LITTAUER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

LITTAUER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

“Jackie Ruggeri inspires everyone around her”

LITTAUER ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
“Jackie Ruggeri inspires everyone around her”

Jackie Ruggeri works in Littauer’s Department of Care Coordination as a Care Coordination Assistant. Jackie has been with Littauer for over 10 years. One of her colleagues stated, “Whether it is contacting insurance companies to payroll to copying a chart, she does it with grace and effortlessness.  When dealing with insurance companies on a daily basis she represents herself and the facility in an exceptionally professional manner.”  Known for her good attitude, her manager explained, “Jackie is the embodiment of a great attitude. She inspires everyone around her with her dedication and caring. She is very well organized, diligent in her work, easily reachable and always on time.” One of our nurses explained, “She is a quiet hero. She is in the trenches everyday; ensuring loose ends are tied up and safety nets are in place for our patients.”

Mr. Kelly agreed noting, “Jackie certainly deserves our thanks and appreciation.”  Many people gathered at the celebration undoubtedly agreed as they clapped and cheered when her name was read.  Jackie upon learning of the award stated, “I was very surprised to get this award. It means a lot to me because I try to do my job to the best of my ability.  It helps when you have great co-workers around you and that NLH is a great place to work.”

Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Nathan Littauer Goodwill Committee. The employee-led initiative strives to improve the patient experience by recognizing outstanding employees at every level in their network.  Employees receive a plaque, preferred parking and a gift certificate.

 

 

Nathan Littauer employees raise money for Fulmont Action Agency

Nathan Littauer raised $4,800 this year in their annual basket raffle for Fulmont. Now in its 12th year, Littauer has donated over $40,000 to the agency.

The Fulmont Community Action Agency announced today a donation they received from Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. A check in the amount of $4,800.00 was presented to Denis E. Wilson, Sr., Executive Director of the Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., during a short presentation at the hospital last month.

In response to the donation, Mr. Wilson said, “I would like to thank the employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home for their continuing generosity to our agency, as well as the Courtesy Council for organizing this event again this year.” The project called “Kozy Coats” is an initiative of the hospital’s Courtesy Council and it includes a basket raffle in which all proceeds are donated to Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., Community Services division. Over 25 different departments each donated baskets this year. In turn, the proceeds are used to buy outer wear for local children. Last year, their efforts clothed 142 children. Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development stated, “Our employees always make such creative and generous donations to this community. They are remarkable. As an entirely- led initiative, their support of our community should be commended.”

Now in its twelfth year, Nathan Littauer’s Kozy Coat project has raised over $40,000 since its inception. “The numbers are staggering.” said Hospital Spokesperson, Cheryl McGrattan. “The employees are beyond generous, giving large ticket items for the raffle. And they have fun doing it.”

“Fulmont depends on the kindness and generosity of donors such as Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home to continue to provide quality services to low income families in our community,” said Denis Wilson. “On behalf of the hundreds of children who have reaped the benefits of the Kozy Coats Program over the years, I’d like to thank you all for your kindness.”

 

Wellness Words November 2012

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BS

Community Health Educator

 

You Are Never Too Old To Quit Smoking!

Everyone has heard about the many dangers of smoking.  For years smoking has been associated with lung cancer, and now we are learning more about the relationship of smoking to other chronic conditions such as heart disease, emphysema and COPD.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in theU.S. It costs our country almost 2 billion dollars each year.

Did you know that seniors age 65 and over benefit extensively from giving up smoking?  Unfortunately many people, including some physicians, have the opinion that older smokers are less likely to quit and that they should be allowed to smoke in order to “enjoy their final years.”  According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association entitled “The Older Smoker,” seniors are more than twice as likely to succeed at quitting as younger adults and have almost 10 times more health benefits! 

The CDC notes that tobacco cessation has both immediate and long term benefits for seniors and there are new techniques to help older adults stop smoking.  Even for those who are already ill with tobacco related diseases – quitting reduces mortality, reverses respiratory symptoms, and improves quality of life.  It reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, and may even stop some of the cognitive decline of the brain functioning due to smoking.

One example of a chronic disease prevalent in the older population that is profoundly affected by tobacco is diabetes.  The American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 10.9 million adults or 26.9% over age 65 have been diagnosed with diabetes in theU.S. While only about 9-10 % of diabetics in this age group smoke, the negative effects are profound and include:

  • It doubles the damage done to arteries
  • Diabetic smokers are 3 times more likely to die of heart disease
  • Smoking increases blood sugar levels making the diabetes harder to manage
  • It weakens the action of insulin
  • These diabetics are more likely to get nerve damage and kidney disease

 A diabetic who becomes a non-smoker has:

  • Better blood sugar control
  • Better circulation
  • Improved action of insulin
  • Less risk of having nerve damage and kidney problems
  • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol

No matter how long you have smoked, your health will improve when you stop.  You may not realize it but cessation has immediate effects too.  For example:

  • In one day …
  1. Blood circulation increases
  2. Carbon dioxide in the blood decreases
  3. Heart rate and blood pressure decrease
  4. The risk of having a heart attack decreases
  • Within several days or weeks …
  1. Sense of taste and smell improves
  2. Lung capacity increases
  3. Breathing becomes easier

The good news is that smoking cessation counseling is paid for by Medicare, and Part D drug plans cover the medications.  It is all up to you.  Remember – it is NEVER too late to stop smoking!

For more information, contact your healthcare provider, N.Y.S. Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 or www.nysmokefree.com, 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.

Special gifts for our littlest patients

The group, “What Women Do” presented heartfelt homemade gifts to the hospital today. From left to right, Nancy Purcell, Doreen Ford, Margaret Western and Lucille Unger.

Today Littauer thanked the group “What Women Do” from Caroga Lake as they donated 15 homemade care packages created for children who are hospitalized. Each package is full of toys, games, art supplies and a homemade stuffed monkey. They are designed to ease a child’s mind while they receiving care in our Emergency Department or Pediatric Unit. “What a wonderful gift for our littlest patients.” stated Hospital Volunteer Director, Susan McNeil.

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary plans Tree of Lights December 1, 2012

The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary is celebrating its 22nd anniversary of the Tree of Lights.

Invitations to participate in this annual fund-raiser have been sent, said event Co-Chairmen Anita Moore and Donna Ellithorpe.

However, anyone interested in purchasing a light on the tree in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one may pick up an order form in the hospital lobby or gift shop.

The names of the donors and honorees will be listed on plaques in the hospital lobby and will remain there until the lights are extinguished

December 31.

A tax-deductible contribution of $5 payable to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary will light one light.

For more information, call the volunteer office at 773-5408.

The official lighting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. December 1 at the main entrance of the hospital.  Tom and Mickey Hobson will be the pianist and soloist during the ceremony.

Refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided.