Wellness Words October 2010 Posted on October 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS & OLDER ADULTS Many older adults live with one or more chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Older adults are more likely to consult multiple healthcare providers and take multiple medicines, which can place them at greater risk for drug interactions.A drug interaction is when a substance (such as another medication, supplement or even food) affects the activity of a drug. This can increase or decrease the effects of the drug or produce a new effect that neither substance produces on its own.It is important to realize that some medicines won’t mix well with alcohol or other medications, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. Changes in body weight can also influence the amount of medicine you need to take and how long it stays in your body. Body circulation may slow down, which can affect how quickly drugs get to the liver and kidneys. In addition, the liver and kidneys may work slower, which can affect how a drug breaks down and is eliminated from the body. Due to these changes, medicine may remain in your body longer and create a greater chance of interaction.The Food and Drug Administration encourages individuals to be knowledgeable about their medication, and has provided the following guidelines to guard against potential problems with medication:Read the labels of your medications carefully, and follow the directions.Look for pictures or statements on your prescriptions and pill bottles that tell you not to drink alcohol while taking the particular medication. If you are taking medications for sleeping, pain, anxiety, or depression, it is unsafe to drink alcohol.Talk to your health care professional about all medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbals.Tell your doctor about any food or medicine allergies you have.Keep track of side effects, and let your doctor know immediately about any unexpected symptoms or changes in the way you feel.Go through your medicine cabinet at least once a year to get rid of old or expired medicines.Have all of your medicine reviewed by your doctor at least once a year.Talk with your doctor or other health care professional. They can check for any problems you may be having and discuss treatment options with you.Ask for advice from a staff member at a senior center or other program in which you participate.Share your concerns with a friend, family member, or spiritual advisor.Remind your doctor or pharmacist about any previous conditions that might affect your ability to take certain medicines, such as allergies, a stroke, hypertension, serious heart disease, liver problems, or lung disease.Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want more information.For more information on medication safety, contact your health care provider or pharmacist, or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words September 2010 Posted on September 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASEAccording to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may, however, be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal brain condition that causes slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.There are many benefits of early detection, diagnosis and intervention for people with this condition and for their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer’s research and support, has developed the following checklist of common symptoms to help the public recognize the warning signs of the disease.Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common signs. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information repeatedly or relying on memory aides. Challenges In Planning Or Solving Problems: People with Alzheimer’s often experience difficulty in performing formerly routine tasks. They may have trouble keeping track of monthly bills or using a checkbook. They may also have difficulty concentrating and may take longer to complete a task.Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: For example, they may have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules of a game.Confusion With Time Or Place: Persons with this disease may lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may also have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may even forget where they are or how they got there.Trouble Understanding Visual Images And Spatial Relationships: They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. New Problems With Words In Speaking Or Writing: There may be trouble following or joining in a conversation. They may have difficulty finding the right word or may call things by the wrong name. Misplacing Things And Being Unable To Retrace Steps: A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may not only lose things, but be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. This may occur more frequently over time and they may even accuse others of stealing what they have misplaced.Decreased Or Poor Judgment: For example, they may use poor judgment dealing with money and may give away sums they can’t afford. Dressing inappropriately for the conditions may be another sign of decreasing judgment.Withdrawal From Work Or Social Activities. They may increasingly remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work or sports. They may become passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleep more than usual or not want to see family or friends.Changes In Mood Or Personality: People with this disease can change dramatically. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.Although Alzheimer’s is not curable at the present time, there are many benefits of early detection, diagnosis and intervention for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.For more information on Alzheimer’s, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 (www.alzneny.org), or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes Clinic Tomorrow Posted on September 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital Creates a Clinic to Help Young Athletes Play Safe and Stay in the GameGLOVERSVILLE, NY (09/14/2010)(readMedia)– Nathan Littauer Hospital has created a seminar to address the growing problem of youth sports injuries. And people are taking notice. “The STOP Sports Injuries campaign is proud to help support the work Nathan Littauer Hospital is doing to raise awareness about the topic of athletic overuse and trauma injuries in today’s youth. We look forward to the progress their efforts will make in the local community,” said James Andrews, MD, renowned Orthopaedic surgeon and STOP Sports Injuries, co-campaign chair.The seminar, held tomorrow night, will educate athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and healthcare providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy. STOP Sports Injuries campaign highlights include teaching proper prevention techniques, and discussing the need for open communication between the athlete and their support circle, including coaches, parents, trainers and their physicians.Littauer’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation TeamCheryl McGrattan Hospital spokesperson explained, “This is a timely issue. The response from the community has been great. We are expecting a lot of people tomorrow night.” She added,”The seminar Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes will be given by some of the best physicians in their field.” The clinic will take place September 15, 2010, 6:30 at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown and will be led by Dr. Gerald Ortiz, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Todd Duthaler, Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Richard Solby, Pediatrician and William Oates, PT as they address sports injuries in young athletes.Driving the local initiative is Littauer’s Physical Therapist, William Oates. “I am extremely committed to this initiative” stated William Oates, Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation for Nathan Littauer Hospital. He added, “Simply put, we need to educate our region about how to prevent our young athletes from becoming injured for life. I myself suffered as a young athlete with an overuse injury.”“Regardless of whether the athlete is a professional, an amateur, an Olympian or a young recreational athlete, the number of sports injuries is increasing – but the escalation of injuries in kids is the most alarming,” said Dr. James Andrews adding, “Armed with the correct information and tools, today’s young athletes can remain healthy, play safe, and stay in the game for life.” With Nathan Littauer’s help Dr. Andrew’s vision of a healthy athlete will be realized in our area.If you would like to read more about this exciting initiative you can do so here: https://www.nlh.org/nlhblog/pressreleases/nathan-littauer-kicks-off-ground-breaking-awarness-campaignFree. RSVP required, 517-773-5533 or by email: stopssportsinuries.orgSeptember 15, 2010 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn.Program:6:00-6:30 Registration and Light Refreshments6:30-8:15 Program begins, presentations by Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Duthaler, Dr. Solby and Bill Oates.WHO:Nathan Littauer Hospital creates a seminar to prevent sports and overuse injuries in young athletes.WHAT:A seminar “Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes”.WHEN:Wednesday September 15, 2010 at 06:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)WHERE:Holiday Inn 308 North Comrie Ave Johnstown, New York 12095NOTES:If you would like to read more about this exciting initiative you can do so here: https://www.nlh.org/nlhblog/pressreleases/nathan-littauer-kicks-off-ground-breaking-awarness-campaign
Wondering what to eat when you are on the run? PART ONE Posted on September 1, 2010 by Dakota PikeWondering what to eat when you are on the run? Today, NLH is introducing a new series, “Healthy Eating on the Run”, featuring our own Sandra Baldwin. We teamed up with Stewart’s Shops to bring you this video series. Watch the first episode here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLYPlM5O6zY
Hospital launches new series “Healthy Eating on the Run” Posted on September 1, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeSocial media campaign shows viewers nutritional options available at Stewart’s Shops. Tom Mailey of Stewart’s Shops chats with NLH’s Sandra BaldwinGloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today a new program called ‘Healthy Eating on the Run’. With the help of Dietitian, Sandra Baldwin MS, RD. Littauer will launch a series of videos about how to make healthy choices even on the go. The three-part series will be launched on YouTube this week. “We decided to start at Stewart’s, a popular pit-stop when traveling.” said Sandra Baldwin. She continued, “With childhood obesity rates on the rise, I wanted to use a medium like YouTube to deliver that message.” The videos posted on You Tube, show nutritional options one can consider while at Stewart’s Shops.“It is a realistic approach to eating.” stated Cheryl McGrattan, Public Relations Director for Littauer. “Sandra has a nice way of empowering you – not discouraging you. She understands we are human beings.” Cheryl McGrattan noted, “She even explains how Stewart’s ice-cream can fit into a healthy living lifestyle.”The hospital worked closely with Stewart’s Shops to produce the series. “When we approached Stewarts with the idea they enthusiastically signed on. With 328 stores they were a perfect partner.” explained Sandra Baldwin. “We are always looking for ways to better serve our customers. Nathan Littauer’s videos will be a good resource for some of our Stewart’s customers to get the most out of their visits to our shops,” said Gary Dake, Stewart’s Shops President.“I believe awareness is the key to nutrition” states Sandra. According to her, the goal of the series is to empower people to make better choices when on the run. Sandra Baldwin received her Masters of Science in Human Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian, and is Certified in Adult Weight Management and Certified in Child/Adolescent Weight Management. “She is uniquely qualified to talk to kids about this topic” explained Ms. McGrattan.To see the series one can log onto www.nlh.org and press on the YouTube icon or by subscribing to Nathan Littauer’s Channel on YouTube. It will also be on their Facebook site. Stewart’s also plans on using the series on their Facebook site. You can see the first series here: Healthy eating on the run, PART ONEXXX Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring.
