Nathan Littauer Ahead of the Pack: Most Connected Hospital in the Region Posted on August 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeCaption for photo Sarah Katz, NLH’s Social Networking Technician helps the hospital use new tools to reach audiences.Gloversville, NY…You may be surprised to hear that the hospital with the largest social networking system in the region is Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, NY. “We wanted to build an information platform not just a website.” stated Laurence E. Kelly Hospital President and CEO. He added, “We have a lot of information and good news to share here and we saw social media as just one more way to reach our vast audience.” He explained, “Also, we wanted people to know that we embrace new technology in a myriad of forms, be it in social media or in medicine.” “According to our research, we are the only hospital in the region with a blog, Facebook site, a Twitter account, and YouTube channel.” stated Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson. To date, the hospital also has the largest amount of “Friends” of any local hospital. Their findings are also supported by Ed Bennett who maintains a national website devoted to hospitals using social media. (www.ebennett.org). According to Ms. McGrattan, “It makes good sense to use these tools. All 14 hospitals listed on the 2010-2011 U.S. News Honor Roll are using social media. And 78% of the larger Best Hospitals List are also engaged on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.” (E. Bennett). The hospital also created a microsite using social media (radiologyrevolution.com) to highlight their diagnostic capabilities, a tool many large corporations use to promote a product. The hospital’s efforts recently caught the attention of social media guru Jason Falls who wrote about Nathan Littauer Hospital in his blog. (http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/) . The blog is followed by 50,000 people. Jason Falls said, “Organizations like the Nathan Littauer Hospital are doing a great job of pushing media relations into a new era. While social media is often focused on serving the end consumer audience, Nathan Littauer’s communications team is using new media tools to continue to serve traditional media as well. They’re a good example of what the evolution of PR looks like in 2010.”To reach their social media goals, the hospital employed a Social Networking Technician, Sarah Katz. In five short months, Sarah has built a social media platform consisting of Facebook sites, videos on YouTube, Twitter and has created a network of devoted fans. She describes, “For a conservative industry like health care, Nathan Littauer did not have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the social media world.” She added, ‘For that I give Nathan Littauer a lot of credit”.“It seems to be working.” According to Sue Kiernan, “Social media is an additional touch point for Nathan Littauer.” She explained, “One afternoon we heard from a woman in Ohio on our Facebook site whose mother had been a resident in our nursing home. She wondered if anyone remembered her mom. We quickly contacted the nursing home and were able to get word to her that her mother was very well thought of and remembered by several staff. She was so touched by our response. That type of interaction is not seen in a mere website alone.”“Everyone here has really embraced this initiative” stated Sarah Katz. “Staff have submitted wellness tips which we post every week. We have posted videos of what our diagnostic testing is like, we created photo albums showing the construction progress of our new Emergency Center, and we have videos of physical therapists giving instruction on how to stretch before a round of golf.” The hospital also launched a Facebook campaign, “100 Reasons to get a Mammogram”, in which the hospital asked their Facebook fans to submit reasons why they or a loved one should get a mammogram. Sarah notes, “The campaign was extremely quick and successful. We had responses from politicians, local celebrities, doctors and business leaders.” We are also launching a YouTube series which demonstrates how to eat well on the run.What is next for the hospital? According to Sue Kiernan, “Right now we are completing a project in which we will try Tweeting births in our new Birthing Center. Beyond that I can only say, ‘Become a fan on our page and you will be the first to know about our plans for the future’.”xxx
Wellness Words August 2010 Posted on August 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator SKIN CANCER PREVENTIONMore than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.Protection from the sun is important at any time of the year. The sun sends ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-B) which we cannot see. Long-term, unprotected exposure to the UV rays causes up to 90 percent of all skin cancer. Sunburned or tanned skin is actually damaged skin, according to the New York State Department of Health.Before you head outside, take these few simple steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays:Schedule outside activities for early mornings or late afternoon. If possible, avoid the hours of10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.If you must be out during these hours, stay in the shade as much as possible or use an umbrella or tent for artificial shade.Cover-up when in the sun. Choose clothes such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts that are made of tightly woven fabrics. Wear wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, scalp, neck and ears.Use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes that are rated to block UV-A and UV-B rays.Remember, you still need to be careful on cloudy or hazy days as well. Clouds do not block most UV rays. Also, be careful around surfaces such as sand, cement, water and even snow that can reflect the sun’s rays on the skin. You also need to be aware of the effects of certain medications. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine can cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Ask your pharmacist or physician if you are concerned that you may be taking one of these drugs.Although you may have heard of some controversy over the use of sunscreen recently, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) recommends the use of sunscreen especially during the times the UV rays are strongest. DOH recommendations for the effective use of sunscreen include:Choose a sunscreen that offers both UV-A and UV-B protection.Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.Rub a generous amount of sunscreen on all uncovered skin. Do not apply around the eyes but do wear sunglasses.Light clothing will not filter out all UV rays, so use sunscreen on areas that will be covered by light clothing.Use sunscreen stick or lip-balm on sensitive areas such as lips, ears, nose, hands and feet.Choose a waterproof sunscreen if going in the water.Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.Towel dry before re-applying sunscreen after swimming or if sweaty.Just a few moments of prevention and you can be outdoors and enjoy all of our beautiful weather with friends and family.For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact your health care provider, the National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-CANCER (www.cancer.gov), 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.
