LITTAUER RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR CT SCANNING Posted on November 14, 2009 by Dakota PikeLittauer earns ACR accreditationLITTAUER RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR CT SCANNING Three-year accreditation awarded by American College of RadiologyGloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital has been awarded the prestigious CT Scanning accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The accreditation is awarded for a three-year term and is a result of a strenuous survey.“Not only is this great news for our hospital”, stated Wayne McNeil, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, “it is a boon for our area.” The ACR headquartered in Reston, VA., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. The evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and nuclear medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.Mr. Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO notes, “We have made significant investment in our diagnostic equipment, bringing the latest technology to our patients. Therefore, it is more than gratifying to receive this accreditation.”The hospital’s diagnostic unit has also earned accreditation from the American College of Radiology in MRI and Mammograms.
Litttauer’s Dr. Duthaler provides expertise to WTEN Posted on November 13, 2009August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDr. Todd DuthalerNathan Littauer’s Chief of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Todd Duthaler, recently conducted an interview at WTEN regarding the H1N1 flu.Dr. Duthaler was asked to lend his opinion on the current flu pandemic. He provided insight about flu complications and gave advice about preventing and treating the H1N1 virus.Watch the entire interview“More and more media outlets are turning to Littauer for crucial information during this flu season.” stated Cheryl McGrattan spokeswoman for Littauer.” Ms. McGrattan added, “We will always be glad to provide information to our community.”
Wellness Words November 2009 Posted on November 11, 2009 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BS, Community Health Educator PREPARING YOUR HOUSEHOLD FOR FLUWe all need to be prepared for flu season by stocking our medicine cabinets and food pantries with appropriate supplies. You’ll rest easier at home if you, or someone in your home, become ill and you are prepared. Start picking up supplies today by purchasing an item each time you go to the store. You can’t run to the store if you are sick, and if many people are sick at the same time, stores may become depleted. It will also easier on your budget.The New York State Department of Health suggests stocking the following items: • Bottled water • Canned or bottled juice and ginger ale • Hydrating drinks • Low sodium or unsalted crackers • Low sodium canned or instant broth mixes such as chicken, vegetable or beef • Low sodium canned or dry soup mixes • Flavored gelatins • Flavored ice popsFor Fever: Use a reliable thermometer to take temperatures. You may want to use pain relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprophen), or Aleve (naproxyn). Choose either the brand names or generic store brands. Always check with your doctor if the ill person has another medical condition such as high blood pressure, kidney or stomach problems, or is on blood thinners.For Cough, Sneezing and Nasal Congestion: Use liquid cough medicines or over-the-counter cold medicines to treat symptoms of congestion and to control cough. If needed, liquid cough medicines labeled “expectorants” help loosen phlegm (mucus). Liquid or tablet medications labeled either “decongestant” or “antihistamine” help reduce nasal stuffiness. Nose drops and nasal sprays also work to relieve nasal congestion. Remember to check the ingredients on the label to see if a medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprophen before taking it…DON’T double dose! Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.For Sore Throat: Use cough drops or any hard candy or lozenges to soothe a sore throat. Pain relievers can also be used.For Body Aches or Headache: Use aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprophen or naproxyn as directed.For Vomiting and Diarrhea: These symptoms are not always present with the flu. Anti-diarrheal medicines are generally not needed or recommended. If you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, check with your doctor…PREVENTING dehydration is essential! When you have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you lose lots of water and essential minerals. Therefore, you should avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.Keep your emergency stockpiles of foods and medications with other critical supplies, such as prescription drugs and copies of important documents like health records, insurance cards and phone numbers.The N.Y.S. Department of Health reminds you to stay on top of the flu. Good nutrition, combined with enough rest and exercise, can help you stay healthy. Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you are sick and cover your coughs and sneezes to avoid the spread of germs.For more information on flu, visit www.nyhealth.gov, contact your health care provider, your county public health department, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re celebrating 20 years of being your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words October 2009 Posted on October 23, 2009 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BS, Community Health Educator WHAT IS YOUR BREAST CANCER RISK?According to the Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source, the lifetime risk of an American woman developing breast cancer is one in eight, or about 12%. The term lifetime is important. That means that one in eight women who live to age 89 will have had breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. If you’re in your 50’s, your risk is one in twenty-four. While in your 60’s, your risk goes up to one in sixteen.There is no one casual factor that has been found to explain why one woman gets breast cancer and another one doesn’t. Although a precise cause-and-effect relationship hasn’t been established, we’ve identified risk factors such as menses before age 12, menopause after age 55, and first birth after age 30 or never having been pregnant. These translate into more years of breast tissue exposure to higher levels of hormones, which are thought to influence the breast cancer risk.80% of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. About 10-15% of women with breast cancer had some family pattern of the disease, which may play a role in their breast cancer development. Only 5-10% has hereditary breast cancer—cancer that’s the result of an abnormal gene.There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms – beginning at age 40 – along with clinical breast exams and breast self-exams are so important. In 2004, only 52% of eligible women in New York State had a mammogram, according to National Cancer Institute statistics. In 2007, there were an estimated 178,480 new cases diagnosed. However, it is estimated that 2.4 million women are alive and cancer free today due to early detection and treatment of breast cancer.Remember, age is the most significant risk factor. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop breast cancer. Lifestyle factors that are associated with increased risk include post-menopausal obesity, lack of exercise, smoking or frequent exposure to secondhand smoke, and excessive alcohol consumption. Making lifestyle changes to reduce these risks is something we can all do to combat our risk of developing the condition.Early detection is key! It can’t be stressed enough the importance of yearly screening mammography for women beginning at age 40. Also, become familiar with your breast tissue and report any changes to your doctor immediately. Early detection is essential in reducing deaths from breast cancer.For more information on breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society 1-800-725-3185 or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re celebrating 20 years of being your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home!
