Deb Perham receives the NLH ACE Award Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dakota PikeDebra Perham, an administrative assistant in Littauer’s Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center, was recently recognized as a Littauer ACE Award recipient. ACE or “Awards Celebrating Employees” is a special recognition for Littauer employees who have gone above and beyond their responsibilities to demonstrate the organization’s mission of caring. It is presented by the hospital’s Rewards and Recognition Committee.Perham was recognized for her heroic efforts when she saved a family from a structure fire. On an early morning in March, she noticed a billow of black smoke coming from a neighbor’s home. Later she noticed flames were burning through the home’s roof. Perham went to the home, where she found the father having breakfast with one of the six children. They were unaware their house was on fire. The flames were burning through the roof, not triggering the smoke detectors.The family quickly evacuated, including the dog. Perham stayed outside with the children until the mother, who was on the second floor of the home, came outside and firefighters arrived. Shortly after the family evacuated, part of the ceiling collapsed on the second floor. Feeling there was little more she could do at that time, Perham left for work at Littauer. Her only concern was that she was about 15 minutes late for work that morning.“I did what anyone else would have done,” said Perham.Perham does not consider herself a hero. However, one family is thankful she took the time to respond the way she did.Nathan Littauer Hospital celebrates Deb Perham as she exemplifies our values in the community.NLH ACE Award recipient Deb Perham (center), with family at award ceremony
Michelle Beckley, second-quarter Goodwill Award winner Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced the 2015 second-quarter Goodwill Employee. Michelle Beckley, a registered nurse in Littauer’s Special Care Center, is the recipient.Laurence E. Kelly said, “Michelle exemplifies Littauer’s values every day and is the perfect fit for this honor.”Beckley has been employed at Littauer for almost 20 years, and her compassionate professionalism is the reason she was honored at the celebration.“I have seen the Goodwill Award given to so many incredible employees. I never thought it would be me,” said Beckley. “I was very surprised and honored.”Mr. Kelly touted Beckley’s kindness and understanding as a specialty care nurse. “What sets Michelle above and beyond is her genuine compassion. She even came in on her day off to check on a patient,” said Kelly. “Sometimes it’s the random acts of kindness and acts of true compassion that make all the difference in health care.”Nominations for the award are made by NLH employees, providers or patients, and then submitted to the Goodwill Committee. Award winners are selected using a blind formatBeckley received a plaque and a check along with the special honor.Second-quarter Goodwill Award winner Michelle Beckley
First-quarter Goodwill Employee recognized, Deb Perham Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dakota PikeDeb Perham was recognized as the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home 2015 first– quarter Goodwill Employee for her dedication and professionalism and pleasant attitude. “She is always ready to help and goes above and beyond,” states a co-worker. Littauer President and CEO, Laurence Kelly congratulated and recognized Deb for her professionalism and compassion as he presented her with the award. “Littauer is what it is today because of dedicated employees like Deb.” Nominations for the award are made by NLH employees, providers or patients, and then submitted to the Goodwill Committee. Perham received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.
Wellness Words August 2015 Posted on August 10, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Stand Up For Health!The studies just keep coming. Sitting for long periods may be very bad for your health and even your life expectancy. Sitting too much may cause health problems even if you exercise regularly.Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that the longer you sit, the higher your risk of developing such health issues as:High blood pressureHeart disease (increases nearly 125%)Type 2 diabetesWeight gainStress intoleranceMany of us sit about 8 hours a day in a vehicle, before the TV, doing crafts or puzzles, or other sedentary activities. Sitting for long periods is known to cause large muscles to burn less fat, blood sugars and triglycerides to rise, and blood to flow more sluggishly.Experts say that sitting can cause health problems even if you exercise regularly. So while a 30 minute swim or fast walk may be great for you, it may not undue 8 hours of sitting. If you do exercise for 30 minutes, remember your health is also affected by those other 23 ½ hours.So what can you do if you already have a health problem that limits your mobility? First, check with your doctor about what movements are best for you. He or she may even recommend a physical therapist to introduce you to safe exercises.But don’t stop there! You need to follow through and make a commitment to moving gently for a minute, or preferably two, each hour you are awake.Experts advise:Don’t sit if you can stand. And,Don’t stand if you can move.When you must sit for long periods, break it up with small active movements such as tapping your toes, seated heel or toe raises. Do lower leg raises or tighten muscles in your back, lower abdomen and/or buttocks.Other tips for being more active include:Stand or move around while on the phone.While watching TV, remind yourself to stretch, tighten and release your muscles or get up and walk around for the length of a commercial and or at the end of the show.Invite friends for a walk instead of a meal.Do ankle circles or shoulder roles while stopped at red lights.Park further away from the store you want to visit.Suggest breaks in long meetings or activities such as playing cards with friends, and especially while riding in a vehicle. Get up and stretch or walk around and encourage others to do the same.The impact of movement, even leisurely movement, can be profound for your health. The old adage, “move it or lose it,” is a valuable tool for a healthy life!For more information, visit mayoclinic.org, contact your healthcare provider or 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.
