Littauer introduces Rev. Brian Dykema, as on-call chaplain Posted on January 31, 2018 by Dakota Pike– Littauer’s new On-Call Chaplain, the Rev. Brian Dykema Littauer announces the addition of the Reverend Brian Dykema to their Pastoral Care Department. He is Littauer’s new On-Call Chaplain, now assisting the Rev. Bonnie Orth with Littauer’s Pastoral Care. He began working with Littauer in December 2017. “I have to say, I really enjoy the people here at Littauer,” said Dykema . “I am greatly impressed with the true kindness and compassion I see exhibited here daily.” Rev. Dykema grew up in Michigan with a legacy of family involved in ministry. It wasn’t until he was a young adult that he knew this calling was his as well. He completed his college and seminary training in Michigan. He then completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Rev. Dykema moved to this community originally as the pastor of the Calvary Reformed Church in Hagaman, New York. He then served as the pastor of the Johnstown Reformed Church for 10 years. He then joined Littauer and is pleased with the opportunity. He is married to his wife Sarah and living in Johnstown. They have a 15 year-old chocolate-lab mixed dog appropriately named Coco. Rev. Dykema, who likes to be called simply Brian, can be reached through Littauer Pastoral Care at (518) 773-5655. The Pastoral Care office is located on the second floor of the hospital.
Littauer announces Tammy Kennedy as Goodwill Award winner Posted on January 24, 2018 by Dakota PikeLittauer fourth-quarter Goodwill Award recipient, Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, with Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly on Tuesday GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 23, 2018) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, with the 2017 fourth-quarter Goodwill Award. She was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of her peers on Tuesday morning.“Tammy is an outstanding employee, one that we can look up to,” said Kelly. “Her values mirror those that Littauer stand for, and that’s what got her here.”Kennedy is a 30 year Littauer employee, hired in January 1988. She has been promoted twice to her current position. Her perpetual role of accommodation, cheerfulness and kindness, along with her signature smile, were noted in most nominations. Kelly went on to point out many of the accolades that Tammy received as a new hire 30 years ago, are mirrored by what her peers still are saying today. “I am so very surprised,” said Kennedy. “And so very honored.”Recipients for the award are nominated by NLH employees, providers or patients and submitted to the Goodwill Committee. They are selected in a blind format.Kennedy received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.
Wellness Words January 2018 Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Alzheimer’s DiseaseJust as our bodies change with age, so do our brains. As we get older, most people tend to notice occasional forgetfulness, a slowed thought process, or a mouth that can’t always speak what the mind is thinking. However, serious forgetfulness or confusion with age can be a sign of failing brain cells. These failing brain cells may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer’s disease?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term used to describe a severe decline in mental ability. Due to the severity of decline, those that have the disease cannot maintain their usual day–to–day activities. Alzheimer’s is a gradual, progressive disease that worsens over time, and is not a normal part of aging. In the early stages, individuals experience mild memory loss. As the disease progresses, people often lose their memory, their ability to carry on conversations, and their ability to respond to their surrounding environment. How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?Scientists are still uncertain of the exact cause and process of Alzheimer’s disease, however, many believe Alzheimer’s affects our brain cells and keeps them from operating correctly. Our brains have millions of nerve cells that connect to other cells, creating pathways for communication and performing specific jobs including learning, thinking, seeing, smelling, and hearing. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to cause backups and breakdowns between these cells and their functions, which leads to damage, cell death, and irreversible changes within the brain. As this happens, our brain can no longer perform the tasks it used to. Who does the disease affect?Alzheimer’s disease is most common in adults over 65, but not everyone who is 65 or older gets Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association states there are currently 200,000 Americans under 65 that have early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What are the symptoms?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:Difficulty remembering newly learned informationDisorientation, mood and behavior changesConfusion about events, time and placeSuspicions about others including family members, friends, or co- workersMore serious memory lossDifficulty speaking, swallowing, or walkingWhat are the risk factors?The three main risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include increasing age, family history, and genetics. As we age, we are more likely to have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Similarly, our family history and our genetics also increase our risk of developing the disease.How can we prevent Alzheimer’s?Age, family history, and genetics are all risk factors that we cannot control. However, the Alzheimer’s Association believes that research has begun to show some risk factors that are influenced by our health.Brain health may be linked to heart health. Therefore, if you have a disease that affects or damages the heart, you are more likely to also develop Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly, monitor your heart health, and make good lifestyle choices to help prevent the likelihood of onset. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco, make sure to exercise daily, and eat a nutritious, balanced diet.There’s also a strong link between head injuries and developing Alzheimer’s, so it’s important to wear a helmet as needed for outdoor activities and always buckle your seatbelt when in a motor vehicle to prevent injury.While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can choose to make lifestyle choices that promote our health and well-being, and help decrease our risk for disease.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Living With Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Or Dementia’ presented by Meagan DeMento B.A., Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, on January 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.
