Wellness Words December 2019 Posted on December 18, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Preventing Illness During The HolidaysThe holidays provide us with a great opportunity to celebrate life, reflect on what’s most important to us and spend time with family and friends. However, the holidays can also expose us to many germs, especially if we must travel or prepare meals for relatives, leaving our bodies susceptible to illness. This holiday season, be mindful of your health and take some extra steps to prevent spreading germs to both yourself and others.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most important things we can do to prevent sickness both during the holidays and throughout the year is to properly wash our hands. In order to eliminate and prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends the following:Wash hands with clean, running water.Lather your hands with soap and be sure to rub the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and underneath your nails.Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean, running water.Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.If you do not have clean, running water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Apply the sanitizer to the palm of your hand and rub both hands together.Make sure all parts of your hands are covered with sanitizer and continue rubbing them together until they are completely dry.As many of us touch our face, mouth and eyes without even realizing it, following these handwashing steps will help minimize the spread of germs.It’s important that we utilize proper hand-washing during travel time, too. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 100 million Americans travel during holiday time. With so many people entering airplanes, buses or trains, there’s a vast amount of germs spread throughout these areas.If you are planning to travel, make sure to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you for your hands as well as other surfaces. If you are traveling on an airplane, bus or train, sanitize areas such as tray tables, arms rests and bathroom door handles before touching them. If you use the bathroom, avoid touching bathroom surfaces; turn the sink off with a clean, dry paper towel and use the paper towel to open the bathroom door. Practicing these small hygiene habits will ensure fewer germs are spread to both you and those you’re traveling to see.While you may not necessarily have to travel on an airplane, bus or train, you will likely still enjoy a holiday meal with loved ones. Whether you are cooking for family or going to relative or friend’s house, it’s important to practice proper food safety. If you or a loved one plans to cook, follow the CDC’s four steps to food safety:Step 1: Clean – Make sure to wash hands and all kitchen surfaces with warm, soapy water before preparing food.Step 2: Separate – Keep raw meat, seafood, poultry and eggs separated from one another as well as from other foods. Make sure to use different cutting boards when preparing each item and keep them stored in separate containers.Step 3: Temperature – Cooking foods to high temperatures will kill germs and prevent illness. Be sure to use a food thermometer to determine if foods such as whole cuts of meat, fish, poultry and ham are cooked properly. If you have to thaw foods, do so in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water. Avoid thawing foods on the counter because bacteria can grow more quickly at room temperature.Step 4: Chill – After the meal, refrigerate all perishable food items within two hours. Refrigerators should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Handwashing, travel hygiene and food safety are all important in preventing illness in combination with practicing healthy habits. Don’t forget to continue consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, drinking enough fluids and getting proper sleep over the holidays. While we may not always be able to avoid germs, following these guidelines will help decrease your risk of getting sick this holiday season.For more information on preventing illness, contact your healthcare provide or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Brandis, MD, Wins Reader’s Choice Award Posted on December 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Robert Brandis, MD, of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home was chosen as the Reader’s Choice for The Leader Herald.“Dr. Brandis is yet another Gem in the Adirondacks,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of Littauer. “We’re glad to have him as one of our providers – our patients are too!”Dr. Brandis was voted as the best Doctor and Physician in the Adirondack region.“We’re honored to have Dr. Brandis in our midst,” says Patrice McMahon Vice President of Littauer’s Primary Care Centers. “We say thank you to our staff and our community as Dr. Robert Brandis wins this award.”### About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
