Littauer job fair; We’re looking for a few good eggs Posted on April 13, 2017 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (April 12, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, 99 E. State St., Gloversville is hosting a job fair Monday, April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s auditorium.“We’re looking for a few good eggs” is the theme and Littauer offers competitive salaries along with “egg”cellent benefits. There will be refreshments and giveaways for applicants. Applicants are encouraged to stop in and bring a resume. Onsite interviews will be available, and tours will be given upon request. In order to save time, you may apply online at www.nlh.org.Current open positions include: RNs, LPNs, CNAs, ward clerks, certified surgical techs, and medical receptionists. Additional positions are available in the lab, pharmacy, repertory, environmental aides, nutritional aides, nursing supervisors and site managers.For further information on employment at Littauer, contact human resources at (518) 725-8621 or refer to www.nlh.org.
Wellness Words April 2017 Posted on April 11, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Maintaining Cognitive FlexibilityAccording to the National Council on Aging, one of the greatest fears for seniors is the loss of independence. This has been greatly enhanced by the reports of the levels of Alzheimer’s and other dementias that are among the top causes of reducing senior’s ability to enjoy life. While we cannot control how old we are or our genetic makeup, we can greatly enhance our chances for staying independent by increasing or at least maintaining our mental flexibility.Cognitive (thought processes) flexibility is a sign of healthy brain function – an indication that many parts of the brain are working in concert. It is the ability to shift your thinking from one area to another smoothly. The quicker you can transition the greater your flexibility. Another aspect of this flexibility is the ability to break down a complex thought into smaller chunks in order to find its meaning.Cognitive flexibility can also mean adapting quickly to new information or ideas even if the information challenges long-held attitudes and beliefs. Unfortunately, according to research it is common as we age to develop repetitive behaviors and thought processes that get our brain stuck in unhealthy patterns. Our crystallized knowledge remains intact but the ability to think fluidly declines.How can we boost this important brain function? As in many other areas, your lifestyle choices make the most significant differences. Studies by the American Psychological Association have shown some of the following maintain or improve brain plasticity. Move: Make time for exercise! Exercise makes our brains work better and improves our memory, thinking and learning. It also prompts the release of an element known as BDNF, which is essentially “Miracle Grow” for the brain. You don’t have to go to a gym or have equipment – regular walks will do just as well. You can try some of the many community exercise programs such as HealthLink’s gentle yoga, chair yoga or tai chi. You can also try line dancing or water exercises at local venues.Nourish: Food high in saturated fats like cheese and meats should be reduced to once or twice a week. Research has shown that foods high in saturated fat can actually cause cognitive decline. Instead try healthy foods rich in monounsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados which may actually be protective.Connect: Regularly getting together with family and friends can improve brain plasticity and preserve cognitive abilities, and even regular phone conversations can help.Relax: Did you know laughing can provide the kind of ‘relaxation’ your brain needs to stay healthy? Research has shown that a good belly laugh increases oxygen intake, relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure and releases natural pain killers. You can even relax and experience mindfulness meditation while participating in a craft class.Discover: Staying curious, trying new things, or going new places positively impacts brain health and function. So try something new or do something old in a new way.Cognitive flexibility often decreases the older we become. However, the good news is that making healthy lifestyle choices can greatly influence how well our brain performs and how we enjoy life!For more information, 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 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.
A Patient’s Story: The New Gloversville Dialysis Center Posted on April 5, 2017April 5, 2017 by Dakota PikeHear from our first patient at the New Gloversville Dialysis Center
March Vital Signs Posted on March 27, 2017 by Dakota PikeThe March Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home newsletter Vital Signs is now available here!March 2017 Vital Signs
Sew Busy Quilt Guild recognizes Littauer baby Posted on March 20, 2017 by Dakota PikeGloversville Sew Busy Quilt Guild quilters Joanne Gasner, left, and Nancy Frank hold up a quilt they presented to Littauer newborn Asher Killian Betters, together with his mother Jackie Betters. The hand-crafted quilt was specially made for National Quilting DayGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (March 20, 2017) – In honor of National Quilting Day, the Gloversville Sew Busy Quilt Guild recognized Littauer’s Birthing Center newborn Asher Killian Betters with a hand-crafted quilt. Asher, the son of Jackie Betters and Brady Guy of Gloversville was born on March 18, at 10:11 p.m., weighing 8 lbs. He joins a sister Trinity, 7 years-old.“This is beautiful,” said Jackie Betters, as she expressed her thanks. “The quilt matches perfectly with the baby’s nursery theme.”Representing the Sew Busy Quilt Guild were quilters Nancy Frank and Joanne Gasner. For the past 9 years, the organization has been donating quilts to the Littauer baby born closest to National Quilting Day. National Quilting Day takes place annually on the third Saturday in March. Baby Asher happened to be born exactly on this year’s date.“This is a labor of love for us,” said Nancy Frank. “We enjoy this special project every year.”The Sew Busy Quilt Guild meets on the third Monday of the month at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville, and holds a sit and sew session every second Monday.