Camp SuperStarrs is nominated for an Emmy Posted on August 11, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota Pike Representatives from Channel 6 share the news with “campers” recently. Gloversville, NY…It was not a typical day at Camp SuperStarrs July 28th.. On top of all their camp fun, they also had an Emmy Party. Why? A story about Camp SuperStarrs submitted by CBS 6 News earned an Emmy Nomination this spring. Only five stories received nominations. Wayne McNeil, RRT and camp co-founder, was quick to share the exciting news with Littauer officials. “It was unexpected and exciting news.” He added, “The legacy of Camp SuperStarrs is one that will hopefully continue throughout my lifetime and beyond. The more people who know about it the better.” Sue McNeil, Assistant Director for Camp SuperStarrs stated, “I was breathless at the nomination.”Watch the special message and the orginal Emmy nominated piece here:For 31 years Nathan Littauer Hospital has hosted the camp for children with medical limitations. “Not only do we think you are a superstar, so does the Emmys!” explained Reporter Jerry Gretzinger in a taped message played for the kids at the camp. The “Take a Break” report on Camp SuperStarrs first aired August 6th of 2009 and was among the Emmy nominated entries for the same year in the “Children’s Programming” category.Camp SuperStarrs celebrates with an Emmy cake“We wanted to share it with our campers, so we had an Emmy party complete with a cake and song. We also hosted representatives from Channel 6 for the festivities.” said Susan McNeil. Thursday, the children watched the special message from Mr. Gretzinger and enjoyed a cake adorned with an Emmy. “We always knew this was a special place, and now thanks to the fine people at Channel 6, the entire country knows about Camp SuperStarrs” added Sue McNeil. She continued, “We have had a lot of fun saying, ‘We are the Emmy nominated Camp SuperStarrs of Littauer.’”“The children were very excited Thursday. You could hear a pin drop while they watched their special message from Jerry Gretzinger.” said, Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson. The campers made a special stepping stone for Jerry in thanks. “These kids have so many obstacles to overcome it was a pleasure to bring them good news.” said Sue McNeil.Channel 6 news helps celebrate the Emmy nominations with the campersLittauer’s Camp SuperStarrs celebrates Emmy Nomination
Fulton County’s First Pharmaceutical Collection Slated for August Posted on August 11, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeFulton County’s First Pharmaceutical Collection Slated for AugustAugust 14, a day to dispose of these safelyOn Saturday, Aug. 14 the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste will present the first ever county-wide Pharmaceutical Drop-Off Day from 7 a.m.-noon.The pharmaceutical collection is a cooperative effort between several local agencies, including the DSW, Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Fulton County Public Health, and the Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility. ASAP’s Promise, a division of the HFM Prevention Council, has also offered to distribute information on the program.“Most people have heard that flushing medicines can harm the environment. This program gives Fulton County residents a way to dispose of old medicine in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Jeff Bouchard, Solid Waste Director. Continue reading “Fulton County’s First Pharmaceutical Collection Slated for August”
Wellness Words July 2010 Posted on July 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator A SAFE HOME IS IN YOUR HANDS!Ask Americans where they feel safest and most will say in their own homes. However, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits each year, according to the Home Safety Council. Many home injuries are preventable. Some of the most serious include slips and falls, poisonings, fires and burns. “Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most homes and may even make a life saving difference” said Meri-K Appy, President of the Home Safety Council.The following are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of an accident in your home …To Prevent Falls:Install and use grab bars in the shower and tub area Have bright lights over stairs and on landingsUse a small, sturdy ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furnitureKeep floors and stairs free from small scatter rugs or other potential tripping hazardsTo Prevent PoisoningsKeep all cleaning agents in their original containers and do NOT mix themUse medications only as directed and do NOT share or use another person’s medication even if you think it is the same as yoursDiscard all outdated medications safely. Do NOT leave them in your medicine cabinet. Look for pharmaceutical drop off programs like the one at the Fulton County Solid Waste Department on August 14, 2010 or contact your pharmacist for ways to safely dispose of them.Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areasCall the Poison Control Center @ 1-800-222-1222 if someone ingests poisonTo Prevent Fires and BurnsHave working smoke alarms and hold fire drillsStay near your stove when cooking, especially when fryingKeep space heaters at least 3 feet from any combustible surfaceIf you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep ashtrays and put water in them before emptying them.Only light candles if you are going to stay in the room. Blow the candle out if you are going to leave or are going to lay down to rest or sleepKeep your hot water at or below 110 degrees F To Prevent ChokingSee your dentist annually and keep teeth in good repairMake sure dentures fit snugly and use a dental adhesive if neededTake small bites and chew slowlyEat away from distractions such as TV whenever possibleREMEMBER…A SAFE HOME IS IN YOUR HANDS!For more information on home safety, contact your county Office For Aging or Public Health department, 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.
