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.
Reminder: Dr. Pizarro holds office hours in Perth Posted on June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Primary Care is reminding people that Glen Pizarro, M.D., Internist, holds offices hours on a rotating basis at our Perth location. Please call 518-843-8045 to schedule an appointment today! Our Network Practice Manager, Meegan D. Goodman states, “Dr. Pizarro’s patients just love him. He has added so much to our practice in Perth.”Dr. Pizarro holds office hours at our Perth Location
Respected ENT Team Joins Littauer Posted on June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 by Dakota PikeBradley H. Paddock, M.D. and Nurse Practitioner Amy Hall have joined Nathan Littauer and are now practicing on 182 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY.One of Gloversville’s most respected specialists is joining the Nathan Littauer Hospital medical staff and bringing with him an expert Nurse Practitioner and an audiologist. Otolaryngologist Bradley H. Paddock, M.D. has specialized in ear, nose and throat care, as well as head and neck surgery, in his Gloversville private practice since 1983. Effective immediately, Dr. Paddock, as well as Amy Hall, FNP-BC, MS and hearing specialist Mark Caffrey, Au.D, are joining the Littauer team.“Increasing access to high quality specialty services is one of the many ways in which Littauer shows our commitment to the health of this region,” said Frederick Goldberg, M.D., Littauer’s Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. “We look forward to an ever stronger partnership with Dr. Paddock and his team.”Dr. Paddock’s practice has relocated to 182 Steele Avenue in Gloversville. The office phone number is 518-725-8656, audiology can be reached at 518-725-2620. No staffing changes are planned in relationship to the transition. Patients can expect the same level of excellent care in the new location.“We’re extremely proud to be welcoming Dr. Paddock, Amy, and Mark to our organization,” said Laurence Kelly, Nathan Littauer President & CEO. “This group has an excellent reputation in our region and now they’ll have the backing of a strong health care system and all that comes with it in terms of technology, access, and support.”Bradley H. Paddock, M.D. received his medical education at Albany Medical College. He completed his surgical residency at Berkshire Medical Center and his residency in otolaryngology at Albany Medical College. He is board certified in otolaryngology and sleep medicine.Amy Hall, FNP, M.S. earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Maria College in Albany, NY. She completed her Master of Science (Family Nurse Practitioner) at Sage Colleges in Troy, NY.Mark Caffrey, Au.D earned his bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from SUNY Geneseo, his Master of Science (Audiology) from Montclair State University in New Jersey and his Au.D from the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.For more information about ENT and other services, including primary care, visit Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, visit www.nlh.org. Bradley Paddock, MD and Nurse Practitioner Amy Hall are now practicing on 182 Steele Avenue###
Littauer’s Foundation Announces Largest Event of the Year Posted on June 3, 2019 by Dakota PikeThe EVENT will celebrate 125 years of serving the community GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (May 13, 2019) – The Nathan Littauer Foundation is releasing details of The EVENT, a gala designed to support the hospital’s expansion and mission for improved access to world-class healthcare. “This gala gives us the opportunity celebrate 125 years of serving this community while we also share our vision for the future,” stated Geoff Peck, Executive Director of the Foundation. He added, “It also happens to be a really fun party.”The EVENT, benefiting Nathan Littauer Hospital will be held Friday, June 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Hales Mills Country Club in Johnstown, NY. The signature fundraiser will feature a more relaxed Caddyshack theme suitable for its golf course location.Always well attended, The EVENT is “a great party for a great cause.”With an inspired menu and décor, THE EVENT will highlight the culinary talents of Executive Chef Brad Saunders. The décor will be the vision of event decorator Deb McFarland. Silent auction items including art and travel packages will be available, and a 50/50 raffle will give guests a chance to have a winning evening.Last year, generous support helped the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation raise more than $130,000.“This year we are asking for support to bring our Medical Arts Building to fruition,” explained Mr. Peck. “Our community needs improved access to world-class medical care. This 12,000 square-foot facility on our hospital campus will perfectly address the on-going needs of our community.”A signature of The EVENT is amazing food.People of all ages are encouraged to join the hospital for a great party for a great cause. General admission tickets start at just $125. Patron tickets are $250.00 per person. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting: https://www.nlh.org/giving/2019-eventPlease call (518) 773-5505 for reservations and questions. Guests usually choose to attend The EVENT in cocktail attire, evening wear or costume. Mr. Peck concluded, “I think this year’s theme will inspire some great costumes and fun interaction.” He explained, “And no EVENT would be complete without a few surprises. You never know who might show up to entertain our guests.”THE EVENT is supported by Millennium Medical Imaging, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Sodexo, Schumacher Group, Century Linen, Taylor Made, and NBT Bank.For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Nathan Littauer Foundation office at (518) 773-5505, or by emailing us 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.org
A notice to our valued Fidelis patients Posted on May 31, 2019 by Dakota PikeA letter may have been sent to you in error by your insurance company.Some Littauer patients have received letters from Fidelis Care of New York advising them that their primary care provider no longer participates with Fidelis, and that they have been enrolled with a different provider. We are investigating the origins of these letters, but currently believe they were sent in error by Fidelis. All Littauer Primary-Specialty providers continue to participate with all products at Fidelis Care of New York. No additional action is needed on your part at this time. Further questions about these letters should be directed to Fidelis. Thank you, as always, for choosing Littauer Primary-Specialty care.
Littauer’s own Tina Bagley, RN and Eileen Breckenridge, RN train reporters Benita Zahn and Elaine Houston and other news staff at New Channel 13 on Stop The Bleed Posted on May 24, 2019 by Dakota PikeJoin us in congratulating Littauer’s own Tina Bagley, RN and Eileen Breckenridge, RN, Stop the Bleed instructors who trained reporters Benita Zahn and Elaine Houston and other news staff yesterday at News Channel 13! The class teaches the basics of identifying and treating life-threatening bleeding using tourniquets, wound packing, and pressure dressings.Click here to watch: https://wnyt.com/health/stop-the-bleed-training-helping-public-save-lives/5364932/?cat=10114
