Wellness Words May 2012 Posted on May 8, 2012July 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator TICK AWARENESSTicks are small spider like animals that bite to fasten themselves onto the skin and feed on blood. They live in the fur and feathers of many birds and animals. Tick bites occur most often during the early spring to late summer months in areas with high wild animal populations.Most ticks do not carry diseases and most tick bites do not cause serious health problems. Your risk of developing disease is greatly reduced if the tick is removed within 36 hours. However, some tick-borne diseases include:Lyme DiseaseRocky Mountain Spotted FeverTularemiaEhrlichiosisRelapsing FeverColorado Tick FeverBabesiosis Effective prevention and treatment of tick bites is the best way to avoid these diseases. There are several preventative steps that you can take to avoid tick bites. These include:Apply an insect repellent. Use the repellents according to the directions on the label, especially when applying repellent to children.Cover as much of your skin as possible when working or playing in grassy or wooded areas. Wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants with the legs tucked into your socks. If you think you may have a tick on your clothing, put it in the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes to kill the tick.Wear gloves when you handle animals or work in the woods.Take steps to control ticks on your property. Clearing leaves, brush, tall grasses, woodpiles, and stone fences from around your house and the edges of your yard or garden. Remove plants that attract deer and use barriers to keep deer, and the deer ticks they may carry, out of your yard. Also, check your pets for ticks after they have been outside.Stay away from tick-infested areas. If you have been bitten by a tick, the sooner the tick is removed, the less likely they are to spread disease.Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick. If you don’t have tweezers, put on gloves or cover hands with tissue paper, then use your fingers. Do not handle the tick with bare hands. Grab the tick as close to its mouth as possible, the body will be above the skin. Don’t grab the tick around its bloated belly because you might push infected fluid from the tick into your body. Pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of your skin.Don’t try to burn the tick while it is attached to your skin.Put the tick in a sealed container and save it in the freezer for later identification if necessary.Wash the tick bite area with warm water and soap. Wash your hands after removing the tick. Watch for these symptoms after a tick bite and if any occur, contact your healthcare provider:Flu-like symptoms developA rash or sore developsSymptoms of a skin infection developSymptoms become more severe or more frequent For more information, attend a free “Tick” Town Hall Meeting on May 14 at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your pets disease-free this season from a health care panel including Dr. Thomas N. Mather Ph.D., the world’s leading tick and Lyme Disease expert from the University of Rhode Island. To attend, call Littauer at 773-5533 or e-mail tick@nlh.org.
Wellness Words April 2012 Posted on April 10, 2012July 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator SAFE STORAGE & DISPOSAL OF MEDICINEPrescription medicines are an important treatment option that many people depend upon. These medicines help to treat a vast number of diseases and provide a better quality of life for patients. However, if these medicines are abused it could lead to very serious medical problems. According to the Federal Drug Abuse Warning Network, emergency room visits due to abuse of prescription drugs are greater than the number of visits due to abuse of marijuana and heroin combined. It is also reported that 1.5 million American kids have reported they have abused prescription drugs.It is extremely important for these medicines to be safely stored and disposed of! This will prevent accidental abuse by patients and abuse by other individuals who the medicines aren’t prescribed for. Safety Tips For Storing & Using Medications Include:Keep your medicines separate from those of other family members. This will decrease the chances of taking the wrong medication.Take medication in areas with good lighting to make sure that you are taking the right medicine and never take medicines in the dark.Keep the medicines in the bottle that they came in. The amber color of bottle protects medicine from light and all the medication’s information is on the bottle in case you need it.Never mix different medicines in the same bottle.Always keep the lids on your bottles tightly closed.If there is cotton in the pill bottle when you first open it, remove it and throw it away. The cotton can absorb moisture and affect the medicine that is inside.The Federal Guidelines For Prescription Medicine Disposal Encourage Individuals To:Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw them in the trash.Mixing prescription drugs with undesirable substances will ensure the drugs are not diverted. The substances include coffee grounds, kitty litter, empty cans or sealable bags.Only flush prescription medications down the toilet if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so.Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs or community solid waste programs. These programs are a good way to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.There is a Prescription Drug Disposal Day scheduled for Fulton, Hamilton and Montgomery Counties on April 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. -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, GloversvilleHamilton CountyLane Emporium – Corner of Routes 30 & 8, SpeculatorInlet Police Department – 160 Route 28, InletMontgomery CountyMontgomery County Sherriff – 200 Clark Drive, FultonvilleCanajoharie Police Department – 75 Erie Boulevard, CanajoharieSt. Johnsville Police Department – 16 Washington Street, St. JohnsvilleFort Plain Police Department – 168 Canal Street, Fort PlainAmsterdam Police Department – Guy Park Avenue Ext, AmsterdamFor more information, contact your health care provider or 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 March 2012 Posted on March 13, 2012August 16, 2012 by Dakota