Kathie Rorhs receives award for clinical strengths and vision Posted on May 28, 2013 by Dakota PikeCongratulations to our own Kathie Rohrs, MSN, RN, CDE, a Patient Education Coordinator and Diabetes Educator at Littauer who was awarded the prestigious Ellen Burns Award by the Nursing Organization from Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady counties last week. The Award is given annually to a nurse who has a vision of nursing and consistently explores new perspectives for meeting nursing challenges of the future by: articulating this vision into his/her own area of practice and assisting colleagues, new graduates, and students through support and role modeling, to embrace the vision. The organization also look for a change agent. That is, someone who promotes a positive image of nursing to the community through role-modeling and empowerment of self and others. She provides professional and/or community education, and she continuously strives toward professional growth. They also recognized Kathie for her excellence in nursing through assisting students and colleagues to meet personal and professional goals and by assisting the community to meet health needs and expectations.Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO states, “We are immensely proud of Kathie Rohrs and her outstanding work in the field of diabetic counseling and management. There are hundreds of people in our region who are walking examples of her work. They are the people who are living life to the fullest because of Kathie’s encouragement, skill and counsel after being diagnosed with diabetes.” He added, “We have always known her to be a passionate, committed nurse. It was only a matter of time before she was recognized for her work in this field.”
Wellness Words May 2013 Posted on May 15, 2013May 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator OsteoarthritisWHAT IS IT?Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis, hypertrophic arthritis, or age-related arthritis) implies an inflamed joint by its very name. Osteoarthritis (OA) develops over time as our joints age. Don’t confuse OA with osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes thinning of the bones.According to the Cleveland Clinic, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the United States, affecting more than 70% of adults between 55 and 78 years of age. Women are affected more than men. OA is very common and can be impacted by obesity, injuries we have sustained through our lives, age, and genetic disposition. OA can cause our joints to become stiff and painful. Any of our joints can be affected, such as the joints in our hands, knees, hips, neck, and back.HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?Our bones are cushioned at the ends by joints. Our joints contain cartilage and fluid, which act as “shock absorbers.” According to the Mayo Clinic, cartilage is a firm and slippery tissue that allows “frictionless joint movement.” Repeated use of our bones causes deterioration of the cartilage and fluid in the joint. When cartilage deteriorates, our bones begin to rub against each other.Thitinan Srikulmontree M.D., a Rheumatologist at San JuanMedicalCenter, postulates that when this happens, it results in the inflammation of the area around our joints, bone deterioration, and a reduction in range of motion. Dr. Srikulmontree says that the symptoms of OA are different for each person, and can include swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth, and creaking of the joints. OA can affect anyone age 40 and older. The risk factors are: obesity, injuries to the joints, having family members with OA, or joint deformities.DIAGNOSING OAThere are different ways doctors can diagnose this type of arthritis in patients. According to WebMD, an x-ray allows doctors to see if there has been a loss of cartilage in the joint area. Other tests used to diagnose OA examine joint fluid, and analyze the location of the problem, the duration, and the type of symptoms that are occurring. Finally, through surgical procedures, doctors can view joint spaces to locate any abnormalities. The diagnosis process is different for each patient.HOW DO YOU MANAGE OA?There are many types of treatments for OA from medication to surgery. Since the effects and symptoms of OA differ so much from person to person, only your doctor can tell you what treatments are right for you. There are other things that you can do to minimize the effects that OA can have on your daily living. First and foremost is weight loss and healthy lifestyle. According to Dr. Srikulmontree, each pound we lose reduces the amount pressure put on our joints, which eases pain. If you don’t have OA, the weight loss decreases the likelihood that you will develop it.Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can help strengthen muscles, decrease pain, and can lessen the chance of disability due to OA. It’s best to check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any type of exercise, but generally “low impact” exercise is desirable. Activities such as swimming or taking an arthritis Tai Chi class can help reduce pain and improve overall fitness. Using canes, leg braces, and hot or cold therapy can help decrease pain.Dr. Srikulmontree also suggests some other steps you can take to help you manage OA. They include cushioning your neck and back while sitting and sleeping, adjusting things around the house to access them easier (for example, raising your chair or toilet seat), and avoiding repeated joint motions like bending,For more information, attend a free program entitled ‘Osteoarthritis’ on May 22 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Littauer’s Auditorium presented by Dr. Donald Raddatz, Rheumatologist of Cooperstown. For more information, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120.
