Wellness Words September 2018 Posted on September 11, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Emergency PreparednessThere are many things in life we can predict – the weather, sports outcomes or stock market trends. However, one thing we can’t predict is when an emergency will occur. Therefore, we must educate and prepare ourselves for the unexpected. While preparing for an emergency or natural disaster may seem impossible, taking the steps to plan for such events can help us deal with all types of hazards more efficiently.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three steps to preparing for all kinds of emergency situations. These three steps include: 1. Prepare An Emergency Kit – Gather supplies for all types of hazards in order to provide for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. An all–hazards supply kit should be stored in a waterproof bin and contain:Water (one gallon per person)Nonperishable food items (canned meat, dried fruit, peanut butter, etc.)FlashlightBattery–powered or hand–crank radioExtra batteriesFirst aid suppliesOne week supply of medicationsPersonal hygiene or sanitation itemsCopies of personal documents (identification, medication list, proof of address, etc.)Cell phone and chargerEmergency disaster plan with contact informationCashBlanket, clothes and sleeping bagToolsMap2. Make A Plan – Talk with your loved ones prior to an emergency situation and discuss what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area, how you will get in contact with one another in the event of an emergency, two different places to meet each other, and an evacuation or escape route from your home. When you and your loved ones have discussed your emergency plan, make sure to practice and review it every year.The CDC also recommends making an emergency communication plan that lists the address and phone number of your emergency meeting places, as well as the contact information of your loved ones. Contact information may include full name, social security number, date of birth, telephone number, address, planned evacuation location and any important medical information.3. Be Informed – Educate yourself on the most recent information available regarding emergencies. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow these basic steps:Learn what health emergencies may occur in your area (a home fire, a medical emergency, or a hurricane).Determine how you will get information during a disaster (TV, radio, or weather station).Learn the difference between weather alerts such as watches or warnings and what you should do during each alert.Be aware of what health emergencies may take place in areas you travel to and how to respond to them.Make sure you or someone in your household is trained in CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).Make sure everyone in your household knows where the fire extinguisher is kept and how to use it.Teach children how and when to call 911.Share what you’ve learned with others to help keep them informed.By following these steps, you will be better prepared during an emergency situation. If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Hazardous Events’ presented by Steven Santa Maria, Fulton County Civil Defense Director & Fire Coordinator, on September 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.
Wellness Words August 2018 Posted on August 15, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Pain AwarenessHave you been experiencing long-lasting pain?According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year, affecting more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Pain can result from a number of health concerns including injury, disease or physical conditions.What is chronic pain?The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines chronic pain as pain that persists over a long period of time. Unlike short-term or acute pain, chronic pain is not a normal sensation; it is a continuous sensation of hurt that lasts for weeks, months or even years. More often than not, pain is caused by an initial injury or condition such as a sprained wrist, arthritis, or an ear infection.However, people may experience pain without having suffered a previous injury or health problem. Some of the most common complaints of chronic pain stem from headaches, lower back problems, cancer, arthritis and damage to nerves. The AAPM estimates that over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide, with the top three leading causes resulting from low back pain, severe headache or migraine, and neck pain.Effects of chronic painChronic pain comes in many forms that can negatively affect your quality of life. For example, persistent pain may limit your ability to move around and perform everyday tasks. According to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, this can often lead to decreased activity and result in weakened muscles. When your muscles are weakened and your body is not used to performing daily activities, even the slightest use can result in more pain.Chronic pain can also affect your mental state causing feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety or depression. These physical and mental challenges may intensify feelings and make it more difficult to deal with a painful situation.Dealing with chronic painIf you’re experiencing long-term pain, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program suggests talking with your healthcare provider about your symptoms to better address the cause of your pain. Providers may be able to prescribe treatment or medication to address the problem or alleviate your symptoms.However, since the cause of chronic pain is not always certain, treatment and medication may not always work. A few other tools for pain management include:Exercise: Exercise provides many health benefits, including pain relief. Talk with your healthcare provider about which activities are best for you.Using your mind: Use methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or muscle stretching to help ease your pain.Ice, Heat or Massage: Try icing, heating, or massaging local areas of pain such as the back, knees, or neck.HealthLink currently offers programs that can aid in pain relief such as Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Senior Steps, and Chronic Disease Self-Management.For more information on chronic pain, talk to your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Teddy Bear Hospital Posted on August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer’s first Teddy Bear Hospital was a HUGE success! Thank you to all of our volunteers who made this event happen. Also a special thank you to the Gloversville Fire Department, Fulton County Ambulance and to LifeNet for showing children the inside “scoop” of their equipment. It’s safe to say we had many healthy teddy bears head home in our community today!
