Nathan Littauer offers Cooling Center Posted on July 19, 2019July 19, 2019 by Dakota Pike For the health, safety, and comfort of our residents, Nathan Littauer Hospital will open a Cooling Center this weekend in our cafeteria on our main campus. The Center will offer water and seating in an air-conditioned space. We are opening the Center to the public while we temporarily deal with the health effects of this weekend’s heat wave. Residents using the Cooling Center are encouraged to bring reading material, games, etc. to better enjoy the Center.The hours of the Cooling Center will be:Saturday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.These services are aimed at our patients and at-risk populations and those without air conditioning.Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.More information about heat-related illness can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
Nathan Littauer Foundation 2019 Adirondack Challenge Posted on July 16, 2019July 16, 2019 by Dakota PikeThe Nathan Littauer Foundation held their 16th Annual Adirondack Golf Challenge at Lake Pleasant golf course last Friday. Proceeds from the event will help fund the new Medical Arts Building being built on the NLH campus and renovate patient rooms.
Wellness Words July 2019 Posted on July 15, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Kidney Health What are the kidneys and why are they important?The kidneys are two bean–shaped organs located below the rib cage that lay on each side of the spine. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), these organs are part of the urinary tract and play an important role in filtering blood and removing waste from the body. Healthy, properly functioning kidneys filter about 150 quarts of blood every day or about a half cup every minute.The kidneys work to remove acid produced by the body and aid in maintaining a normal balance of water, salts and minerals like sodium and calcium in your blood. If this balance is disrupted, nerves, muscles and other tissues in the body may not work properly. Aside from filtering blood and removing waste, the kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep bones strong and healthy.Common Kidney Problems Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure are two common health problems involving the kidneys. The NIDDK defines chronic kidney disease as a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood and eliminate wastes properly. Often, this disease gets worse over time and can lead to a buildup of waste in the body.Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to function and is usually diagnosed when kidney function has dropped below 15% percent of normal ability. If kidney failure occurs, a person usually requires treatment to replace the job of the kidneys. Treatment may include some form of dialysis where a machine filters the blood, or a kidney transplant to replace a damaged kidney with a healthy one.Keeping Your Kidneys HealthyYou are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, so it’s important to prevent and manage these conditions. To keep your kidneys healthy, the NIDDK recommends:Making nutritious food choices – Choose heart healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, cut back on added sugars and reduce salt intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day.Add physical activity into your routine – Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity or more on most days of the week. If you are not currently active, make sure to check with your healthcare professional before starting a new activity routine.Maintain a healthy weight – This will aid in preventing many chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.Get enough sleep – Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to allow your body to rest and recharge.Quit smoking – Talk with your healthcare provider and make a plan to stop smoking.Limit alcohol – Drinking alcohol can lead to weight gain and increase blood pressure. If you drink, limit yourself to one drink per day. This would equal about 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.Reduce your stress – Managing stress can help improve emotional and physical health. Try a yoga class or relaxation technique like deep breathing.Manage diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease – If you have any of these chronic conditions, it’s important to keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check to prevent kidney damage. Talk with your healthcare professional about where your numbers should be and make sure to take all medications as prescribed.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program entitled ‘Kidney Health’ presented by Dr. Soo Gil Lee, Nephrologist of American Renal Associates Dialysis Center on July 24 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, call 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.
It’s that time of the year, Nathan Littauer’s Teddy Bear Hospital! Posted on July 9, 2019July 9, 2019 by Dakota PikeIt’s that time of the year – Nathan Littauer’s Teddy Bear Hospital!Join us Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 1 – 3 p.m at Nathan Littauer Hospital.We’ll be providing FREE checkups to teddy bears, action figures, dolls, and other toys. Your buddy can even get a cast if they need it!The event is free and all area children and families are invited.
