Wellness Words October 2011 Posted on October 11, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women in the United States in 2011. Males can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, but male breast cancer cases make up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer. As a tumor develops, the following signs might be noticed:A lump in the breast or underarm. These are the often the first signs of breast cancer and are painless. These lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.Swelling in the armpit.Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness in the breast.A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt.Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast.A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration.Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody or another color.A marble-like area under the skin.An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.There are several types of breast cancer that can be divided into two main categories – noninvasive cancers and invasive cancers.Non-invasive breast cancer. These cancers are confined to the ducts or lobules and don’t spread to surrounding tissues. Most are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and are only found in the milk duct of the breast. If not treated, they can become invasive cancers.Invasive breast cancer. Invasive breast cancers penetrate through normal breast tissue and invade surrounding areas. They are more serious than noninvasive cancers because they can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs and brain.As with all types of cancer, early detection is the key for treatment of breast cancer. Although no technology is perfect, mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer early. Research is under way to improve the technology to lead to better accuracy and create new technologies. Additionally, the U.S. Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act to ensure that mammography facilities throughout the country are of high quality and are reliable. Each facility must display a certificate issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to serve as evidence that the facility meets quality standards.Along with mammography screenings, there are several suggestions for women to practice elements of good breast health. These suggestions include:Obtain regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40.Obtain annual clinical breast exams.Perform monthly breast-self exams.Obtain a breast cancer risk assessment from physician.Free breast cancer screenings are available for women age 40+ without health insurance. For details, contact the Cancer Services Program at 841-3726.For more information, visit www.nbcam.org, contact your health care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at 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.
Dr. Shen to offer free seminar: Innovations in Surgical Spine Care Posted on October 10, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeIn his own words, the new Orthopedic Surgeon to address community Dr. Shen arrived in the region 78 days ago and in that short time he has: completed numerous ground-breaking surgeries; had hundreds of patient visits-some traveling as far away as Connecticut and Tennessee; appeared on national radio shows; opened a new office in Johnstown with Mohawk Valley Orthopedics; and even weighed 125 children’s’ backpacks. “With his rising popularity and high demand, we wanted to offer our community an opportunity to hear him speak first-hand about the techniques he brings to our region.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO.Dr. Jian Shen at Nathan Littauer Hospital will offer a FREE clinic to the community, October 18, 2011 at the Johnstown Holiday InnTherefore, Nathan Littauer Hospital is presenting an evening with Dr. Shen to address “Innovations in Spine Care”. The free seminar will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 6:30pm at The Johnstown Holiday Inn. A free dessert buffet will be provided. “This will be a rare opportunity to hear about the myriad of solutions this phenomenal surgeon brings to our region” said Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. “Patients will learn about break-through surgeries and be given the opportunity to ask questions.” The hospital’s goal is to reduce spine pain.Back Pain?According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), “Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly—from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy—or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. Regardless of how back pain happens or how it feels, you know it when you have it. And chances are, if you don’t have back pain now, you will eventually.” “One of society’s most common medical problems” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that in a 3-month period, about one-fourth of U.S. adults experience at least 1 day of back pain. Therefore, they refer to back pain as, “one of our society’s most common medical problems.”To reserve a seat at the free seminar, people are asked to RSVP by calling 773-5505 or by emailing spines@nlh.org. Seating is limited.
Littauer’s Auxiliary holds 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony Posted on October 6, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards CeremonyNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 12. Dana Garguilo, a graduate from Gloversville High School, currently a freshman at Nazareth College, was the recipient of the Alice Paula Muskin Memorial Award. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July,on Monday, September 12. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July, 2007, in 2008 received an Honorable Service award, and has contributed over 325 hours of service in the hospital, nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs. The Alice Paula Muskin Award, established by Mr. & Mrs. Nathan J. Muskin in memory of their daughter, is given each year to a candystriper who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment and leadership. Laurence Kelly, President/CEO, addressed the volunteers stating, “You are shining example to other young men and women with your volunteer spirit. In addition to the residents and patients, the staff also appreciates you giving of your time throughout the summer and some of you, I understand, choose to volunteer throughout the year. Thank you!”Other hospital staff, Rachel Johnson, Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Carol Sleezer, Education Resource Coordinator, Linda Hidde, Nursing Education Services Coordinator also addressed the group regarding volunteering and thanked them for volunteering their time in the other departments.Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President along with Susan McNeil, Director Volunteer Services also presented Honorable Service Awards to Patrick Conner, Mitchell Akowicz, Kayla Edgar and Kiersten Chang, and also presented to those present a certificate of appreciation and a gift on behalf of the hospital and nursing home. In addition to Garguilo and the Honorable Awards recipients, 2011 candystripers and jr. volunteers include; Alexandra Bielli, Rachel Brown-Weinstock, Alyssa Butler, Courtney Cirillo, Katherine Dickey, Emily Dusenbury, Samantha Edgar, McKenzie Ellsworth, Caitlyn Hayward, Taylor Gifford, Nitara Jackson, Kelly Lawton, Sarah Lebel, Sally Loveless, megan McCall, Justin Moore, Logan Sala, Rachel Sproule, Kali Wadsworth. In 2011, these young adults generously contributed over 1,200 hours to the hospital & nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs.The Auxiliary sponsors the annual event, which was chaired by Mona Capasso. Mrs. Capasso also presented each jr. volunteer with a carnation. The candystripers were treated to a pizza & wings party, and over 40 people attended the awards presentation in the auditorium which included candystripers, their families, hospital board members and auxilians. A special “thank you” cake was served.
New Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure Dr. Shen Performs at Nathan Littauer Provides Significant Improvement in Quality of Life to Patients Suffering from Spinal Pain Posted on October 5, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDr. Shen is pictured as he performs one of the area’s first KyphoplastysDr. Shen from Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today that he is offering Balloon Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from spinal fractures due to osteoporosis. Balloon Kyphoplasty is designed to treat the spinal pain and deformity associated with vertebrae fractures that occur from osteoporosis or cancer. The new technique significantly reduces back pain and improves a patient’s ability to return to daily activities. His first two Kyphoplasty surgeries at Nathan Littauer were deemed a success. “Both my patients are reporting a substantial improvement in their pain” said Dr. Shen.“The surgery is new to the Fulton-Montgomery county areas and only a handful of surgeons in the Capital Region currently perform kyphoplasty.” said Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. One factor contributing to spinal pain is Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones of the spine to weaken and often collapse, resulting in spinal fractures. Traditional treatment for spinal fractures includes bed rest, medication and back bracing. While these therapies may help to decrease a patient’s pain over time, they do not treat the deformity related to the osteoporotic fractures.Balloon Kyphoplasty is designed to repair vertebral compression fractures and restore the vertebrae to the correct position, reducing back pain, reducing the number of days in bed, significantly improving mobility and increasing overall quality of life. The procedure generally takes less than one hour per fracture and has been performed under both local and general anesthesia. In most cases, Medicare provides coverage for Balloon Kyphoplasty. Other insurance companies may also provide coverage.Dr. Shen preps for the surgeryDr. Shen says, “I am pleased to bring this surgery to our region.” He added, “Of all the surgeries I perform, this technique is especially rewarding because it can reduce pain significantly and in a short period of time. The surgeon concluded, “I enjoying seeing the patient return to a better quality of life after this procedure.”Osteoporosis-Related Spinal Fractures: More Frequent Than Hip FracturesIn the U.S., according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, each year 700,000 patients suffer from spinal fractures due to osteoporosis. Unfortunately, over 400,000 of these fractures go undiagnosed and untreated due in part to lack of awareness about osteoporosis and available treatment options.The consequences of untreated fractures can be devastating. Once a patient suffers one vertebral compression fracture, the risk of suffering a second fracture increases five-fold. Left unattended, many fractures can result in an exaggerated rounded curvature of the spine, called kyphosis or dowager’s hump. This condition is painful and debilitating — making walking, eating, sleeping, and even breathing painful and difficult. Long-term, this condition could be fatal. Diagnosing such fractures is the first step toward providing patients who have been impacted by this devastating disease state with hope for treatment.The statistics are staggering — one in two women and one in four men age 50 and older in the United States will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, with bone loss potentially beginning in women as early as age 25. This figure is projected to double in the next 50 years due to the increase in aging population and lifestyle factors, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The current incidence rate has caused the World Health Organization to cite osteoporosis as second only to cardiovascular disease as a leading international healthcare problem. For more information about osteoporosis and spinal fractures, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation web site at www.nof.org.Although the complication rate with Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with Balloon Kyphoplasty, including serious complications. Patients should consult with their doctor for a full discussion of the risks.The surgical team at Littauer gets ready for the procedureFor consultation:For a consultation concerning treatment options for a spinal fracture, please contact Dr. Shen at the New Johnstown Surgery Center at 773-4242.Public Forum Offered:For people who are interested in learning more about Dr. Shen and his surgical solutions, Nathan Littauer is offering a FREE seminar: “Reducing Spine Pain” October 18, 2011 at 6:30pm at The Johnstown Holiday Inn. “It is an evening with Dr. Shen and a rare opportunity to hear first-hand the myriad of solutions this phenomenal surgeon brings to our region” said Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. Patients will learn about break-through surgeries and be given the opportunity to ask questions. A dessert buffet will be provided.
