun to vanish. But Central New York is home to two men who still pursue a craft that’s steeped in tradition.

In Madison, New York, Chris Harter makes 18th century-style clocks and furniture, while in Syracuse, Karl Kascha fixes and sells clocks at his shop. In this digital era, their passion for hand-made clocks is something of a rarity among a generation which relies almost solely on digital time-keeping devices.

A Hidden Gem in Syracuse

From the outside, Karl’s Klocks doesn’t look any different from all the other homes and buildings lining the street. There’s no big sign, no big parking lot, and no big fancy storefront. But despite all that, a steady stream of customers manage to find Karl’s shop in hopes that he will work some magic on their beloved, but broken clocks.

“I’m a sentimental fool as well as a lot of my customers,” said Karl as he repaired an old cuckoo clock. “It’s a good thing there’s a few of us out there or I would be out of business.”

Shared Sentiment

One of Karl’s customers, Teri Brush also values the sentimental aspect of clocks. To her, clocks play a more important role than keeping time.

“[That] clock is over 150 years old,” began Brush as she motioned towards the clock Karl was inspecting. “It was in my family, it was my grandfathers. It’s been handed down; it’s tradition,” she said.

And tradition is what Chris Harter loves about making clocks in his Madison workshop.

“250 years from now these pieces should still be around,” said Chris. “Children are going to take [the clocks] with them and that’s where you see generation after generation have these pieces,” he finished.

Quality, Not Quantity

According to Chris, it’s the quality of a hand-made clock that sets it apart from others.

“Every aspect is being done by one person [and] there is a high degree of quality,” said Chris. “My greatest motivation is just that passion of what I love to do and doing it with excellence...I’m glad I’m not making furniture item 4412 with finish a, b, or c.”

And excellence is exactly what both Chris and Karl strive for as they make and repair clocks that could potentially keep ticking for hundreds of years to come.

Adaptive Sports Growing in New York

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

2/17/2010

Syracuse, NY - Each year as more people become disabled, adaptive sports programs across the country grow as well. New York ranks high on the list of states with the most adaptive sports programs which give people with disabilities an opportunity to stay active.

Adaptive Sports in the State

In New York, almost 1.5 million people have either a physical or intellectual disability, according to a 2006 Census survey. Laurie Kennedy, New York’s Special OlympicsRegional Director, is seeing more competitors in the Winter Games this year, and in general, more adaptive sports.

“ New York is pretty ahead of the curve in adaptive sports. Because there’s a lot of organizations that are […] having lots of opportunities like more than one season, more than one sport,” said Kennedy.

Going for the Gold

Kayla McKeon plays more than eight sports. But McKeon isn’t just any athlete, she’s a Special Olympian.

“The more excited you are, the more pumped you are to get out there and work hard and for the gold,” said McKeon.

And to get the gold, she focused on being a good goalie for her floor hockey team, which included practicing her smack talking skills.

“[I usually say] hey buddy boy want a piece of me? Come over here and let me have it,” said McKeon.

At last week’s New York Special Olympics held in Syracuse, 400 athletes with intellectual disabilities came together to compete in the Winter Games.

“When I was in high school I really couldn’t keep up physically, but in Special Olympics, I know I can,” said McKeon.

Special Olympics isn’t the only organization that’s seen an increase in athletes. Other adaptive sports programs in the area have seen growth as well.

A Chance to Ski Again

At Toggenburg Mountain, the Arise and Ski program teaches 80 people how to ski, has doubled the number of sessions and is inclusive of all disabilities. Gregg Kuersteiner was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in his mid-30’s and through the program, has learned to use a bi-ski on the mountain.

“If it wasn’t for the program I wouldn’t be skiing at all,” said Kuersteiner.

Eric Kuersteiner, Gregg’s brother and volunteer instructor with the Arise and Ski program, skis with his brother and sees the benefits of the program.

“Gregg’s normal way of being is struggling hard to do basic things,” said Kuersteiner. “This allows him so much freedom that he almost has no place else in his life.”

Win or Lose, There’s Still Pride

For those who participate in adaptive sports, freedom, fun, and support is what it’s all about. And back at the Special Olympics, winning or losing doesn’t really matter so much to McKeon.

“No matter what we do, we always make our family and friends proud of who we really are,” she said.

And pride was in the air when, for the first time, McKeon and her floor hockey team claimed the gold medal for their division.

Chestnuts Aren't the Only Things that Could 'Roast' This Season

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

12/8/2009

Syracuse, NY – It’s that time of year again and people are starting to gear up for the holiday season. For many people this means buying a Christmas tree…but not just any tree, a fresh-cut tree.

A Trip to the Farm

At Critz Farms in Cazenovia, families trudged through a Christmas tree field, hoping to find and cut down their own perfect Christmas tree. For people like Denis Branson, a resident of Fayetteville, this year isn’t any different than years past.

“Oh, it’s an annual tradition,” said Branson. “We like doing fresh trees, because that way they stay fresh for a long time,” he said.

Dry Christmas Trees Can Kill

Though cutting down his own Christmas tree is all part of the holiday spirit, Branson acknowledges the risks involved with having a real tree.

“When I was a kid, […] one year two people that my father knew were killed in a Christmas tree fire,” Branson said. After that, his father bought fake trees.

And killer Christmas tree fires are exactly what Captain Tom Erwin of the Syracuse Fire Department hopes to keep at bay. Though Syracuse hasn’t seen a devastating Christmas tree fire in the last two years, Erwin said, it’s important not to get complacent.

