Littauer’s “Tree of Lights” Celebration holds special meaning to families Posted on December 18, 2012 by Dakota PikeA crowd gathered to hear Mickey Hobson sing “O Holy Night” as her husband Tom played the piano during the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary annual Tree of Lights Program. Over 80 people attended the program Saturday, December 1st, in the main lobby of the hospital.Mickey Hobson is singing “O Holy Night” as her husband Tom is playing the piano during the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary annual Tree of Lights Program.“This is a very special night and it means many different things to many people.” Anita Moore, Auxiliary President, and Co-Chairman commented, “I can’t believe how many people came tonight.” Donna Ellithorpe, Co-Chairman, also remarked, “Everyone here has a story that goes with the light on the tree. It really touches your heart.”Sue McNeil, Volunteer Director, said, “The program is so meaningful, the Auxiliary plans every part of it. They start putting it together in October and look forward to this special night.” Moore added, “It’s a team effort with our Engineering Deptartment putting the lights outside on the pillars; our Nutritional Department provided the refreshments. Toby Ortell, Co-Chairman, added, “Auxilian Evelyn Trippodo led the Blessing during the program, auxilian Barb Tucci decorated the Tree and Mona Capasso and Pat Walker handed out programs. It’s a team effort all the way to make this night so beautiful.”Pianist Pat Travis-Doull led auxiliary singers, Nate’s Notes, as they sang Christmas Carols after the program.”
Wellness Words December 2012 Posted on December 13, 2012February 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator HEALING POWER OF GRATITUDEThis is the time of year that asks us to count our blessings and to help those less fortunate. However, it is also a season which frequently brings high stress with all of the accompanying physical ailments such as headaches, fatigue, colds or even heart attacks. Those with chronic illnesses may even find their condition deteriorating under the pressures of the holidays.There is hope for us to become happier and healthier simply by learning to have an “attitude of gratitude.” Gratitude is not about “looking on the bright side” or denying reality. Gratitude goes much deeper than that, according to recent research in the emerging field of positive psychology. It’s about learning from a situation, taking the good to help deal with life’s challenges. According to research at the Harvard School of Medicine, there is a very real connection between gratitude and good health. An estimated 90% of all doctor’s visits are for stress-related ailments. Evidence suggests that today’s biggest health challenges are heart disease, cancer and diabetes—all conditions that have been liked to chronic stress.Thankfully, stress is not so much a result of what is going on in our lives as it is about how we perceive those things. The good thing is that we have some control over how we look at life’s challenges.Robert Emmons PhD. of the University of California, Davis wrote the first scientific study on gratitude, its causes, and potential impact on physical health. He showed conclusively that gratitude has a positive effect on reducing pain, improving digestion and strengthening the immune system.A related study at the University of Connecticut found that gratitude can have a protective effect against heart attack. They also found that participants who had experienced one heart attack – but who saw benefits and gains from it, such as being more appreciative of life – experience a significantly lower risk of having a second heart attack.To increase your level of gratitude, here are suggestions for getting started.Keep a gratitude journal: Set aside time daily or even weekly to record several things you are grateful for. Typically, people list 3-5 things. This is probably the most effective strategy for improving gratitude by causing you to pay attention to the good things in your life.Change your self-talk: Most of us are unaware of the negative things our mind focuses on each day. The first step is to pay attention to these negative thoughts and realize even if we think we are justified – the only person’s health they are hurting is our own. Try reframing these thoughts by finding a more positive way to look at the situation. Instead of complaining about all the things you can no longer do, try changing that to all the things you can still do. Gratitude will help you to be healthier and happier. It can also improve your relationships and make you feel more in control of your life. Practice being grateful … it is truly good for you!For more information on health and wellness, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120, 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.
