Wellness Words September 2016 Posted on September 13, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Palliative Care: Myths & FactsThere is a relatively new medical specialty, begun 2006 in the US, called Palliative Care. It has its own distinct mission – to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for people with serious illness. While there are similarities to Hospice Care, it is not just for end stage illness.According to the Center To Advance Palliative Care, this type of treatment is appropriate at any age and any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative Care also provides support and guidance to families.Palliative Care (PC) Myths Include:Palliative care can only be provided in a hospital. In fact, PC can be provided at home, in clinics, hospice, assisted living and nursing home settings.Medicare does not pay for palliative care. Actually, Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans cover this type of care.Only my primary care doctor can suggest this type of treatment. The fact is your doctor does play a significant role but it is up to you and your family. Let your family, caregivers and physician know you are interested in this care.Palliative Care is only provided by doctors and nurses. PC is truly a team of professionals. While physicians and nurses are team members, so too are therapists, social workers, nutritionists, chaplains and even massage therapists.The only diagnosis accepted for Palliative Care is Cancer. The truth is that virtually any serious or chronic illness may qualify. PC may be right for you or your family member if you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms of serious illness. Such illness may include cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ALS, among others.Once I choose Palliative Care, I will always have to be in the program. The reality is people move in and out of PC treatment as their needs and wants dictate.The main goal of Palliative Care is to reduce pain. You can expect relief from symptoms and issues that are important to you. Such symptoms often include pain management, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. PC helps you carry on with your daily life. It improves your ability to cope with medical treatments and helps you to better understand your condition. Additionally, people who face serious illness often need the emotional and spiritual support that is provided with PC.When it comes to quality of life, each patient has his or her own vision. Each suffering is unique. Each individual is unique. Each family and the dynamics are unique. Palliative Care is holistic and extends to family members and caregivers. It may also be utilized to provide education and counseling, respite for caregivers and home help with meals, shopping and transportation. PC is uniquely designed to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their families as they define it.For more information, attend a free presentation on “Palliative Care” on Wednesday, September 28 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the auditorium of Nathan Littauer Hospital, 99 E. State Street, Gloversville.You can also talk to your health care provider, contact the Center To Advance Palliative Care at capc.org, 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 new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown 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 2016 Posted on August 9, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Fruits & Veggies For Your HealthHarvest time in Upstate NY is one of the best times of the year! From June strawberries to fall pumpkins, we enjoy an abundance of homegrown fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets appear in Gloversville, Johnstown and Amsterdam, and little stands of fresh picked sweet corn and other veggies appear everywhere making getting a supply affordable. You’ve heard it before – we are just not eating enough fruits and vegetables. U.S. Dietary Guidelines call for 3-5 servings of vegetables and 3-4 servings of fruit each day. But the fact is, less than 30% of us – that’s 7 out of 10 Americans – are failing to meet these basic guidelines. Think about it…we are actually being asked to eat more of something. How often do you hear that? Why not start a new habit during this time of abundance. It is easy to get all the nutrients you need to feel good and look good if you just add fruits and veggies to every meal and snack. Here are some tips from the Hope Health Newsletter: BreakfastTop French toast or waffles with berries or slices of banana or kiwi fruit.Fill an omelet or scrambled eggs with mushrooms, onions, zucchini and/or spinach.Add fresh fruit to yogurt or cereal.LunchReplace half the meat in a sandwich with extra slices of tomato and leafy lettuce.Add fruit slices or grapes to any green salad.Make peanut butter sandwiches with slices of apple or pear instead of jelly.Top a baked potato with broccoli or homemade salsa instead of butter or sour cream.Add your favorite chopped fruits or veggies to tuna or chicken salad.DinnerGarnish a filet of sole with grapes, or add fresh pineapple to grilled chicken.Finely chop any type of vegetable then sauté and add to lasagna.Stuff meatloaf with celery, onions, carrots and lentils.Spray fresh veggies lightly with olive oil and roast them in a 400 degree oven or grill them on skewers.Grill stone fruit like peaches, nectarines and plums for dessert.SnacksWhole fruits are quick, prep-free, on-the-go snacks. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your counter for easy access.Cut up sticks of celery, carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers and put them in small plastic bags in your refrigerator.Freeze grapes or bananas for a cool treat. Eating your fruits and veggies need not be cumbersome. You can even be a “sneaky chef” and add twice as much to a favorite recipe. It is an easy way to get the nutrients you need. Plus, you can easily freeze the leftovers to enjoy during the winter and early spring. Remember, a diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables will help lower your risks for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer. Additionally, your appetite will be naturally controlled without sacrifice and with the added benefit of more energy! For more information, talk to your health care provider or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org, visit our website at nlh.org, or visit our new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown 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 July 2016 Posted on July 12, 2016July 12, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator First Aid For Common Summer EmergenciesSummer is a great time to be active and outdoors! However, there are some dangers associated with summer activities. In order to have a safe and happy summer, the American Red Cross recommends the following tips to help you be prepared in case of these common emergencies.Heat ExhaustionSymptoms: Cool, moist, pale or clammy skin. Heavy sweating, headache or nausea may also be present.Treatment: Move the person to a cool place, help them loosen their clothing and have them lie down. Apply cool wet cloths and raise their feet 8 to 10 inches. If not vomiting, give cool (not iced) water or juice. Make sure they sip it slowly and give them half a glass about every 15 minutes for an hour. If symptoms worsen or continue longer than an hour, seek medical attention.Heat StrokeSymptoms: Hot, red skin, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness, confusion and even convulsions. Call 911!Treatment: Until medical help is available, move the person to a cooler place, reduce body temperature with a cool bath, or wrap cool sheets around their body and fan them. Give cool water or ice chips unless vomiting or reduced consciousness is present.SunburnSymptoms: Pink or red skin that feels hot and painful to the touch (first degree burn). Blistering indicates a more severe, second degree burn.Treatment: The American Academy of Dermatology recommendations include:Move out of the sun ASAPTake frequent cool baths or showers. Gently pat dry but leave some dampness.Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera, soy or hydrocortisone cream. Do not treat with a “caine” product like benzocaine.Do not pop blisters. Cover blister if needed with a light bandage.Bleeding WoundApply direct, gentle pressure until the bleeding subsides. Wash the wound with soap and water. Don’t try to clean deep wounds. Apply a clean, dry bandage. Seek medical attention if the bleeding persists, is very deep, or there has not been a tetanus shot for more than 5 years.Bruises (seek medical attention for bruises on the chest or abdomen)Apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes several times during the first 24 hours. After the first day, apply heat 3 to 4 times a day for up to 48 hours.Muscle or Joint Strain or SprainRemember R.I.C.E.Rest the affected area by not using it.Ice the area as soon as possible to limit swelling. Continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours.Compress the area with an elastic wrap.Elevate the area above the heart, if possible, to prevent further swelling. Get medical assistance if you are unable to bear weight, you can’t use the joint, it feels numb, or the pain is severe.Remember, prevention is the best treatment of all! For more information, or to attend a class on First Aid/CPR, contact the American Red Cross at 462-7461 (redcross.org), your health care provider, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown 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 2016 Posted on June 14, 2016June 14, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Sun Sense For Summer FunSummer is finally here and we’re all eager to get out in the sun and fresh air. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active life. However, fun in the sun can also pose a problem, especially as we age.According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined, and between 40% and 50% of people over age 65 will develop one of the most common forms of skin cancer during their lifetime.The Skin Cancer Institute lists the primary cause of 90% of skin cancers as ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted from the sun. UV rays are categorized as UV-A and UV-B. Both can damage your skin, therefore, you need to be vigilant when you use protective sunscreens that they are labeled as “broad spectrum” in order to protect you from both types of UV rays. Remember, sunburned or tanned skin is actually damaged skin.The good news is that skin cancers are among the most preventable forms of cancer. Before you head outside, take these few simple steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.When possible, schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., since that is when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.If you must be outside during these hours, stay in the shade as much as you can or use an umbrella or tent for protection.Wear wide brimmed hats that shade the face, scalp, neck and ears. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that are rated to block UV-A and UV-B rays.Liberally apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, or preferably 30, approximately half an hour before going out. Reapply at least every two hours.Choose a waterproof sunscreen if going into the water or if the activity is likely to make you sweaty.Use sunscreen stick or lip balm on sensitive areas like your lips, ears, nose, hands and feet.Don’t use tanning booths or beds. Their UV rays are up to 12 times greater than the sun.According to the Skin Cancer Institute, clothing is your single most effective form of UV protection. However, not all materials protect the same. For example, cotton, linen and silks do not filter out all UV rays. Synthetic and semi-synthetic materials offer the greatest protection.Many manufactures are now selling clothes that are made to protect from UV rays. Look for the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label. You can also increase your current clothes UPF by using an additive such as RIT Sun Guard, available in most grocery stores, in your wash. It will protect your clothes inexpensively for up to 20 washes.Just a few moments of prevention and you can be outdoors to enjoy all of our