Wellness Words September 2018

Wellness Words September 2018

HealthLink Littauer’sAlicia DeRuscio-Head

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.

Community Education Assistant

 

Emergency Preparedness

There are many things in life we can predict – the weather, sports outcomes or stock market trends. However, one thing we can’t predict is when an emergency will occur.  Therefore, we must educate and prepare ourselves for the unexpected.  While preparing for an emergency or natural disaster may seem impossible, taking the steps to plan for such events can help us deal with all types of hazards more efficiently.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three steps to preparing for all kinds of emergency situations. These three steps include: 

1. Prepare An Emergency Kit – Gather supplies for all types of hazards in order to provide for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. An all–hazards supply kit should be stored in a waterproof bin and contain:

  • Water (one gallon per person)
  • Nonperishable food items (canned meat, dried fruit, peanut butter, etc.)
  • Flashlight
  • Battery–powered or hand–crank radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • One week supply of medications
  • Personal hygiene or sanitation items
  • Copies of personal documents (identification, medication list, proof of address, etc.)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Emergency disaster plan with contact information
  • Cash
  • Blanket, clothes and sleeping bag
  • Tools
  • Map

2. Make A Plan – Talk with your loved ones prior to an emergency situation and discuss what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area, how you will get in contact with one another in the event of an emergency, two different places to meet each other, and an evacuation or escape route from your home. When you and your loved ones have discussed your emergency plan, make sure to practice and review it every year.

The CDC also recommends making an emergency communication plan that lists the address and phone number of your emergency meeting places, as well as the contact information of your loved ones. Contact information may include full name, social security number, date of birth, telephone number, address, planned evacuation location and any important medical information.

3. Be Informed – Educate yourself on the most recent information available regarding emergencies. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow these basic steps:

  • Learn what health emergencies may occur in your area (a home fire, a medical emergency, or a hurricane).
  • Determine how you will get information during a disaster (TV, radio, or weather station).
  • Learn the difference between weather alerts such as watches or warnings and what you should do during each alert.
  • Be aware of what health emergencies may take place in areas you travel to and how to respond to them.
  • Make sure you or someone in your household is trained in CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
  • Make sure everyone in your household knows where the fire extinguisher is kept and how to use it.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911.
  • Share what you’ve learned with others to help keep them informed.

By following these steps, you will be better prepared during an emergency situation. If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Hazardous Events’ presented by Steven Santa Maria, Fulton County Civil Defense Director & Fire Coordinator, on September 26 in Littauer’s Auditorium.

You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org.  We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

Wellness Words August 2018

HealthLink Littauer’sAlicia DeRuscio-Head

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.

Community Education Assistant

 

Pain Awareness

Have you been experiencing long-lasting pain?

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year, affecting more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Pain can result from a number of health concerns including injury, disease or physical conditions.

What is chronic pain?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines chronic pain as pain that persists over a long period of time. Unlike short-term or acute pain, chronic pain is not a normal sensation; it is a continuous sensation of hurt that lasts for weeks, months or even years. More often than not, pain is caused by an initial injury or condition such as a sprained wrist, arthritis, or an ear infection.

However, people may experience pain without having suffered a previous injury or health problem. Some of the most common complaints of chronic pain stem from headaches, lower back problems, cancer, arthritis and damage to nerves. The AAPM estimates that over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide, with the top three leading causes resulting from low back pain, severe headache or migraine, and neck pain.

Effects of chronic pain

Chronic pain comes in many forms that can negatively affect your quality of life. For example, persistent pain may limit your ability to move around and perform everyday tasks. According to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, this can often lead to decreased activity and result in weakened muscles. When your muscles are weakened and your body is not used to performing daily activities, even the slightest use can result in more pain.

Chronic pain can also affect your mental state causing feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety or depression. These physical and mental challenges may intensify feelings and make it more difficult to deal with a painful situation.

Dealing with chronic pain

If you’re experiencing long-term pain, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program suggests talking with your healthcare provider about your symptoms to better address the cause of your pain. Providers may be able to prescribe treatment or medication to address the problem or alleviate your symptoms.

However, since the cause of chronic pain is not always certain, treatment and medication may not always work. A few other tools for pain management include:

  • Exercise: Exercise provides many health benefits, including pain relief. Talk with your healthcare provider about which activities are best for you.
  • Using your mind: Use methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or muscle stretching to help ease your pain.
  • Ice, Heat or Massage: Try icing, heating, or massaging local areas of pain such as the back, knees, or neck.

HealthLink currently offers programs that can aid in pain relief such as Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Senior Steps, and Chronic Disease Self-Management.

For more information on chronic pain, talk to your healthcare provider, or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown.  We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

Teddy Bear Hospital

Nathan Littauer’s first Teddy Bear Hospital was a HUGE success! Thank you to all of our volunteers who made this event happen. Also a special thank you to the Gloversville Fire Department, Fulton County Ambulance and to LifeNet for showing children the inside “scoop” of their equipment. It’s safe to say we had many healthy teddy bears head home in our community today!

“Teddy Bear Hospital” Event Will Welcome Children, Families

Children are invited to have their favorite teddy bear, doll or action hero “examined” Sunday, August 12th from 1-3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Area children and families are invited to bring their bears, dolls, action figures and more to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s first annual “Teddy Bear Hospital” event, scheduled for 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, August 12 at the Hospital.

During the fun and FREE family event, children will learn about general health, good nutritional habits, and the various types of care provided at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

While their special friends are getting their FREE check-up, children can ask questions about visiting the doctor, learn about the body and good health habits, experience hands-on displays, visit health booths and workshops, enjoy refreshments, and more. Emergency services personnel will also be on hand with an ambulance and LifeNet helicopter. The first 200 children in attendance will receive a FREE backpack.

“Going to the hospital can be scary, but we want children to feel comfortable and supported here,” said Nathan Littauer Chief of Pediatric Services Maruthi Sunkara, MD. “Events like this are a great opportunity for us to welcome members of the community – especially the littlest ones – into our facility and help them start to understand that we’re here to help, and that Nathan Littauer Hospital is a place you can go when you need to feel better.”

No advance registration is required for the Teddy Bear Hospital event, and children of all ages are invited to attend with their parent or caregiver. For more information about the event, interested individuals can visit www.nlh.org.