Stewart’s to give comfort to NLH Posted on April 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota Pike Littauer to rock more children to sleepStewarts provides money for new rockersGloversville, NY…The Stewart’s Holiday Match Program recently awarded $3,432 to Nathan Littauer Hospital. “This was a timely gift; one we will use immediately to purchase four rocker/gliders.” stated Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development. Providing the check was Sarah Baker of Stewart’s.The gliders will be used in Pediatrics and in the New Birthing Center. “Children, whether they are newborns or sick, love to be rocked,” stated Susan Kiernan. “Sometimes in healing, the simplest things can have the greatest impact. That is surely the case with these rockers.”“It is a beautiful thing to see a baby rocked to sleep.” Kim Colvin manager of Littauer’s New Birthing Center and Pediatric unit explained. She added, “We are so grateful for the generosity of Stewart’s Holiday Match Program.”
Littauer raises awareness during “Donate Life” Month Posted on April 9, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeFlag raised to salute donorsLittauer honors organ donationGloversville, NY…In recognition of National Donate Life Month and the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation, Nathan Littauer Hospital will fly the Donate Life Flag during the month of April. Nathan Littauer Hospital is currently partnering with the Center for Donation & Transplant (CDT) in the Donate Life Flag Remembrance Program, which honors patients and their families that choose to give the gift of life. In addition to flying the flag during Donate Life Month, a flag is flown following every organ and tissue donation case at the hospital and given to the donor’s family in honor of their loved one.Today, over 106,000 men, women and children are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant including over 9,500 New Yorkers. Over 28,000 organ transplants were performed in 2009. However, the need is still much greater than the number of organs available for transplant, with an average of 18 Americans dying every day due to the shortage of donor organs. Many people do not realize that one organ and tissue donor can help save or enhance up to 50 lives.“The most important step in deciding to become a donor is to share your wishes with your family” stated Cheryl McGrattan, spokesperson for the hospital. New Yorkers can document their decision to be an organ and tissue donor by joining the New York State Donate Life Registry available online at www.donatelifecdt.com.Organ donation is encouraged at Littauerxxx The Center for Donation & Transplant is the federally designated non-profit organization that coordinates the retrieval of donated organs and tissues at 43 hospitals throughout western Vermont and northeastern New York State.
Great Care Appreciated Posted on April 8, 2010 by Dakota PikeApril 2, 2010First published in the: Leader HeraldLast week, our oldest daughter experienced some health issues, requiring transportation to Nathan Littauer Hospital. She was admitted to pediatrics for two days. She is well again now.We have many people to thank. First, a special thanks to ASFC’s Don Frye and Wayne Allan. You guys were awesome, both true professionals. We will never forget all that you did for us, especially the quick response time. Thanks for staying with me in the ED and reassuring me. Thanks seems so inadequate at this time. We are very lucky as a community to have people like you in the field.Thanks so very much to Dr. Laurie Gorgas, ED. Your kind words and professional, caring manner all mean the world to me. You did a great job with her.Thanks to Eileen and Chantelle, and all of you who were on duty. You are great nurses. I’m so proud of you.Thanks to all the fine ladies in pediatrics. You took great care of Taylor and the rest of us, too.Thanks to our dear friend Dr. Robert Werblin, who spent hours of his own time (while not on duty) talking and reassuring. We love you, Doc.Thanks to Dr. Kumar and Dr. James for caring for Tay. And thank you to all my friends and co-workers who came to see us, asked how she was, called, and sent flowers, treats and your love. Thanks to all of Taylor’s friends for visiting and being there when she needed you.I hope I didn’t forget anyone. Just know as a family, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all you did.Nathan Littauer Hospital is a wonderful place filled with great people. I’m proud to be part of that team.CHARMAINE D. MISKINIS, RNMayfieldhttp://www.leaderherald.com/page/content.detail/id/521240.html?showlayout=0
Littauer announces Employee of the Year! Posted on April 5, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELittauer’s Employee of the Year!Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced the Employee of the Year earlier this month at the Goodwill Committee’s annual celebration. The winner, Kelly Viscosi a Physician Assistant, was awarded the top honor. “She truly has created an environment of care for her coworkers and patients.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan.Kelly Viscosi, RPAC (Registered Physician Assistant, Certified) works at Nathan Littauer’s Primary and Specialty Care Center in Mayfield. She has been working at Littauer for almost 15 years. With a specialty in internal medicine she is passionate about providing excellent patient care. She explained, “I want my patients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, which is why I am such an advocate of preventative medicine.” An avid outdoorswoman from Duchess County, she studied medicine at Albany Medical Center.Honorable Mention for the Employee of the Year went to Kathy Kraft, Vicky Edict, and Rose Bushnell. The “Employee of the Year” is a function of the Nathan Littauer’s Goodwill Committee which promotes employees who embody the Hospital’s mission. The committee recognizes an employee per quarter and announces an Employee of the Year. With 950 employees the hospital receives many nominations every year. “The standard is set very high.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO at the celebration. Adding, “This is the person we put on the pedestal.” Kelly received gift certificates totaling $350. She also will receive a pizza party for her department, a photograph on the Hospital’s Hall of Fame, and literally a red carpet rolled out for her when she arrives to work on April 19, 2010.When her name was announced she was quite surprised. “I was speechless and so surprised by the award.” stated Kelly. And the honor is well deserved. Nominated by several people, here are just some of the accolades for Kelly:Goes above and beyond for her patientsAlways gives people the time they needGenuinely cares for those around herThe best advocate we have for promoting positive patient care at Nathan Littauer A great mentorShe never complainsPassionate and KnowledgeableA dedicated, extremely hardworking health care professional who combines her job with a sincere caring Her patients absolutely adore her!Kelly responded to the award by saying, “I am very honored and feel privileged to receive this. I love my job, co-workers and my patients. I thank everyone for their kind words and hope I can continue to have such wonderful relationships. “ xxx
Wellness Words April 2010 Posted on April 1, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Sue Cridland RN BSNDirector of Community Education PREVENTING FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTSAccording to the New York State Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits among adults age 65 and older. Every day, 2 older New Yorkers die and 136 others are hospitalized as the result of falls!Falls can result in lasting, serious injuries affecting mobility, independence and mental health. Some people think that falls are a normal part of aging and are not preventable. However, many falls can be prevented. By making changes in lifestyle and following some precautions, you can greatly lower your risk of falling. Begin A Regular Exercise Program: Physical activity makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.Check Your Medications: Ask your doctor or health care provider to review all of your medications – including over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall.Get An Eye Exam: You should visit an eye doctor at least once each year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.Make Your Home Safer: Remove things you can trip over (like throw rugs, papers, books, clothes and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk. Use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets which you can reach easily without using a step stool. Have grab bars installed next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Improve the lighting in your home. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare. Have handrails and lights put in all staircases.Keep Your Shoes On: It’s safer to wear your shoes inside and outside of the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.For more information on preventing falls and injuries, visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.nyhealth.gov/prevention/injury_prevention or contact your county Office For Aging. You may also call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120, 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.