“Teddy Bear Hospital” Event Will Welcome Children, Families Posted on August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 by Dakota PikeChildren are invited to have their favorite teddy bear, doll or action hero “examined” Sunday, August 12th from 1-3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Area children and families are invited to bring their bears, dolls, action figures and more to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s first annual “Teddy Bear Hospital” event, scheduled for 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, August 12 at the Hospital.During the fun and FREE family event, children will learn about general health, good nutritional habits, and the various types of care provided at Nathan Littauer Hospital.While their special friends are getting their FREE check-up, children can ask questions about visiting the doctor, learn about the body and good health habits, experience hands-on displays, visit health booths and workshops, enjoy refreshments, and more. Emergency services personnel will also be on hand with an ambulance and LifeNet helicopter. The first 200 children in attendance will receive a FREE backpack.“Going to the hospital can be scary, but we want children to feel comfortable and supported here,” said Nathan Littauer Chief of Pediatric Services Maruthi Sunkara, MD. “Events like this are a great opportunity for us to welcome members of the community – especially the littlest ones – into our facility and help them start to understand that we’re here to help, and that Nathan Littauer Hospital is a place you can go when you need to feel better.”No advance registration is required for the Teddy Bear Hospital event, and children of all ages are invited to attend with their parent or caregiver. For more information about the event, interested individuals can visit www.nlh.org.
Wellness Words July 2018 Posted on July 10, 2018July 27, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant HepatitisWhat is Hepatitis?The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is usually caused by Hepatitis viruses but can also occur from other infections, use of alcohol or drugs, certain medications and autoimmune diseases. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are five main types of Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; these types of Hepatitis cause the greatest burden of illness and death and have the most potential to spread among individuals. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, lead to chronic disease in millions of Americans, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. The most prevalent forms of Hepatitis in the United States are types A, B, and C.Hepatitis A (HAV)Hepatitis A is found in the waste of those who are infected and is usually spread by consuming contaminated water or food. HAV is most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation. According to the WHO, certain sexual practices can also spread HAV. Individuals infected with HAV often experience mild infections and make a full recovery. However, in some cases, the infection can be severe and life threatening. In orderto protect yourself from Hepatitis A, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated and practicing good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands.Hepatitis B (HBV)The WHO estimates that approximately 257 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes both acute, or short-term disease, as well as chronic or long-term disease, and can be life threatening. HBV is passed from person to person by contact with infected blood or body fluids, and can even be passed from mother to child at birth. Those infected with HBV are at an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent HBV infection. The WHO recommends that all infants be vaccinated for HBV within the first 24 hours of birth to protect against Hepatitis B infection.Hepatitis C (HCV)Globally, the WHO estimates 71 million people have Hepatitis C. Similar to the Hepatitis B virus, the Hepatitis C virus also causes both acute and chronic disease. Infections can range from a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks to a severe illness that lasts a lifetime. HCV is classified as a blood borne virus that is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Unsafe injection practices, like injection drug use, and unsafe healthcare practices can result in the spread of the Hepatitis C virus. Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV, but there are antiviral medications that can cure more than 95% of those infected. To avoid infection, the WHO urges individuals to refrain from sharing needles, syringes, razors or toothbrushes with others. If you are sexually active, always use protection.Protecting Yourself and OthersIf you currently have Hepatitis, it’s important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. To keep yourself healthy and free of infection, the CDC recommends visiting your healthcare professional on a regular basis, monitoring your liver, avoiding alcohol and staying up-to-date on the latest research, information, and treatment for Hepatitis. Chronic Hepatitis can often cause nausea, fatigue, and emotional stress. In order to ease your symptoms, make it a priority to eat a nutritious diet, take naps throughout the day as needed, and find ways to cope with your stress. To ensure the safety of your loved ones and others around you, don’t share toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, nail files, clippers, or any other objects that come into contact with blood or body fluids.For more information on hepatitis, talk your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Additionally, more information on Hepatitis B can be found by visiting STDTesting.org’s article here: https://www.stdtesting.org/hepatitis-b-testing/
