Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Gifted $2 Million Dollars to Aid in Fight Against Coronavirus Posted on May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home received $2,048,000.00 in funding allocated by Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Signed into law March 27, the legislation is designed to help rural hospitals like Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.“Nathan Littauer would like to thank the efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer,” stated Michael Ostrander, Chief Financial Officer for Littauer. He added, “We are grateful people are looking out for rural hospitals like Littauer. Our response to COVID is encompassing and comprehensive employing a tremendous amount of resources. From a financial perspective, we have done everything we can to support our medical team. We will continue to do so. However, a response to a global pandemic was not a part of our strategic plan. The CARES act gives us a needed injection of capital to continue our fight.”Littauer believes the CARES Act is an important first step forward. However, we believe more will need to be done to support rural healthcare providers as we deal with the unprecedented challenge of this virus. We have endured unbudgeted healthcare related expenses and some lost revenues from halted elective surgeries. Many of our expenses are not reimbursed and are directly attributable to COVID-19. As we learn more about this virus, we understand we may still see a substantial patient surge of COVID positive patients.Our goal as an organization is to remain independent while we serve this unique community. Most importantly, this funding will help the patients we gratefully serve. We would like to thank all entities involved with the CARES Act as we do our important work during this pandemic.
HealthLink Schedule Cancelled Posted on April 17, 2020May 31, 2020 by Dakota PikeAs a precautionary health measure, HealthLink Littauer has cancelled all activities until further notice. Please check for updates on future scheduled activities or email healthlink@nlh.org
COVID-19 Resources For Our Patients and The Community Posted on April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 by Dakota PikeThe CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. You can learn more by visiting the CDC website, which is updated frequently.Protect YourselfRegular handwashing remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Practice social distancing by staying home, and if you go outside or have to the grocery store or pharmacy, maintain at least six feet of physical space in public.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands Protect OthersStay home when you are sick and as designated by the state of New York. Follow your provider’s instructions about quarantine measures.Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve (not your hands) or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.The CDC has stated that cloth face masks may be worn in public places where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Please note that following guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding personal protective equipment updated April 3, 2020, cloth masks are not recommended for health care professionals when working in a health care setting. It is unknown whether cloth masks provide effective source control for infectious patients.Your Emotional HealthNew Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
Wellness Words March 2020 Posted on March 13, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Tammy Merendo, R.N. B.S.N.Director of Community Education Multiple Sclerosis AwarenessMarch is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2.3 million people have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a disease that effects the central nervous system (CNS).The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. When damage occurs in the CNS, it interferes with the transmission of nerve signals and can cause symptoms like numbness and tingling, blurred vision, double vision, weakness, poor coordination, imbalance, pain, depression, fatigue and problems with memory and concentration.MS is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms can be vague, they differ from person to person, and there is no single lab test to confirm the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spinal fluid analysis are helpful in diagnosing. Most often people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 but it can occur in any age group. Women are 2-3 times more likely to have MS than men.There is no evidence that MS is directly inherited but there are genetic factors that increase the risk of developing MS, and there are environmental factors such as low vitamin D and cigarette smoking that increase a person’s risk.There are 4 different courses that MS can take:Clinically Isolated Syndrome – The first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the CNS.Relapsing-Remitting MS – Characterized by periods of relapses also called attacks or exacerbations that subside, a person may return to their previous state or they may have disease progression after.Secondary Progressive MS – Occurs after the relapsing-remitting and is usually more progressive.Primary Progressive MS – A gradual but steady progression of disability from the onset of symptoms, with few or no relapses or remissions or new MRI activity.Although there is no cure for MS, there are now medications that help to change the course of the disease and limit new areas of damage in the CNS in certain courses. These drugs are called “disease-modifying” drugs and they can help reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, the number of new lesions in the CNS, and they may slow the progression of disability. If you have MS, talk to your health care provider to see if there is a drug that could benefit you.The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled. Two-thirds remain able to walk, though many will need an aid, such as a cane or crutches. Some people will use a scooter or wheelchair because of fatigue, weakness, and balance problems or to conserve energy.Things to remember if you or a loved one has MS is that everyone is different. Some people may be able to do more than others before they need to take a rest break. It is important that people with MS listen to their bodies, pace themselves, and be aware of what triggers them.Over all, anyone and everyone can benefit from a healthy diet and exercise, by managing stress and utilizing positive coping mechanisms, and keeping your mind organized and stimulated.The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has MS Navigators available to help anyone with MS identify solutions and provide access to resources by calling 1-800-344-4867 for assistance.For more information, talk to your healthcare provider or contact HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center located at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Small is Powerful Posted on March 2, 2020May 27, 2021 by Dakota PikeIntroducing Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s campaign: Small is Powerful!One of the many photographs taken by Trampoline, which features Patricia Nguyen, MD, OBGYN, a medical provider with Nathan Littauer Hospital.Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home launches its new campaign.The campaign, which launched February 28th, emphasizes a small, local approach to care, and celebrates Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s community.“We’re the only small, independent hospital left in the Capital Region,” says Vice President of Marketing with Littauer, Cheryl McGrattan. “It means we provide focused care. It is like they say, ‘Good things come in small packages.’ Small is powerful gives our community an example of what we provide.”The health care organization contracted with the Glens Falls ad agency, Trampoline, to develop the commercials.“At a time when health care is at the center of conversations around the globe, the opportunity to highlight a local hospital caring for its community felt wonderful. We interviewed providers and employees at Nathan Littauer, and were so moved by their passion and dedication; hopefully you feel that in the campaign,” explained Derek Slayton, Managing Partner at Trampoline.Small care can have a big impact. Watch our 30-second brand commercial and long-form video below: XXXAbout Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. Please visit www.nlh.org for more information.