A Gift of Artful Healing Posted on December 6, 2019December 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Recently, Mr. Joseph Rossi made a generous donation to Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary, a volunteer service within Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. Mr. Rossi made the sole donation of $17,000 funding a large format art installation. The tiled, mosaic waterfall mural was revealed in Littauer’s Reflection Garden this past August. The mural is a tribute to Mr. Rossi’s wife, JoAnn Rossi, and other loved ones who have passed. Jo Ann worked with Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary for 12 years.The mural was created by artists Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto. It was also a collaborative effort of numerous Littauer employees and volunteers. The mosaic was not only created to represent our spirituality and humanity, but it was made to honor loved ones who have passed.“It is made of stained glass, agate, clay, and Love,” says Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services. “Jo Ann loved working in our Extended Care Facility. She would visit each and every resident, if time allowed.”“Art is most needed where you don’t expect to find it,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Littauer. “A hospital is a place where joy and sorrow meet all too often. The memories of those passed will continue to live-on through the mural.”To honor Mr. Rossi’s generous donation, Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary purchased a plaque to commemorate Jo Ann.“Being an Auxiliary member runs in the family,” says Mr. Rossi. “My mother was an Auxilian with Littauer for over 20 years. So, my wife and I found it very fitting to be involved with the auxiliary.”Mr. Rossi wants people to know about Jo Ann. He explains, “She was an extremely caring person and would always come and visit with the residents in the Extended Care Facility.” It’s very fitting for the mural and plaque to have a place in the Reflection Garden, where they would share time together.President and CEO of Littauer, Laurence E. Kelly, Director of Volunteer Services with Littauer, Sue McNeil, President of Littauer’s Auxiliary, Norma Cozzolino, and Mr. Rossi had gathered November 12, to pay homage to Jo Ann.The plaque reads:“In Loving Memory of Jo Ann Rossi –‘If there was a resident in the Nursing Home who had no one coming to visit them, I would be there. I loved visiting with the residents, sharing stories, and listening to them talk about their wonderful lives.’Donated by Husband and Best Friend – Joseph”Mr. Rossi reflects on the meaningfulness of the plaque and mural:“Thank you to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and The Auxiliary for all the good deeds they perform each and every day. The Auxilians are a special group of people that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. It is an honor to support this outstanding organization by donating the funding for the beautiful mosaic waterfall mural. It is in memory of my wife, Jo Ann, who was one of those dedicated Auxilians and in memory of other loved ones.”###About Nathan Littauer Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
INTRODUCING QUICK N SICK Posted on December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 by Dakota PikeNeed medical care on the weekend? QUICK N SICK is YOUR primary care- when you need it most. Introducing Littauer’s QUICK N SICK, urgent and primary care offered every weekend by the providers you trust most. And yes, walk-ins are welcomed. You need not be a current patient. Visit us at the Gloversville Primary Care Center, next to the hospital, 8:00 am -4:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays. 99 East State Street, Gloversville, NY 12078. Call 518-773-5690 for more information or to book an appointment.Offering primary and urgent care on the weekends! Saturdays and Sundays 8:00 am -4:30 pm in our Primary Care offices on 99 East State Street
NLH Nurse Tapped to Lead Posted on November 25, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Eileen Breckenridge, RN, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Administration Supervisor was recently elected as the Secretary of the New York State Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Eileen will serve the ENA in this position on the Board of Directors for two years. She currently serves the ENA as the President of the Adirondack Chapter.(Left) Eileen Breckenridge accepts the election to serve as Secretary on the ENA’s Board of Directors from the President of the New York State ENA, Mary Ann Teeter. (Right)“It is one of the most educational and inspiring processes I have ever been involved with,” says Eileen.The ENA is an international professional organization with approximately 43,000 members worldwide. In New York State alone, there are 2,600 members divided into three chapters. The Adirondack Chapter of the ENA is the largest chapter that exists within the ENA. The ENA’s mission is to provide evidence-based education to establish quality care for the emergency care patient.Eileen has been an active member of the ENA for ten years. In her newly elected position, Eileen says her goal is: “To help foster and develop future instructors ensuring the integrity of the courses the ENA provides.” She will also continue to develop programming for the New York State ENA Conference.The ENA was originally founded by two nurses; one nurse that resides in New York and another that resides in California. Later in 2020, the ENA will celebrate its 50th anniversary commemorating the merging of the state committees. To mark the occasion, October 14, 2020, the Empire State Building will be illuminated purple, celebrating the ENA’s achievements.“Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to have such distinguished nursing staff like Eileen,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing with Littauer. “Our nurses not only focus on delivering excellent patient care, but their willingness to create meaningful educational opportunities for nurses at all stages of their careers is inspiring.”“This is a great thing,” Eileen continues. “The ENA is an organization of renowned nursing professionals. We’re leading the charge and it’s giving us a big voice.”###About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