Littauer together with Martin’s Point Health Care bring low-cost options to Veterans Posted on March 20, 2017 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (March 15, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce their partnership with Martin’s Point Health Care, now offering US Family Health Plan, a TRICARE Prime option available to eligible military beneficiaries.“This is great news for our dedicated military families,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer VP of Marketing and Communications. “I’m happy to say Littauer, together with Martin’s Point is now offering a high-quality, affordable option for our deserving Veterans in the Fulton County area.”US Army Captain and Littauer nurse anesthetist Joseph Dutcher, CRNA, with familyThe Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan is a highly rated TRICARE Prime® plan for active-duty family members and military retirees and their families (to age 65).“This makes sense for Littauer because we cover such a wide geography in Fulton County with eight primary & specialty care centers throughout, one in Hamilton County and one soon to open in Montgomery County,” added McGrattan. “This offers complete and convenient coverage to local military and their families close to home.”“We offer excellent benefits at no or low cost and a wide network of civilian doctors in our area,” said Martin’s Point Health Benefits Specialist, Keith Prairie, NC1, USN (Ret.) “Members can rest easy knowing they’ve made a confident decision along with 46,000 others.”TRICARE Prime is a “managed care” health plan with a network of local, civilian health care providers and facilities. Members choose a network primary care provider (PCP) who provides most of their care and coordinates referrals to specialists and hospitals. Benefits include coverage for routine doctor visits, specialty care, hospitalizations, urgent and emergent care, preventive health care services and prescriptions. Covered services that are provided by network PCPs, specialists, and health care facilities are covered at no or low cost. (The US Family Health Plan also has a Point of Service option that allows members to seek care outside the network, but at higher cost.)With the Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan, Veterans get complete coverage with many extras, including:No enrollment fees for active-duty family members; low TRICARE Prime enrollment fees for retirees and their familiesNo deductibles or cost shares for preventive services in networkLarge network of civilian doctors in your communityValue-added services like discounts for eyewear, hearing aids, and fitness centersEasy referrals to specialists—your primary care provider will handle the paperworkAnnual physicals, laboratory tests, prenatal and postnatal maternity care at no additional costExcellent health care and customer servicePlease join us on April 6 for a one-on-one seminar with Keith Prairie, NC1, USN (Ret.) of Martin’s point Health Care at the Johnstown Holiday Inn. Appointments are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 1-888-241-4556 to schedule an appointment.
Wellness Words March 2017 Posted on March 17, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Tammy Merendo, RNDirector of Community Education Chronic Disease Self-ManagementAccording to Stanford University, most of us will experience two or more chronic long-term illnesses during our lives. In the event that we don’t, it is still likely that we will provide care to someone that does.Chronic health problems usually come on slowly unlike acute health problems. They can be things like heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, emphysema, and many other conditions. These conditions may cause emotional distress, such as frustration, anger, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness.It is important for the person who is suffering from a chronic condition, or the person who is trying to manage a chronic condition, understands the disease. There are often specific skills that are needed to deal with an illness. Some examples of skills that may be used include knowing what medications to take and how to take them, how to use oxygen or equipment like a C-pap machine, or how to check your blood glucose.Finally, Stanford teaches us that people with chronic disease should know that you are not to blame. Chronic diseases are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. You don’t have to handle it alone, in fact you shouldn’t. One of the side effects of chronic illness is a feeling of isolation. Support groups, talking with others on the phone, or even reading an article can be helpful.Remember that you are more than your disease and sometimes illness can be an opportunity. Illnesses may make us slow down, evaluate what is really important, and cause us to shift our priorities. If you suffer from a chronic disease, I encourage you to become more informed on how you can self-manage your condition.Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is taught by trained peer leaders. The program requires some commitment as the classes are 2 ½ hours each and meet weekly for 6 weeks. Participants will learn specific tools to improve their quality of life. If you are a caregiver to someone that suffers from a chronic disease, you are also encouraged to attend this program to improve your quality of care.For more information on this series of classes, call HealthLink Littauer at 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.
