Nathan Littauer Hospital Recognized for Considerable Lactation Care Posted on August 22, 2019August 22, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) have recognized Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home for excellence in lactation care.“This is huge. We’ve taken quite a few steps forward when it comes to new technology and medical practices in breastfeeding support,” says Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC. “A lot of our patients are excited. They even say we are a medical practice leader.”Nathan Littauer received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification and providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, Nathan Littauer hosted the World Breastfeeding Week event August 7, to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so that they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. IBCLCs continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as the patient’s baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as a patient breastfeeding more than one baby, or a patient nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.“Receiving this award is of great importance to all of our professions,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The care of our patients and the important role we play in the instruction of our staff and breastfeeding mothers means a lot to us.”As allied health care professionals with the leading internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently more than 31,000 such professionals in 110 countries worldwide that are IBCLC’s (www.iblce.org). The IBCLC certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies® (NCCA®). NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programs. ### 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.
Johnstown Eagles Donate 300 Bears for Littauer’s “Teddy Bear Hospital” Event Posted on August 15, 2019August 15, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Children without their own action hero, stuffed animal or teddy bear didn’t miss out on the fun of Nathan Littauer Hospital’s “Teddy Bear Hospital” event on August 4, thanks to a generous donation of 300 bears from the Johnstown Eagles. The event, which is in its second year, drew more than 300 people. It was designed to help children become familiar with the Hospital and its personnel. Children bring toys for a variety of simulated treatments from medical professionals from around the organization.“Often, children meet us for the first time under very stressful circumstances,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Teddy Bear Hospital event allows them to meet us in a fun environment first so when they come back for care, it’s less frightening and intimidating.”David F. Cook of the Johnstown Eagles said his organization was pleased to be a part of the effort.“We’re very thankful to have provided the donation to Nathan Littauer Hospital,” Cook said to gathered volunteers on the day of the event. “It was our pleasure to make a difference for the kids. We’ve been helping the community for 114 years and we will continue to do so.”Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Dave Cook, member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Johnstown Eagles.The Johnstown Eagles have been members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for 114 years and have made numerous donations to Littauer and other organizations in the community. Established in 1898, FOE donates more than $10 million dollars a year to local charities, fundraisers, and communities. Their mission, “…to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope,” was a good fit with Littauer’s mission.“The donation was such a heartwarming gift to our local children,” said McGrattan. “The Fraternal Order of Eagles are a wonderful supporter of Littauer. We are so grateful to have a close working relationship with such a generous organization.”Dave Cook, member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Johnstown Eagles is praised for his philanthropic donation for Teddy Bear Hospital. 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.
Tara Keane named as Second Quarter Goodwill Award recipient Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce Tara Keane, Medical Technologist, as the Second Quarter Goodwill Award recipient for 2019!After being congratulated and presented with the award, Tara said, “I am extremely happy to work at Nathan Littauer. As an employee, I am provided with the opportunity to give back to my community. I’m also lucky to have such a supportive team to work with. I can always rely on them.”Tara Keane graduated from Alfred State College of New York and SUNY Fredonia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology (BSMT). Soon after, Tara continued her studies at St. Mary’s School of Science Engineering and Technology as an intern. She joined Nathan Littauer Hospital in 1994.Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO, presented Tara with the award August 7, during an employee gathering at Nate’s Café. “Tara was nominated for the Goodwill Award by many co-workers and department staff. She is the right-hand helper to give the best patient care we can provide. She is good at what she does,” says Mr. Kelly.Laurence Kelly, President and CEO of NLH, presents Tara Keane the Second Quarter Goodwill Award.Tara always assists anyone she can; she is hardworking and determined. She always helps patients understand medical procedures and terminology, and is always open to feedback.Tara received flowers, balloons, and a plaque recognizing her achievement.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, Tara! 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.
Local teddy bears are feeling much better now Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer staff volunteer to put children at ease.Nathan Littauer celebrated their Second Annual Teddy Bear Hospital August 4, 2019. The event had over 316 participants. Local children brought their action heroes, stuffed animals, and teddy bears to Nathan Littauer Hospital to be “treated” by clinical staff.“Teddy Bear Hospital is a home run for our community. It showcases our wonderful staff and our clinical excellence in a nonthreatening setting made for children. Not only does it help put children at ease, our team is able to share our love of medicine with our youngest neighbors,” said Dr. Purcell, Pediatrician and volunteer at Littauer’s Teddy Bear Hospital.Teddy bears approve of the treatment received at the event.The hospital would like to thank all of the volunteers who made the event possible. In all, 69 volunteers worked Sunday to ensure the event went smoothly. Littauer would also like to thank the Gloversville Fire Department, Fulton County Ambulance, LifeNet, and the Gloversville Police Department for their services. The agencies provided the children with an inside look of their department’s vehicles and equipment.This event is special to Nathan Littauer because it provides local children the opportunity to feel right at home with their community hospital. “It’s a wonderful benefit to the community. It’s close-by and children can get comfortable with our hospital and learn so much,” states Melissa Buanno, Admissions Coordinator for the Extended Care Facility, and a Teddy Bear Hospital volunteer.“It is important to get young children comfortable with all the staff here in the hospital. It was a great opportunity to be connected with our care providers. When the children do need these important services, they are already familiar with the staff and the medical processes,” said Verneta Collar, Care Coordination, Discharge Planner, and volunteer.The event had stations for children. These stations were designed specifically to help children understand emergency medicine and wellness. Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications explains, “With a great amount of teamwork we showed local families and children our mission to provide the greatest comfort and highest level of care to our patients. And yes, we even provide quality care to teddy bears.”