Updated on Mar 18, 2026 | Cancer, Ear Nose Throat, Featured, Head and Neck, Patient Stories, Your Health
Actor Jay Russell, Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse
Actors often call on their own experiences when developing a character for the stage. But few have the depth of understanding that 21-year head and neck cancer survivor Jay Russell brings to the role of Caesar Rodney in the musical 1776, playing at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, from Wednesday, April 1, to Saturday, May 2.
The Tony Award-winning show portrays the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Rodney, a delegate to the Continental Congress, struggled with his own cancer that affected his face throughout this period and eventually died of the disease. In what was arguably his most influential act, he cast a decisive vote for independence.
The actor’s cancer journey began in 2004, when he discovered a lump in his neck. Doctors at what was then called Beth Israel Medical Center took a biopsy, which showed squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that can arise in the head and neck region. It had started in his right tonsil, then spread to the lymph nodes in his neck. Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the location of the tumor, Mr. Russell used a feeding tube, which led to a 40-pound weight loss.
“I’m an actor. I take direction well, so I did everything they said to do,” he says. He was back at work about 11 months after the start of treatment. “They took excellent care of me.”
The treatment was successful, and more than two decades later he remains cancer-free. (And in that time, the hospital became Mount Sinai Beth Israel, which closed in 2025.)
“There’s some asymmetry to my face and I sometimes have difficulty swallowing, but my speaking and singing voice came through unscathed,” says Mr. Russell, who has since performed on- and off-Broadway, on national tours and regional theatres, and on film and television.
We know less about Caesar Rodney’s medical story back in the 18th century. There was no effective treatment for his cancer at that time, though reports indicate that a doctor operated on his nose, leaving him disfigured. According to reports, he rarely went out in public without a green scarf covering part of his face.
But he didn’t let his illness stand in his way. Mr. Rodney served as an officer in the Delaware militia, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and governor of Delaware. His history-making moment came when the Continental Congress was voting on whether to declare independence from Britain. At that point, Mr. Rodney was in Dover, Delaware. The other two Delaware delegates were at an impasse in Philadelphia; one delegate was against declaring independence, the other for it. They needed someone to break the tie and get a “yes” vote from Delaware.
Mr. Russell (back row, fourth from right) with the cast of the musical 1776. Photo credited to Rebecca J Michelson.
In the film version of 1776, Mr. Rodney was back home recuperating from his disease; the film portrays him as a frail, elderly man. But the historical record suggests that he was in his late 40s, pragmatic, and back in Dover dealing with the Delaware militia. So, a bit of a different story is told in 1776.
“I imagine our director wanted to cast someone who had strength and resilience,” says Mr. Russell.
In real life and in the show, as soon as he received the message that he was needed urgently, Mr. Rodney jumped on a horse and rode 18 hours through a torrential storm to Philadelphia. He arrived muddy, exhausted, and eager to cast his vote to cut ties with Britain.
Mr. Russell says his personal experience overcoming adversity helps him understand what it was like for the historical figure.
“No matter how strong, resilient, and admirable Rodney was, he was in great pain and discomfort having this untreatable cancer on his face,” he says. “I will certainly use my own memories of the pain, the treatment, and the experience that I had in portraying Rodney.”
That’s not the only lesson Mr. Russell brings to his portrayal of the historical figure.
“Rodney’s diagnosis led him to understand how precious time was and how he had to use every moment,” says Mr. Russell. The politician used that moment to help bring independence to the 13 colonies. The actor brings it to share that important story on stage.
Besides being the 250th anniversary of 1776, Mr. Russell believes the musical’s revival is extremely timely. “This show celebrates the core of what made us a country, and how differing viewpoints can unite and come together for the common good,” he says.
Updated on Mar 27, 2026 | Surgery, Your Health
Are you wondering if that ache you feel in the lower belly area is a hernia?
Hernias are very common in women and men and symptoms can vary. Typically, they cause a lingering pain and discomfort that doesn’t go away. They are not usually dangerous or life threatening, but they can cause complications. Most hernias can be surgically repaired and care is straightforward and manageable.
In this Q&A, Jenny Zhang, MD, an expert in hernia, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery at Mount Sinai Doctors-Brooklyn, and Assistant Professor of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains how to recognize the signs of a hernia, your treatment options, and why minimally invasive surgery may be a good option.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall or diaphragm. You can think of the abdomen as a bag filled with pebbles. When there is a hole or weak spot in the bag, the pebbles can push through. Similarly, when a hernia is present, internal organs or fat can protrude through that defect. This can lead to discomfort and potential complications.
What causes a hernia?
There is no clear answer but in general, lifting heavy objects, standing for many hours, chronic coughing, severe vomiting, or doing strenuous activities that strain the abdomen can cause a hernia.
What are the most common types of hernias?
There are many kinds of hernias, but there are two general categories, abdominal wall hernias and diaphragmatic hernias.
Abdominal wall hernias present as bulges in the abdomen or the groin areas. They include:
- Umbilical hernia: A weakness that forms in the abdominal wall through and around the belly button. Most people with this hernia first notice discomfort or a bulge around the belly button.
- Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin near the opening of the inguinal canal, and it may grow larger over time.
- Ventral hernia: Develops when a weak spot in the abdomen enables abdominal tissue or an organ to protrude through it.
- Femoral hernia: Develops in the upper thigh and groin. It is due to weakness in the femoral canal.
- Incisional hernia: A protrusion of tissue at the site of a healing surgical scar.
- Diaphragmatic hernias, such as hiatal hernias, do not typically cause a bulge but are associated with symptoms of heartburn, difficulty eating, or swallowing. There is a weakness in the diaphragm, and a portion of the stomach or intestine protrude up through it.
Jenny Zhang, MD
What are signs of a hernia?
That can depend on the type of hernia.
- Abdominal wall hernias usually present as a bulge in the abdomen. They are often smaller in the morning and get bigger at the end of the day. They become more noticeable when someone is standing for a prolonged period, lifting heavy objects, or straining their abdomen.
- Diaphragmatic hiatal hernias are associated with eating problems, such as constant heartburn, regurgitation, or feeling like food is stuck in the chest.
When is it time to see a doctor?
In general, it’s important to see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- A bulge or lump in the abdomen or groin area
- Sudden or severe pain by the bulge area; aching, pressure, burning, or a dull, nagging pain, or a burning sensation when coughing
- Heartburn or reflux type of symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting that’s not from food poisoning or a related virus
How do you diagnose a hernia?
Abdominal wall hernias are usually diagnosed with a physical exam. In some cases, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Diaphragmatic hiatal hernias cannot be diagnosed by physical exam alone and require additional testing, such as endoscopy, manometry, or CT imaging.
What is the treatment for hernias?
The definitive treatment for a hernia is surgery. The defect is not going to close on its own and may increase in size over time. There are two main surgical approaches that I offer:
- Open repair is a traditional approach where a single larger incision is made for direct access to push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. It‘s often used for larger complex surgeries. The recovery time is longer with typically more pain.
- Minimally invasive approach
- Laparoscopic repair is a minimally invasive repair method where small incisions are made with use of a camera, and specialized tools. The recovery time is faster with less pain and fewer infections.
- Robotic-assisted repair is a variation of laparoscopic surgery where a robotic system is used to enhance precision, control, and visualization during complex repairs.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery for hernias?
I perform robotic surgery for hernias often and this option is becoming more popular because of its unique benefits for patients.
Some key benefits include:
- Faster, more comfortable recovery, less pain and discomfort, and quicker return to normal activities.
- Minimal scarring because the procedure uses small incisions.
- Hospital stay is shorter, most patients go home the same day of surgery.
- Less risk of complications because advanced technology and imaging pinpoint the precise location.
- Lower recurrence of hernias because the robotic technology provides excellent dissection and suturing capabilities that allow us to make secure repairs.
What is recovery like after hernia surgery?
Most of my patients go home the same day within a few hours after surgery. Recovery involves managing mild to moderate soreness or pain, returning to normal diet in one to two days, and resuming light activity within one to two weeks. Patients can go resume their normal activities within four to six weeks. A full recovery typically takes four weeks.
