Thursday, July 29, 2010

Get some sun, for vitamin's sake!

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)

Two kids play basketball in Syracuse
Darker skin tones require more sun exposure to absorb sufficient amounts of Vitamin D.
Photo by Matt Porter


Matt Porter, NCC News

More doctors and researchers agree: Most people deficient in Vitamin D

Over the last ten years, doctors and nutritionists have been debating and studying the role of Vitamin D in the body. The vitamin has always been known for its primary role of absorbing calcium and phosphorus into the body, without which, we would die says Dr. Susan Brown.

Dr. Brown is a certified nutritionist and social anthropologist. She has been researching Vitamin D, among other bone building nutrients, in Syracuse for the Better Bones Foundation.

"90 to 95 percent of our Vitamin D comes from the Sun," says Dr. Brown.

Unfortunately, people are spending much less time outside, and doctors say this is at least part of the cause for why so many people are deficient in Vitamin D. Doctors say skin color also plays a role.

"Dark skinned people need roughly six times the sun exposure as light skinned people to absorb adequate amounts of Vitamin D," Dr. Brown added.

If a mother lacks vitamin D, that can be passed down to the child says pediatrician Kathleen Shefner. Dr. Shefner says breast milk will not offer the same amount of vitamin D, and advises everyone, but especially nursing parents, to take vitamin D supplements.

"We noticed that children of color were becoming vitamin D deficient" Shefner said, "and in rare cases, when they were being breast fed, they were developing rickets."

Few foods offer good sources of Vitamin D except oily fish, dairy products (fortified with Vitamin D), and orange juice. The best way to get the vitamin is simply to go outside and soak up the sun.

Unfortunately, in the Northeast, the winter sun is not strong enough to provide much Vitamin D at all.

What does Vitamin D do?

Researchers are still working on figuring out everything Vitamin D does, but it is an extremely versatile nutrient. According to Brown, almost every part of the body can recieve Vitamin D. For a long time, Vitamin D was only thought to absorb calcium into the bone, and rickets, was seen as a Vitamin D disorder.

Rickets was thought to have been wiped out when foods started to be fortified with Vitamin D. But in Syracuse and across the country, some cases of rickets have appeared. Dr. Brown says its due to society spending ever more hours inside.

"A person who doesn't get outside," says Dr. Brown, "will have a lot of Vitamin D deficiency."

But, when the body has enough Vitamin D, doctors have seen the nutrient help prevent a number of other conditions including:

So the prescription is get more sun? What about UV rays?

A debate is going on right now in the medical community regarding people's need for vitamin D, but also the need to protect themselves from excess exposure to the sun's cancer causing UV rays. The Sun remains the best way for people to get Vitamin D, and it doesn't take much to do it.

Some doctors recommend, at least twice a week, going out in short sleeved clothing for 15-20 minutes during the mid-day unprotected. This way, the body can absorb some of the Sun's Vitamin D.

"The best thing is to exercise [outside] a little bit each day," says Dr. Brown.

Instead of the sun, Dr Shefner, the pediatrician, says young children who haven't hit puberty should be getting at least two 8 ounce glasses of milk a day, while adolescents in puberty should drink at least three.

"A glass of milk," says Dr. Shefner, "has a huge amount of vitamin D compared to anything else."

If you're unable to tolerate milk, Shefner says the next best thing is taking a vitamin D supplement. She also suggests those in high risk/need categories also consider taking supplements including:
  • Young children and adolescents in puberty
  • People of darker skin tones
  • People living with little sun exposure
  • The elderly
Dr. Shefner recommends the Vitamin D3 supplement beacuse it is the most active. She recommends that children take 400 international units and adults about 1000 international units per day. The measurements can be found on the supplement label.

If you take a multivitamin, Dr. Shefner reminds you to check the label to see if you're getting the right vitamin, in the right amount.

If you want to know how much vitamin D you're taking in, and if you're deficient, you can get tested for Vitamin D. You should consult with your local doctor about getting the test.

Click here to listen to the story

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Driving impaired by medicines as dangerous as driving drunk

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)

Cold Medicines on shelf
(Photo by Matt Porter)

Matt Porter, NCC News

People driving drugged now easier to catch, Police say

Five years ago if you were driving akwardly and looked sluggish (but not drunk), Officer Robert Boris would pull you over and not be able to find any violation in the law. But now, he can identify signs that a driver may be taking drugs, illegal or legal, that are impairing his or her ability to drive.

