Wellness Words March 2017 Posted on March 17, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Tammy Merendo, RNDirector of Community Education Chronic Disease Self-ManagementAccording to Stanford University, most of us will experience two or more chronic long-term illnesses during our lives. In the event that we don’t, it is still likely that we will provide care to someone that does.Chronic health problems usually come on slowly unlike acute health problems. They can be things like heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, emphysema, and many other conditions. These conditions may cause emotional distress, such as frustration, anger, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness.It is important for the person who is suffering from a chronic condition, or the person who is trying to manage a chronic condition, understands the disease. There are often specific skills that are needed to deal with an illness. Some examples of skills that may be used include knowing what medications to take and how to take them, how to use oxygen or equipment like a C-pap machine, or how to check your blood glucose.Finally, Stanford teaches us that people with chronic disease should know that you are not to blame. Chronic diseases are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. You don’t have to handle it alone, in fact you shouldn’t. One of the side effects of chronic illness is a feeling of isolation. Support groups, talking with others on the phone, or even reading an article can be helpful.Remember that you are more than your disease and sometimes illness can be an opportunity. Illnesses may make us slow down, evaluate what is really important, and cause us to shift our priorities. If you suffer from a chronic disease, I encourage you to become more informed on how you can self-manage your condition.Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is taught by trained peer leaders. The program requires some commitment as the classes are 2 ½ hours each and meet weekly for 6 weeks. Participants will learn specific tools to improve their quality of life. If you are a caregiver to someone that suffers from a chronic disease, you are also encouraged to attend this program to improve your quality of care.For more information on this series of classes, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Littauer joins with The Baby Box Co. bringing a safe sleeping environment to all NLH Birthing Center newborns Posted on February 23, 2017 by Dakota Pike2. The Baby Box Co. and Littauer collaborate to bring Baby Boxes to the Littauer community. Shown here is the first baby to receive the giftGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (February 15, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital and The Baby Box Co. announced the launch of the Universal Safe Sleep program at Nathan Littauer Hospital.“This program is a critical first step in reducing infant mortality,” stated Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Community Relations for the hospital. The new program is free to the new parents of the expected 340 newborns welcomed into the world at Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center over the course of a year. Ms. McGrattan added, “According to our research, we are the first hospital in New York State to provide Baby Boxes to every family throughout the year.”This program is focused on reducing the infant mortality rate in the U.S. which hovered around 6.5 percent in 2015 which is worse than all EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia and even Cuba. The innovative new program combines the Baby Box University information platform for new parents along with the proven safety of the Baby Box. Empowering parents and families with essential information for them to properly care for newborns is the heart of this new initiative.Nathan Littauer’s Baby Box program is accessible to all expecting and new parents regardless of socioeconomic status. The Baby Boxes are available upon discharge from The Birthing Center.The use of Baby Boxes has been associated with helping Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. The Finnish initiative, which enables every expecting woman in the country to claim a free Baby Box once she receives prenatal care and parenting information from a healthcare professional, is credited with helping to decrease Finland’s infant mortality rate from 65 deaths for each 1,000 children born in 1938 to 2.26 deaths per 1,000 births in 2015.“What makes this program so unique is the focus on education” explained Maureen Mosher, RN, NLH Manager of Maternal Child Health, adding, “Every mother must watch a video syllabus in the prenatal stage to secure the box”. The multi-media parenting curricula called Baby Box University has video featuring local experts. The families will begin reviewing the syllabus in the prenatal stage. Upon completion, they are given a certificate which can be used to secure the free Baby Box.3. An example of the Baby Box contents new babies will receive after being born at Nathan Littauer’s Birthing CenterThe Adirondack Rural Health Network (ARHN), a program of Adirondack Health Institute, partially funded the Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Baby Box project, one of seven ARHN Prevention Agenda Projects, with support from the New York State Department of Health Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health. “Providing families with a means to keep their newborn safe and secure is such a privilege,” said Margaret M. Vosburgh, CEO, Adirondack Health Institute. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support our partners at Nathan Littauer Hospital in this important work.”The Baby Boxes themselves, which are made from durable cardboard and come with a firm mattress, waterproof mattress cover and fitted cotton sheet, are traditionally used in Finland as a baby’s bed for up to the first eight months of life.Participants in the safe sleep program receive a Baby Box that contains the following items at Littauer:MattressWaterproof mattress protectorFitted sheetSafe sleep sackPampers baby wipesPampers Swaddlers diapersLansinoh breast pads and nipple creamVroom baby brain boosting activity cardsOnesieBoard bookThermometerInfant Mortality Rate Stats:Approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths, including sudden unexpected infant death (SUID); ill-defined deaths; and accidental suffocation and strangulation.The number of infant deaths initially decreased in the 1990s after a national safe sleep campaign but has plateaued in recent years.The Baby Box Co. is Rooted from a Finnish Tradition:The use of Baby Boxes has been credited with helping Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. The initiative, which enables every expecting woman in the country to claim a free Baby Box once she receives prenatal care and parenting information from a healthcare professional, is credited with helping to decrease Finland’s infant mortality rate from 65 deaths for each 1,000 children born in 1938 to 3 deaths per 1,000 births in 2013, according to the World Health Organization.The success of the Finnish Baby Box intervention inspired the founders of The Baby Box Co. to adapt this tradition with enhanced multimedia parenting curricula through Baby Box University to the benefit of nonprofits, hospitals, government institutions and individual families worldwide.The Baby Box University program’s exponential growth has solidified the model as an impactful safe sleep and parenting education intervention for millennials.About The Baby Box Co.Entrepreneurs Michelle Vick and Jennifer Clary founded The Baby Box Co. to offer a safe sleep environment to babies everywhere. Through its Baby Box University platform, Baby Box Co. is an innovative, integrated program to support parents and improve maternal and infant healthcare outcomes globally. The Baby Box Co. partners with hospitals, government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide Baby Boxes, quality products, resources and ongoing education to families on a large scale. Baby Boxes are also available direct to consumer either as a standalone item or filled with new baby essentials. Serving families in 52 countries, The Baby Box Co. has offices in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore. For more information or to purchase a Baby Box, please visit www.babyboxco.com The Baby Box University education resource is at www.babyboxuniversity.comAbout Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing HomeNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties in upstate New York with a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894 and has 1,000 employees. Littauer’s medical staff provides well over 100,000 patient encounters each year. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.1. The Hart family with the first baby to receive a Baby Box from Littauer