Littauer’s Barb DeLuca, RRT-NPS appointed to state board Posted on November 29, 2012November 29, 2012 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s Barb Deluca, RRT-NPS appointed to state boardGloversville NY — Nathan Littauer announced today that their Cardio-Pulmonary Supervisor Barbara DeLuca, RRT-NPS. has been appointed to serve on State Board for Respiratory Therapy which is the advisory board to the Board of Regents. The board’s focus is on public protection in the healthcare arena. Barbara was appointed by the Board of Regents for a term to begin November 1, 2012. “We are very proud of Barbara’s accomplishments as a professional, a manager, a clinician and most importantly as a caregiver.” stated Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson who added, “She will be a huge asset toNew York State’s Education Department.” Ms. DeLuca will remain in her role at the hospital as well.According to Sarah Benson from the New York State Department of Education, Barbara “brings extensive hands-on and supervisory experience to the board, serving since 2004 as the Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville,NY.” She added Barbara has, “wide-ranging experience as a Respiratory Therapist” concluding, “I know that Barbara will be a wonderful addition to the board, and look forward to her involvement and contributions.The State Board for Respiratory Therapy’s purpose is to assist the Board of Regents and the Educational Department on matters of professional licensing and conduct in accordance with state licensing. Currently, the board is composed of six licensed respiratory therapists from throughout New York State, one physician, and one member of the public.Barbara stated, “I am pleased to be appointed to this board as I share a common purpose with its mission. Respiratory therapy is important work, and I look forward to assisting the board in any way possible.”
LITTAUER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER Posted on November 27, 2012March 27, 2013 by Dakota Pike“Jackie Ruggeri inspires everyone around her”LITTAUER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER“Jackie Ruggeri inspires everyone around her”Jackie Ruggeri works in Littauer’s Department of Care Coordination as a Care Coordination Assistant. Jackie has been with Littauer for over 10 years. One of her colleagues stated, “Whether it is contacting insurance companies to payroll to copying a chart, she does it with grace and effortlessness. When dealing with insurance companies on a daily basis she represents herself and the facility in an exceptionally professional manner.” Known for her good attitude, her manager explained, “Jackie is the embodiment of a great attitude. She inspires everyone around her with her dedication and caring. She is very well organized, diligent in her work, easily reachable and always on time.” One of our nurses explained, “She is a quiet hero. She is in the trenches everyday; ensuring loose ends are tied up and safety nets are in place for our patients.”Mr. Kelly agreed noting, “Jackie certainly deserves our thanks and appreciation.” Many people gathered at the celebration undoubtedly agreed as they clapped and cheered when her name was read. Jackie upon learning of the award stated, “I was very surprised to get this award. It means a lot to me because I try to do my job to the best of my ability. It helps when you have great co-workers around you and that NLH is a great place to work.”Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Nathan Littauer Goodwill Committee. The employee-led initiative strives to improve the patient experience by recognizing outstanding employees at every level in their network. Employees receive a plaque, preferred parking and a gift certificate.
Nathan Littauer employees raise money for Fulmont Action Agency Posted on November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer raised $4,800 this year in their annual basket raffle for Fulmont. Now in its 12th year, Littauer has donated over $40,000 to the agency.The Fulmont Community Action Agency announced today a donation they received from Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. A check in the amount of $4,800.00 was presented to Denis E. Wilson, Sr., Executive Director of the Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., during a short presentation at the hospital last month.In response to the donation, Mr. Wilson said, “I would like to thank the employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home for their continuing generosity to our agency, as well as the Courtesy Council for organizing this event again this year.” The project called “Kozy Coats” is an initiative of the hospital’s Courtesy Council and it includes a basket raffle in which all proceeds are donated to Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., Community Services division. Over 25 different departments each donated baskets this year. In turn, the proceeds are used to buy outer wear for local children. Last year, their efforts clothed 142 children. Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development stated, “Our employees always make such creative and generous donations to this community. They are remarkable. As an entirely- led initiative, their support of our community should be commended.”Now in its twelfth year, Nathan Littauer’s Kozy Coat project has raised over $40,000 since its inception. “The numbers are staggering.” said Hospital Spokesperson, Cheryl McGrattan. “The employees are beyond generous, giving large ticket items for the raffle. And they have fun doing it.”“Fulmont depends on the kindness and generosity of donors such as Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home to continue to provide quality services to low income families in our community,” said Denis Wilson. “On behalf of the hundreds of children who have reaped the benefits of the Kozy Coats Program over the years, I’d like to thank you all for your kindness.”