"Just because you are prescribed a medication," says Officer Boris, "doesn't mean you can drive with that medication."

In fact, Officer Boris says that if you are found impaired under the influence of any drug, from cocaine to Tylenol, you can be charged to the full extent of the law. It's just until now, Police have had a much more difficult time identifying when someone is "driving drugged."

In 2005, Officer Boris became one of four Syracuse Police Officers to receive training to specifically identify people under the influence of drugs. According to a recent New York Times report, there are only 7,000 "drug recognition officers" across the country like Officer Boris.

Since he's had the training, Officer Boris says he hasn't lost a single case in court.


On why it's so easy:

"The attorney's know that we know what we're talking about," says Officer Boris, "my [success] rate is 98 or 99 percent."

What is the charge?

In Syracuse, the charge is known as a "D.W.A.I. by drugs" which stands for: Driving With Ability Impaired by Drugs. It doesn't matter what the drug. The punishments are equivalent to a D.U.I. Penalties can include, but are not limited to:
  • Fines (250 to 1000 dollars)
  • Suspension of License
  • Prison sentences (Five years or more)
Officer Boris says the law is serious because "you're putting yourself in danger, you're putting everyone else in danger, it's just not worth it."

How to know when you shouldn't drive?

Pharmacist Christine Camille says people should not drive or do anything after taking a new medication, whether it's over the counter or prescription. Camille says over the counter medications, particularly antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec can make people drowsy or sluggish.

She says patients should take it easy the rest of the day at home, and if they can't do that, wait until the evening to test new medicines because side-effects like drowsiness may not take effect right away.

"If the prescription is time released," says Camille, "you could have [side-effects] six hours later, twelve hours later."

Camille also warns patients not to mix prescriptions unless prescribed to do so, and to avoid mixing alcohol with any medicine. Alcohol, she says, suppresses the central nervous system and can have an adverse effect on many drugs.

As for Officer Boris, he says people need to take it easy when trying new drugs, and also to read labels closely.

"The red tag says do not operate heavy machinery," says Officer Boris, "a car is that."

Click here to listen to the story

Fire on Carrier Campus forces workers to evacuate

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)

Ambulance leaves Carrier Campus
(Photo by Matt Porter)

NCC NEWS

Lunchtime fire sends some workers home early; no injuries

A fire broke out on top of one of the buildings in the Carrier Campus on Rt. 298 shortly after Noon. The fire started in the TR-4 building after contractors, who were replacing the roof, exposed some smolder that caught fire after coming in contact with the air, says Carrier spokesperson Jon Shaw.

No one was hurt during the fire, and it was "well contained from the moment it started," says Shaw.

The TR-4 building housed officers, engineering labs, and the cafeteria. Carrier told workers in that building to go home for the day.

"Everyone got out safely, nobody was hurt," Shaw says, "and we're happy about that."

Carrier is inspecting the building's structural soundness and repowering the plant. They hope to have the building functional tomorrow morning when employees return to work.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sheriff says cell phone crackdown succeeding

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)

Police on motorcycles
(Photo by Matt Porter)

Matt Porter, NCC News

Public learning the new law, Sheriff says

Syracuse Police, partnered with the Sheriff's department and State Police, placed extra patrols on the road last week to be on the look out for drivers using their cell phones (or any electronic device) while driving. This is the second of four rounds of "cell phone crackdowns" funded by a grant from the Federal government.

Sheriff Kevin Walsh says he's seen a a drop in ticketing this time over the last period so far.

"There is finally some more compliance," says Sheriff Walsh.

Walsh says he waited on a street corner near the S.U. campus where he used to see students driving with the phone all the time. This time, he came up empty.

What's illegal?

The law says, "Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such a vehicle is in motion." If you're wondering what can land you a ticket, and what can't, here's a list:
  • Talking or texting, or using your mobile device in any way while driving are ticketable offences.
  • Using a laptop or iPod while driving, a ticketable offence.
  • Using a cell phone with speaker phone, against the law unless you have a hands-free set up.
  • If your car is stopped, or pulled over in a place where it's legal to do so, using your device is fine.
  • Emergency responders, as defined by law, including police, fire, and emergency personnel are exempt. (Alas, no journalists!)
  • As always, if you're pulled over, the officer has full discretion to decide if you get a ticket or not.

Is all this worth the money and time?

The Syracuse Police and Sheriff's Department say absolutely. Sheriff Walsh says, "we get calls about distracted drivers all the time."

