Wellness Words September 2018 Posted on September 11, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Emergency PreparednessThere are many things in life we can predict – the weather, sports outcomes or stock market trends. However, one thing we can’t predict is when an emergency will occur. Therefore, we must educate and prepare ourselves for the unexpected. While preparing for an emergency or natural disaster may seem impossible, taking the steps to plan for such events can help us deal with all types of hazards more efficiently.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three steps to preparing for all kinds of emergency situations. These three steps include: 1. Prepare An Emergency Kit – Gather supplies for all types of hazards in order to provide for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. An all–hazards supply kit should be stored in a waterproof bin and contain:Water (one gallon per person)Nonperishable food items (canned meat, dried fruit, peanut butter, etc.)FlashlightBattery–powered or hand–crank radioExtra batteriesFirst aid suppliesOne week supply of medicationsPersonal hygiene or sanitation itemsCopies of personal documents (identification, medication list, proof of address, etc.)Cell phone and chargerEmergency disaster plan with contact informationCashBlanket, clothes and sleeping bagToolsMap2. Make A Plan – Talk with your loved ones prior to an emergency situation and discuss what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area, how you will get in contact with one another in the event of an emergency, two different places to meet each other, and an evacuation or escape route from your home. When you and your loved ones have discussed your emergency plan, make sure to practice and review it every year.The CDC also recommends making an emergency communication plan that lists the address and phone number of your emergency meeting places, as well as the contact information of your loved ones. Contact information may include full name, social security number, date of birth, telephone number, address, planned evacuation location and any important medical information.3. Be Informed – Educate yourself on the most recent information available regarding emergencies. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow these basic steps:Learn what health emergencies may occur in your area (a home fire, a medical emergency, or a hurricane).Determine how you will get information during a disaster (TV, radio, or weather station).Learn the difference between weather alerts such as watches or warnings and what you should do during each alert.Be aware of what health emergencies may take place in areas you travel to and how to respond to them.Make sure you or someone in your household is trained in CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).Make sure everyone in your household knows where the fire extinguisher is kept and how to use it.Teach children how and when to call 911.Share what you’ve learned with others to help keep them informed.By following these steps, you will be better prepared during an emergency situation. If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Hazardous Events’ presented by Steven Santa Maria, Fulton County Civil Defense Director & Fire Coordinator, on September 26 in Littauer’s Auditorium.You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words August 2018 Posted on August 15, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Pain AwarenessHave you been experiencing long-lasting pain?According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year, affecting more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Pain can result from a number of health concerns including injury, disease or physical conditions.What is chronic pain?The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines chronic pain as pain that persists over a long period of time. Unlike short-term or acute pain, chronic pain is not a normal sensation; it is a continuous sensation of hurt that lasts for weeks, months or even years. More often than not, pain is caused by an initial injury or condition such as a sprained wrist, arthritis, or an ear infection.However, people may experience pain without having suffered a previous injury or health problem. Some of the most common complaints of chronic pain stem from headaches, lower back problems, cancer, arthritis and damage to nerves. The AAPM estimates that over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide, with the top three leading causes resulting from low back pain, severe headache or migraine, and neck pain.Effects of chronic painChronic pain comes in many forms that can negatively affect your quality of life. For example, persistent pain may limit your ability to move around and perform everyday tasks. According to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, this can often lead to decreased activity and result in weakened muscles. When your muscles are weakened and your body is not used to performing daily activities, even the slightest use can result in more pain.Chronic pain can also affect your mental state causing feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety or depression. These physical and mental challenges may intensify feelings and make it more difficult to deal with a painful situation.Dealing with chronic painIf you’re experiencing long-term pain, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program suggests talking with your healthcare provider about your symptoms to better address the cause of your pain. Providers may be able to prescribe treatment or medication to address the problem or alleviate your symptoms.However, since the cause of chronic pain is not always certain, treatment and medication may not always work. A few other tools for pain management include:Exercise: Exercise provides many health benefits, including pain relief. Talk with your healthcare provider about which activities are best for you.Using your mind: Use methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or muscle stretching to help ease your pain.Ice, Heat or Massage: Try icing, heating, or massaging local areas of pain such as the back, knees, or neck.HealthLink currently offers programs that can aid in pain relief such as Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Senior Steps, and Chronic Disease Self-Management.For more information on chronic pain, talk to your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words July 2018 Posted on July 10, 2018July 27, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant HepatitisWhat is Hepatitis?The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is usually caused by Hepatitis viruses but can also occur from other infections, use of alcohol or drugs, certain medications and autoimmune diseases. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are five main types of Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; these types of Hepatitis cause the greatest burden of illness and death and have the most potential to spread among individuals. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, lead to chronic disease in millions of Americans, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. The most prevalent forms of Hepatitis in the United States are types A, B, and C.Hepatitis A (HAV)Hepatitis A is found in the waste of those who are infected and is usually spread by consuming contaminated water or food. HAV is most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation. According to the WHO, certain sexual practices can also spread HAV. Individuals infected with HAV often experience mild infections and make a full recovery. However, in some cases, the infection can be severe and life threatening. In orderto protect yourself from Hepatitis A, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated and practicing good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands.Hepatitis B (HBV)The WHO estimates that approximately 257 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes both acute, or short-term disease, as well as chronic or long-term disease, and can be life threatening. HBV is passed from person to person by contact with infected blood or body fluids, and can even be passed from mother to child at birth. Those infected with HBV are at an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent HBV infection. The WHO recommends that all infants be vaccinated for HBV within the first 24 hours of birth to protect against Hepatitis B infection.Hepatitis C (HCV)Globally, the WHO estimates 71 million people have Hepatitis C. Similar to the Hepatitis B virus, the Hepatitis C virus also causes both acute and chronic disease. Infections can range from a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks to a severe illness that lasts a lifetime. HCV is classified as a blood borne virus that is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Unsafe injection practices, like injection drug use, and unsafe healthcare practices can result in the spread of the Hepatitis C virus. Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV, but there are antiviral medications that can cure more than 95% of those infected. To avoid infection, the WHO urges individuals to refrain from sharing needles, syringes, razors or toothbrushes with others. If you are sexually active, always use protection.Protecting Yourself and OthersIf you currently have Hepatitis, it’s important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. To keep yourself healthy and free of infection, the CDC recommends visiting your healthcare professional on a regular basis, monitoring your liver, avoiding alcohol and staying up-to-date on the latest research, information, and treatment for Hepatitis. Chronic Hepatitis can often cause nausea, fatigue, and emotional stress. In order to ease your symptoms, make it a priority to eat a nutritious diet, take naps throughout the day as needed, and find ways to cope with your stress. To ensure the safety of your loved ones and others around you, don’t share toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, nail files, clippers, or any other objects that come into contact with blood or body fluids.For more information on hepatitis, talk your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Additionally, more information on Hepatitis B can be found by visiting STDTesting.org’s article here: https://www.stdtesting.org/hepatitis-b-testing/
Wellness Words June 2018 Posted on June 14, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Men’s Health: Prostate & Bladder CancerThe National Cancer Institute estimates that men in the United States will face 856,370 new cases of cancer in 2018. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), two of the top five most common forms of cancer that affect men include prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Prostate CancerAside from skin cancer, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) classifies prostate cancer as the most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer occurs when cells within the prostate gland, a gland only found in men, begin to grow uncontrollably. Researchers from ACS do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer, but they do know that it begins when there are changes to the DNA of a normal prostate cell. These changes can occur during a person’s lifetime or can be passed on from generation to generation. In order to protect yourself, it’s important to know the risk factors of prostate cancer and the steps you can take to lower your risk. Certain risk factors, including age, family history, and race can increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. While prostate cancer can occur at any time, the CDC states that the risk for developing prostate cancer increases as men get older; most cases occur in men over the age of 65. Family history can also affect a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer. According to the CDC, if a man has a father, brother, or son who currently has or had prostate cancer in the past, they are two to three times more likely to also develop the disease. For reasons unknown, prostate cancer more commonly occurs in African American men than any other race.There is no specific way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are certain preventative steps men can take to lower their risk of developing it. ACS recommends maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a balanced diet. This means getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity and 2 days of strength training activities each week, as well as eating 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables every day. Bladder CancerHarvard Health classifies bladder cancer as the fourth most common, lethal internal disease in American men, and one of the top ten deadliest cancers. According to ACS, bladder cancer occurs when cells in the urinary bladder grow uncontrollably. As the cancer cells continue to develop, tumors may form and the cancer may spread to other areas of the body. There are several layers within the bladder, all made up of different types of cells. ACS believes that most bladder cancers begin in the innermost lining of the bladder, and then continue to spread to the outer layers.There are a number of risk factors that affect a person’s likelihood of developing bladder cancer. According to the CDC, these risk factors include smoking, exposure to chemicals in the workplace, and not drinking enough fluids. Smoking is the biggest risk factor of developing bladder cancer. ACS deems smokers three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.Exposure to certain chemicals has also been linked to developing bladder cancer. Workers in the rubber, leather, textiles, or painting industries are at an increased risk for bladder cancer, as well as machinists, printers, hair dressers, and truck drivers. Lastly, those who don’t drink enough fluids each day, especially water, tend to have higher rates of bladder cancer. ACS believes this may be due to the fact that those that drink more often empty their bladders more frequently, which prevents chemicals from lingering in the bladder.Like prostate cancer, there is no specific way to prevent bladder cancer, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. ACS