Littauer announces Employee of the Quarter

Littauer announces Employee of the Quarter

Two payroll executives earn kudos from leadership and peers

Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced their Employee of the Quarter last week in an organization-wide celebration. “This quarter we are recognizing two employees.” stated Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. Recognized for their unyielding work ethic, Bob Michalski and Virginia Fahey were announced the winners.

Bob Michalski and Virginia Fahey are our Employees of the Quarter. Mr. Kelly stands to the right.

Both people work in the payroll department. “When our payroll system recently experienced a glitch, Bob and Ginny jumped into action, making sure all of our 980 employees received a paycheck.” stated Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson. She added “I think that is what our employees appreciate the most, their dedication to go the extra distance, working long hours and sometimes holidays to ensure we all get paid.”

Mr. Kelly agreed noting, “Sometimes people rise from ordinary to extraordinary and these two certainly deserve our thanks and appreciation.” Many people gathered at the celebration undoubtedly agreed as they clapped and cheered when their names were read. Mr. Kelly added, “I do not think people realize how technical this job can be.”

Virginia Fahey is a payroll bookkeeper with 21 years at the hospital and Bob Michalski has served as the Payroll Supervisor for 16 years and has over 32 years of Payroll experience. “I take my job very seriously” stated Virginia Fahey adding, “I take great pride in paying the people who save lives here everyday at the hospital.” She reflected, “I feel really honored to receive the Good Will Award. It makes me very happy to know that all of our hard work was appreciated. NLH is a wonderful place to work, filled with a lot of wonderful people. Thanks again! “

Bob Michalski agreed explaining, “I was surprised and honored to receive the Goodwill Award for the 4th quarter. Being a member of a support department, I never expected to be nominated. My goal has always been to ensure that all of our employees receive an accurate paycheck each week”. I always thought I had a thankless job until last Thursday. It was great to be recognized for the efforts you put into your job. I’m glad to be part of a great team that helps us get the job done each and every week.

Employees of the Quarter receive a plaque, preferred parking and a gift certificate.

Littauer’s Nursing Home welcomes new Director of Recreation Therapy

Rachel Killips added to staff.

Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer’s announced today the appointment of a new Director of Recreation Therapy for the Nursing Home. Rachel Killips, of Troy, NY brings about 3 years of experience as a recreation therapist to the Nursing Home. An avid dancer, Ms. Killips is passionate about the joy of movement, even for those of advanced years. “She brings us not only a great amount of expertise, but also a great amount of enthusiasm to her position.” stated Leslie Beadle, Nursing Home Administrator. Ms. Killips joined the staff in January.

Rachel Killips our new Director of Recreation Therapy and her dog Rudy greet a resident

“I am looking forward to starting new and exciting programs and taking many more trips out of the building, as well as integrating all the residents into a program directed to their needs.” stated Ms. Rachel Killips.

As the activities planner of the Nursing Home, she is responsible for programming activities for the nursing home’s 84 bed facility. “Activities, integration and age- appropriate programming is vital to our mission here at the Nursing Home.” stated Leslie Beadle.

For more information about The Nursing Home at Nathan Littauer, please call 773-5693.

Wellness Words January 2011

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.

Community Health Educator

HELPFUL TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Keeping New Year’s resolutions can be a struggle for anyone, including older adults. However, it does not have to be this way. If goals are simplified and mindsets altered, older adults should have no problems with keeping their resolutions past January!

Keep your resolutions to a minimum: Having too many resolutions can lead to discouragement when all goals are not met. Try to only make one or two resolutions for the New Year.

Set realistic goals: Start with small resolutions and make sure they are attainable. It is great to push yourself, but you don’t want to set goals that can not be reached.

Be patient: Correcting bad habits and making positive changes is not an easy process. It takes time and there will be setbacks. Try not to get discouraged or punish yourself.

Be proud: Be proud of your accomplishments and reward yourself. This will give you incentive to keep up with your resolutions.

The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging has provided the following top 10 New Year’s resolutions for older adults:

Eat a healthy diet – Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Choose fiber-rich whole grain bread, rice and pasta. Pick less fatty meat, like chicken. Shoot for heart-healthy fish, like tuna or salmon, twice a week. To help keep your bones strong, include sources of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Use healthier fats, such as olive and canola oils, instead of butter or lard.

Take a multivitamin-mineral – Check labels and choose one that includes 100% of the “Daily Value” for most vitamins and minerals.

See your doctor or healthcare provider regularly – That means at least once a year, unless he or she says you should come in more often. At each visit, talk to your provider about the medications you’re taking and any health concerns you may have.

Exercise – Exercise is safe and healthy for older people…even older people with illness like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. Many of these conditions actually improve with exercise. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Toast New Year’s Day with a smaller glass – According to experts, moderate drinking means just 1 drink per day for older men and ½ a drink daily for older women. Since alcohol can interact with certain drugs, ask your healthcare provider whether even this much is safe for you.

Prevent falls – Falls are a leading cause of injuries and deaths among seniors. Exercises can boost your strength, balance, and flexibility, and help you avoid falls.

Workout your brain – The more you use your mind, the better it will work. Reading, crossword puzzles and socializing give your brain a boost.

Get help quitting – You can lower your risks of many health problems, breathe easier, enjoy more energy, and better sleep if you quit smoking…no matter how long ago you started.

Guard against feeling down or anxious – Lingering sadness, tiredness, loss of appetite or pleasure from things you once enjoyed, difficultly sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone most of the time can all be signs that you need help. Tell your healthcare provider right away.

Get a good night’s sleep – Get at least 7 to 8 hours each night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening.

For more information, contact your health care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.