Wellness Words June 2018 Posted on June 14, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Men’s Health: Prostate & Bladder CancerThe National Cancer Institute estimates that men in the United States will face 856,370 new cases of cancer in 2018. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), two of the top five most common forms of cancer that affect men include prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Prostate CancerAside from skin cancer, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) classifies prostate cancer as the most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer occurs when cells within the prostate gland, a gland only found in men, begin to grow uncontrollably. Researchers from ACS do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer, but they do know that it begins when there are changes to the DNA of a normal prostate cell. These changes can occur during a person’s lifetime or can be passed on from generation to generation. In order to protect yourself, it’s important to know the risk factors of prostate cancer and the steps you can take to lower your risk. Certain risk factors, including age, family history, and race can increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. While prostate cancer can occur at any time, the CDC states that the risk for developing prostate cancer increases as men get older; most cases occur in men over the age of 65. Family history can also affect a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer. According to the CDC, if a man has a father, brother, or son who currently has or had prostate cancer in the past, they are two to three times more likely to also develop the disease. For reasons unknown, prostate cancer more commonly occurs in African American men than any other race.There is no specific way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are certain preventative steps men can take to lower their risk of developing it. ACS recommends maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a balanced diet. This means getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity and 2 days of strength training activities each week, as well as eating 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables every day. Bladder CancerHarvard Health classifies bladder cancer as the fourth most common, lethal internal disease in American men, and one of the top ten deadliest cancers. According to ACS, bladder cancer occurs when cells in the urinary bladder grow uncontrollably. As the cancer cells continue to develop, tumors may form and the cancer may spread to other areas of the body. There are several layers within the bladder, all made up of different types of cells. ACS believes that most bladder cancers begin in the innermost lining of the bladder, and then continue to spread to the outer layers.There are a number of risk factors that affect a person’s likelihood of developing bladder cancer. According to the CDC, these risk factors include smoking, exposure to chemicals in the workplace, and not drinking enough fluids. Smoking is the biggest risk factor of developing bladder cancer. ACS deems smokers three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.Exposure to certain chemicals has also been linked to developing bladder cancer. Workers in the rubber, leather, textiles, or painting industries are at an increased risk for bladder cancer, as well as machinists, printers, hair dressers, and truck drivers. Lastly, those who don’t drink enough fluids each day, especially water, tend to have higher rates of bladder cancer. ACS believes this may be due to the fact that those that drink more often empty their bladders more frequently, which prevents chemicals from lingering in the bladder.Like prostate cancer, there is no specific way to prevent bladder cancer, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. ACS recommends not smoking, limiting your exposure to chemicals in the workplace, following proper safety precautions if you work in an industry that may expose you to chemicals, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Studies have suggested that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help protect against bladder cancer.There is no guarantee to preventing cancer, but the best defense is to take control of your health. To best decrease your chances of developing cancer, the ACS suggests:Maintaining a healthy weightGetting regular physical activityAvoiding all forms of tobaccoLimiting alcohol intakeProtecting your skinKnowing yourself, your family history and your risksVisiting your healthcare provider regularly and getting screened for cancerFor more information on men’s health, talk your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
