Wellness Words April 2018 Posted on April 3, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant April Is National Humor MonthIs laughter really the best medicine? According to the American Heart Association, humor and laughing can actually help protect against developing heart disease!Research from the American Heart Association suggests that laughter can: Decrease stress hormones – Laughing has been shown to decrease the stress hormone “cortisol” in your body.Reduce stress and anxiety – By decreasing your stress hormones, laughing relieves feelings of stress and anxiety.Reduce inflammation in the arteries – Laughing makes your blood vessels dilate, increases the amount of oxygen pumped through your body and reduces inflammation.Increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels – Research suggests laughter can help improve your cholesterol.When you laugh, you can’t help but feel good and what’s even better – the AHA says the effects of laughing can last up to 24 hours! The Cancer Treatment Centers of America claim that humor has both therapeutic and restorative effects on the body. They even use “laughter therapy” as a natural medicine for their patients. Laughter therapy is the use of humor to promote overall health and wellness.By using this type of therapy, the Center’s staff can help relieve the physical and emotional stressors of their patients, and aid their healing process.According to studies at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, laughter can: Stimulate the heart and lungsRelax the muscles throughout the bodyTrigger the release of endorphins or “feel-good” hormonesEase digestion and soothe stomach painsImprove mental functionPromote relaxationImprove sleepEnhance quality of life So, what are you waiting for? Do your mind, body, and soul a favor by adding some humor to your life with these simple tips:Smile – Laughter always begins with a smile, and smiling is contagious!Be thankful – Make a list of all the positive things in your life and avoid negative thoughts as these act as a barrier to laughter.Make laughter a part of YOUR day – If you’re around others that are laughing, chances are that you’ll be laughing, too!For more information on healthy humor, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120, 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.
Johnstown teachers support NLH with 400 books Posted on March 15, 2018 by Dakota Pike: NLH Birthing Center Ward Clerk, Lindsay Barter, left, Johnstown Teachers Assoc. Rep/Chairperson, Gloria Bruno, NLH Birthing Center Ward Clerk, Kristen Green, and NLH Lactation Consultant , Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, OSC.GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (March 13, 2018) – The Johnstown Teachers Association recently donated 400 books to the Nathan Littauer Hospital Birthing Center, as a part of their Community Outreach Program. Research shows that reading aloud to children is imperative for cognitive growth. And, it’s never too early to start reading to your child. Even newborns love to hear the rhythm and inflection of the human voice. The more you read to a baby, the more their brain will grow.The books are distributed to new mothers at The Birthing Center to encourage reading from the start. In the photo are: NLH Birthing Center Ward Clerk, Lindsay Barter, left, Johnstown Teachers Assoc. Rep/Chairperson, Gloria Bruno, NLH Birthing Center Ward Clerk, Kristen Green, and NLH Lactation Consultant , Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, OSC.
Wellness Words March 2018 Posted on March 9, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Nutrition & AgingAs you age, your body experiences many changes. To promote a long, healthy life it’s important to fuel your body with proper nutrients. Since March is National Nutrition Month, it’s the perfect time to educate yourself on what foods to eat and how to better your health throughout each stage of life. The National Institute on Aging recommends the following:Drink Plenty Of FluidsSometimes with age you lose your sense of thirst, however, it’s important to stay hydrated. Choose healthy beverages including water, low-fat or fat-free milk and 100% fruit juices to hydrate your body. Try to avoid drinks that have added sugar or excess salt as these can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems. Choose Healthy MealsWhat you put into your body can greatly affect your health. Educate yourself on what foods to eat and how much you should be eating by visiting www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. Watch Your Portion Sizes A portion size is the amount of food you put on your plate or eat. Often times many people eat more than necessary, leading to weight gain and health problems. Therefore, it’s important to recognize how much you are eating so you can control your portions. Try using smaller plates or bowls – this will automatically make you choose smaller portions. Vegetables, Vegetables, Vegetables!Brighten your plate with a variety of vegetables. These are low in calories and provide the body with many nutrients and fiber. Eat To Protect Your Teeth And GumsAs you age, you may notice changes to your teeth or gums. This can make it harder to chew certain foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats. Try