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.
Wellness Words February 2020 Posted on February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Heart HealthDid you know that your heart and blood vessels change with age? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) people over 65 years of age are much more likely to have problems with their heart and blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke, heart disease and heart failure.How The Heart Works The heart is a strong muscle in your chest that pumps blood throughout your body. It works like an engine to keep your body running and is controlled by an electrical system that determines how fast and how hard the heart beats. The heart is divided into four different sections, two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. Each chamber is separated by a valve that opens and closes when blood enters or leaves. The right side of the heart receives blood low in oxygen from the body and pumps it to the lungs to receive oxygen. The left side of the heart pumps the blood high in oxygen to the rest of the body.Age–Related ChangesAccording to the NIA, as you age, your heart and blood vessels lose some of their ability to function as efficiently as when you were younger. Over many years, fatty deposits begin to build up in the blood vessels, specifically the arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. Stiffening of the arteries is called arteriosclerosis and narrowing of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. The muscles of the heart also become weakened and the chambers of the heart can increase in size. A weakened heart may lead to an arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, while an increase in size of the chambers will decrease the amount of blood your heart can hold, causing it to fill more slowly. The valves of the heart can also stiffen with age, limiting the flow of blood into and out of each chamber.Heart DiseaseThe NIA defines heart disease as the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are located outside of the heart and are responsible for delivering blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Over time, as fatty deposits build up, they can block the flow of blood to your heart muscle or cause a rupture in your arteries. This leads to a lack of oxygen–rich blood to the muscles of the heart, resulting in chest pain or even heart attack (cell death of heart muscle). In order to protect your heart and your body, it’s important to educate yourself on the symptoms of heart disease and the steps you can take to improve heart health.Symptoms Of Heart DiseaseThe NIA lists several signs and symptoms of heart disease including:Chest pain, pressure or discomfortChest pain during physical activity that gets better when you restPain, numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or backShortness of breath at rest or during activityFeeling lightheaded, dizzy or confusedHeadache, feeling tired or fatiguedNausea or vomitingCold sweatsSwelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach or neckDifficulty performing normal activitiesDifficulty exercising or being physically activePeople with heart disease may or may not experience symptoms, so it’s important to regularly visit your healthcare provider.PreventionIn order to protect your heart, the NIA recommends:Following a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairyIncreasing physical activity to get 150 minutes of activity each weekMaintaining a healthy weightQuitting smokingMinimizing alcohol consumptionManaging stressManaging diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterolIf you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, talk with your healthcare provider about managing your condition. They will be able to give you a plan that best fits your lifestyle and needs.For more information on heart health, 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.
Littauer Welcomes New Physician Assistant Posted on February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to welcome Alison Townsend, Registered/Certified Physician Assistant, or RPA-C, to our medical staff. Townsend brings 18 years of expertise and medical experience to Littauer. She practiced in Saint Johnsville, Little Falls, and Middleburgh prior to joining the medical team at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Townsend recently started her practice with Littauer January 13.Alison Townsend, RPA-C, a provider with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home‘s Caroga Lake Primary Care Center “All the staff are very welcoming,” Townsend says. “Littauer is a comfortable setting for a medical provider. It feels like you’re part of a family.”Alison Townsend, RPA-C, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She continued her studies at Midwestern University, where she obtained her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies. “The best part of my day is helping my patients reach their health goals,” Townsend adds. “I choose to practice at Nathan Littauer Hospital because Littauer is patient-centered and provides me with unending support for myself and my patients.”“I am extremely excited,” says Townsend. “I love the patients I have had the opportunity to work with so far, and I am looking forward to meeting more members of the region.”Townsend is a physician’s assistant focused on family practice. She brings to Littauer clinically astute medical expertise and is a provider to all ages. She is currently accepting new patients at Nathan Littauer’s Caroga Lake Primary Care Center. Her office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, you may call the Caroga Lake Primary Care Center at (518) 835-2341 ###About Nathan Littauer Nathan 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 in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
Holy Trinity Church Donates to Littauer’s Birthing Center Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Sunday, February 9, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home received a generous donation from the Holy Trinity Parish, a local Catholic church in Johnstown, NY. The donation was made possible by the church’s Faith Formation Program. “We are so proud of the children for all their efforts,” says Cheryl Walton, member of Holy Trinity Church and Director of the children’s Faith Formation Program. “They were so excited they had the opportunity to make a difference in their community.”The $2,000 of baby care items donated to Littauer’s Birthing Center, given by the Holy Trinity Church in Johnstown, NY.The children’s Faith Formation class is part of the church’s Sunday school program. The Faith Formation is comprised of middle-school children from the area including the: Johnstown, Broadalbin, Gloversville, and Fonda-Fultonville school districts. At the beginning of the school year, the children brainstormed ideas for possible community service projects. The students decided they wanted to help local mothers and newborns by donating child health and baby care items to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Birthing Center. Once they established their plan, the children distributed a flyer in their communities asking for donations of several needed newborn items. They received donations from fellow church members, school staff, and peers. Some of the children even made their own donations to further the cause.The Holy Trinity Faith Formation children pictured with the baby care items they donated to Littauer’s Birthing Center.“It’s amazing how much of a collaborative effort went into making this happen,” adds Walton. “They worked so hard.” Collecting donations for several weeks, the church managed to obtain over $2,000 in baby care products. The donations were then personally delivered by the children, were they were received by Littauer’s Birthing Center staff. “I am overwhelmed with joy,” says Wendy Bowie, Maternal Child Health, RN with Littauer. “Many mothers don’t have access to these baby care products. With their hard work, they made the impossible – possible. A wonderful thing has been done for our future mothers and future babies.”###About Nathan Littauer Nathan 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 in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
