Orthopedic spine surgeon, Joseph Popper, MD, welcomed at Littauer Posted on October 3, 2017October 3, 2017 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home proudly announces the addition of Dr. Joseph E. Popper, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon as one of their latest privileged providers. Dr. Popper is joining doctors: Shen, Cecil, and Ortiz at Mohawk Valley Orthopedics.“We are pleased to have Dr. Popper join Littauer,” said Littauer CEO and President, Laurence E. Kelly. “His expertise will improve the quality of life for so many of our patients.”Dr. Popper is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon specializing in the comprehensive treatment of the neck, back, and spine. He has completed a combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. He is a specialist in cervical spine surgery and minimally-invasive lumbar procedures.“I have been here and I have been highly impressed with the quality of care model Nathan Littauer provides,” said Dr. Popper.You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Popper at Littauer by calling the Mohawk Valley Orthopedics PC, located at 135 S. Kingsboro Ave., Johnstown or call (518) 773-4242.Dr. Joseph Popper
Nathan Littauer awarded $2.9M Posted on September 21, 2017September 21, 2017 by Dakota PikeA story by Kerry Minor in the Leader Herald:Nathan Littauer awarded $2.9MJuly 31, 2017GLOVERSVILLE — Nathan Littauer Hospital has been awarded $2.9 million in funds from the state as a part of the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $13.9 million to support three projects that will protect and transform the Mohawk Valley’s health care system.The funds are a part of the $491 million in funding being awarded to improve patient care through the development of high-quality medical facilities and programs serving the inpatient, primary care, mental health, substance use disorder and long-term care needs of communities throughout New York state.“Now, more than ever, we need to protect health care in New York and ensure the system in place is meeting the needs of current and future generations of New Yorkers,”Cuomo said in a news release. “While others seek to decimate our hospitals and reduce access to quality healthcare, we are investing to help ensure a stronger, healthier New York for all.”The $2,995,689 award for Nathan Littauer is to “design, construct, and equip a new primary and specialty care facility on the hospital campus to improve access to care.”According to a news release from Nathan Littauer, the hospital will be utilizing the monies to design, construct, and equip a new primary and specialty care facility on the hospital campus to improve access to care.“This grant will help our transformation as we evolve from a hospital into a health network” said Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s president and CEO in a news release. “Our community benefits when our hospital is strong and growing. As a small, independent, rural hospital we are in the unique position of expanding despite the changing dynamics in healthcare. And we are growing without losing our local roots.”Nathan Littauer is investing in primary and specialty care to improve access caused by burgeoning patient needs. The proposed facility will add capacity while filling a regional void. The hospital will begin the first phase of the plan this summer.“We are grateful to Gov. Cuomo for his steadfast commitment to rural health. His vision to fortify hospitals while others seek to dismantle healthcare should be lauded by every New Yorker. His vision to improve access to quality healthcare mirrors Littauer’s mission,”said Kelly in the release.Nathan Littauer’s Board President, Brain Hanaburgh said, “Nathan Littauer is vital to our community. This grant will ensure our legacy of care will endure for many generations to come.”Assemblyman Marc Butler said of the news: “Community hospitals are vitally important to the care and health of residents in counties like Fulton County. It is wonderful news that the Nathan Littauer Hospital will be receiving a nearly $3 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to begin design of a new Primary/Specialty Care Center. The center provides services in a wide variety of practices from internal medicine, women’s health, pediatric, occupational medicine and many more. I am pleased to have voted in favor of this grant program to support the modernization of this important hospital to benefit the people of Mohawk Valley.”Kerry Minor can be reached at kminor@leaderherald.com.
