Wellness Words September 2019 Posted on September 16, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Ovarian CancerSeptember is ovarian cancer awareness month! Did you know that ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer that affects the female reproductive system in the United States?What Is Ovarian Cancer?According to the American Cancer Society, cancer develops when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Ovarian cancer occurs in the cells of the ovaries, which are reproductive glands found only in women.The ovaries are made up of three kinds of cells including epithelial, germ and stromal cells. Each of these cells can develop into cancerous tumors. The most common types of ovarian cancer include epithelial ovarian tumors, germ cell tumors, and ovarian stromal tumors.Know the Risk Factors The American Cancer Society lists several risk factors that can increase a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer including:Age – As you age your risk for developing ovarian cancer increases. Ovarian cancer rarely occurs in women under the age of 40 and almost half of all ovarian cancers affect women age 63 or older.Weight – If you are overweight or obese, you have a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer as well as other types of cancer.Age of Pregnancy – If you have children later in life (after age 35) or do not have a full-term pregnancy your risk for ovarian cancer increases.Hormone Replacement – If you take estrogen after menopause, there is an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially if taken alone for at least five years.Family History – If your mother, sister or daughter has or has previously had ovarian cancer, you have a greater risk of developing it, too.Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian CancerCommon signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pain in your belly, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly and urinary problems such as urgency or frequency. Symptoms are more likely to occur when the cancer has spread, however they can also occur in early-stage ovarian cancer.These symptoms may be present in women who do not have ovarian cancer, so it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms that are out of the ordinary or begin to occur more frequently. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer may include fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, changes in your period, and swelling in the belly with weight loss.Protection and DetectionThe American Cancer Society recommends that women receive regular health exams including a pelvic exam for early detection of ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer found in the early stages have a greater rate of survival than those found in the later stages.If you experience any signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer, make sure to report them to your healthcare professional. If you’re at high risk for developing cancer, talk with your doctor – they may suggest testing to help find or rule out ovarian cancer.For more information on ovarian cancer, 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.
Littauer Welcomes New Public Relations Coordinator, Dakota Pike! Posted on September 16, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to welcome Dakota Pike to the Marketing and Communications team. He has been employed with Nathan Littauer for nearly four years in Nutritional Services and recently took the position of Public Relations Coordinator August 3.“During the interview process, Dakota stood out as someone who meets a challenging situation head-on, while approaching a myriad of situations with high degree flexibility,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “As a member of the NLH family for four years, his reputation as a team player focused on patient care preceded him. Dakota’s integrity and ambition is something that will be fully appreciated by our staff and community in the coming months. His fresh perspective, coupled with a comfort level writing for multiple audiences is already making an impact. He is a good fit.”Dakota is a 2019 cum laude graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology.As the Public Relations Coordinator, a few of Dakota’s roles are to issue press releases, expand the hospital’s social media presence, and to create and maintain positive relationships for Littauer and the community.“I am very happy to be part of Marketing and Communications,” says Dakota Pike. “Everyone has been very supportive of my decision to come to the department. I love my position, my co-workers, and the many staff at Nathan Littauer. It is a great place to work and it truly is a very caring and welcoming environment.”Congratulations, Dakota Pike! # # # 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.