recommends not smoking, limiting your exposure to chemicals in the workplace, following proper safety precautions if you work in an industry that may expose you to chemicals, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Studies have suggested that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help protect against bladder cancer.There is no guarantee to preventing cancer, but the best defense is to take control of your health. To best decrease your chances of developing cancer, the ACS suggests:Maintaining a healthy weightGetting regular physical activityAvoiding all forms of tobaccoLimiting alcohol intakeProtecting your skinKnowing yourself, your family history and your risksVisiting your healthcare provider regularly and getting screened for cancerFor more information on men’s health, talk your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words May 2018 Posted on May 8, 2018May 29, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant May Is National Physical Fitness MonthAs an older adult, routine physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health! No matter your age or abilities, there’s much to be gained from making physical activity a part of your day.According the National Institute on Aging (NIA), being active can help:Improve and maintain your physical strengthImprove and maintain your cardiovascular fitnessImprove your ability to do everyday tasksImprove your balancePrevent future health problemsManage and improve current health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or osteoporosisImprove your mood and overall well-beingDecrease feelings of stress, anxiety, or depressionPhysical activity includes three main categories – endurance or aerobic activity, strength training, and balance and flexibility. Endurance or Aerobic Activity: Endurance or aerobic activities help keep your heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy. They increase your heart rate and speed up your breathing. Common examples of aerobic activity include walking, taking a dance class, or pushing a lawn mower.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults ages 65 years or older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week. Intensity is defined as how hard you are working. When working at a moderate intensity, you should feel somewhat challenged, but still be able to carry on a conversation.Strength Training: The NIA defines strength training as activities or movements that make your muscles stronger. This type of exercise can help you continue your everyday activities, such as carrying groceries or getting up from a chair. Some examples of strength training include lifting weights, using a resistance band, or using your own bodyweight to do a pushup.The CDC recommends that older adults perform muscle–strengthening activities two or more days a week, working all major muscle groups including the legs, hips, chest, shoulders, back, arms, and abdomen.Balance and Flexibility: Balance and flexibility exercises help your body stay limber, giving you the freedom to perform day-to-day activities as well as other forms of exercise. These exercises stretch your muscles and prevent you from falling. Standing on one foot, stretching your arms overhead, or taking a Tai Chi class, are just a few examples of balance and flexibility exercises.According to the NIA, certain aerobic activities and strength training movements can improve balance, as well. To promote health and prevent injury, be sure to include all three categories – aerobic, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises – into your weekly routine.Ready To Get Started? Being physically active doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or buy expensive exercise equipment. You can learn to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine! Take the stairs instead of the elevator, use soup cans to strengthen your muscles at home, or stretch for ten minutes every morning before starting your day.Small amounts of physical activity throughout the day can help you reach the CDC’s recommended amount of physical activity each week. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise routine to see what activities are best for you and which activities you may want to avoid.‘Spring’ Into Fitness With HealthLink Littauer! We currently offer a variety of classes every month including Zumba, Zumba Gold, Chair Yoga and Gentle Yoga. In June, we’ll begin a Senior Steps walking group and a Stretch & Strengthen class. Check out our monthly program calendar online at www.nlh.org or call us for a free copy!If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Senior Fitness’ in Littauer’s Auditorium on May 23. You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or send an email to healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words April 2018 Posted on April 3, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant April Is National Humor MonthIs laughter really the best medicine? According to the American Heart Association, humor and laughing can actually help protect against developing heart disease!Research from the American Heart Association suggests that laughter can: Decrease stress hormones – Laughing has been shown to decrease the stress hormone “cortisol” in your body.Reduce stress and anxiety – By decreasing your stress hormones, laughing relieves feelings of stress and anxiety.Reduce inflammation in the arteries – Laughing makes your blood vessels dilate, increases the amount of oxygen pumped through your body and reduces inflammation.Increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels – Research suggests laughter can help improve your cholesterol.When you laugh, you can’t help but feel good and what’s even better – the AHA says the effects of laughing can last up to 24 hours! The Cancer Treatment Centers of America claim that humor has both therapeutic and restorative effects on the body. They even use “laughter therapy” as a natural medicine for their patients. Laughter therapy is the use of humor to promote overall health and wellness.By using this type of therapy, the Center’s staff can help relieve the physical and emotional stressors of their patients, and aid their healing process.According to studies at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, laughter can: Stimulate the heart and lungsRelax the muscles throughout the bodyTrigger the release of endorphins or “feel-good” hormonesEase digestion and soothe stomach painsImprove mental functionPromote relaxationImprove sleepEnhance quality of life So, what are you waiting for? Do your mind, body, and soul a favor by adding some humor to your life with these simple tips:Smile – Laughter always begins with a smile, and smiling is contagious!Be thankful – Make a list of all the positive things in your life and avoid negative thoughts as these act as a barrier to laughter.Make laughter a part of YOUR day – If you’re around others that are laughing, chances are that you’ll be laughing, too!For more information on healthy humor, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120, email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
