Littauer’s organ donation efforts recognized in 126th annual Tournament of Roses Parade Posted on January 30, 2015 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – Nathan Littauer Hospital will be recognized once again with a rose on the Donate Life Float in the 126th annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Nathan Littauer partners with the Center for Donation & Transplant (CDT) to facilitate life-saving organ and tissue donation. The rose also recognizes Littauer’s support for organ donation through the Donate Life Flag Program. In 2015, a flag will be flown at the hospital following every organ and tissue donation case, which will then be given to the donors’ families in honor of their loved one. This year’s float features “The Never-Ending Story,” a special float developed by the national Donate Life America organization, will appear in the parade to commemorate organ donation. It includes butterflies emerging from storybooks to symbolize the enduring power of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. The float and its honored participants are the centerpiece of a national campaign leading up to the 2015 Rose Parade, whose theme this year is “Inspiring Stories.” “Every donation of organs, eyes and tissue begins an inspiring story that lives on forever,” said Bryan Stewart, chairman of the Donate Life Rose Parade Float Committee. “In their passing, deceased donors open up a world of health, sight and mobility to people in need.” Since its debut on New Year’s Day 2004, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float has become the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people to become organ, eye and tissue donors. The campaign began as an idea expressed in a letter by lung recipient Gary Foxen of Orange, Calif., who wanted to show gratitude to donors who make life-saving transplants possible. Now in its 12th year, the float entry is celebrated at hundreds of events nationwide where families put the finishing touches on florograph (a picture of the donor made out of plants/flowers) portraits and donation and transplant professionals present dedicated roses to donor families, living donors and community partners who play a role in making donation possible. The florograph will be on display at the news conference. Donation experts say that one person can save up to eight lives through the donation of vital organs – heart, kidney, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine – and help 50 people or more who need corneas to see, skin to heal from burns, and bones and connective tissue for common knee, back and dental surgeries. In addition, approximately 6,000 lives per year are saved by living kidney and liver donors. Anyone can sign up when renewing a driver’s license or state identification, or by visiting www.DonateLifeAmerica.org. The 126th parade will took place on Thursday, Jan. 1, featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the parade was the 101st Rose Bowl Game. (CBS News website)Organ and tissue recipients and other volunteers began decorating the 12th Donate Life float in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home was represented with the float.
Littauer annual Tree of Lights program brings special meaning to loved ones Posted on January 30, 2015 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary annual Tree of Lights program was held Monday, Dec. 1 before a gathering of 80 people in the Littauer Hospital lobby. Auxialian Rosanne Manuele, program co-chairman opened the ceremony saying, “This is a very special night and it means many different things to many people.” Littauer President and CEO Laurence Kelly added, “There is a reason we are all here this evening as we remember someone special. Everyone here has a story that goes with a light on the tree.” Auxialian and program co-chairman Donna Ellithorpe read a poem she composed for the evening and said, “Each of our loved ones is remembered with a light. It really touches our hearts.” Susan McNeil, Volunteer Director said, “The Auxiliary plans the evening, and in coordination with various Littauer departments, we bring this all together.” McNeil went on to say, “It’s a team effort all the way, and that’s what makes this night so beautiful.” Tom Hobson led the program playing piano as his wife Mickey sang “Good Christian Men Rejoice.” Pianist Pat Travis-Doull led the auxiliary singers “Nate’s Notes” as they sang Christmas Carols after the program. Auxilians Barb Tucci and family decorated the Tree and Toby Ortell handed out programs. The Reverend Bonnie Orth, Pastoral Care Coordinator at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home led the Blessing.Charles and Anita Ashelman of Gloversville read the names of loved ones posted at the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary annual Tree of Lights program
Littauer’s Dr. Husson, featured guest on WAMC’s Medical Monday Posted on January 30, 2015 by Dakota PikeDr. Paul Husson, a urologist at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center was on WAMC’s Medical Monday, December 15 with Dr. Alan Chartock . The broadcast was heard across seven states.Many listeners, including women called to ask about urological issues, including: kidney stones, urinary tract infections, incontinence and screenings for prostrate, bladder and kidney cancers. Local stations broadcasting the interview were:WAMC, 90.3 FM, Albany NYWAMC, 1400 AM, Albany, NYWCAN, 93.3 FM, Canajoharie NY