beautiful weather with friends and family!For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact your health care provider, American Cancer Society at cancer.org, Skin Cancer Institute at skincancer.org, 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 new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown 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 May 2016 Posted on May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorOsteoarthritis According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability affecting more than 27 million adults in the US. Sometimes called degenerative joint disease, OA can affect any joint but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers, and the bases of the thumb and big toe.In normal joints, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the ends of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space causing more pain and damage.OA symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:Pain: A joint may hurt during or after movement.Tenderness: Your joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure to it.Stiffness: Joint stiffness may be most noticeable upon awakening or after a period of inactivity.Loss of Flexibility: Affected joints may no longer be capable of full range of motion.Grating Sensation: You may hear or feel a grating sensation when using the joint.Bone Spurs: Hard lumps may form around the joint.Factors that may increase your risk of OA include:Age: The risk increases with age.Sex: Women are more likely to develop OA, though it is unclear why.Obesity: Increased weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, such as hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around joints.Joint Injuries: Even injuries that occurred long ago and seemingly healed can increase risk.Genetics: OA seems to be prevalent in some families more than others.Currently, the process underlying OA cannot be reversed, but symptoms can often be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, medication and at times surgery. Lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference in treating OA include, but are not limited to:Exercise: Increases your endurance and strengthens the muscles around the joint, making it more stable.Lose Weight: Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce pain.Pain Medications: Talk to your physician about over-the-counter and/or prescription meds.Assistive Devices: Can make it easier to move and work without stressing your joint. Your doctor or therapist may have ideas about what devices would be most helpful.Attitude: A positive health attitude will greatly affect how well OA is managed. For example, focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t; break down activities into small tasks that are easy to manage; balance rest with activity; and develop ways to manage stress.The ability to cope despite pain and disability often determines how much of an effect OA has on everyday life! HealthLink offers “Tai Chi For Arthritis” classes. This gentle form of exercise can safely relieve arthritis pain, improve flexibility, strength, balance, mental focus, and performance of daily activities.For more information on osteoarthritis, talk to your health care provider, contact the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org or 456-1203, 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 new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown 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 April 2016 Posted on April 12, 2016April 12, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorSAY YES TO LIFE!Become An Organ, Eye & Tissue Donor Organ, eye and tissue donation may not be the most popular topic, but it is one that saves thousands of lives every year. There is no age limit to becoming a donor. In fact, the oldest donor was 93! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be in perfect health. Except in the case of kidney donations, your eligibility to donate organs or tissues won’t be determined until after your death. According to the Center for Organ and Tissue Donation, there are currently over 100,000 patients waiting for life-saving transplants in the U.S. Every 14 minutes, another name is added to the waiting list and an average of 18 people die every day due to a lack of transplantable organs. One donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people. Today the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, small intestines and pancreas can all be transplanted in individuals whose own organs are failing. Tissues that may be donated include bone, heart valves, skin, cartilage, tendons, veins and corneas.Some examples of the uses of tissue donation include:Donated bone can prevent amputation for bone cancer patients.Tendons and cartilage can replace tissue lost or injured due to trauma, disease or infection.Veins can be used to reestablish blood circulation after bypass surgery which can prevent heart attack.Donated skin may be used to help save severe burn victims.Heart valves have the ability to “grow” in younger patients, reducing the need for repeat surgeries.Cornea recipients are often given the chance to see for the first time.Truths about becoming a donor to remember include:People of any age can become donors.Registered donors receive the same care in hospitals as non-donors. The medical staff trying to save lives is completely separate from the transplant team.Most major religions in the United States do not prohibit organ or tissue donation.Donation does not prohibit an open-casket funeral.There is absolutely no cost for donation.How do you sign up to become an organ, eye and tissue donor? It’s simple!Go online to health.ny.gov/donatelife and choose the option that is best for you.Call the New York State Donate Life Registry at 1-866-693-6667.Tell your family and be sure they are aware of your decision so they can support your wishes.YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is one of the finest and most unselfish humanitarian actions you can take. Why not take the time now to declare your wish to give the gift of life?For more information, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