2008 New York State traffic statistics show "distracted driving" as the leading cause of accidents involving injury or death. One in four drivers involved in an accident causing injury or death were labeled as "distracted." The leading cause of distraction is none other than people using cell phones.
Some residents say the police should focus their attention to what they see as more important traffic violations.

"They should be getting people who were drinking or driving, with DUIs," says 26-year-old Andy Cheng, "that's more of a threat."

But, according to the 2008 statistics, alcohol-related incidents made up for just over 3 percent of accidents while distracted driving made up for over 20 percent. It's important to note that there are often multiple factors assigned by officers and therfore, the numbers may not be as far apart as they seem. Cell phones are also not the only cause for "distracted driving."

But still, police say educating the public about any one distraction is a success. Sheriff Walsh likened the current cell phone program to the "click it or ticket" program from the 90s.

"Using the cell phone can risk your life, we're trying to get the word out," says the Sheriff.

"Click it or ticket" also started as a federal pilot program like the new cell phone initiative. The current program is being funded in two cities: Syracuse and Hartford, Connecticut.

Click here to listen to the radio story

Bank Robbery in town of Geddes

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)

Bank Of America Robbery Geddes
(Photo by Matt Porter)

NCC NEWS

As of 4pm, the Sheriff's department, Geddes Police, and the FBI were still looking for the suspect that robbed a Bank of America at approximately 11:30 in the morning in Geddes.

Police describe the suspect as a black male, between 5'8" and 5'10". The suspect has short cropped hair and was wearing a plaid red and white shirt. The suspect fled on foot, police responded with a canine unit and helicopters.

No one was hurt or injured in the robbery at 4732 Onondaga Boulevard. The bank employees and the store's only customer at that time were questioned by police, and then released for the rest of the day. The bank did not reopen for the day.

Employees at neighboring stores say crime is not a usually a major problem for them. Steve Frederick, who works at the Pizza Hut next door, was surprised by the incident.

"I was flabbergasted," Frederick said, "I know everybody in that bank. I have a good rapport with them. When they got robbed, I called them up and asked if they needed some lunch today. They got it on me."

Click here to listen to the newscast story

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Police "move-in" to troubled Syracuse neighborhoods for the summer

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University. View the original story.)


Matt Porter, NCC News

Making their presence known

The Syracuse Police stationed officers in temporary office units in neighborhoods where they receive the most calls. The Police Department calls it the "Stop-In" program, which stands for "Strategic Team Oriented Policing in Neighborhoods."

The "Stop-In mobile policing units" are located in three neighborhoods: Rockland Avenue, Fernwood Avenue, and on the corner of Knaul and Highland Street. Each area had high call volumes in 2009.

The purpose of the program is for officers to embed themselves in these neighborhoods, find out the problems of the neighbors, and work to resolve some of them. According to Deputy Police Chief Joe Cecile, some of the issues the police hope to help solve include:
  • Identify and investigate suspicious houses in the community that may be holding guns or drugs
  • Identify and investigate suspicious activity that could be drug or
    gang related
  • Problems with drivers speeding or committing other serious traffic violations
Police Chief Frank Fowler said in a press conference today that he hopes that by having officers embedded in the community, even for a short time, will encourage residents to be proactive and watchful in their neighborhoods.

"We're on the same side," said Chief Fowler, "They want the criminal out of the community, I want them out of my city."

Deputy Chief Cecile noted that the officers have been off to a slower start than expected in the communities like Knaul because of language barriers with some community members.

Is it working?

Residents we spoke to today say "the pods" have made an impact on the community.

"It's been quieter," says Michelle Smith who was walking her ten-month year-old son when we stopped her about a block from the pod, "I think it should stay, it would help the neighborhood a lot."

Although the cost of the pod is cheap, $230 dollars a month, the city can't afford to staff the officers at the pods permanently. For now, they've re-assigned their school officers to the pods. But in a few weeks, they'll be re-assigned when school starts back up.

The police are offering cell phone numbers to residents according to Chief Fowler, and residents say they would take advantage of that.

"Usually, when you call 9-1-1, it takes em a bit because they have other calls," says Krista Bombard who works at the bakery down the street from the pod, "If there's something going on right there, you can call the officer and he'll come down right away before it got out of hand."

A smashed window from some hurled object serves as a reminder for Bombard of the neighborhood's potential for volatility.

Looking towards the future

Police Chief Fowler says the Knaul-Highland neighborhood was not only chosen for its high call volume, but also because it doesn''t have an active neighborhood watch program. He says he hopes that by having officers teach residents about these programs, they'll be able to help law enforcement "by doing some self-policing."