“[People] don’t understand the power of a fire as a whole and they certainly don’t understand the power of a fire this time of year in a dried Christmas tree,” said Erwin. “I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays,” he concluded.

Being Safe This Season

Erwin suggests keeping the tree watered, because if it gets dry, a festive holiday could quickly take a turn for the worst.

“When they’re fresh cut, they tend to […] withstand a little bit of spark before it turns into an inferno,” said Erwin. “It literally takes only 30 seconds or less,” he added.

Erwin also says that using thicker wired Christmas lights and plugging them into a heavy duty surge protector will lessen the risk of a fire.

Fire Risk Shouldn’t Dampen Holiday Cheer

Back at Critz Farms, Branson isn't letting the potential danger ruin his holiday fun. He now keeps an extinguisher nearby and takes steps to make sure his Christmas stays safe.

If you ask Branson, it’s all about good judgment: “ It just takes common sense. Life is not without risk; and as long as you manage risk, the smell and the season, and the enjoyment of hunting for the tree is worth it.”

A Christmas tree fire Public Service Announcement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology:

The First Ever Annual Shop Syracuse Week Hopes to Encourage Buying Local

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

12/1/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The first annual Shop Syracuse Week is underway and many local business owners are excited. Shop Syracuse started on Friday last week and ends on Sunday. Syracuse First, a non-profit organization which started this past summer, is behind the effort to encourage holiday shoppers to buy local so money can stay in Syracuse.

Good for the Community

Shop Syracuse Week’s Organizer, Chris Fowler, said money is better spent locally where it can be re-invested into the community.

“When you spend money at a locally owned business, almost twice as much money is re-circulated in the community,” said Fowler.

To better illustrate it, Fowler said that for every $100 spent at a local business, more than $70 stays in the community. This is in contrast to $40 when spending the same amount of money at a national chain.

“You don’t have to completely change the way you do things,” Fowler insisted. “But instead of going to Starbucks ten times, try Sparky Town, [or] try another local coffee shop,” concluded Fowler.

Shop Syracuse Week Good for Small Business Owners

Sparky Town, a coffee shop and restaurant on Burnet Avenue in Syracuse, is dedicated to supporting local businesses. In addition to serving food and coffee, they sell locally made crafts, decorations and paintings. Owner of Sparky Town, Linda “Sparky” Mortimer, says she’s seen a boost in sales since Shop Syracuse Week began.

“More people are coming in [and] more people are finding out about us. I think there’s a genuine interest here for people to shop locally,” Mortimer said.

A short distance away in Armory Square, Owner of Eva’s Boutique, Eva Higgins, is excited and feels that the community should know that money spent in the city, stays in the city.

“I think it’s good that they know the money will stay in our economy, you know, make Syracuse a stronger place. Economically we need this boost,” said Higgins.

And according to Higgins, the possible rise in sales is much needed.

“We really do need help here in the retail world. The small boutiques, we’re not like the big department stores,” Higgins said. She continued, “We don’t make a ton of money. We’re locally owned and we just make enough to make a living,” she finished.

Shop Local? Or Not to Shop Local? That is the Question

Some, like Danny McNally, say they already shop at local businesses.

“I love the personal touch,” said McNally. “[And] I want to make sure to maintain the vitality of our city center.”

While others, like Christina Stasko, thinks shopping locally is more expensive.

"If they had better deals I would definitely think about shopping at one of the local shops," said Stasko.

But Shop Syracuse business owners say it's not all about the cost.

"You have nothing to lose and everything to gain and you get that personalized intimate service that you may not get in a bigger store," Mortimer said.

Free Fitness for Kids in Need

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/17/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - With the New York State child obesity rates higher than 30%, it’s no wonder why Syracuse has started “Fit Club,” a free-of-charge after school fitness program where kids will do aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, and learn about nutrition.

The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department and Strength In Motion, a sports training center, teamed up to offer kids a place to be active. Funding for the program came from government grant money that is geared towards promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Giving Back

The pilot program started just last Friday at McChesney Park and will continue twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) for the next six weeks.

Corey Parker, the owner of Strength In Motion as well as the Program Director, said his company doesn’t receive any money for coaching the kids, but that’s okay.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do,” said Parker. “Working with the inner city kids…I feel like it’s giving something back,” he said.

According to Parker, the kids are getting much needed exercise, but it’s still not enough.

“We need to make sure we’re doing something that’s making them active on the days they’re not doing that 60-minute program. Two days out of seven is not going to have the results that you want,” said Parker.

The kids are fortunate to get personal training for free. Parker said normally, it would cost $15 per hour at the Strength In Motion Training Center for the same services.

A Safe Place is the Key

SU Diet and Nutrition Professor, Lynn Brann, thinks that anything that can get kids active in a safe environment is a benefit. She said many times, it’s the child’s environment that makes it hard to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Do they have a park? Do they have sidewalks? [It’s] their physical environment that’s either lending or not lending to their being physically active,” said Brann. “There are a lot of barriers that kids could encounter, if for example their parents are working, and they go home after school and their safe place is to be at home in front of the TV or playing a video game, then they’re not getting that opportunity [to be active],” she continued.

And according to neighborhoodscout.com, in Syracuse where the crime rate is about 50% higher than the state average, the opportunities for kids to be play in safe places can be hard to find.