Wellness Words April 2015 Posted on April 14, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health EducatorEarly Detection Is Key To Minimizing Effects Of CancerThere are more than 100 types of cancer that can develop throughout the body, which grow at different rates and respond to different treatments. But, they all have one thing in common. All cancers start due to a rapid growth of abnormal cells. Cancer that is untreated can cause serious illness or even death.Knowing the signs and symptoms, and getting screened regularly is essential to the early detection of cancer. This is important because treatments work best on cancer when it is detected early, and it helps prevent the spreading of cancer to other areas of the body. Additionally, there are specific things that you can do to help you prevent cancer.SIGNS & SYMPTOMSSigns and symptoms are signals that the body is going through something like an injury, illness, or disease. Signs are signals that can be seen such as a fever, fast breathing, or a rash. A symptom is a signal that can only be felt by the person who has it such as a loss of appetite, fatigue, or achiness.According to the American Cancer Society, there are five general signs and symptoms of cancer. Having one or more of these warning signs does not mean that you have caner, but you should definitely speak with your doctor about any concerns that you have, or if you are experiencing any of the following – an unexplained weight loss of ten pounds or more, a fever, fatigue (or extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest), changes in skin texture (color or sensation), and lastly – pain can be a symptom of certain types of cancer.In addition to these general signs and symptoms of cancer, there are other common signs and symptoms that are associated with certain types of cancer. They are a change in bowel habits or bladder function, sores that do not heal, white spots in the mouth or on the tongue, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening of the skin or lump, indigestion or trouble swallowing, any new skin changes (including a new or changed mole or wart), a nagging cough or hoarseness. Remember that having one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you definitely have cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms.GET SCREENED REGULARLYEarly detection offers the best results in treating and minimizing the spread of cancer. There are many types of tests and procedures for men and women that are recommended throughout each stage of life that can detect different types of cancers. Talk to your doctor to learn which tests and procedures are the best for you.Some of the test preps, and tests themselves, may be difficult but – are much better than their alternative. If you are squeamish or nervous about testing, ask your spouse (or a relative or friend) to go with you, ask if you are able to bring relaxing music to listen to, use visualization or deep breathing (or other stress reducing strategies), or bring something with you to focus on that will distract you.HELP PREVENT CANCERDo not use tobacco products…if you need help quitting, call the NYS Smokers Quitline at 1-866-697-8487.Maintain a healthy weight.Keep moving with regular physical activity.Eat healthy by including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet.Limit your intake of alcohol.Wear sunscreen every day…use a facial moisturizer that contains SPF.Wear a hat, sunglasses, or long sleeves and re-apply sunscreen during prolonged time outdoors.Know your family’s medical history and share this information with your health care provider.For more information, visit cancer.org, contact your healthcare 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 NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
WOW! Technology meets comfort at Littauer Posted on March 25, 2015April 1, 2015 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer brings unique technology to the areaOnce again, Littauer has brought cutting-edge diagnostic imaging to the region. The hospital added the latest MRI technology to their main campus. A new suite was constructed to house the Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare. The system is designed to help maximize patient comfort while delivering uncompromised image quality.“This latest MRI is both patient and clinician friendly while producing leading-edge imagery,” states Director of Imaging/Cardiopulmonary Services Dwayne Eberle at Nathan Littauer Hospital.“The image quality at Littauer is of the highest quality anywhere. You could not get a better image at another major hospital. And good imagery means a better diagnosis,” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.The GE Optima* MR450w’s innovative wide bore design allows more space for added patient comfort. The table surface with different cushion densities is designed to alleviate pressure points, and a new coil array that offers feet-first imaging for all exam types. “Our Diagnostic Team is committed to making people feel as comfortable as possible. We understand these are stressful tests. That is why my staff is committed to making people feel comfortable. The more comfortable a patient feels the better images we get” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.In addition, GE’s Optima MR450w includes Silent Scan, a revolutionary new technique that makes some exams as quiet as a whisper.“Nathan Littauer has always been a leader in bringing new diagnostic imaging to this area,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “People with migraines or people who are claustrophobic will be especially happy to hear this news.”Funding for MRI was made in part by donations from the Nathan Littauer Foundation. “The community response to this MRI project was overwhelming. Clearly, people are committed to keeping Littauer in the forefront of technology. ” said Geoffrey Peck, Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director. He added, “We are so grateful to the donors who saw the need in our community and responded so generously.”To learn more or to schedule services, contact Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at (518) 773-5520, or go to www.nlh.orgPhoto – Littauer Patient Coordinator Keri Calhoun assists a patient for a scan in Littauer’s Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare
NLH Vital Signs, Feb/March 2015 Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeBrowse the latest NLH Vital Signs newsletter.Feb_March_vital signs_2015_pdf_final
Littauer announces new Chief Nursing Officer Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer is proud to welcome Stephanie Fishel, RN, NE-BC, BS BA, as the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, a position recently vacated by the retired Regina Mulligan. Stephanie comes to Littauer from St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany where she had worked as their operations manager for over five years. A registered nurse for 15 years, Stephanie has an additional degree in health promotion/disease prevention and has her nurse executive certification.“It is an honor to follow Ginger Mulligan, a respected nurse, manager and a valued Littauer employee for 43 years,” said Stephanie.“I am thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our Littauer family. Her integrity as a nurse and professionalism parallel Littauer’s values of superior patient care and satisfaction,” said Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly.“Quality patient care and supporting the health care providers who are committed to delivering superior care is my passion,” said Stephanie.Stephanie attended Temple University and completed her education at University of Connecticut. For four years she lived in Moscow, Idaho working at Gritman Medical Center. While at Gritman Medical, a critical access hospital in a rural area, she became a jack-of-all-trades. “I learned from nurse mentors in rural Idaho, from ICU to home care,” said Stephanie. “I left there a better nurse.”Stephanie returned to the east coast and while working in Albany she developed a passion for operational management and process improvement. “How do we create a culture of safety? With a professional, self-driven team who embraces creativity and understands that patient safety is a journey,” said Stephanie.After working in both small community hospital settings and large metropolitan hospitals, Stephanie is happy to be at Littauer. “I feel at home here, and I knew immediately Littauer was the right fit for me.”Stephanie’s mantra is: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself.” You can plan on seeing more smiles with Stephanie Fishel leading the way.Photo – Stephanie Fishel, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home
Amy Ellsworth, NLH Goodwill Employee for the Year Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer recently announced their 2014 Goodwill Employee of the year. Amy Ellsworth, Office Coordinator of the Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center was the recipient of the honor. Ellsworth, a 14-year Littauer employee was nominated by her peers for her professional work ethic and endless compassion.At a hospital-wide award ceremony held Thursday, March 5, Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly said, “It takes all 1000 Littauer employees to do what we do for our patients and community. Not all of us are hands on, but we are here to support behind the scenes.”There were many examples of Ellsworth’s commitment to excellence. For example, a patient attributed Ellsworth’s intuitiveness to saving her life. The patient was in the parking lot refusing to come in and Ellsworth went outside to encourage her to enter the primary care center. Refusing to take no for an answer, Ellsworth got a wheelchair and brought the patient in. The patient was having a heart attack, and Ellsworth’s persistent actions most likely saved her life that day.“I’m a bit overwhelmed by this honor” said Ellsworth.Ellsworth was one of three top extraordinary finalists for the award. Second runner-up was Nicole Cleary, a Registration Representative. She was the 2014 third quarter Goodwill Award recipient. Cleary’s positive attitude and genuine smile, along with her outgoing personality with patients and co-workers made her an obvious choice as a finalist.First runner-up was Jessica Insogna, a Radiology Office Rep in Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. Insogna enjoys working with patients and has been employed by Littauer since 2006. Insogna was the 2014 first quarter Goodwill Employee recognized for her kindness, compassion, and professionalism.Ellsworth was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a plaque, gift certificate, check and a privileged hospital parking spot for a year. Her family was also present for the ceremony. Ellsworth’s family is from Galway and she resides in Mayfield with her fiancé Todd Brown.Photo – 2014 Goodwill Employee of the Year Amy Ellsworth, center, first runner up was Jessica Insogna, left, and Nicole Cleary at right