Littauer announces their first baby of 2018 Posted on January 3, 2018 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s first baby of 2018, Ryder Xavier Henderson, son of Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of GloversvilleGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 3, 2018) – The Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announces the arrival of the first baby of the New Year 2018. Ryder Xavier Henderson, son of Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of Gloversville, was born at 5:31 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2018, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces. He is the couple’s first child.On Wednesday, members of the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary presented the couple with a gift of supplies valuing approximately $300, at a special presentation the auxiliary has done for over 30 years.Littauer’s first baby of 2018, Ryder Xavier Henderson, seated with his parents Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of Gloversville. Standing is NLH&H Auxiliary President Norma Cozzolino, left and NLH Director of Volunteer Services Susan McNeil
Dreaming of a Clean Colon Posted on December 29, 2017December 29, 2017 by Dakota PikeEarly detection saves lives! This holiday season Littauer developed a special video to spread that message.
Kristin Farley raises an additional $850 for Littauer newborns Posted on December 28, 2017January 3, 2018 by Dakota PikeGloversville High School student Kristin Farley, right, presents a check to Littauer VP Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan for $850. The funds were raised to support the Littauer Birthing Center Baby Box program.GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2017) – Gloversville High School sophomore Kristin Farley of Gloversville presented a check to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home totaling $850 on Dec. 20 in the hospital lobby The check was presented to Littauer VP, Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. Farley coordinated a spaghetti and meatball fundraiser at Gloversville’s Plaza Italian Bistro, held on Dec. 6, to benefit the Littauer Baby Box Program.“We are honored to be the beneficiary of Kristin’s talent,” said McGrattan. “Her efforts directly impact new families in our region.”Throughout 2017, Farley has worked closely with the Littauer Birthing Center. The industrious young woman set her sights on raising money for the Littauer Baby Box Program and excelled in the process. In August, Kristin raised $1,250. Together with her latest effort, she has raised $2100 for the Baby Box Program at Littauer.Kristin’s hard work and determination is greatly appreciated by Littauer and well received by local families.
Wellness Words December 2017 Posted on December 12, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education AssistantWinter SafetyThe winter months are upon us, bringing storms and cold temperatures that can be hazardous for all. It’s important that we prepare our homes, our vehicles, and ourselves to brace the cold and remain healthy and safe this winter.Home SafetyWhile some people enjoy the chillier weather, many of us choose to remain inside during the winter months. In order to keep our homes safe, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends properly winterizing our homes prior to the cold weather:Make sure your home is insulated to prevent heat loss.Check heating systems, fire places, and chimneys to ensure they are clean and working correctly.Have an alternate heat source prepared and fuel available for use in the event that your main source of heat doesn’t work.Clean gutters and make any necessary roof repairs to protect against snow, sleet, and ice.For emergency purposes, keep a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and extra batteries for each device within your home.Vehicle SafetyPreparing our vehicles is another important step to remain safe throughout the winter. Weather conditions can often affect travel, so if you are planning to drive, be aware of the current travel conditions on the roads as well as future weather forecasts. Slow down when driving and keep a few car lengths between yourself and other drivers to help prevent accidents.According to the CDC, you should service the radiator on your vehicle, monitor antifreeze levels, and check the tread on your tires prior to winter weather. Make it a habit to keep a full tank of gas and avoid letting your gas levels fall too low. If help is needed, take your vehicle to a local mechanic to assist with this process.In case of an emergency, prepare an emergency winter travel kit to keep in your vehicle. Include items such as:Cell phoneCell phone chargerBatteriesFlashlightFirst aid kitWaterNon-perishable food itemsTire pumpBag of sandRadioA change of clothesA blanket or extra coatOutdoor SafetyThe winter months can be a fun and exciting time to enjoy the outdoors, as well. It can also be a time for outdoor work, shoveling and snow removal. If you are planning to go outside, dress appropriately for the weather in warm, dry clothing.The CDC recommends wearing hats, scarves, and mittens to cover the body as much as possible, as well as water resistant coats, pants, and boots. Three layers of clothing should be worn to protect against the cold, including an inner layer to hold body heat, an insulation layer to help retain body heat, and an outer layer to fight the wind, rain, and snow. If you start to sweat, remove layers as needed; sweating can increase the amount of heat lost from the body.If you are performing outdoor chores, avoid overexerting yourself by working slowly. Be sure to pay attention to your body – if you need a rest, are cold or start to shiver, take a break or go inside and warm up.The winter season come once a year, every year. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be ready to conquer whatever Mother Nature brings your way this winter!If you would like to learn more about winter safety, visit cdc.gov or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our new wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
