The Road to Lifelong Health Begins with Breastfeeding

Gloversville, NY…Last night, Nathan Littauer hosted a celebration in honor of 2012 World Breastfeeding Week. Nancy Quinlan, an International Board Certificated Lactation Consultant at Littauer explains, “We held the celebration to support breastfeeding families. The event was such a huge success. Women who were interested in learning more about breastfeeding also stopped by.” She added, “There is support for every family who decides to breastfeed.” Nancy believes the road to lifelong health is not one for mothers and babies to travel alone. “Successful breastfeeding begins with support of families, health care providers, governments, employers and communities,” said Nancy. She concluded, “That is why we held this celebration. To show families there is a tremendous amount of support for breastfeeding in our community.”

Left, Stefanie Soto and her baby Lydia Soto and Jessica Herishko and her baby Ezekiel Herishko celebrated breastfeeding at Nathan Littauer.

The event: “Sweet Celebration of Breastfeeding 2012” was attended by over 45 people including entire families. Cheryl McGrattan noted, “It was such a nice family atmosphere.” Anyone who is interested in breastfeeding for themselves or for someone close to them is encouraged to call 773-5710.

Women gather for 16th year of camaraderie and fun with annual retreat

HealthLink, the community education component of Nathan Littauer Hospital is hosting their 16th annual “Images of a Woman”. The conference is designed to be a fun and educational day for all women. Sue Cridland, RN, BSN, and HealthLink Director explains, “This year promises to be an especially energizing day, as we welcome a nationally-recognized speaker on stress reduction to Fulton County.” The event will take place June 20th, 2012 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn, on Comrie Avenue in Johnstown. Two sessions are being offered, one at 12noon to 2:30pm or at 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Each session promises, exhibitors, raffles, a buffet-styled meal and a key-note address from Robert Friedman.

“Time and time again, we hear from attendees who really enjoy this event- from the speakers to the networking opportunities to the shared community of women addressing their health-related journey.” said Bonnie Wollard one of the event organizers. She added, “As we grew in popularity, we chose to add a second session to accommodate more women.”

“Images of a Woman”, give women the time and the resources to focus on their overall health.”

Encouraging women to take time for health is an important mission for Littauer. According to a report released by the Center for Disease Control, 13.5% of women 18 years and over are in fair or poor health. And the same report identified only, “42% of women 18 years and over met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity through leisure-time aerobic activity.” Sue Cridland explained, “Therefore, events like “Images of a Woman”, give women the time and the resources to focus on their overall health.” She added, “I am especially excited about this year’s speaker. People leave his presentations feeling happier, healthier and better prepared for their lives, both professionally and personally. “

Robert Friedman will give the keynote address this year

Robert Lawrence Friedman, the Images of A women keynote speaker is an author, comedian, international speaker/trainer and psychotherapist. He has provided keynote presentations, training programs and workshops to Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, universities and health care organizations, throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He focuses on work/life balance, teambuilding, leadership and motivation. He has appeared on national and international television shows, including The Morning Show on Today (NBC), Fox News and E! Entertainment Television, as well as a stress management expert on a year-long Discovery Health Channel documentary. Robert has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Parenting Magazine, The Washington Times, Alternative Medicine Magazine, Newsday and many others.

Registration for the event ends June 15, 2012. People can register in person at HealthLink, 213 Harrison St, Johnstown, NY or by calling (518) 736 1120.

People remember their seventies wardrobes as preparations for The Nathan Littauer’s Foundation annual gala is underway

Nathan Littauer Foundation is gearing up for June 8, 2012’s gala, THE EVENT, a yearly soiree to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development and one of THE EVENT organizers explained, “THE EVENT has been all over the world-so-to-speak. We have had evenings in Paris, a journey down the Nile and we have even ‘traveled’ on the Orient Express. She added, “But this year we go back in time to the 1970’s.” She added, “The theme is generating a lot of enthusiasm- especially from people who would like to dust off their leisure suits and bell bottoms.”