Nathan Littauer Reveals Major Art Installation Posted on September 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeA Mosaic Waterfall was unveiled on Aug. 29 at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden. From left: Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services, and artists: Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto.Gloversville, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home revealed their waterfall mosaic art in the Reflection Garden Thursday, August 29. The mural is a staggering 12 feet high and has a width of almost 9 feet.“I wanted to thank everyone for making this possible,” says Laurence Kelly, President and CEO of Littauer. “We are grateful for: Glen Henry with Greenscapes Landscaping, Tim Insogna with Full Masonry Services, the Engineering Department, Environmental Services, as well as Nutritional Services. We should all be very proud of Joseph Rossi, who made the donation to fund the mural, Norma Cozzolino, President of the Auxiliary, Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services, the Auxiliary members, and all volunteers. We would also like to especially thank the artists: Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto. We have many members and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this possible. They are very dedicated to what they do and this mural is a reflection of that.”Sue McNeil had given a heart-warming speech at the event: “For our hospital, it’s more than just healing physically. We also heal mentally and spiritually. This artwork represents our spirituality and humanity because a lot of love went into this mural and its making.” She states, “We also understand the demands practitioners and staff go through on a daily basis. So, we also wanted to create a space worthy of them. I think we succeeded.”To make the creation and installation more manageable, the mural was divided into six sections. The mural is comprised of pieces of stained glass, agate, and clay. The making of the mural had taken place inside Tammy Merendo, R.N.’s art studio in Amsterdam. Hundreds of hours were invested in the mural’s creation.Artist Tammy Merendo speaks during the unveiling of a Mosaic Waterfall Aug. 29 at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden.“Every time you look at the mural, you see something different,” says Tammy. “Everything you see in the mural has a purpose and a story to tell. Some of the Tiffany glass, which was lovingly found and scrubbed clean, was from the razed Second Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam. The flowers throughout the piece were from made from a barrette that belonged to Sammy, Sue McNeil’s granddaughter, who had unfortunately passed. The barrette was made into a mold to make flowers for the mural. Homemade stamps from the late Laurie Priest, who had passed away, were used to create some of the leaves in the mosaic. Both were used to represent loved ones who are no longer with us. The memories of those passed will continue to live-on through this installation.”“The transformation of the Reflection Garden alone is something to consider as well. It’s a beautiful space for patients, visitors, and staff to visit and enjoy,” says Mr. Kelly. “It is not just for employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital. It is a space that is dedicated to everyone and is welcomed to be used by all.”The waterfall mosaic mural is located in the Reflection Garden. The Garden is on the first floor between the hospital and the Primary Care Center. Patients who are staying at the hospital can ask staff to bring them to see the mural. The public is encouraged to come and visit from the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Any staff member or the information desk can provide directions to the Reflection Garden.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.
Littauer Welcomes Ashley Rosloff, M.D. to the Johnstown Decker Drive Pediatric Center Posted on September 4, 2019September 4, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to welcome Ashley Rosloff, M.D. to our medical staff. She started her practice July 29 at our Johnstown Decker Drive Pediatric Center.Dr. Rosloff obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan. She continued her studies at St. George’s University in West Indies, Grenada, where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Rosloff completed her General Pediatrics residency at Albany Medical Center.Dr. Rosloff has also received numerous accolades for her work, including: The Excellent Facilitator Award for Physiology and The Legacy of Excellence Scholarship for St. George’s University.“Everyone loves her,” says Meegan Goodman, Network Practice Manager for Littauer. “We are hearing very good things about her from patients, colleagues, and parents.”“I am extremely excited,” says Dr. Rosloff. “The staff have been really supportive and helpful. They are extremely welcoming. I love the patients I have had the opportunity to work with, and I am looking forward to meeting more of the community.”Dr. Rosloff is accepting new patients at Littauer’s Decker Drive Pediatric Center in Johnstown, NY. Her office hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, you may call (518) 762-6731 or visit: https://www.nlh.org/medical_staff/ashley-rosloff-md.# # # 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.
Sepsis Awareness Month 2019 Posted on September 4, 2019September 3, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Every September, healthcare providers, the public, and organizations big and small come together to raise awareness of sepsis, the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Sepsis is a public health crisis, taking a life every two minutes, according to the Sepsis Alliance. That is 270,000 lives lost to sepsis every year in the U.S., more than lives lost to opioid overdoses, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined.“We are proud,” says Wes McFee, Performance Improvement Specialist. “Nathan Littauer Hospital is in the 94th percentile when it comes to New York State Sepsis Protocol. We’re in the top five percent of all hospitals in the state. It is amazing how much we’ve learned and adapted our protocols. We’ve increased our reaction to and treatment of sepsis. When lives are in the balance, our team is solely focused on appropriate sepsis care. It’s rewarding because I am sure we have saved lives due to our compliance with these protocols.”Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is helping to raise awareness by offering information provided by the Sepsis Alliance.Sepsis Alliance created an acronym to help recognize signs and symptoms of sepsis – TIME™. The abbreviations for the acronym are: T for Temperature that is abnormal, I for signs of Infection, M for Mental Decline, and E for feeling Extremely ill.Nathan Littauer is recognizing Sepsis Awareness Month during September by mounting a social media and radio campaign. According to Sepsis Alliance, “The key to saving lives is TIME. For every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases by as much as eight percent. ‘TIME’ is a memory aid, developed by Sepsis Alliance, to help individuals remember the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the urgent need for medical treatment when they are present.”For information about more signs and symptoms of sepsis, statistical data regarding sepsis, or to join the organization, please visit: www.sepsis.org###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
NLH Offering ABUS for Better Evaluation of Women with Dense Breasts Posted on September 3, 2019 by Dakota Pike GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Invenia™ ABUS 2.0 has been installed at Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. The hospital is testing the Invenia ABUS 2.0™ (Automated Breast Ultrasound System) and will be available to patients by September. The technology was approved by the FDA for breast cancer screening as an adjunct to mammography for women with dense breast tissue. It demonstrates a 35.7 percent improvement in cancer detection in women with dense breasts without prior breast intervention.Nathan Littauer employee, Tammy Gerdes, Senior Mammography Technologist, states, “At Nathan Littauer Hospital, we strive to provide our patients with the best technology available for their health care. We are pleased to announce the addition of an Automated Breast Ultrasound System to coincide with screening mammography for our patients with dense breast tissue.”Dense breast tissue has been found to be the most common risk factor for the development of cancer. It also makes cancer more difficult to detect using mammography, according to multiple large studies. As breast density goes up, the accuracy of mammograms goes down. The difficulty radiologists experience when reading mammograms is that both dense tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram. With ABUS, suspicious masses appear black against the white dense tissue, making visual interpretation much easier.“The issue with a regular mammogram is that some patients may have pacemakers, implants, or dense breasts, making it very difficult to interpret a mammogram,” says Dr. John Mastrangelo. “ABUS is a much more efficient screening and the image is clearer. With this new system, we can detect up to two to six more cancers in conjunction with a women’s mammogram.”In early 2019, a national density inform law was passed that mandates that the FDA update mammography reporting so that women be notified if their breasts are dense. Providers may offer supplemental imaging as appropriate to help find cancers hiding in dense breast tissue.The unique challenges of breast cancer screening led to important technology innovations that result high resolution images that can be acquired rapidly. Clinically, this offers an efficient option that provides enhanced resolution and contrast, making the Invenia ABUS 2.0 system well-positioned to address the workflow challenges of breast cancer screening and improve the detection of breast cancer, in women with dense breasts.Dr. Mastrangelo recommends, “Women should get regular mammograms as suggested by their doctor. If they have been informed that they have dense breast tissue, they should talk to their doctor or radiologist about their specific risk and additional screening tests that might be appropriate.”For further information about ABUS Invenia 2.0, visit:https://www.gehealthcare.com/products/ultrasound/abus-breast-imaging/invenia-abus # # # 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.
Nathan Littauer Unveils Mosaic Waterfall Posted on September 3, 2019September 4, 2019 by Dakota Pike A Mosaic Waterfall was unveiled on Aug. 29 at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden. From left: Director of Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil, and Artists: Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto. Artist Tammy Merendo speaks during the unveiling of a Mosaic Waterfall Aug. 29, at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden. For a full story and more photos, check out the Sept. 12 edition of the Fulton County Express. Find the full story in the 12 edition of the Fulton County Express, or on the Fulton County Express’ website here: https://www.fultoncountyexpress.com/