Nathan Littauer brings the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation” to area! Posted on September 21, 2011 by Dakota PikeNATHAN LITTAUER HOSPITAL LEADS EFFORTS WITH AREA BUSINESSES TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE WHILE DRIVING Collaboration brings nationally known Don’t and Text and Drive Crusaders to our region Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital, and their partners, Fulton Montgomery Community College Foundation and Frontier Communications today launched a comprehensive campaign dedicated at reducing distracted driving. The three entities have launched the initiative to teach local teens and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign will proudly bring to the region the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation”, organized by the family of teenager Alex Brown who tragically lost her life while texting and driving. The family has been featured on the TODAY Show, Oprah and Extreme Home Makeover. The father, mother and younger sister will be addressing the crowds. “The importance of educating the community about the dangers of distracted driving cannot be over-emphasized.” said Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Jeanne Brown, Alex’s mother said, “We are looking forward to making our first New York appearance with Nathan Littauer Hospital in the great Northeast. We are thrilled to travel to New York to make sure people hear first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving. Along with Nathan Littauer Hospital we also congratulate Frontier Communications and Fulton Montgomery Community College for supporting our New York State debut. These organizations along with the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board should be applauded for their commitment to a safe community. We hope our message and our story about Alex resonates with residents in the area.”The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will help kick off the event in Fulton County. “We know that distracted driving is a serious epidemic and young drivers need to be aware of the potential life-threatening consequences,” said Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Assistant Commissioner Chuck DeWeese. “The GTSC commends Nathan Littauer Hospital for its thoughtfulness in planning these events for teens.” The Brown family resides in Texas and this will be there first New York appearance- having come at the hospital’s request. The Brown family will be delivering six presentations to the region at Johnstown High School, Gloversville High School, Broadalbin Perth Central Schools and Northville High School. Fulton Montgomery Community College will host two presentations, one to the students and one to community.The community is welcome to attend the 6pm presentation at the Student Union at Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, NY The multi-platform campaign started in the spring with the Hospital encouraging its own employees to take a pledge not to text and drive. Littauer also has carried their message to post prom parties and public events. They asked people to take the NYS “Put It Down Pledge” and thumb bands were given to serve as a reminder to drivers. Now, the culmination of the campaign includes school assemblies, social media campaigns, a billboard; and finally a visit from the family of Alex Brown. Frontier’s General Manager, Todd Rulison said, “Frontier is proud to partner with Nathan Littauer Hospital and FM in promoting the “Don’t Text and Drive Campaign”. Driving an automobile requires total attention and we need everyone to put their cell phones down and drive safely. Don’t become a statistic.”In addition to Nathan Littauer Hospital, the FM Foundation and Frontier Communications, the following entities have also supported the efforts: Fulton County Traffic and Safety Board, Holiday Inn of Johnstown- Gloversville. Main Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, the Leader Herald Newspaper and Lamar Advertising. Chair of the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board, Maggie Luck stated, “The TSB is excited to be apart of this project because safety on our roads starts with education and awareness.” According to police-reported data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Automotive Sampling it was found that show that: “The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. During that time, fatal crashes with reported driver distraction also increased from 10 percent to 16 percent.” It is a statistic which prompted Nathan Littauer Hospital to embark on an awareness campaign. The Remember Alex Brown Foundation has gained national attention especially after Justin Beiber became a spokesperson for the organization. “As a 17-year-old driver, I am aware of the countless distractions that we teenagers face on the road, and texting is one that is preventable,” said Justin in a press release. “There are too many young people, like Alex Brown, whom we’ve lost because of texting while driving,” said Justin Bieber recently about the Alex Brown Foundation. He stated he wishes to raise awareness of this issue and create safer conditions for everyone on the road. “It’s clearly time to bring this issue to the forefront,” said Jennifer Hing-Wainwright of Nathan Littauer Hospital. She added, “A tremendous amount of work has gone on behind the scenes since mid-May. Knowing that so many people in our region will hear this important message is extremely gratifying.”“Preventing injury and death due to distracted driving is consistent with our mission. We frequently see the results of car accidents in our Emergency Department. This issue is timely, important and needed.” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, Director of Emergency Medicine at Nathan Littauer Hospital. XXX About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home located in Gloversville, NY. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The hospital The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.
