Wellness Words November 2016 Posted on November 14, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorAlzheimer’s Vs. Typical Age-Related Changes November is Alzheimer’s disease awareness month. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are approximately 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and over 15 million people serve as their caregivers. For reasons that are not clear, about two-thirds of those living with this disease are women and Alzheimer’s is more prevalent in those over 65. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are early warning signs but they are often confused with typical age related changes and not reported to a physician. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the following are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias versus typical age related changes. Alzheimer’s Signs/Symptoms:Repeated poor judgment and decision makingMemory loss that disrupts daily lifeDifficulty completing familiar tasksChallenges in planning and problem solvingMisplacing frequently used things and inability to retrace steps to locate themConfusion with time or placeWithdrawal from normal activitiesNew problems with words in speaking or writingChanges in mood or personalityTypical age related changes may include but are not limited to:Forgetting what day it is but remembering laterMissing a monthly payment occasionallySometimes forgetting which word to useLosing things from time to timeMaking a poor choice once in a whileFeeling weary of social obligations and sometimes staying home It is normal to fear that any of these normal changes means something worse. If you are wondering if you have a problem, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Write down your questions and take a friend or family member with you to discuss your concerns. The Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent resource for information about the disease. They operate a 24/7 Helpline for people seeking information and support. If you call 800-272-3900 you can speak confidently with a care consultant that can help with:Information about the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementiasFind out about local programs and servicesDecision making support, crisis assistance and education on issues faced every dayGet general information about medications, other treatment options, legal, financial and care decisionsInformation on safety services such as Lifeline and the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program. Safe Return provides assistance when someone with the disease wanders or has a medical emergency.Support and education for caregivers HealthLink, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, offers free monthly education programs. This month’s program will be held on November 22 entitled “Alzheimer’s: Managing Behaviors” from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. We also offer monthly support group meetings held on the second Thursday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information or to attend one of these programs, 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.
Wellness Words October 2016 Posted on October 11, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorFall Risks For Seniors: Myths & RealitiesMany people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is they are not! Most falls can be prevented, and YOU have the power to reduce your risk. According to the National Council on Aging, there are a number of myths that prevent many people from being proactive in preventing falls. The following are the most common myths and realities:Myth: “Falling won’t happen to me.”Reality: 1 in 3 older adults fall every yearMyth: Falling is normal as we age.Reality: Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Taking proactive steps to prevent falls can reduce your risk significantly.Myth: Limiting my activity will prevent a fall.Reality: Physical activity will actually improve your strength and range of motion, and help you remain independent.Myth: Staying at home and on one floor reduces my risk of falling.Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Ground level falls are the most common. To reduce your risk you should fix such hazards as clutter, loose throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second hand rail on stairs, and non-slip treads in tubs and on stairs.Myth: At my age muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.Reality: It’s never too late to start exercising. Even if you have been a “couch potato” most of your life, becoming more active now will benefit you in many ways including reducing your risk of falling.Myth: Medications, including over-the-counter medicines, won’t increase fall risk.Reality: Taking any medication can increase fall risk. We all react to medications differently. Be careful when starting any new medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects or interactions for all your meds.Myth: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.Reality: Walking aids will assist you to maintain and even improve your mobility. However, to use these devices safely have a therapist fit the device to you and instruct you in use. Do not use someone else’s device.Myth: I don’t need to have my eyes checked annually.Reality: People with vision problems are twice as likely to fall as those who don’t. For those with extremely low vision there are assistive devices that can help. Ask your ophthalmologist for a referral.Fall prevention is everyone’s responsibility! To learn more, attend a free program on how to “Improve Balance & Prevent Falls” on Tuesday, October 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fulton County YMCA by calling Office For Aging at 736-5650 (transportation available).For more information, 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 on 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 now offers dialysis for hospitalized patients Posted on September 26, 2016 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is now offering in-house dialysis to patients that are hospitalized. Friday, Sept 2, Littauer was approved by the New York State department of Health to provide inpatient dialysis. Four new dialysis suites have been equipped with the latest technology for dialysis treatment. All pertinent Littauer staff has received training.1. Nephrologists Dr. Ayman Morgan, left, and Dr. Soo Lee, both of American Renal Associates are now seeing patients at Nathan Littauer Hospital inhpatient dialysis suites“This is a huge hurdle to overcome,” said Litterer Vice President Marketing and Community Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. “Local dialysis patients can now seek medical treatment close to home in a familiar setting with people they recognize and trust.” of American Renal Associates together with his partners Dr. Hani Shahata, and Dr. Ayman Morgan are now working with Littauer, offering the very best of nephrology to Fulton County. “This inpatient service will provide great continuity of care to our patients,” said Dr. Lee. “As I have said before, we are very excited to be working Littauer.” Littauer recently partnered with American Renal Associates announcing to open a new state-of-the-art dialysis center in Gloversville. The new facility in Fulton County will offer the latest technology for the care and comfort of patients suffering from kidney disease. The center is slated to open in December.2. Nephrologist Dr. Ayman Morgan exhibits one of Natha Littauer Hospitals’s newest dialysis systems. Littauer began inpatient dialysis in September
Considering Surgery At Littauer? Posted on September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 by Dakota PikeAre you considering having surgery at Nathan Littauer? Watch our video to meet the staff who will be caring for you and learn more about our hospital.
Wellness Words September 2016 Posted on September 13, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Palliative Care: Myths & FactsThere is a relatively new medical specialty, begun 2006 in the US, called Palliative Care. It has its own distinct mission – to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for people with serious illness. While there are similarities to Hospice Care, it is not just for end stage illness.According to the Center To Advance Palliative Care, this type of treatment is appropriate at any age and any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative Care also provides support and guidance to families.Palliative Care (PC) Myths Include:Palliative care can only be provided in a hospital. In fact, PC can be provided at home, in clinics, hospice, assisted living and nursing home settings.Medicare does not pay for palliative care. Actually, Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans cover this type of care.Only my primary care doctor can suggest this type of treatment. The fact is your doctor does play a significant role but it is up to you and your family. Let your family, caregivers and physician know you are interested in this care.Palliative Care is only provided by doctors and nurses. PC is truly a team of professionals. While physicians and nurses are team members, so too are therapists, social workers, nutritionists, chaplains and even massage therapists.The only diagnosis accepted for Palliative Care is Cancer. The truth is that virtually any serious or chronic illness may qualify. PC may be right for you or your family member if you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms of serious illness. Such illness may include cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ALS, among others.Once I choose Palliative Care, I will always have to be in the program. The reality is people move in and out of PC treatment as their needs and wants dictate.The main goal of Palliative Care is to reduce pain. You can expect relief from symptoms and issues that are important to you. Such symptoms often include pain management, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. PC helps you carry on with your daily life. It improves your ability to cope with medical treatments and helps you to better understand your condition. Additionally, people who face serious illness often need the emotional and spiritual support that is provided with PC.When it comes to quality of life, each patient has his or her own vision. Each suffering is unique. Each individual is unique. Each family and the dynamics are unique. Palliative Care is holistic and extends to family members and caregivers. It may also be utilized to provide education and counseling, respite for caregivers and home help with meals, shopping and transportation. PC is uniquely designed to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their families as they define it.For more information, attend a free presentation on “Palliative Care” on Wednesday, September 28 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the auditorium of Nathan Littauer Hospital, 99 E. State Street, Gloversville.You can also talk to your health care provider, contact the Center To Advance Palliative Care at capc.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.
