We celebrate clean hands Posted on January 15, 2014January 15, 2014 by Dakota PikeAt Nathan Littauer we are obsessed with clean hands. See why.
Wellness Words January 2014 Posted on January 15, 2014 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Make Resolutions That Will Last All YearAt midnight on January 1st, many of us were shouting Happy New Year, and singing the traditional New Year’s Eve song, Auld Lang Syne. It’s also a time when people start thinking about the year ahead and making resolutions, making lists of things they don’t want to do, and how they will deprive themselves of the things they like and enjoy. Why not make some resolutions this year that will add to the quality, health, and happiness of your life?HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED RESOLUTIONS FOR 2014Everything in ModerationNow, we all know that donuts and French fries are not good for us, but what is the likelihood of giving them up altogether? If you set the standards too high, you will wind up failing, feel badly about yourself and be less likely to “stick to it.” Instead, why not allow yourself a portion of those foods once or twice a week. Set a day, like Friday, for one treat. When you know you are going to have that treat on Friday, you will be more motivated to stick with the healthy foods throughout the rest of the week.Choose LocalFruits and vegetables are important, they give us the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. Why not support local farmers, and in turn, end up with better tasting products, since local products get from the farm to the shelf quicker. Try visiting your local farm stand or farmer’s market (a little harder to find in the winter) or your local food coop, likely open all year long. If you are computer savvy, check out LocalHarvest.org for more information on local produce.Move More If you don’t really like to exercise, or if you are not already involved in daily movement, resolving to spend three hours in the gym probably will not go well. Try setting SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and timely. For example: “I’m going to walk at the mall, 30 minutes a day, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next two months.” Or, “I’m going to take a senior water aerobics class at the Y for 8 weeks, starting next week.” Also, gyms and exercise classes are fun but don’t forget to think outside the box! Try hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. Don’t forget about walking at the mall or a local school, museums, and while site seeing.Try Something NewPeople stick with what they know and commonly say, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Why not spice things up a bit. Try having a “meatless Monday” or that new (healthy) recipe you saw recently in a magazine. Start one of those hobbies you have always thought about. Get involved in the community by volunteering at your local hospital, soup kitchen, animal shelter, or theater program. Take a vacation to a place you have always wanted to go but have never been. Have An Attitude of Gratitude…All Year LongSend hand written letters and cards to those you love, letting them know just how much they mean to you. Maybe even send a care package “just because” to let people know you are thinking about them. It is so nice to receive letters in the mail with warm thoughts and messages from loved ones, isn’t it? Start the “gratitude jar” tradition. Use any glass jar you have on hand, and decorate it any way you like. Each time you are grateful for something, write it on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Review the slips with family and friends on December 31st, reminiscing about those events will allow you to enjoy them again. Lastly, remember to celebrate your efforts towards keeping your resolutions, and have a happy and healthy 2014!For more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in 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 December 2013 Posted on December 17, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator The Healing Power Of Gratitude‘Tis the season when we’re reminded to count our blessings and help those in need, however there are many benefits to embracing an “attitude of gratitude” all year long that you must consider. Reminding yourself to be thankful for the things that you have in life rather than focusing on what you don’t have, can change your life profoundly.The ResearchIn fact, according to Robert Emmons, PhD. at the University of California, there are many physical health, physiological well-being, and relationship benefits of practicing gratitude. Dr. Emmons has been studying the effects gratitude for over ten years, working with more than 1,000 people ages 8 to 80, and found some of the effects of practicing gratitude to include: stronger immune system, less aches and pains, lower blood pressure, higher levels of positive emotions, happiness and optimism, more generosity, forgiveness, and people were also more outgoing. According to Emmons, practicing gratitude can also help us in celebrating the present moment, blocking negative emotions, resisting stress, and feeling a higher sense of worth. So, what can you do to recognize and express your gratitude?Strategies to Begin Practicing GratitudeStart a gratitude journal and record those things that you are grateful for. It will likely take just a few minutes each day to jot down things like spending time with loved ones, receiving a special letter or a phone call, family, great job, etc. Keep a notebook by your bed and write for a few minutes each morning or at night before you go to sleep to reflect on the day.Think about life according to the “George Bailey Effect” (referencing the character George Bailey from the movie It’s A Wonderful Life). Choose something that is special to you, either a person, place, or event that is meaningful to you and write about how your life would be different without that special person, place, or event. This will help you cultivate a deeper appreciation for that which you do have in life, and take the focus off of what you don’t have.Slow down this holiday season and do only what you really want to do. Often times we do things out of obligation and then don’t enjoy ourselves while doing them. Enjoy yourself, be grateful for the time you can spend with friends and loved ones, and learn that it’s ok to say no, you don’t even have to give an explanation.Paying it forward is another way to express our appreciation for all of the blessings bestowed upon us. If someone does something nice for you, do something nice for someone else that may be in need. You can also take part in a random act of kindness and do something nice for someone just because.Finally, change your self talk into grateful thinking (Psychology Today). Self talk is “the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our heads every day” (Mayo Clinic 2011). For many of us, our self talk focuses on negative thoughts and messages. It is important to turn off those negative thoughts and tune in to more positive ones. We can do that by re-framing our thoughts. Start by thinking about situations differently and focus on the positive and all that we have to be grateful for. Think of the glass as half full rather than half empty. Then, focus on the things that you can change, rather than on the things you can’t.Practicing gratitude can make you happier, improve your