He doesn't mean whipping out a pistol or handcuffs, but by people keeping their eyes and ears open, and getting involved in city programs like Neighborhood Watch. One resident who preferred only to be referred to as James, says the community already does something similar.

"People know each other in this neighborhood. They bond," says James, "We talk to each other in this neighborhood."

A lot of the neighbors say they wished the pods could stay, and were skeptical of things staying as quiet when the police leave next month.

"It will probably pick right back up the way it was," says Bombard.

As for James, he says the police's goal of closer relations is possible, but only if "people come together and want it, you know. If there's no unity than people perish."

Click here to listen to the radio story

Monday, July 19, 2010

From buildings to spaceships, kids learn it all at Onondaga Community College

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University.  View the original story.)



Matt Porter, NCC News

OCC's "College For Kids" marks 26th year

The "College for Kids" summer program began it's 26th summer last week. The program recruits teachers and professionals to teach summer courses for children ages 8-14 years-old.

Course teachers design their own classes, usually in their field. Marcia Rees Conrad, a professional architect and OCC graduate, teaches several courses on architecture including "Pads for Paws", a class about building more comfortable dog shelters. Conrad says the link between professionals and young people is one of the most important aspects of "College for Kids."

"Kids think it's really something special when an adult shares their profession with them," said Conrad.

Scott Stagnitta, a middle school teacher in Skaneateles, started an aerospace engineering class six years ago. He said some kids come back year after year to build on their previous designs. Today, two of his former students are studying engineering in university.

"That's the great thing about teaching," said Stagnitta, "you never really know how far your impact is gonna go."

Video: Students in Stagnitta's class test launch their rockets at Onondaga Community College.


Other courses offered at "College For Kids"

32 teachers and junior counselors are on hand this year, taking care of
nearly 500 students over a three week span. Students take one or
two courses per four-hour session. Each week includes a morning and
afternoon session. Students can sign up for mornings, afternoons, or both.

The three-week program is known for its wide-ranging course selection. Here are some of its offerings:
  • Mysteries, Spies, and CSI's - Students search for clues, dust for fingerprints, and do whatever is needed "to crack the big case!"
  • Discovering France - Students travel to "virtual France" and have a chance to sample everything from culture, food, to language.
  • American Idol: OCC Style - Students prepare for the ultimate talent show in Onondaga County. Who will be the next Idol?
  • Advanced Magic - Students learn the tricks of the magician's trade. Students magically inclined can also sign up for another course, "Harry Potter's World."
  • Ultimate Frisbee - Students learn the ins and outs of throwing and catching the Frisbee with accuracy. For those who like to run and play as a team, Ultimate Frisbee is a great choice.

Is it all worth it?

Parents of students at the camp were pleased with "College For Kids" offerings. John and Julie Smith moved to Syracuse last year from Long Island with their two sons, now both in the program.

"We had nothing like this down there [in long island]," said John.

His wife Julie added, "the rocketry course is perfect for my son and he absolutely loves it."

A paper for the Wallace Foundation, an education research center, provides a study of nearly 4,000 families whose children attended either over night or day camps similar to "College For Kids."

The study reported that for children who spent at least one week in these programs, there were improvements in social skills, physical and thinking skills, in positive values and thinking, and spirituality.

Listen to the Story

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Red Sox Nation..in Syracuse?




Saturday, 5:30pm:  I grabbed the new Jacoby Ellsbury T-shirt my aunt gave me before leaving to Syracuse, and thought, should I really wear this out into New York? 

6:40pm:                    My friend Shawn and I arrive at Alliance Bank Stadium, home of the Syracuse Chiefs.  What do I see?  A sea of red.

On a breezy summer's night, hundreds of Sox Fans showed up to see Josh Beckett make a rehab start with the PawSox against the Syracuse Chiefs, the triple-A affiliate for the Washington Nationals.  The game was relatively calm, Beckett pitched four innings, giving up three.  The PawSox ultimately lost 9-5.

But the real treasure was the atmosphere of the intimate Syracuse ballpark.  It was a stadium with no bad seats, and filled with families.  Some older and younger folks were there as well, but from my guess, the majority of visitors last night were families spending an evening at the park.  It's a lot easier to go to the ball game in Syracuse as a family of four, than to Fenway which remains the most expensive ball park in the country.  The price of a ticket anywhere in the stadium at Syracuse -- 11 bucks.