Phil Guild as 2019 Third Quarter Goodwill Award Recipient Posted on November 15, 2019November 15, 2019 by Dakota PikePhil Guild, RN, with his 2019 Third Quarter Goodwill Award.Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce Phil Guild, RN, as the Third Quarter Goodwill Award recipient for 2019!After being congratulated and presented with the award, Phil was momentarily speechless and overwhelmed with excitement. While smiling, he said, “I am very surprised!”Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO, presented Phil with the award November 13, during a gathering at Nate’s Café.Interestingly, Phil was nominated for the Goodwill Award by a relative of a patient. Thanks to Phil’s efforts, not only was the patient extremely happy with the care received, but the family members were moved by Phil’s kind and caring expertise.The family commended Phil for being gentle, patient, and compassionate. Always humble, Phil replied that he was “Just doing his job.”Upon hearing Phil’s story, employees gave Phil a standing ovation for his heartwarming behavior. Afterwards, Phil received many positive comments, commendations, and a plaque recognizing his achievement.“Phil is very good at what he does,” says Mr. Kelly. “It is not unusual for Phil to assist a patient in any way he can. It’s this type of quality care that makes us proud of our staff and their integrity.”The mission of The Goodwill Award is to recognize goodwill and promote the “People Caring for People” environment toward co-workers, patients and the community of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.Nominations for the award are made by Littauer employees, providers or patients, and nominees’ names are submitted to the Goodwill Committee. The winner is selected in blind format.Congratulations, Phil! Way to go! XXX About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
Wellness Words November 2019 Posted on November 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Vestibular Rehabilitation TherapyDid you know that roughly 69 million Americans age 40 or older are affected by vestibular or inner ear dysfunction? According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 40% of Americans suffer from dizziness or balance problems due to inner ear disorders. Depending on the type of disorder, dizziness and balance problems may be improved through vestibular rehabilitation therapy.What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?The Vestibular Disorders Association defines vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), as a specialized form of therapy aimed at relieving both primary and secondary problems that result from inner ear disorders and diminish a person’s quality of life. People with vestibular problems often experience dizziness or vertigo, trouble with vision, and balance problems that are usually worse with movement.As a result, many people limit their activity and adopt sedentary lifestyles to avoid triggering such problems. This can lead to further health concerns including decreased muscle strength, poor cardiovascular fitness and other chronic conditions. VRT can aid in combatting these secondary problems, too.Types Of Vestibular Rehabilitation TherapyVRT is an exercise–based program that allows patients to adapt to inner ear disturbances by using other senses, such as vision and somatosensory or body sense, to compensate. Exercise plans are customized to fit each patient, depending on the type of vestibular problem and the symptoms that occur. The three main types of VRT include habituation exercises, gaze stabilization and balance training.Habituation is used to treat people who experience dizziness from motion or visual stimuli in the environment. Through repeated exposure to certain movements or stimuli, the brain learns to ignore signals from the inner ear that cause the dizziness. Over time, continued VRT helps reduce feelings of dizziness.Gaze stabilization is used for people who have trouble seeing clearly and often feel as if their vision bounces around. In gaze stabilization, a person fixates their vision on an object and then moves their head around in different directions while keeping the object in sight.The last form of VRT, balance training, helps to improve balance and steadiness to aid in performing daily activities such as cooking meals or taking a shower. Balance training incorporates different body positioning and movements, as well as visual cues to improve standing, bending, reaching, turning and walking. After establishing an exercise regimen specific to fit your needs, your audiologist or VRT therapist will also determine an exercise regimen to continue at home.RecoveryThere are many factors that can affect a person’s recovery during vestibular rehab therapy. According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, factors include:The type of vestibular disorder, such as whether it affects one ear or both ears.A sedentary lifestyle which can cause other health problems.Pain which contributes to limited activity, as well as overall imbalance and an increased risk for falls.Medications that may cause side effects including dizziness, weakness, muscle fatigue and sedation.Emotional concerns such as anxiety or depression which affect a person’s ability to manage their symptoms.Vestibular dysfunction can affect a person both physically and mentally. Taking steps to manage symptoms to better cope with the disorder will help you stay independent and improve your quality of life.If you would like to learn more about VRT, attend a special program entitled ‘Exercise Your Ears’ presented by Dr. Mark Caffrey, Audiologist of Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Services, on November 13 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 the luncheon, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org by November 11. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