Now in its 11th year, THE EVENT is a yearly gala benefiting the hospital. It has been listed in the Capital District Business Review as one of the most successful one-day fundraising events in the region. Sue Kiernan states, “Now more than ever we need our community to support our hospital. She explains, “Therefore we are asking those in our community to help, and next Friday is just one way they can do that.” She concluded, “Just think, by dancing, eating, drinking and visiting with friends you can help.”

“This community is so supportive of our mission.” said Kelly Colby another organizer of THE EVENT. About the gala she also said, “It has been fun to hear attendees- young and old alike plan their attire.” She explained that people can come even if they are not dressing the part.

Staff within the Hospital has been reminiscing about what they wore during that era. Nan Jones, RN Manager of the Operating Room laughs remembering “I wore powder blue hip hugger bell bottoms and a halter top.” Dave Bruhns Director of Engineering was in the service at the time, and explained that while he wore nothing embarrassing in the 70’s, “But in the 80’s, I made up for it and wore things that embarrassed my four kids to no end.” Nancy Travis, Director of Materials Management recalls wearing, “Hip hugger jeans and a man’s unironed white cotton, button down collar oversized dress shirt, ankle length black wool coat and work boots.” Priscilla Person in the Diagnostic Imaging Department said, “My favorite item in the 70’s was my bell bottom jeans with silver studs that made a design—they were the coolest”. And Tammy Gerdes who works in our mammogram department told us about a blue, white and “the obligatory orange” striped pantsuit her mom made her – with the zipper up the back. She adored it. Laurence Kelly, Hospital President and CEO said, “I am not sure if I can explain this right, but I wore these maroon textured wide-wale corduroy bell bottoms pants.” He added, “I wish I still had them today.”

Fashion aside, THE EVENT will be held next Friday under a tent and within the Pine Brook Golf Club in Gloversville, NY. The entire venue has been secured for the evening. Starting at 7:00 pm, guests will go back in time with décor, dance and food reflecting the 1970’s. The planners even have a few surprises for party goers.

Perhaps the most anticipated part of evening as well as the most closely-guarded is the menu. Susan Kiernan said, “People time and time again, rave about the food at THE EVENT.” She added, “I cannot reveal too much about this menu but I can tell you that chefs from across the state have helped to create this 1970’s inspired event.” THE EVENT will feature several food stations. For example, The “Jive Turkey” food station will have split Cornish game hens with smoked paprika, fresh sage and Yukon gold smashed potatoes with chicken au jus. And guests will be treated to Harvey Wall Bangers as they dance under the disco ball.

“We really stretch our culinary muscles at THE EVENT. And the feedback we get from the guests is extraordinary.” stated Tim Forte one of the chefs for THE EVENT adding, “The culinary team works for months on designing a menu which is eclectic and satisfying.” This year, the culinary team is sourcing local foods as well.

“I say it every year.” said Susan Kiernan, “Most of all, this is a great party for a great cause.” If anyone is interested in getting tickets for Friday’s event, please call 773-5505.

Nathan Littauer announced the first Employee of the Quarter for 2012 recently. The prestigious award was given to Lisa Langlois. Lisa works as a Patient Access Representative and has been with Nathan Littauer for 11 years. Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO notes, “Lisa, exhibits patient compassion coupled with excellent attention to detail skills.”

Employee is credited with great patient service skills.

Lisa was very surprised when her name was called

When her name was mentioned at the Employee Celebration she said she was, “very surprised”. Lisa has many fans, including her coworkers and patients. Part of Lisa’s job is to check on authorizations for patient visits and tests in any department. Many times the job demands tenacity and numerous calls to various physician offices to gain authorizations on behalf of the patients we serve. With a keen eye towards detail, one of Lisa’s coworkers notes, “Lisa’s knowledge of insurance and authorizations is extraordinary and she is a valuable asset to our hospital. “ She also makes calls to patients at home to make sure they are all set before they come in- something many patients have been grateful for.

Lisa explains her dedication to our patients as, “When patients come to a hospital they are already anxious. I just want to make sure everything goes smoothly for them.” Being named Employee of the Quarter means a lot to Lisa who said, “The award makes me feel like my efforts are appreciated.”