On entry to the park, Scooch, one of the mascots for the team, gave out big hugs to all the visitors.  The ballpark smelled of nachos, hamburgers, and melted cheese, like any self respecting ball park should.  At our seats along the first base side, cheering Red Sox fans, young and old, watched Josh Beckett warm up, some calling out for a ball to be tossed their way.

Sitting in comfortable plastic seats (I forget most ball parks haven't lovingly held on to their tiny, iron seats like Fenway), I chatted with the Sox fans to my left, right, and front.  A few friendly Chief's fans sat just behind me.

During the entire game, there were no incidents of bad behavior among fans.  People took in the game, enjoyed it, whether or not their team one.  Besides the Sox jerseys, you could see a fair amount of Yankee shirts, but the Mets, Blue Jays, and the Chief's MLB team, the Nationals were represented.

It was a great night for baseball, but an even better one for families.  It was a refreshingly cool night, with just a brief shower during the 4th inning.

It was baseball the way it should be, the way America's been watching it for the last hundred years.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

School re-fit one step closer to reality, but not without concern

(This story was originally published for NCC News at Syracuse University.  View the original story.)


Photos by Matt Porter

Lease passes crucial Common Council vote

By a 5-4 margin, councilors approved the 28 million dollar lease of the Syracuse Developmental Center. The school district plans to relocate 1,500 students there to make way for renovations at H.W. Smith School (K-8) and Dr. Weeks Elementary.

The lease represents the first major step for city-wide renovations of schools since the city established the Joint Schools Construction Board in April, 2004.

Critics say school district didn't do enough

The lease deal remains a concern, mostly because it is currently the city's one and only option for space.

"You go to city hall with no Plan B, no Plan C," said retired teacher Bob Gardino, now a member of Parents for Public Schools in Syracuse, "I mean in the vernacular of the street, that just sucks."

Councilwoman Kathleen Joy, who voted yes for the bill, said she and the rest of the council had to work hard researching the parties involved after a Post-Standard investigation revealed questionable backgrounds involving participants in the lease.

"The school district didn't do that, newspapers had to," said Joy.

School district public relations officer Mike Henesey said the district looked at 13 possible sites during a two year period. According to Henesey, the SDC site was the only feasible site to hold all students and meet state education standards.

Current concerns and challenges ahead

The concerns aired by the council, mayor's office, and parents include:
  • The current owner, Syracuse Resort Development, Inc., to pay 1.325 million dollars in back taxes. The owner provided documentation to the council promising to do this.
  • The property needs to be sold within two weeks to it's new owner, Health Consortium USA. The council inserted an out clause if this does not happen.
  • One of the partners for Health Consortium, USA is Maurice Hoo. Maurice Hoo has a questionable record according to the Post-Standard, including being the subject of an F.B.I. investigation for fraud. Other partners at Health Consortium say Hoo's role will be limited and he will not control the funds or renovations.
  • Parents remain concerned about the bus transportation to the SDC which is on the west side of Syrause. Both schools slated for renovation are on Syracuse's east side.

Click Here to Hear the Story

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A reporter's declaration

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
-The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, 1787


It’s fitting to restart this blog with the First Amendment to the Constitution. Not only because my graduate school, Newhouse at Syracuse University, has chosen to engrave it on the side of their newest building, but because it speaks to the importance the founders placed on our right to speak freely, practice our traditions, and criticize the government.

Not every country enjoys these rights equally. For example, in Turkey, the government regulates speech by making it a crime to speak ill of Ataturk (the country’s founder), the Turkish nation, or “Turkishness.”

Many journalists have been imprisoned due to this rule, although the situation has improved as Turkey inches closer to the E.U. You Tube is also banned because of this law. (For my reporting from Turkey, visit The Turk Film Project.)

Now, I’m back in the U.S. and ready to begin my next chapter.

Over the next year and a half, I hope to find and report on informative stories at the highest level I’m capable of. Some will argue that journalists are obsolete, that bloggers and the “open forum” are better and more capable news gatherers.
I agree that the internet and all its glory has added a great deal to society’s knowledge base. But,
I still believe that our country (and the world) require persons who have not devoted there lives to an issue, but to the practice of information gathering. A practice that involves its own code of ethics, and seeks to take complex information and present that information in a receivable way to the widest audience.

The framers of the Constitution understood the power of news and its importance to an informed democracy. They made sure the pathways for its dissemination were kept clear.

Journalism is for the people. As a reporter, I work for the people.


 Newhouse 3 at Syracuse University
proudly displays the First Amendment