Pike HealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator NUTRITION AND AGINGGood nutrition is vital to preventive health and healthy aging! As we age, our nutritional requirements change. We tend to need less caloric intake but need more calcium, vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. This change in nutritional needs can be a difficult adjustment to make and it is important that you gain advice from health care professionals. WebMD has provided 10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Nutrition And Healthy Aging.1. How do I know if I’m getting all the nutrition I need?Many Americans, especially older ones, aren’t getting all the nutrition that they need for optimal health. Even people who are overweight fall short on the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need. Many of the calories that people consume have little nutritional value. Talk to your doctor about the signs of vitamin or mineral deficiencies.2. Do any of the medications I use affect my appetite or how food tastes?A range of medications can interfere with good nutrition. It is important to discuss what medications you are taking with your doctor.3. Do any of the medications I’m taking get in the way of absorbing nutrients I need?A variety of prescription drugs can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.4. I’m not very hungry when I know it’s time to eat. Is that normal for someone my age?There are many reasons why older individuals don’t have a powerful appetite. These individuals are usually less active and their bodies require fewer calories. However, sudden loss of appetite can also be a sign of depression or other serious health problems.5. Should I consider taking a multivitamin?Experts disagree on whether older Americans should be routinely counseled to take a multivitamin. Many agree that the best way to get your nutrients is from food, not pills. Talk to your doctor before taking any pills.6. What about other single vitamins or mineral supplements?Some people may need to take an additional supplement of certain nutrients. Such as people who need a vitamin D or calcium supplement. Talk to your doctor before taking any pills.7. Should I cut back on salt in my diet?If you have hypertension, and even if your blood pressure is at the high end of normal, cutting back on salt may be helpful. Recent evidence shows that the less sodium you consume, the lower your risk.8. How much alcohol is safe to drink?Studies have shown that moderate amounts of alcohol reduce the risk of heart disease. However, most doctors are reluctant to encourage people to drink because the risks for some can outweigh the benefits. Talk to your doctor about a safe level for you that maximize benefits and minimize risks.9. Could I cut back on my medication by following a healthier lifestyle?Many older people can cut back on blood pressure, cholesterol or other medication by eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise. Talk to your doctor about whether a healthier lifestyle could mean taking fewer pills.10. Should I make an appointment with a registered dietician?Doctors understand the importance of a healthy diet, but may not have the time to provide complete dietary counseling. If you have more questions than your doctor has time to answer, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian.For more information, contact your health care provider, Littauer’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling at 773-5413, or 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 February 2012 Posted on February 17, 2012August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator THE SIMPLE 7 HEART HEALTH FACTORSHeart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. The best tool in fighting heart disease is prevention, and the American Heart Association has provided The Simple 7 Heart Health Factors to help guide individuals to a healthier heart lifestyle.1. GET ACTIVEThe AHA suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burns calories. Aerobic exercises benefit your heart, such as walking, jogging or swimming. Strength and stretching exercise are best for overall stamina and flexibility. The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It’s enjoyable, free, easy, social and great exercise.2. CONTROL CHOLESTEROLIt’s important for all people to know their cholesterol level. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or higher puts you in a higher-risk category. To keep your cholesterol under control, the AHA recommends you schedule a screening, eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat and free of trans fat, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.3. EAT BETTEREating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and blood pressure. Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight. Eat fish at least twice a week. Eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1% fat or low-fat dairy products.4. MANAGE BLOOD PRESSUREHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. A normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80mm Hg diastolic. Eating a heart-healthy diet, enjoying regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco smoke will all help manage your blood pressure.5. LOSE WEIGHT145 million Americans are overweight or obese (BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 and higher). Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. You can reduce this risk by maintaining a healthy weight through fitness and a good nutrition plan. It is crucial to understand your recommended calorie intake and the amount of calories you consume verses the calories you’re brining off with different levels of physical activity.6. REDUCE BLOOD SUGARAdults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes. Healthy eating habits, weight control, exercise and medication can help keep it in check. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes.7. STOP SMOKINGBy itself, smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease. When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases the tendency for blood to clot. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. It increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery.For more information, contact your health care provider, American Heart Association at 800-242-8721 (www.americanheart.org) or 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 January 2012 Posted on January 11, 2012August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator HELPFUL TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULNEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Keeping New Year’s resolutions can be a struggle for anyone, including older adults. However, it does not have to be this way. If goals are simplified and mindsets altered, older adults should have no problems with keeping their resolutions past January!Keep your resolutions to a minimum: Having too many resolutions can lead to discouragement when all goals are not met. Try to only make one or two resolutions for the New Year.Set realistic goals: Start with small resolutions and make sure they are attainable. It is great to push yourself, but you don’t want to set goals that can not be reached.Be patient: Correcting bad habits and making positive changes is not an easy process. It takes time and there will be setbacks. Try not to get discouraged or punish yourself.Be proud: Be proud of your accomplishments and reward yourself. This will give you incentive to keep up with your resolutions.The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging has provided the following top 10 New Year’s resolutions for older adults:Eat a healthy diet – Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Choose fiber-rich whole grain bread, rice and pasta. Pick less fatty meat, like chicken. Shoot for heart-healthy fish, like tuna or salmon, twice a week. To help keep your bones strong, include sources of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Use healthier fats, such as olive and canola oils, instead of butter or lard.Take a multivitamin-mineral – Check labels and choose one that includes 100% of the “Daily Value” for most vitamins and minerals.See your doctor or healthcare provider regularly – That means at least once a year, unless he or she says you should come in more often. At each visit, talk to your provider about the medications you’re taking and any health concerns you may have.Exercise – Exercise is safe and healthy for older people…even older people with illness like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. Many of these conditions actually improve with exercise. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.Toast New Year’s Day with a smaller glass – According to experts, moderate drinking means just 1 drink per day for older men and ½ a drink daily for older women. Since alcohol can interact with certain drugs, ask your healthcare provider whether even this much is safe for you.Prevent falls – Falls are a leading cause of injuries and deaths among seniors. Exercises can boost your strength, balance, and flexibility, and help you avoid falls.Workout your brain – The more you use your mind, the better it will work. Reading, crossword puzzles and socializing give your brain a boost.Get help quitting – You can lower your risks of many health problems, breathe easier, enjoy more energy, and better sleep if you quit smoking…no matter how long ago you started.Guard against feeling down or anxious – Lingering sadness, tiredness, loss of appetite or pleasure from things you once enjoyed, difficultly sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone most of the time can all be signs that you need help. Tell your healthcare provider right away.Get a good night’s sleep – Get at least 7 to 8 hours each night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening.For more information, contact your health care provider or 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 2011 Posted on December 7, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator STAYING FIT DURING WINTER The cold temperatures and snowy conditions of winter force many people to hibernate in their homes. It is important for the human body to stay active throughout all of the four seasons. However, many people get little to no exercise during the winter months. There are many ways that people can stay healthy and active during this time. WebMD has provided several ideas, which include:INDOORS:Go for walks with friends at the mall, local schools and churches that have indoor gyms or large areas to walk.Get some hand weights or stretch bands to use at home for resistance exercise.Buy or rent an exercise DVD.Take the stairs and fit in walk breaks whenever you can. This will give you extra activity during the day.Perform active housework like sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, doing laundry, or washing the windows.Join a gym or health club. These facilities have treadmills, stair-climbers, exercise bikes, free-weights and even fitness classes.Get involved in sports leagues in your community or at work. Many places offer indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer or swimming. OUTDOORS:Bundle up and take the dog for a walk. This can help make walks part of the daily routine.Shoveling snow can be a great winter exercise. If you have heart problems or other health conditions, be sure to ask your doctor is shoveling is okay. Overdoing it can lead to dangerous strain on the body. Try a new winter activity. These activities could include skating, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. If you do outdoor activities in less populated areas, be sure to plan ahead. Let people know where you will be, and take the right gear for the conditions. If you plan to be active outdoors, it is important to dress appropriately for the winter weather. It is best to wear:A warm hat. If it’s very cold, you also may want to wear covering for your face.Layers of clothing to keep you warm. Wear a waterproof outer layer to keep dry.Clothing made of wool, polypropylene, or a material like thinsulate. These will keep you from losing body heat even if the material gets wet. DON’T WEAR COTTON.Wool socks and waterproof shoes. It’s important to keep your feet warm and dry during outdoor activities. These socks and shoes should fit tightly, but not too tight.Mittens rather than gloves. Mittens keep your fingers close together and you can roll them into a tight fist for warmth. For more information, visit WebMD.com or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at 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.