What distinguishes hernia treatment at Mount Sinai?
Mount Sinai is a recognized leader in hernia care. We specialize in minimally invasive, robotic, and complex abdominal hernia surgeries. With advanced technology and extensive surgical expertise, we can repair a range of hernia types with minimal scarring, quicker recovery, and positive outcomes. As a premier research hospital and academic health system, we are always looking to improve the patient experience by applying scientific discoveries to the clinic.
Beyond that, what stands out is our comprehensive, personalized, and holistic care approach. When a patient visits us, they will feel comfortable, listened to, and have clear communication with our team of experts. We listen to their concerns and together we formulate the best individualized treatment plan. Patients can trust our team, and feel safe, supported, and confident in our care. With coordination across specialties, patients will have a seamless and stress-free journey from diagnosis and through recovery.
Please call 718-951-9661 to schedule an appointment.
Updated on Mar 19, 2026 | Your Health
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise among young people.
One reason is that in today’s digital age, screens and devices are a larger part of children’s lives. When children spend extended periods focusing on screens, books, or other nearby objects, their eyes must work harder.
This prolonged close-up activity is thought to trigger signals that promote the eyeball’s elongation. It’s the combined effect of all near-work tasks throughout the day—not just screen time—that contributes to this risk.
Douglas R. Fredrick, MD
In this Q&A, Douglas R. Fredrick, MD, Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Health System, explains why physicians and researchers are concerned that children are more susceptible to nearsightedness these days and what parents can do about it.
“By educating parents and pediatricians about the importance of limiting screentime and spending time outdoors, we can work together to slow myopia development in children and decrease the risk of irreversible visual loss down the road,” says Dr. Fredrick, who is also Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
What is myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes far away objects look blurry while close objects stay clear. If your child has myopia, their eyeball is slightly longer than normal from front to back, and the only way to focus the light properly is by using glasses or contact lenses.
What is causing an increase in nearsightedness among children?
Contributing factors include extensive time spent on personal devices, too much time spent indoors, genetic factors, and less time in the daylight. Children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to become myopic. We don’t yet understand why researchers have found light plays an important role in healthy eye development. However most physicians and parents agree that spending more time outdoors, in natural light, is good for children’s physical and mental well-being.
What symptoms should parents look for?
Children with myopia may exhibit the following symptoms:
What can a parent do about this?
A few ways parents can help lower the risk or slow myopia from getting worse include having your children:
- Keep screens at least 12 inches away from their face
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Spend at least one hour outdoors every day
Should parents limit screen time for their children?
Experts recommend setting screen time limits for children and teenagers to promote healthy development and prevent the negative effects of excessive screen time. Some general guidelines are:
- Up to 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting with family members
- Age 18 months to 2 years old: Less than an hour of screen time, for educational use
- Ages 2 to 5: Up to an hour of non-educational screen time is acceptable
- Ages 6 to 17: Two hours of recreational screen time a day should be the limit with breaks every 20 minutes
What else can parents do?
Early intervention can yield significant, long-term benefits for your child’s vision and overall ocular health and lays the foundation for long-term myopia control. Your ophthalmologist may recommend the use of spectacles or contact lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia or may even recommend the use of nightly eyedrops shown to also slow progression. Screen time with educational content can be beneficial when balanced well with other activities.
Why are eye exams important?
Regular eye exams are important for children to ensure early detection and treatment of vision issues, including myopia. Children should have their eye health and vision screened by their pediatrician or family doctor at birth, three months, six months, three years, and before kindergarten. This is especially important if there is a family history of myopia. If any concerns are discovered at a screening exam, your child should be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a more thorough examination.
It’s important to diagnose myopia early to ensure kids don’t fall behind in school because they cannot clearly see the board in the front of the classroom. If not detected and treated, children with a higher degree of myopia can develop more serious vision problems later in life such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration and retinal detachment.
What occurs during an eye exam?
During your child’s eye exam, clinicians perform several tests to check for myopia. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eyeglasses to help make vision clearer and keep myopia from worsening. Nearsightedness is usually treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or, in adults, laser surgery (where a laser beam of light reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue).
