Portable pods provide comfort to breastfeeding moms Posted on September 21, 2017 by Dakota PikeHere’s a report from News Channel 13 featuring Littauer’s Lactation Consultant, Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, OSC:Portable pods provide comfort to breastfeeding moms August 03, 2017 06:11 PMA number of events have been held around the Capital Region to commemorate “World Breastfeeding Awareness Week,” including at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. A popular item at that event was the Mamava.“Moms are meant to breast feed. Babies can breastfeed,” pointed out Nancy Quinlan, an international board certified lactation consultant at Nathan Littauer Hospital.She admits it’s not always convenient to do so.Enter the Mamava, which in Spanish means “moms on the go.” These portable pods – lactation suites as the company calls them, that can be set up anywhere. They provide moms a clean, safe and private place to breast feed and also pump, which can often be a challenge.“A way to pump in public and be comfortable and not have to be in your car, where it’s steaming hot or anything like that,” noted Melaine Neelis, a mom.“Because with a pump it’s hard to hide everything. Because you kind of have to have your breast exposed, you have to set up the pump,” acknowledged Quinlan.Lack of privacy to pump and unsanitary sites designated for breastfeeding work against efforts to increase breastfeeding. The research is clear, not only is breastfeeding economical for families, it improves the health of both baby and mom. In addition, for working moms, having a place to breastfeed and/or pump is a win for all.“There’s data that supports that they go back to work and they’re happier going back to work ‘cause they have a place to go,” pointed out Lisa Martone with Mamava.That’s part of the Mamava appeal. There are 285 Mamavas in the United States. Nathan Littauer Hospital is hoping to encourage others to consider using them to support breastfeeding moms.Inflatable units can be rented for $150 a day for specific events like concerts and fairs.There are also standalone units of varying size that organizations can purchase to accommodate staff or customers.Bottom line is to normalize breastfeeding and make it more accessible
Sandy LaFountain honored as Littauer’s Goodwill recipient Posted on September 21, 2017 by Dakota PikeLittauer second-quarter Goodwill Award recipient Environmental Services Supervisor, Sandy LaFountain, with Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. KellyNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Environmental Services Supervisor, Sandy LaFountain, with the 2017 second-quarter Goodwill Award. LaFountain works at Nathan Littauer Hospital, but takes a special interest in the care of the Nursing Home. She was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of Littauer staff.“Sandy goes above and beyond her responsibilities to make Littauer a better place,” said Kelly. “Thank you for the positive image you project.”Endless examples of LaFountain’s fine character were provided by her department, justifying her honor as a Goodwill recipient.LaFountain graciously accepted the award.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.LaFountain received a plaque and a check along with her special honor
Littauer’s 21st “Images of a Woman” Women’s Wellness Conference is a healthy tradition Posted on July 26, 2017July 26, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer is hosting its 21st annual Women’s Wellness Conference, “Images of a Woman,” on Wednesday, August 9 at the Holiday Inn, 308 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown. Two sessions are being offered: noon to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. This highly anticipated women’s conference has become a tradition in the community sharing good health for over 20 years.HealthLink Littauer is pleased to present Arsyl De Jesus, M.D. as the keynote speaker for this special event. Dr. De Jesus is a radiation oncologist with New York Oncology Hematology in Amsterdam. She will be sharing a very candid point of view in her presentation – “Attitude of Gratitude: Confessions of an Oncology Doctor.”Arsyl De Jesus, M.D. , Oncologist“I am pleased to have this opportunity to share a most personal and poignant side of cancer and cancer care. As a radiation oncologist, I am faced with pain, suffering and negativity every day,” states Dr. De Jesus. “I believe that we can lift ourselves and others when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I hope that by showing them how I cope with the challenges of caring for the sick, how I manage my day to day, I will be able to enlighten and inspire others.”Included at the event will be various vendors, massage therapy, reflexology, raffles and a buffet style meal. Seats are still available for this highly-anticipated woman’s conference, but call now to secure your seat. Tickets are $35. You can reserve by visiting HealthLink Littauer at 2 Colonial Court in Johnstown or by calling (518) 736-1120.
Littauer celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with an event on Aug. 2 Posted on July 26, 2017 by Dakota PikeThe Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital, together with Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, (Aug. 1 through 7), with a special event for families. On Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., Littauer will host a special evening for lactation supporters, new or expectant moms with their families. The event will be held at the Littauer Surgical Center, located in the hospital at 99 E. State St., in Gloversville. Refreshments will be served and mothers are welcome to share their stories and socialize.“This is Littauer’s way of reaching out to the community to celebrate the wellness breastfeeding offers new babies and mothers,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer VP of Marketing and Communication.The theme for 2017 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has been announced: Sustaining Breastfeeding Together. ILCA is partnering with organizations to promote the role that breastfeeding plays in valuing our wellbeing. The Birthing Center at Littauer supports Sustaining Breastfeeding Together.For further information about the event, or to schedule a consultation, call Nancy Quinlan at (518) 775-4101.Littauer Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC serving cake at last year’s World Breastfeeding Week Celebration at NLH
Littauer is designated an ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Posted on July 26, 2017 by Dakota PikeNew lung cancer screening at Littauer can save lives– Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.“It has been scientifically proven that early detection saves lives,” states Littauer’s Chief of Radiology, Dr. John Mastrangelo. “This low-dose lung screening has so much potential, and is a life-saving technology we are using here at Littauer.”According to Dr. Mastrangelo, the benefits of the low-dose chest CT allows for earlier detection identifying questionable sites that are overlooked by x-rays. Earlier detection allows for better treatment options and a better chance of survival.“It’s good to know we have an exceptionally skilled staff here at Littauer and we work well together as a team,” continues Dr. Mastrangelo. “Low-dose chest CT’s are saving lives on a daily basis and the scan takes about ten seconds.”No one understands this better than Priscilla Person, Littauer’s diagnostic imaging office coordinator, who lost two close family members to lung cancer. Person has been a proponent of the low-dose lung screening and instrumental in advocating for this service, bringing its importance to the forefront at Littauer.“They were exhibiting no symptoms,” said Person. “By the time they were screened, it was too late and they only survived for weeks after their diagnosis.”In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center. To find out if you’re a candidate for low-dose lung cancer screening, call Littauer Diagnostic Imaging at (518) 773-5520.Priscilla Person, left, Littauer’s diagnostic imaging office coordinator and Donna Boswell, Littauer Senior CT Tech