Littauer’s Foundation Announces Annual Golf Tournament Posted on June 24, 2019July 3, 2019 by Dakota PikeThe 2019 Adirondack Challenge will take place July 12, 2019GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK – The Nathan Littauer Foundation is releasing details of The 2019 Adirondack Challenge, a golf tournament supporting the hospital’s mission for improved access to world-class healthcare. “This event celebrates the Hamilton County area’s support of Littauer services in the North County. Without our Primary Care Center in Speculator many people would have no access to safe, affordable and convenient healthcare,” stated Geoff Peck, Executive Director of the Foundation. He added, “We look forward to this event every year and it also happens to be a really fun day of golf.”“We always receive a very warm welcome from Mike O’Rourke and the staff at the Lake Pleasant Golf Course”, stated Kelly Colby, the Foundation Coordinator. She explained, “This golf tournament is now in its 16th year and many community supporters join us at the links or for lunch or both. I consider these people old friends.”The golf tournament will be held July 12, 2019 at the Lake Pleasant Golf Club. The shotgun start is at 8:00 am and teams will play a “Scrambled” scrambled format. The cost is $110 per person and includes: 18 holes of golf, golf cart, breakfast, on-course food and drinks, prizes and lunch at the Inn at Speculator. Golfers will compete in two divisions: up to age 65 and 65 and over. Foursomes are welcome to join or single golfers and couples will be teamed up with a foursome.As our thank-you gift this year each player may choose either a complementary round of golf at Hales Mills Country Club or a round of golf with a cart at Lake Pleasant Golf Course.Golfers enjoy a round of golf for a great cause.“Those who would like to enjoy an inspired lunch at the Inn at Speculator can join us at $50 per person,” explained Colby. She added, “And as always, all levels of sponsorships are still available.”The Adirondack Challenge will benefit continued growth and upgrades to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Primary/Specialty Care network. “We are asking for support to bring a new Medical Arts Building on the Littauer Hospital campus to fruition,” explained Mr. Peck. “Our community needs improved access to world-class medical care. This 12,000 square-foot facility will greatly increase the ease and efficiency of our patients’ primary care experience.”People of all ages are encouraged to join the hospital for a day of golf by preregistering with Kelly Colby at 518-773-5505 or by emailing the Foundation at NathanLittauerFoundation@nlh.org.To make a gift in support of Nathan Littauer Hospital, visit www.nlh.org/ https://www.nlh.org/giving or contact Kelly Colby, at 518-773-5505, or by emailing us at NathanLittauerFoundation@nlh.orgXX 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 are 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 June 2019 Posted on June 17, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Breathe Easy All Summer LongAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one out of seven American adults suffers from some form of chronic lung disease. The two most common chronic lung diseases that affect Americans include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 14.8 million cases of COPD and 25 million cases of asthma across the United States.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of chronic, or lifelong, lung conditions that block the airways and make it more difficult to breathe. COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the CDC, common symptoms of COPD include frequent coughing or wheezing, excess phlegm or mucus, shortness of breath and trouble taking deep breaths.AsthmaThe American Lung Association (ALA) defines asthma as a chronic lung condition that causes swollen and inflamed airways, making it harder to move air into and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, certain things in the environment can worsen your symptoms, causing an ‘asthma attack.’ While most people develop asthma as a child, asthma can begin at any age. Sometimes symptoms can lessen for a period of time and develop more severely again later in life.Seasonal Effects With summer weather just around the corner, it’s important to educate yourself on the effects of hot and humid weather conditions, high pollen levels and grassy, weedy environments on your lungs. For someone with chronic lung problems like COPD or asthma, the heat, humidity, grass and weeds that go hand-in-hand with summer can greatly affect the lungs, causing a flare up of symptoms.According to the ALA, inhaling hot air can increase inflammation of the airways and trigger the onset of respiratory symptoms, especially in those with COPD or asthma. Similarly, high pollen levels and grassy areas can act as irritants for your lungs, constricting the airways and making it more difficult to breathe.PreventionIf you have COPD or asthma, the ALA recommends these tips for minimizing flare-ups during the summer:Check the weather and pollen forecasts to avoid spending too much time outside during a heat wave or time of high pollen levels.Keep out of the sun by wearing loose, cool clothing and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. If you plan to go outside, avoid staying in the sun for long periods of time.Pack a bag of essentials to carry with you at all times. Make sure to bring your quick–relief medications with you.Drink plenty of water to prevent from becoming dehydrated. If you would like to learn more, attend a special program entitled ‘Breathe Easy’ presented by Littauer’s Pulmonary Rehab Services on June 26 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, call 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.
Nathan Littauer Foundation Annual EVENT Posted on June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Foundation’s The EVENT 2019This year, the Littauer Foundation hosted a Caddyshack party at Hales Mills Country Club with amazing food by Executive Chef Brad Saunders, music, dancing, and Caddyshack theme fun inside and out.