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 August 2019 Posted on August 13, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant “Healthy” Starts In The GardenAccording to Harvard Health and the University of New Hampshire, there are many reasons to grow your own food! Gardening can be beneficial to your health, the environment, and can even help save you a few extra dollars throughout the summer and fall months.Gardening For Nutrition When you grow your own food, you not only increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, but you also consume a greater amount of nutrients. Prior to being sold in grocery stores, produce goes through a long process of being shipped and delivered across the country, and is not always picked at peak times. During the shipment and delivery process, fruits and vegetables often lose many beneficial nutrients.If you grow your own produce, you’ll be able to pick your fruits and vegetables when they are ripe, providing you with fresh, flavorful options that are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to fuel your body. Having your own garden also allows you to eliminate pesticides and other contaminants that are used on grocery store produce.Gardening For Physical ActivityAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week as well as two days of muscle-strengthening activities each week. The CDC considers gardening, including weeding, digging, hoeing, raking and planting a moderate aerobic activity and therefore can help improve heart health, flexibility and body strength. Regular physical activity can also improve your body’s immune system, help decrease stress and heart rate, and boost your mood.Vitamin D An outdoor garden is a great way to increase your sun exposure and get more Vitamin D! Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth and can help protect against certain chronic diseases. The CDC recommends always protecting your skin when in the sun by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before going outside.Help The EnvironmentShipping and delivering produce throughout the country requires long travel times that rely on fossil fuels and increases pollution of the environment. If you grow a garden you can help reduce transportation and decrease the harmful effects of pollution.Save Money While it may seem costly to start your own garden, in the long run it can actually help you save money. According to the UNH, buying seeds, plants and a few supplies to maintain your garden can yield a great amount of produce in the summer and fall months. This allows you to avoid those extra charges tacked on to produce for growing, harvesting, shipment and delivery.Spice Up Your Meals The CDC recommends filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. There are endless amounts of produce to grow in an at-home or community-based garden, and many ways to use your fruits and vegetables during meal time.Try these simple ways to add your fresh-grown produce from the garden to your meals:Zucchini Noodles – Instead of pasta, use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles and substitute them in your favorite pasta dish.Summer Salads – Put a little summer twist on your salad by topping fresh greens with strawberries, blueberries or blackberries.Cauliflower Pizza Crust – Try making a cauliflower pizza crust with fresh-from-the-garden cauliflower, a couple of eggs, grated low-fat parmesan and low-fat mozzarella cheese, along with your favorite seasonings.Kale Chips – Bake kale in the oven with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper for a nutritious, crispy snack.Extend Your Harvest While many think that late summer means the end of gardening, it’s actually the perfect time to plant cool-weather vegetables. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, many vegetables thrive just as well in cooler weather than in warmer weather, and some even taste better after a frost. Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsnips, carrots and brussel sprouts get sweeter from cooler weather and can survive in the ground longer without much harm from the cold.To determine the best plants to grow, check the “days to harvest” information on the back of seed packets. In general, your vegetables should be grown just prior to the first frost of the season. The Farmer’s Almanac lists several fast-growing vegetables that are ideal for late-summer planting including:Squash and ZucchiniCucumbersLeaf LettucesRadishesSnap Peas and Snow PeasSpinachBroccoliIf you’d like to learn more about gardening or are preparing for a fall harvest, visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s website for up-to-date resources at https://www.nal.usda.gov/home-gardening.For more information on good health, contact 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.
Teddy Bear Hospital Sunday August 4th Posted on July 31, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer invites you and your children to be part of our 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Hospital! Bring your teddy bear, doll or favorite action hero to Nathan Littauer to be “treated” by our expert staff. Created for children, the event will have interactive stations designed to make health care fun. The event will also feature EMS, Fire and Lifenet (helicopter services). This event is FREE and open to the public. Don’t miss out on this fun!Sunday, August 4, 20191pm-3pmNathan Littauer Hospital
NATHAN LITTAUER RECEIVES NEW ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION Posted on July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 by Dakota PikeDr. Frederick Goldberg and Christine Waghorn, celebrate the new certification!Nathan Littauer has achieved certification to the new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, reflecting the hospital’s long-term commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction.The certification is valid for three years and is provided by DNV GL – Business Assurance.ISO 9001 is the most widely used quality management standard, and has recently undergone a periodic update to better reflect modern business challenges. Last modified in 2008, the new 2015 version of ISO 9001 is the result of input from business and technical experts around the world. The program requires greater involvement of senior management, broader understanding of supply chains, and more focus on stakeholder (not just customer) expectations.Frederick Goldberg, M.D., Littauer’s Chief Medical Officer explained, “ISO 9001 can be a transformative tool for delivering quality healthcare. ISO 9001 can’t be delegated to a single manager or committee. It is a strategic approach recognized throughout our entire organization.” He added, “As the only local hospital with an ISO 9001 certification, I believe our hospital is transforming local healthcare. Additionally, the focus on continual improvement ensures that our focus on quality will endure for decades.”Christine D. Waghorn, Director of Performance Improvement at Littauer said she was ecstatic when she got the notification from DNV GL. She stated, “I agree with what is said in our industry about this designation: ‘ISO is quality on steroids.’” She added, “Nathan Littauer is continually improving our processes. It is a part of our culture. Our patients deserve that.”“We are extremely proud of our commitment to quality,” says Laurence E. Kelly, Nathan Littauer’s President and CEO. “Our ISO certification helps us continually move forward and, equally important, allows us to publicly communicate our dedication to excellence. It’s a symbol that everyone – our employees, our partners, our patients – recognizes and values.” About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing HomeNathan 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 to offer healthcare that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org. About DNV GL – Business AssuranceDNV GL – Business Assurance is part of the DNV GL Group, a world-leading certification body helping businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services.For more information about DNV GL – Business Assurance, visit www.dnvglcert.com.
