Wellness Words May 2019 Posted on May 13, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant ArthritisAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 54 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis, affecting 26% of women and 19.1% of men. Due to its wearing effects, about half of those with arthritis are limited in their abilities to perform everyday tasks. What is Arthritis?The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines arthritis as joint inflammation. However, the term “arthritis” can be used to classify any disorder that affects the joints. A joint occurs where two bones meet, such as your ankle, knee or elbow.There are many different kinds of arthritis but the most common forms include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis. Causes of ArthritisThe cause of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis a person is diagnosed with. Some arthritic conditions, like osteoarthritis, are caused by everyday wear and tear on the body while others, like rheumatoid arthritis, are caused by a flaw in the body’s immune system.Research shows that certain genes can also increase the risk for developing arthritis. If you have a gene connected to arthritis, often times something in your environment will trigger the onset of the condition. Environmental triggers may include a virus, a stressful situation or an injury. Symptoms of ArthritisCommon symptoms of arthritis include:Pain, redness, heat or swelling in your jointsDifficulty moving aroundFeverWeight lossTrouble breathingRash or itch Many of the symptoms of arthritis can also be symptoms of other conditions. If you experience any of the above symptoms, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.Living with ArthritisArthritis is a chronic condition, meaning it is long-term and cannot be cured. If you are diagnosed with arthritis, there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms including:Educating yourself: Learn more about your condition and the steps you can take to be a good self–manager. HealthLink Littauer offers two evidenced-based programs that will help you learn the tools to better manage your arthritis including the Chronic Disease Self–Management Program and the Pain Self–Management Program. These cover everything from nutrition and physical activity to stress management and problem solving.Taking medications as prescribed: Taking medications exactly as they are prescribed can help prevent complications and promote effectiveness.Exercising: Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.Using heat and cold therapy: Use of heat or cold therapies can reduce joint pain and swelling.Practicing relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques may help relax your muscles and reduce pain.Utilizing splints, braces or other assistive devices: Splints and braces aid in supporting your joints while assistive devices can help you perform everyday tasks like putting on shoes or opening a jar.Remember to speak with your healthcare provider about treatment plans and options. They can give you the best plan of action to manage your condition.For more information, contact your healthcare provider or HealthLink Littauer. If you are interested in attending a Chronic Disease Self–Management or Pain Self–Management Program, call us at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Fulton County Express covers our Broadalbin Primary Care Center grand opening Posted on May 8, 2019May 8, 2019 by Dakota PikeThank you Dusten Rader for the excellent media coverage in the Fulton County Express of our Broadalbin Primary Care Center grand opening last week. As we say, “Pow! Broadalbin Now!”https://www.fultoncountyexpress.com/nlh-chamber-celebrate-opening-of-broadalbin-health-care-center/
Littauer celebrates the NEW Broadalbin Center with Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Posted on May 6, 2019May 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeLast week we celebrated our Broadalbin Primary/Specialty Care Center with the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. We commissioned a live painting piece by Brooklyn artist Leaf. Not only was his piece beautiful, it was mesmerizing to watch him work. Overall it was a sick party!
Wellness Words April 2019 Posted on April 15, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Testicular Cancer AwarenessWhat Is Testicular Cancer?According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicles begin to grow out of control. The testicles are made up of many different kinds of cells, all of which can develop into one or more forms of cancer. Therefore, it’s important to know the type of cell testicular cancer begins in as well as the type of cancer.There are multiple types of testicular cancer. However, the most common type is a germ cell tumor. The American Cancer Society categorizes germ cell tumors into two different forms including seminomas and non-seminomas.Seminomas are more likely to occur in men ages 30 – 50 and usually grow and spread more slowly than non-seminomas. Non-seminomas are more likely to occur in men anytime from their late teens into their early 30’s and usually grow and spread more rapidly than seminomas. Other less common forms of testicular cancer include stromal tumors, Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors. What Are The Risk Factors For Testicular Cancer?A risk factor is anything that changes your chance of developing a disease – some risk factors can be controlled like diet and lifestyle, while others, like age or family history, cannot. A few risk factors that make men more likely to develop testicular cancer include:An undescended testicle – when one or both testicles fail to move from the belly into the scrotum before birth.Family history of testicular cancer – having a father or brother with testicular cancer.HIV infection.Carcinoma in situ of the testicle – a condition in which cells look abnormal under a microscope but have not spread outside of where they are formed.Having previously had testicular cancer.Age – about half of all testicular cancers occur in men ages 20 – 34.Certain races/ethnicities – testicular cancer is four to five times more common in white men than African-American or Asian-American men.Signs & SymptomsSome men have no signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, but others may experience: A lump on the testicleA swollen testicle or an increase in size of the testiclePainHeaviness or aching in the lower belly or scrotumSore breasts or an increase in breast sizeThere are a number of non-cancerous conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms noted, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Prognosis & PreventionA prognosis is the chance of recovery or outcome of a health condition. The prognosis for testicular cancer depends on the type of testicular cancer and the stage it is in. Fortunately, testicular cancer can usually be cured with treatment.In general, the sooner you diagnose cancer, the better the outcome. Be sure to visit your healthcare provider on a regular basis and contact them if you experience any signs or symptoms of testicular cancer.For more information on testicular cancer, talk to your healthcare provider or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
2018 Employee of the Year Posted on April 11, 2019April 12, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced our Employee of the Year last week at the Goodwill Committee’s annual celebration. The winner, Barbara Garrigan was awarded the top honor. Barb works in Nathan Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department as a Staff Nurse. She celebrated her 31st year at Littauer this month. Her coworkers explain, “Barb is calming and compassionate nurse. She is always willing to help her peers while also looking for better ways to care for our patients”.Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO made the announcement at a hospital gathering comprised of employees and the award recipients’ family members. When her name was announced the audience rose to their feet in a show of support.Upon receiving the award Barb graciously said, “I would like to thank everyone who is here and even those who are not. This is a super honor. But mostly, I would like to thank my coworkers that support me every day.”Patients have gone out of their way to compliment Barb’s clinically-astute, empathic care.“This is my first experience with Nathan Littauer and Barb represented NLH in the most professional and caring way that an employee could. If Barb is a representation of how all our employees care for patients, then NLH has a very good thing going.”As Employee of the Year she will receive: Tickets the hospital’s EVENT, cake for her department, flowers, a plaque, a coveted parking spot and a monetary award.Barb is a native of Mayfield, NY. She and her husband Jay have two children: Jay JR and Emily.The celebration also honored two Littauer team members who were recognized as “Runner-Up” for Employee of the Year.Teresa Sullivan is an LPN at Nathan Littauer’s Family Practice in Gloversville. Teresa was recognized for her outstanding communication skills and excellent nursing skills.Shannon Berhaupt is a Medical Receptionist at Nathan Littauer’s Perth Primary Care Center. Shannon was celebrated for her empathy and kindness and in doing so earning the trust of patients, coworkers and providers.
