Littauer encourages patients to “Ask Me 3” Posted on August 16, 2016 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – There are times when your health information may seem unclear. Nathan Littauer Hospital is now a participant in The Ask Me 3® program run by the National Patient Safety Foundation. Littauer is excited to work with Ask Me 3, and open the lines of communication with its patients.Ask Me 3® is an educational program that encourages patients and families to ask three specific questions of their providers. By asking these three questions during a health care visit, either for yourself or for a loved one, patients and health care providers should have a better understand their health conditions and what they need to do to stay healthy.The three questions are: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this?“I’m really happy to bring this program to our patients and community,” said Littauer Emergency Care Center Manager, Jennifer Elmendorf BSN, RN CLNC. “I truly expect it to help our patients better understand their health conditions and do what they need to do to stay healthy.”Designed by health literacy experts, Ask Me 3 is intended to help patients become more active members of their health care team, and provide a critical platform to improve communications between patients, families, and health care professionals.Littauer Emergency Care Center patient Zachary Robinson is treated by Danielle McDuffee, LPN
Littauer celebrates National Breast Feeding Week with special event Posted on August 16, 2016 by Dakota PikeBaby Kyle Fetterly who flourished his first year on breast milk after consultation sessions at Nathan Littauer HospitalLittauer’s Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, left, greets one of the many mothers and young babies she has consulted with about breast feedingGLOVERSVILLE – On Wednesday, Aug. 3, Littauer celebrated (Aug. 1 through 7) with a reception for breast feeding supporters and new and expectant moms with families. Over 75 were in attendance for the event which offered refreshments and an opportunity for mothers, babies and families to socialize and share stories.The event was hosted by Littauer’s Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC. Littauer’s lactation services allows for a comfortable place for breastfeeding and pregnant families to get professional breastfeeding support, check baby’s weight and milk intake, and connect to community resources.Quinlan is a Registered Nurse and an International Breastfeeding Certified Lactation Consultant at Littauer. She has helped countless new mothers nurse their babies with breastfeeding classes or one-on-one consultations. By June, Qunlan had already celebrated 50 consultations for the year at Nathan Littauer Hospital.“Breastfeeding is the one gift that only a mom can give her baby that will have a lifelong effect on them both,” said Quinlan. “Breast milk keeps your baby healthy and breastfeeding keeps the mother healthy.”“For a small hospital we have a dedicated staff that works timelessly to help support moms who want to breastfeed,” said Littauer VP of Communications and Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. “There are many families who have been impacted by our comprehensive breastfeeding services.”Kelly Fetterlyis a mom of a healthy baby boy named Kyle who is soon to be a one-year old. She has managed to give her son breast milk for his entire first year. This is not so unusual, except that Fetterly has never nursed. Kyle was born pre-mature and was in a neo-natal intensive care unit for 27 hours before she was able to try nursing him. For reasons unknown, Kyle never latched with his mother for feedings.Determined to give her baby the healthiest start to life that she could, Fetterly was referred to and met with Quinlan at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Together they worked out a plan and Fetterly managed to pump milk for every feeding in Kyle’s first year.“I don’t know what I would have done without Nancy, she has been emotional reassurance every step of the way,” said Fetterly. “Her patience, time, and advice have made the difference. I think of Nancy as a close friend now, and Kyle adores her.”This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development,” was about how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our wellbeing from the very start of life, how to respect each other, and to care for the world we share.
HealthLink hosts 20th annual Women’s Wellness Conference, “Images of a Woman” Posted on July 27, 2016 by Dakota PikeJOHNSTOWN – HealthLink Littauer is hosting its 20th annual Women’s Wellness Conference, “Images of a Woman” on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Johnstown 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.Seats are still available for this highly anticipated women’s conference. Back again by popular demand is international motivational speaker, humorist, and author Sandy Queen. Her energetic, positive presentation on enjoying life’s processes will be given with a great sense of humor.Included at the event will be various vendors, massage therapy, a raffle and a buffet style meal. Tickets are $30. You can reserve your seat by visiting HealthLink Littauer at 2 Colonial Court in Johnstown or by calling (518) 736-1120.
Littauer celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with an event Posted on July 27, 2016 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – Nathan Littauer Hospital, led by World Breastfeeding WeekNancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1 through 7, with an event on Aug. 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at the Littauer Surgical Center., located in the hospital at 99 E. State St., in Gloversville. Supporters, new or expectant moms with families are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served and mothers are welcome to share their stories and socialize.Littauer’s lactation services allows for a comfortable place for breastfeeding and pregnant families to get professional breastfeeding support, check baby’s weight and milk intake, and connect to community resources. Nancy Quinlan is a Registered Nurse and an International Breastfeeding Certified Lactation Consultant at Littauer. She has helped countless new mothers nurse their babies with breastfeeding classes or one-on-one consultations.“Breastfeeding is the one gift that only a mom can give her baby that will have a lifelong effect on them both,” said Quinlan. “Breast milk keeps your baby healthy and breastfeeding keeps the mother healthy.”By June, Qunlan had already celebrated 50 consultations for the year at Nathan Littauer Hospital, and her visits are constantly growing.This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development,” is about how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our wellbeing from the very start of life, how to respect each other, and to care for the world we share.For further information or an appointment, call Nancy Quinlan at (518) 775-4101.
Littauer announces new Director of Community Education Posted on July 19, 2016July 20, 2016 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – Littauer is proud to announce Tammy Merendo, RN, as the next Director of Community Education working for Littauer’s HealthLink. She is filling a position recently vacated by the retired Sue Cridland. Merendo currently is a nurse manager at the Nathan Littauer Hospital Nursing Home.“I am looking forward to transitioning into this exciting role,” said Merendo. “HealthLink offers so much to the community, and this is such a pivotal time to be in public health.”Merendo is a tireless patient advocate and enjoys helping people negotiate their health care needs. “I love working in the community and I look forward to linking people to the many health services offered, including some they may not even know about.”Prior to Littauer, Merendo has worked as an RN case manager specializing in HIV/AIDS and Hospice. She has led community projects through the Creative Connections Art Center, and assisted with programs such as Adirondack Friends in Need, Red Ribbon Partnership, and Flash Forward 4H group.Merendo is also the recipient of the 1998 Excellence in Nursing Award and the 2001 Most Honorable Student for the Health Science Department from Southern Union Community College, 2007 Nurse of Excellence Award for Fulton-Montgomery Community College, and the 2015 Gregory Hoye Caregiver Award from Mountain Valley Hospice.“I am thrilled to welcome Tammy as our new director at HealthLink,” said Littauer VP of Communications and Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. “Our mission is to bring healthcare into the community. Our neighbors will definitely benefit from Tammy’s integrity and enthusiasm.”Merendo attended Southern Union Community College in Opelika Alabama to receive her Associate Degree in Nursing. She is currently enrolled in Utica College working toward her Bachelors in Nursing. She grew up in Broadalbin and lives in Amsterdam.Merendo will assume her new position in August at HealthLink, Littauer’s Wellness Education & Resource Center, located on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, (518) 736-1120.Littauer Community Educator, Tammy Merendo, RN