Littauer announces Matt Romell, Goodwill Employee of the Year Posted on February 23, 2017 by Dakota PikeLittauer 2016 Goodwill Award winners: first runner-up, Nora Albertin, left, 2016 Goodwill Employee of the Year, Matt Romell, and second runner-up, Tammy GerdesGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (February 14, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announces Matthew Romell as the 2016 Goodwill Employee of the Year. Romell is a MIS System Administrator on the main hospital campus. He was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of his friends, family, Littauer staff and administrators. Romell has been a Littauer employee for four years this month.“Although only here for a short time, Matt has made a long-term and enjoyable impression at Littauer,” said Kelly. “Matt is a professional team player who treats everyone with courtesy and respect along with a smile and great sense of humor. He always finds the solution.”“I appreciate this, but it’s very easy for me because I work with such a great team,” said Romell.Littauer has almost 1000 employees. Romell was nominated by his peers for this top honor. “Matt meets everyday challenges with a positive attitude,” said Goodwill Committee Chairperson Brenda Hammons. “In the time he has been here, he has made a notable difference with so many technical issues,” Hammons added.In a blind format, the Goodwill Committee narrowed the scope of nominations to three top finalists. First runner-up honors went to Nora Albertin, Human Resource Generalist in Littauer’s Human Resources Department. The second runner-up award went to Tammy Gerdes, Littauer’s Senior Mammography Technologist. Both Albertin and Gerdes received a check and a gift certificate to the hospital’s gift shop.Romell received along with his honor flowers, a cake, gift certificate, check, the coveted year-long prime parking spot, and a plaque on Littauer’s Wall of Fame.About Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing HomeNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties in upstate New York with a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894 and has 1,000 employees. Littauer’s medical staff provides well over 100,000 patient encounters each year. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.
Nancy Quinlan receives Goodwill Award for 4th-quarter Posted on February 23, 2017 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (February 2, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC OSC, with the 2016 fourth-quarter Goodwill Award. Quinlan is a lactation consultant with the Nathan Littauer Hospital Birthing Center. She was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of her peers.“Nancy has made a real difference in the short time she has been at Littauer,” said Kelly. “Whoever you are, you will receive the best Nancy has to offer.”Quinlan’s outstanding compassion has been celebrated with hundreds of new mothers.“I am so honored. I love what I do. I feel like I make a difference, and like everyone is an extension of my family,” said Quinlan. “I’m here to stay.”Recipients for the award are nominated by NLH employees, providers or patients and submitted to the Goodwill Committee. They are selected in a blind format.Quinlan received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.About Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing HomeNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties in upstate New York with a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894 and has 1,000 employees. Littauer’s medical staff provides well over 100,000 patient encounters each year. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.
Wellness Words February 2017 Posted on February 15, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Are You At Risk For Heart Disease?February is National Heart month. According to the National Institutes of Health, every 34 seconds someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack. Women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths. Over a lifetime, heart disease kills 5 times as many women as breast cancer.But what is a heart attack, exactly? A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted, usually due to a blood clot blocking blood flow in a coronary artery, one of the vessels that feeds blood to a part of the heart muscle. This blockage causes the heart muscle to be starved of oxygen and nutrients. When damage to part of the cardiac muscle happens, a heart attack occurs.It is no secret that heart attacks can be fatal. However, every year thousands of Americans survive and go on to enjoy their lives. According to the American Heart Association, knowing your risks for heart disease is the first step in taking control of your heart health. Some risk factors can’t be controlled. However, many can.Risks that cannot be controlled include:Age: As we age our risk of heart attack and stroke increases.Genetics: If anyone in your biologic family has had a heart attack your risk of having one is increased.Gender: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both genders. Women tend to have their first heart attack 10 years later than men. However, women are twice as likely as men to die within the first few weeks after a heart attack.Risks that can be controlled include:High Blood Pressure: This is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle changes such as, weight loss, physical activity and healthy diet. Medication may also be needed.Smoking: Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease. However, your risk is cut in half within a year of not smoking.Lack of Physical Activity: People who get regular exercise decrease their risk of heart disease by 35-40%.Being Overweight: If you are overweight, reducing your weight by just 10-20 pounds can significantly reduce your risks.Poor Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans-fats, sugar and sodium (salt) increase your risk for heart disease significantly. Cutting down on processed foods and reading labels to increase your awareness of these ingredients will help you to reduce your risks.Diabetes: This condition doubles your risk of heart disease. Keeping your glucose levels under control and managing your other risks can help to lower your risks of heart disease and stroke.While heart disease remains a leading cause of death and disability, by becoming aware of and managing your risk factors, you can significantly reduce your chances of heart disease.HealthLink Littauer can assist you in managing these risk factors with numerous low-impact exercise classes, monthly health screenings, stress management programs and activities, smoking cessation, nutrition education, and more. Remember, your heart health is in your hands!For more information, contact the American Heart Association at 518-626-8760 or www.heart.org, or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
