Sue Cridland receives the prestigious Ellen Burns Award Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s Sue Cridland, RN, BSN, recently received the Ellen Burns Award by the Nursing Organization from Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady counties.Sue Cridland was celebrated for her commitment to the community and to the field of nursing. She has led Littauer’s HealthLink since its inception 26 years ago. HealthLink is a regional health education center, delivering healthy programming and classes to our community.Littauer Vice President of Marketing and Communication Cheryl McGrattan said, “Under her guidance, HealthLink has grown to be a trusted resource for preventative health. Literally thousands of people have been touched by her limitless energy and informative classes. Sue is a devotee of prevention, and many have benefited from her special brand of care. Sue is always beyond kind to her patients. Her empathetic counseling leads with clinical excellence and finishes with gentle, but firm guidance.”Sue currently serves on various councils and community groups, and currently serves on the board of Catholic Charities.Sue Cridland’s career includes these milestones: • 32 years of service to Nathan Littauer Hospital • 25 years of service to HealthLink • 179,658 HealthLink attendees from 1989 to 2013 • 7,368 programs offered since its inception 1989 to 2013Littauer’s Sue Cridland, RN, BSN
The Ferguson Fund supports two Littauer nurses Posted on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 by Dakota PikeRecently, the Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson and Robert A. Ferguson Fund for Education scholarship award was presented at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. Scholarships of $2,500 each were granted to Jennifer Elmendorf, RN, and Danielle McDuffee, LPN, both employees at Littauer.Jennifer Elmendorf serves Nathan Littauer Hospital as an assistant manager and registered nurse in the Emergency Care Center. With her family present, Elmendorf explained how honored she felt to receive the Ferguson Scholarship. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing.Danielle McDuffee is an LPN who also works in Littauer’s Emergency Care Center. “I am so honored to receive the scholarship this year,” said McDuffee. “I reapplied for the award this year, and I’m so happy I remained persistent. The scholarship is going to be a big help in furthering my health care career.” McDuffee is pursuing her RN through Mohawk Valley Community College.“We are honored by the Fergusons commitment to this scholarship fund,” said Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey Peck. He added that the Fergusons enjoy the opportunity to personally present the awards. “They meet the scholars, learn about their families, their work and how advancing their education will impact patient care.”Dr. Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson is a Gloversville native and a recently retired Professor of the Department of Sociology at Columbia University. Her husband, Dr. Robert A. Ferguson, is the George Edward Woodberry Professor in Law, Literature and Criticism at Columbia Law School. They own a home in Gloversville and are active in community. The Ferguson Fund continues a family tradition of support to the hospital. Priscilla’s father, Richard B. Parkhurst, served as a longtime member and officer on the Nathan Littauer Hospital Board of Directors.“It was inspiring to meet the two scholarship recipients this year” said Priscilla. “Both of these local young ladies are extremely hardworking, and have chosen to further their careers, all while raising a family.”Inspired by the diligence of the two scholarship recipients, Robert added, “We are great supporters of Gloversville, and of Nathan Littauer as a key institution in Fulton County. We hope that by giving back to this community, others will recognize the importance and do the same.”As educators, Priscilla and Robert appreciate that learning never ends, and they know that the need for incremental learning is especially important and exciting in the medical field where necessary advances in health care take place. They also feel it is a good way to serve the community generally. Just as Littauer employees are the heart and soul of the hospital, so the hospital itself helps sustain Gloversville as a vital and desirable place to live. Priscilla and Robert expect to grow the Ferguson Fund to the point where it can help many employees advance their careers through continuing education while furthering the goals of ever better and safer patient care.“We need the best and brightest minds to enter and remain in the field of healthcare,” said Littauer President and CEO Laurence Kelly. “The field of healthcare must have our finest and most prepared people. This scholarship ensures that its recipients will have the support to do so. It is hard to anticipate the demands that will be placed on hospitals in the future, but this scholarship helps us prepare our workforce for whatever that future will be.”From left: NL Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey Peck, Jennifer Elmendorf, Dr. Robert A. Ferguson, Dr. Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson, Danielle McDuffee. and NLH President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly
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.
