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.
Wellness Words September 2013 Posted on September 12, 2013September 12, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator In Honor Of Grandparents Day: Communicating With Your GrandchildrenMany of us are fortunate to have fond memories of baking cookies with Grandma, watching the game with Grandpa, or maybe even singing an old time song with Great Grandma. Today, with the hustle and bustle of the day, it’s easy to let time slip away from us…time that we could be spending cultivating relationships with our Grandparents.The AARP Foundation has developed the Grandparent’s Information Center that provides helpful information on the roles that Grandparents play in their family’s lives, how to improve communication between Grandparents and grandchildren, and tips to improve communication in long-distance relationships. Results from AARP’s 2012 member survey are below:COMMUNICATING ACROSS GENERATIONSGrandparents play many important roles in the family that no one else can fulfill because they have experienced things that we can only read about:Preserving Family HeritageGrandparents share stories from the past about their lives, current news about what is happening with family today, and help keep traditions alive.Special FriendsGrandparents report that the best thing about being a Grandparent is not being a parent. This leaves more time to enjoy conversing with grandchildren about school, daily life, and even spirituality.TeachersGrandparents teach moral values like good manners, respect, and strong work ethic. They also impart skills like gardening, cooking, sewing, fishing, sports, and even whittling.Life Long LearnersThough they have a lot of information to pass on to their grandchildren, Grandparents can learn a lot from their grandchildren such as staying healthy and physically active, being up to date on music and fashion, and learning how to use technology.HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH GRANDCHILDRENThese tips can make the communication process easier:Create a family archive filled with report cards, pictures, news clippings, etc. from past and present that you can use to start conversations.Ask parents about important things that are coming up for your grandchild like games, tests, and celebrations and ask about them.Ask your grandchildren if there is anything that they would like to learn from you, and think about what you would like to learn from your grandchildren. You can then teach each other a new skill.CULTIVATING A STRONG BOND ACROSS THE MILESAccording to the survey, 54% of grandparents live 200 or more miles away from their grandchildren. While distance can make it difficult to foster good communication, technology and modern means can make connecting easier:Make a tape or recording of yourself telling family stories or reading a book.Set up a regular schedule for phone calls or emails. Computer programs like Skype let you connect via the internet for free. If you have a camera you can communicate face to face!Send cards and photos to each other. Grandchildren can include their height.Plan visits whenever possible.For more information, visit aarp.org/grandparents or 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 August 2013 Posted on August 14, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator This Healthy Day Is Brought To You By LittauerIt is summertime in the Adirondacks, the “Land of 44 Lakes.” Looking around, you see people enjoying activities like tubing, hiking, biking, sailing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, miniature golfing, enjoying all this region has to offer. They are laughing, faces jovial, frolicking in the sunshine, taking in the picturesque mountains and bright golden sunsets. Wishing you felt up to partaking in all of the fun? Well you can, and we at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home would like to provide you with some ideas on how you can get there!• It all starts with taking good care of yourself! Be sure you schedule regular preventive health visits with your primary care provider. Don’t forget those annual screenings for both men and women that are so important to our health. Some people avoid them because they feel the screenings are too invasive, but the truth is these procedures could save our lives.• Plenty of exercise is important and that can be easier when the weather is nicer. Take a hike, join a walking club, swim, play a game of tennis, or take the kids in your life for regular walks to the library and get books to read at the beach.• Making healthier choices at the market in addition to encouraging physical activity are two ways we can model and encourage healthy lifestyles for those children in our lives. Take advantage of the local fruits and vegetables at farm stands, co-ops, and farmers markets. Avoid sugary drinks and have plenty of water on hand, especially during these hot summer days!• Slow down! We can get so involved with social media (like Facebook and Twitter) or other computer games and devices, that sometimes we are not fully “present.” We are often times so caught up thinking about the past (or the future) that we forget there is something happening right now, at this very moment. So how do we put down those devices and stay connected to reality rather than the internet? How do we put those pesky thoughts at bay and focus on the present? Here are a few ideas – take a “time out,” lay down on a beach towel either at the beach or right on your lawn and just watch the clouds roll by, take quiet nature walks, plan a fun day trip with loved ones, or spend the day with your family at the beach. You could even make a rule to Turn ‘Em Off or Tune ‘Em Out … the devices, that is!• Take advantage of HealthLink, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home’s Community Health and WellnessCenter, located inside the Fulton County YMCA. We have free information on health and wellness topics from A-Z, and offer a variety of other free or low cost services to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stop in to see us Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call us at 736-1120 or e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org with a question, or visit www.nlh.org to see our monthly calendar of events.So in the end, this healthy day really can be yours. We mean it when we say … “it’s your life, live it well!”