Littauer presents check to Make-A-Wish Northeast New York Posted on January 30, 2015 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Courtesy Counsel annual Holiday Basket raffle raised $5400 for Make-A-Wish Northeast New York this year. The donation remains local for a medically eligible child. Over 20 baskets were donated from departments throughout the hospital and nursing home. “The employees here at Nathan Littauer are very giving and willing to help their community” said Moshgan Jones, NLH Courtesy Counsel Chairperson. “Each department is so creative.” “Every year we support a local community non-profit organization, and typically raise $5000,”said Jones. “We are thrilled that Make-A-Wish gives back so greatly to those in our community. We met the recipient of last year’s donation, and it meant to world to our employees.” For the second year in a row, the NLH Courtesy Counsel has partnered with Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. In the course of two and a half days on Dec. 10, 11 and 12, 2014 employees and guests of NLH brought $5400 for the fundraiser. Receiving the check for Make-A-Wish Northeast New York was the foundation’s CEO, Dr. William Trigg. He told the crowd gathered at the celebration, “Know that you are bringing hope, strength, and joy to a special child with this generous donation.” Adding “We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and this money will be used locally to make a child’s wish come true.” Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since 1987, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York has granted nearly 1,500 wishes in the 518 area code and currently grants 90 to 100 wishes each year. Littauer CEO and President Laurence Kelly, left, Littauer Courtesy Council Chairman Moshgan Jones and Make-A-Wish CEO Bill Trigg
Wellness Words January 2015 Posted on January 16, 2015January 28, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health EducatorStay Safe This WinterWinter weather can definitely be frightful! There are things you can do to be better prepared for winter weather situations. Making good choices is one way to stay safe, such as staying indoors when it is extremely cold and windy, or staying outside for just a short time if you must go out. When you do go outside, wearing layers, hats, gloves, scarves, coat, and boots helps prevent frost bite, which is damage to the body from the cold that can affect a person from the skin to the bone. Cheeks, ears, nose, fingers, chin, and toes are at the greatest risk of frost bite so be sure to cover up all areas of your body when heading outside. Here are some other tips for staying safe this winter:WalkingBe sure walkways are cleared, shoveled, salted, and free from ice. If not, find a different path.Purchase shoe grips and cane grips to help you stay steady on icy or snowy grounds.Re-purpose empty parmesan cheese shakers by filling them with sand or salt. Take one with you wherever you go and sprinkle the sand or salt whenever you feel you need it.DrivingKeep a coffee can or bucket filled with sand or salt in your car.If it is very cold, windy, snowing, or if the roads are icy, stay home.Plan ahead by stocking up on things you need, and running errands on good weather days.Make sure your car is ready for winter. When you have your oil changed, ask the mechanic to also check the anti-freeze, windshield wipers, and tires, and have them replaced if needed.Be sure to have a blanket, extra hat, gloves, and a sweatshirt in your car for an emergency, along with a shovel, flashlight, snow brush, and even a first-aid kit.CommunicationAlways take your cellphone with you in case of an emergency. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone that requires you to buy inexpensive “minute cards” or “airtime” periodically.When traveling, arrange to check in with someone when you have arrived at your destination. That person can also call to check on you if they have not heard from you.At Home: Outside and Inside Make sure your walkways are cleared, sanded or salted, and properly lit.If you are shoveling, be mindful of your body. Shoveling snow can be hard work. Talk to your doctor to be sure that this is something that you can do safely. If you are not able to do this on your own, ask a neighbor, friend, local Boy Scout troop, etc. to assist you.Check the batteries on smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors. Make sure your fire extinguisher is in working condition. If you do not have one, consider purchasing one that can be used in a variety of fires.Always have a lantern, flashlight, plenty of blankets, non-perishable food, and bottled water on hand in the event of a power outage. Make arrangements ahead of time to stay with family or friends if there is an extended power outage.Have a list of emergency numbers by the phone for your use as well as a list of your emergency contacts posted somewhere visible, such as the refrigerator.The winter months can be a beautiful time of year, but winter can also be dangerous if you are not taking the proper precautions to stay safe. Be sure to check in with family and friends on a regular schedule, make good decisions, bundle up when going out, and have a safe and happy winter!For more information, visit healthinaging.org or contact 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.