health, well-being, and even your relationships. So, practice gratitude, be happy, and in turn, be healthy!For more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in 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 November 2013 Posted on November 15, 2013November 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Emergency Preparedness: Prepare, Plan, Stay InformedWhat will you do when faced with an emergency or natural disaster, for example a flood, major ice or snow storm, tornado, or extended power outage? Many people do not consider the steps they will take until faced with a situation. FEMA’s Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed Guide (developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with AARP, American Red Cross, and National Organization on Disabilities) suggests these easy tips that may help you be prepared for whatever may come our way.STEP ONE: MAKE SAFETY KITSPrepare two safety kits, one that will stay at home and a lighter one you can travel with. What you put in these kits depends on the types of things that you use on a day to day basis. Here are some suggestions from FEMA:One gallon of water per person per day for at least three daysNon-perishable foods and a can openerBattery powered or NOAA weather radiosFlashlightsExtra batteriesFirst aid kit and your medicationsA whistle to signal for helpTools that you may need to complete tasks like turning off utilitiesMoist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal hygienePlastic sheeting and duct tape will help in times of contaminated air, as well as dust masksMaps and other important documents such as wills, deeds, power of attorney, banking information, and tax records should be kept in a water proof container.Don’t forget Fido! Pets need everything that we need, so make sure to have plenty of water and food on hand for your furry friends.STEP TWO: MAKE A PLANContact anyone that might visit you on a day to day basis, like a visiting nurse or home health aide, and find out what their emergency or disaster procedures are.Create an emergency contact list of family and friends that will support you in case of an emergency and share important parts of your plan, like where you will evacuate to, and where your emergency supplies are.Develop a family communication plan outlining how you will contact one another. Each family member could be assigned to call or email one friend or relative, like a phone tree.Make plans for staying put and evacuating. Base your decision on whether to stay or go from local authorities, and news reports of official instructions.When you make an evacuation plan, consider destinations in different directions to give you more options.If you have special needs, for example you use a cane or wheelchair, oxygen, Lifeline, if you have difficulty hearing, a visual impairment, etc., consider filling out the Fulton County Disabled Persons Voluntary Registry. This authorizes emergency responders to enter your home in an emergency to assure your safety and welfare. Forms can be obtained at Fulton County Public Health, Office For Aging, Office of Civil Defense and Fire Coordination, and NathanLittauerHospital’s Lifeline program as well.STEP THREE: STAY INFORMEDThere are a few ways you can receive local information in the event of an emergency, such as the current situation at hand, designated shelters, power outages, road blocks, etc. First, stay tuned to local radio stations, like WIZR and WENT. Second, be on the look out for your local fire departments, as they may be deployed to provide assistance. Fulton County is also working on establishing a reverse 911 system that would provide emergency automated messages via phone.To learn more about how you can prepare yourself in case of an emergency, and what types of emergencies are likely to affect our region, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239).For more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in 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 2013 Posted on October 11, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Medication SafetyDid you know that Saturday, October 26th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day? The purpose of this event is to provide a safe way for people to dispose of their unused or expired prescription drugs, and to educate the general public about the potential for prescription drug abuse.In a 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration determined that 70% of children who abuse prescription drugs admit to getting them from family or friends.Why can’t we just throw our medications in the trash? According to AARP, participating in Take-Back Events will:Minimize opportunities for people seeking to use discarded medications illegally or sell them.Keep medications away from children and animals.Keep toxins and chemicals in medications from polluting our environment.Be Sure That Your Medications Are Safe and Secure According to the National Council on Patient Information and Education, there are things we can do to ensure our medications are stored and disposed of safely:Complete a medicine cabinet inventory at least every 6 months.Check the expiration dates on medicine bottles and dispose of anything outdated (see safe disposal tips below).Look for and dispose of any “leftovers,” or medications from a previous illness.Keep medications in a location that is safe, cool, and dry as heat and humidity can damage medication. Medications arriving by mail should not be left in a mailbox for too long.Lock up medications, especially controlled substances, in locked boxes or drawers.Keep your medications separate from those of your spouse or other family members.Open pill bottles over a flat surface. In the event that you drop or spill the bottle, pills will not land on the floor.Keep medications in the bottles they came in. Did you know the amber color protects medicine from the light?Never mix different medications in the same bottle.Keep lids on pill bottles closed tightly so a child can not open them.Throw away any cotton that may be in your pill bottles as the cotton absorbs moisture and can negatively effect medications.According to AARP, when traveling do not pack medications in a suitcase that will be put in the trunk of the car or that will be checked on a plane while flying due to heat conditions.Safely dispose of outdated medications by participating in Take-Back events.If that is not possible, crush pills or caplets if you can, and put them in cans or sealable bags. Mix medications with substances like kitty litter, coffee grounds, flour, or sawdust. Add water, mix, and seal the container.Be sure to remove labels and other personal information from empty pill bottles.There is a Prescription Drug Disposal Day scheduled for Fulton and Montgomery Counties on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Below is a list of the disposal sites for each county:Fulton County Johnstown City Police Department – 41 E. Main Street, JohnstownGloversville City Police Department – 3 Frontage Road, GloversvilleMontgomery CountyMontgomeryCounty Sherriff – 200 Clark Drive, FultonvilleCanajoharie Police Department – 75 Erie Boulevard, CanajoharieSt. Johnsville Kinney Drugs – 12 Park Place, St. JohnsvilleFort Plain Police Department – 168 Canal Street, Fort PlainAmsterdam Police Department – Guy Park Avenue Ext, AmsterdamFor more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