Walk, or roll to school with Littauer Posted on May 15, 2013May 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeLocal schools and Nathan Littauer to celebrate National Bike or Walk to School Day May 8- 15, 2013 Nathan Littauer Hospital and schools from the Johnstown and Gloversville School districts will join others from around the nation to celebrate National Bike or Walk to School Day on May 8 and throughout the following week. The collaboration is with the schools, Public Health of Fulton County and local schools. Hundreds of students from Glebe Street and Park Terrace Elementary Schools will be walking and rolling to school Wednesday along with parents, teachers and community leaders. Glebe Street students will walk or bike from home in the company of family or friends. Glebe is holding a second walk or bike to school day one week later on May 15th. Students who participate in both events will have their name entered in a prize drawing. For Park Terrace, the event will begin at 8 am with students, school staff, parents and community leaders walking or biking from the park at the intersection Park and Forrest Streets to school. Participants will arrive at the school at in time for a special healthy breakfast and have their name entered in a prize drawing as well. Feedback from students who participated in last year’s walk to school days said they liked spending time with family and friends, recognizing that is was also good for them. Many noted that they could concentrate in better school after their early morning exercise. The event is being organized by the respective school with support from Nathan Littauer’s HealthLink, Fulton County Public Health and the Johnstown and Gloversville Police Departments. HealthLink Director, Sue Cridland, said that these type of events are relatively easy to implement.. the key is having a few committed staff members at each school who are willing to promote the idea. In 2011, International Walk to School Day was celebrated at more than 4,000 events at schools across the United States, along with children and adults in 40 countries around the world. Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community. For additional local information, please contact Sue Cridland, Director of Community Education for Nathan Littauer Hospital , (518) 736-1120 For additional information, please visit these websites: Walk to School Day in the USA www.walkbiketoschool.org National Center for Safe Routes to School www.saferoutesinfo.orgInternational Walk to School Day www.iwalktoschool.org About Walk to School DayWalk to School Day was established in the United States in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America. Canada and Great Britain already had walk to school programs in place. In 2000, these three countries joined together to create International Walk to School Day. The National Center for Safe Routes to School serves as the national coordinating agency for Walk to School activities in the United States. Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.Organizations supporting International Walk to School Day in the United States include America Walks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. xxx
Kathie Rohrs receives award for clinical strengths and vision Posted on May 13, 2013 by Dakota PikeCongratulations to our own Kathie Rohrs, MSN, RN, CDE, a Patient Education Coordinator and Diabetes Educator at Littauer who was awarded the prestigious Ellen Burns Award by the Nursing Organization from Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady counties last week. The Award is given annually to a nurse who has a vision of nursing and consistently explores new perspectives for meeting nursing challenges of the future by: articulating this vision into his/her own area of practice and assisting colleagues, new graduates, and students through support and role modeling, to embrace the vision. The organization also look for a change agent. That is, someone who promotes a positive image of nursing to the community through role-modeling and empowerment of self and others. She provides professional and/or community education, and she continuously strives toward professional growth. They also recognized Kathie for her excellence in nursing through assisting students and colleagues to meet personal and professional goals and by assisting the community to meet health needs and expectations. Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO states, “We are immensely proud of Kathie Rohrs and her outstanding work in the field of diabetic counseling and management. There are hundreds of people in our region who are walking examples of her work. They are the people who are living life to the fullest because of Kathie’s encouragement, skill and counsel after being diagnosed with diabetes.” He added, “We have always known her to be a passionate, committed nurse. It was only a matter of time before she was recognized for her work in this field.”
Nathan Littauer Celebrates Hospital Week Posted on May 10, 2013May 10, 2013 by Dakota PikeNational Hospital Week PutsSpotlight on PeopleA hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. That’s the message organizers are touting with the 2013 National Hospital Week theme “A Guiding Light for Changing Times.” National Hospital Week is May 12-18th of this year.Nathan Littauer is also celebrating National Nursing Home Week the same week. “National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people,” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer‘s President and CEO said. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our staff and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.”The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country. A full slate of community activities is planned for 2013. At a picnic May 16th employees will be recognized for their dedication to the Littauer Family of Health Services. In celebration the hospital plans the following activities:Monday: National Hospital Week kick-off Walking track challenge begins Volleyball Begins Reiki 2pm-4pm Blood Pressures from 11am-1pm in lobby Tuesday: Make your own Ice cream Sundays Music in Café’ Wednesday: Nathan Littauer gives back! Employee gifts. Massages 9am-1pm and 3:30pm- 6:30pm Reiki 1pm-2pmThursday: BBQ for hospital employees starting at 3am until 6pm Massages 6am – 8amFriday: Gifts to be handed out by managers. ZUMBA (in apple orchard parking lot) 4pmAccording to the American Hospital Association, “Hospitals are: Economic Contributors, Gateways to Care, and Centers of Innovation. Improving Community Health and Committed to Quality and Safety.”