eating foods that are softer, including low-sodium soups, unsweetened fruit cups, or canned tuna. Use Herbs And Spices When You CookAge can affect your sense of smell and your sense of taste. Foods may seem to lose their flavor and taste differently from what they once did. Add some flavor back into your meals by using herbs and spices when cooking. Safety First!Don’t risk eating unsafe food as this can cause illness and be life-threatening to an older person. Avoid risky foods such as unpasteurized dairy or undercooked eggs, fish, meat, or poultry.Check The Nutrition Facts LabelKnow what you are purchasing and eating by looking at the nutrition facts label. Pay attention to the total calories, fats, sodium, and sugars for each food. To promote health, choose foods with fewer calories, limit the amount of fat you eat, and avoid excess salt and sugar.Finally, Eat While Socializing!Make your meals a time to connect with others. Plan a dinner with family or friends, or join a club or senior center to share a meal with others. This will make meal times more enjoyable, making it easier for you to be mindful of your nutrition.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Nutrition & Aging’ presented by Erika Winney MS RD CDN, Littauer’s Clinical Nutrition Manager on March 28 in Littauer’s Auditorium.You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Littauer welcomes Pediatrician Dr. David Eisenberg Posted on March 1, 2018 by Dakota PikeDavid Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P. (February 21, 2018) Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud welcome David Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P., to their pediatric staff at Perth Primary/Specialty Care Center.Dr. Eisenberg medical career has spanned 20 years. He is the founder /pediatrician of Eisenberg Pediatrics establishing a 10-year practice in Long Island. He comes to Littauer from private practice in both Putnam and Westchester Counties, as well as in Greenwich, Connecticut.“I am thrilled to be practicing at Littauer,” said Dr. Eisenberg. “I’d like to think I will be a positive influence as I practice in this community.”Dr. Eisenberg received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and completed his residency at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.“Littauer is fortunate to have Dr. Eisenberg practicing in our community,” states Cheryl MCGrattan, Littauer VP Marketing/Communications. “His experience and expertise is exceptional. He is bringing the latest in pediatric healthcare to Littauer’s youngest patients.”Dr. Eisenberg is practicing at Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Center in Perth Monday through Friday. For an appointment, please call (518) 883-8624.
Littauer announces Tammy Kennedy, 2017 Employee of the Year Posted on March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 by Dakota PikeNLH President and CEO, Laurence Kelly presents Tammy Kennedy, the 2017 Goodwill Employee of the YearCertified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs, left, Performance Improvement Coordinator, Tammy Kennedy, and Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger, honored for their dedication and service to LittauerGLOVERSVILLE, February 27, 2018 – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, as the Littauer 2017 Goodwill Employee of the Year.Also receiving recognition were Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger , first runner- up .and Certified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs, as the second runner-up.Littauer President and CEO Laurence Kelly made the announcement at a hospital-wide celebration praising Kennedy stating, “Tammy is an outstanding employee, one that we can look up to, her values mirror those that Littauer stand for.”Kennedy is a 30 year Littauer employee, hired in January 1988. She has been promoted twice to her current position. Her perpetual role of accommodation, cheerfulness and kindness, along with her signature smile, were noted in most nominations. Kelly went on to point out many of the accolades that Tammy received as a new hire 30 years ago, are mirrored by what her peers still are saying today.“I am speechless,” said Kennedy. “I am fortunate to work with such an amazing group of people for a very long time.”Also nominated to the Goodwill Committee in the blind format were; Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger for her kind-hearted nature, compassion and empathy working at Littauer’s Easterly Primary Care Center, and Certified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs for his positive, caring, safe, nature in the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home where he is both adored and respected by residents and co-workers. Both runner-ups received a check and gift certificate from Littauer. Littauer has over 1000 employees and Kennedy was nominated by her peers for this top honor. “Tammy has a very friendly, special way about her,” said Goodwill Committee Chairperson Brenda Hammons. “She encompasses Littauer’s mission and values each day with a smile,” added Hammons.Kennedy received along with her honor; flowers, a cake, gift certificate, check, the coveted year-long prime parking spot, and a plaque on Littauer’s Wall of Fame.