Wellness Words July 2015 Posted on July 14, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Protect Your Heart In The HeatWhatever brings you outside this summer, it’s important to stay safe and healthy as the heat rises. According to the American Heart Association, heat can be hard on your heart. If you are a heart patient older than 55, overweight, have high blood pressure, or are on certain medications, you may need to take special precautions in the heat.Certain medications such as beta blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics can exaggerate the body’s response to the heat. Even if you are not on medications, seniors need to take extra precautions in the heat. When the temperature rises, getting enough to drink is important even if you are just sitting outside…and it is critical to heart health.Staying hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through vessels to the muscles. This helps the muscles work more efficiently. Remember, if you are well hydrated your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Dehydration (lack of bodily fluids) can lead to problems ranging from swollen feet and ankles to headaches, and even life threatening illness such as heat stroke.A common misconception is that thirst is your best indicator that you need to drink. According to a study at the Mayo Clinic, if you are thirsty – you are already dehydrated. M. Batson, MD of this study says, “Drinking water before you go out in the heat is an important first step. Otherwise you are playing catch-up and your heart is straining to keep up.” It is also best to avoid drinks containing caffeine. Caffeine is a known diuretic which can cause you to lose fluids.Think you’re ready to brave the heat? Watch the clock and buddy-up are good pieces of advice. It is best to avoid the outdoors between 12-3 p.m. when the sun is usually the strongest. This time of day is the most likely to put you at risk for heat related illness. If possible, when you are going to be outside in the heat, take a friend or family member with you as a buddy…just to be on the safe side.Here are some other tips:Dress for the heat with lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics.Wear a hat and sunglasses.Choose well ventilated shoes and socks that repel perspiration.Take regular breaks in some shade or go inside.Whatever you decide to do in the heat, keep in mind these symptoms of serious heat related illnesses.Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:HeadachesHeavy sweatingCold, moist skin, chillsDizziness or faintingA weak or rapid pulseMuscle crampsFast, shallow breathingNausea, vomiting or bothIf you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place and cool down as soon as possible by dousing yourself with cool water and rehydrating.Symptoms of Heat Stroke:Warm, dry skinStrong, rapid pulseConfusion and/or unconsciousnessHigh feverThrobbing headacheNausea and/or vomitingIf you experience these symptoms seek medical attention immediately!For more information, visit heart.org, contact your healthcare provider or 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.
My Hospital Is… Posted on June 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeWhat does Nathan Littauer Hospital mean to its employees? We asked our team to describe the hospital and we were so moved by the responses. Watch the magic here…
Wellness Words June 2015 Posted on June 9, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorSummer Health & SafetyWe all have memories of fun-filled summer days when school was out and we could swim, ride our bikes, camp out and enjoy the beautiful Adirondack weather. Summer in Fulton County is still a beautiful time of year most of us look forward to, but we also need to be prepared for the unique health and safety issues of our warmer months.Every summer, many people end up in the Emergency Department for treatment of any one of a number of summer ailments…burns, cuts, food poisoning, heat exhaustion and of course pesky mosquito and tick ailments, to name a few. Here are some suggestions to make your summer safer and more enjoyable!Drink plenty of cool, not ice-cold (non-alcoholic) fluids, especially on hot days. Many medications can contribute to dehydration. Check with your doctor on the amounts of fluid you should be drinking if you are on medication.Protect yourself from the sun and be sure to wear a hat. Avoid the midday sun, apply sunscreen frequently on all exposed skin and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of the medications you use should restrict your time in the sun.Be careful of the foods you eat, how they are prepared and how they have been stored…BEWARE of undercooked meats and foods left outside or not refrigerated.Restrict your activity on very hot and humid days. As we age our bodies do not adjust as well to extremes in temperature and/or humidity, and some medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.Treat equipment with respect – lawn mowers, weed eaters, saws and ladders, etc. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, shut off engines before refueling and clean the work area of debris.Take care to use insect repellents safely. Remember to spray outdoors or in a well ventilated area.Be prepared for summer storms and power outages. Flash lights with working batteries are a must and a battery operated radio will help keep you aware of emergency information. Don’t forget to have a reserve supply of drinking water and food supplies to last from 1-3 days.If you live alone make sure a neighbor, friend or relative knows where you are when a storm approaches. Set up a plan to alert someone if you need assistance should phones not work.Ticks and mosquitoes can cause major health issues. Keep lawns mowed, litter picked up and objects that can hold rain water clean and dry. The ground area under bird feeders should be kept clean so it won’t attract small animals that can carry ticks.Make sure to carry a small emergency first aid kit with you.HealthLink, your community health and wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, wants to wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy summer!For more information, you may call us at 736-1120, e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