Wellness Words July 2013 Posted on July 19, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Tips For Staying Fit On Vacation‘Travel can be broadening’ in more than one way, unfortunately. To help avoid returning home less physically fit with extra pounds around your waistline, here are some important tips to remember from HealthLink’s Community Health Educator, Carol Tomlinson R.N. B.S.1) It’s easier to stay at your current weight and fitness level than it is to try to get back in shape and lose extra weight.2) The temptation to overeat or to eat high-fat foods can be avoided with simple guidelines such as:Ask about portion size…if it’s more than you normally eat, request that a portion of the meal be packaged for takeout before you are served.If your meal comes with a mound of french fries, cheese or other high-fat foods, don’t be afraid to request a healthier substitute.Snack on fruits and vegetables instead of potato chips and candy.Ask that meat dishes be lean and well-trimmed.To save calories, order a cup of soup instead of a bowl.Make the appetizer the main course or split the main course between 2 people.Don’t forget you still need 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Try ordering vegetable pizza, pasta or try a veggie-wrap. You might even ask that the vegetable portion be doubled and the meat portion be cut in half.Quench your thirst during the day with water.3) Help control your weight and muscle tone with 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Some ideas for including exercise in your trip are:Start your day with a 30 minute walk to see the sights. You will enjoy the health benefits and it will give you time to relax and plan for the day.Walking tours are a good alternative and will let you experience more of the local culture than if you were riding in a bus or car.Plan to take short breaks during the day. Instead of sitting in a rest area, take a brief walk before getting back into the car or bus.REMEMBER…vacations should be fun not work! Don’t push yourself to do more than you can accomplish comfortably in a day. If you become overtired, it will tempt you to eat more and be less physically active.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 June 2013 Posted on June 17, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Headaches?YOU MAY HAVE MORE CONTROL THAN YOU THINK!Headaches…we’ve all had them – a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck. According to MedLine Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, serious causes of headaches are very rare, and most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and sometimes by taking medications.TYPES & CAUSES Tension headaches are the most common and are likely caused by tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They may be related to stress, depression, anxiety, a head injury, or holding your head and neck in an abnormal position. Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing, like a tight band or vice. Your shoulders, neck or jaw may feel tight or sore.Migraine headaches are severe and usually occur with other symptoms, such as vision changes or nausea. The pain may be throbbing, pounding or pulsating. It tends to begin on one side of your head, although it may spread to both sides. You may have an “aura” (a group of warning symptoms that start before your headache). The pain usually gets worse as you try to move around. These headaches may be triggered by foods such as chocolate, certain cheeses, or MSG. Caffeine withdrawal, lack of sleep, and alcohol may also trigger them.Rebound headaches keep coming back and may occur from overuse of painkillers. These may also be called medication overuse headaches. Patients who take pain medication more than three days a week on a regular basis can develop this type of headache.Cluster headaches are sharp, very painful headaches that tend to occur several times a day for months, then go away for a similar period of time.Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face. They are due to swelling in the sinus passages behind the cheeks, nose and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning.Headaches may occur if you have a cold, the flu, a fever or premenstrual syndrome. A swollen, inflamed artery (which supplies blood to part of the head, temple and neck area) can occur with a disorder called temporal arteritis. Rarely, a headache may be a sign of a more serious cause.TREATMENTSIf your doctor has already told you what type of headache you have, there are many things you can do to manage headaches at home. Your doctor may have already prescribed medicines to treat your type of headache.Keep a headache diary to help find the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then change your environment or habits to avoid future headaches. When a headache occurs, write down:The date and time the headache beganWhat you ate for the past 24 hoursHow long you slept the night beforeWhat you were doing and thinking about just before the headache startedAny stress in your lifeHow long the headache lastedWhat you did to make it stopTry acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen for tension headaches. Do NOT give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye syndrome. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other blood thinners if there is a chance that you might have bleeding in your head (from a subdural hematoma, aneurysm or other injury). Talk to your doctor if you are taking pain medicines three or more days a week.WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTIONYou should talk to your doctor about your headaches if they become frequent or debilitating, if they interfere with your daily activities, if you are taking excessive over the counter medications to help you, or if you see a sudden change in the frequency, severity, or pattern of your headaches.Some headaches may be a sign of a more serious illness. Anyone who has these danger signs should seek medical help immediately:This is the first headache you have ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities.Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent.You would describe your headache as “your worst ever,” even if you regularly get headaches.You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache.Your headache gets worse over a 24-hour period.You also have a fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting with your headache.Your headache occurs with a head injury.Your headache is severe and just in one eye, with redness in that eye.You are over age 50 and your headaches just began, especially if you also have vision problems and pain while chewing.You have cancer and develop a new headache.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.