Portable pods provide comfort to breastfeeding moms Posted on September 21, 2017 by Dakota PikeHere’s a report from News Channel 13 featuring Littauer’s Lactation Consultant, Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, OSC:Portable pods provide comfort to breastfeeding moms August 03, 2017 06:11 PMA number of events have been held around the Capital Region to commemorate “World Breastfeeding Awareness Week,” including at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. A popular item at that event was the Mamava.“Moms are meant to breast feed. Babies can breastfeed,” pointed out Nancy Quinlan, an international board certified lactation consultant at Nathan Littauer Hospital.She admits it’s not always convenient to do so.Enter the Mamava, which in Spanish means “moms on the go.” These portable pods – lactation suites as the company calls them, that can be set up anywhere. They provide moms a clean, safe and private place to breast feed and also pump, which can often be a challenge.“A way to pump in public and be comfortable and not have to be in your car, where it’s steaming hot or anything like that,” noted Melaine Neelis, a mom.“Because with a pump it’s hard to hide everything. Because you kind of have to have your breast exposed, you have to set up the pump,” acknowledged Quinlan.Lack of privacy to pump and unsanitary sites designated for breastfeeding work against efforts to increase breastfeeding. The research is clear, not only is breastfeeding economical for families, it improves the health of both baby and mom. In addition, for working moms, having a place to breastfeed and/or pump is a win for all.“There’s data that supports that they go back to work and they’re happier going back to work ‘cause they have a place to go,” pointed out Lisa Martone with Mamava.That’s part of the Mamava appeal. There are 285 Mamavas in the United States. Nathan Littauer Hospital is hoping to encourage others to consider using them to support breastfeeding moms.Inflatable units can be rented for $150 a day for specific events like concerts and fairs.There are also standalone units of varying size that organizations can purchase to accommodate staff or customers.Bottom line is to normalize breastfeeding and make it more accessible
Sandy LaFountain honored as Littauer’s Goodwill recipient Posted on September 21, 2017 by Dakota PikeLittauer second-quarter Goodwill Award recipient Environmental Services Supervisor, Sandy LaFountain, with Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. KellyNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Environmental Services Supervisor, Sandy LaFountain, with the 2017 second-quarter Goodwill Award. LaFountain works at Nathan Littauer Hospital, but takes a special interest in the care of the Nursing Home. She was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of Littauer staff.“Sandy goes above and beyond her responsibilities to make Littauer a better place,” said Kelly. “Thank you for the positive image you project.”Endless examples of LaFountain’s fine character were provided by her department, justifying her honor as a Goodwill recipient.LaFountain graciously accepted the award.Recipients for the award are nominated by NLH employees, providers or patients and submitted to the Goodwill Committee. They are selected in a blind format.LaFountain received a plaque and a check along with her special honor
Wellness Words September 2017 Posted on September 11, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorGuide To Protecting Kidney HealthChronic kidney disease (CDK) is a major public health concern, according to the National Diabetes, Digestive Disorders and Kidney Disease Office. CDK is more prevalent after age 60 and often goes undetected until it is very advanced. Regular testing is important especially for those at risk for CDK. Follow these steps to learn more about kidney disease, your risk and how to prevent CDK.STEP 1: KNOW THE FACTS6 things healthy kidneys do:Regulate fluid levelsFilter wastes from the bloodHelps to regulate blood pressureActivate Vitamin D for healthy bonesRelease hormone that regulates production of red blood cellsKeep blood minerals in balanceSTEP 2: ASSESS YOUR RISK FACTORSDiabetesHigh blood pressureCardiovascular diseaseAge 60 or olderObesityProlonged use of pain relievers, including high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol)Chronic urinary tract infectionsSTEP 3: RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMSSymptoms may occur late and can be misleading. However, you should pay attention to these, especially if you are at risk:Fatigue, weaknessDifficult or painful urinationFoamy urinePink or very dark urineIncreased thirstPuffy eyesSwollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles and/or feetSTEP 4: STAY HEALTHY TO PREVENT KIDNEY DISEASE6 things people at high risk should do:Lower blood pressureKeep blood sugar under controlReduce salt intakeAvoid over-the-counter pain medicationsModerate protein consumptionGet an annual flu shotAdditional Health Activities To Prevent Kidney Disease For Everyone:Exercise regularlyControl weightStay hydratedEat a balanced dietQuit smokingDrink alcohol only in moderationShare your family medical history with your physiciansKeep cholesterol limits in a healthy rangeIf you or your family members should be in late stage CDK and require dialysis, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s new center will keep travel local and provide board certified care. For more information, attend a special program on ‘Kidney Health’ presented by Dr. Soo Gil Lee, Nephrologist of American Renal Associates, on September 27 in Littauer’s Auditorium.You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend Dr. Lee’s presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120.
