EMS Strong Announces ‘Stronger Together’ Campaign; Honors EMS Professionals Posted on May 21, 2018 by Dakota PikeCampaign unifies the profession and brings awareness to National EMS Week, May 20-26Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Emergency Care Center together with EMS responders from the Ambulance Service of Fulton County. Paramedic Student, Peter Simoneau, left, EMT, Monique Lemperle, Paramedic Supervisor, Frank Sheeran, Littauer RN, Nicole Gueve, and Littauer ECC Manager, Maggie Houghton, RN, CENGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (May 21, 2018) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home are joining the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), to proudly announce this year’s EMS STRONG campaign theme: STRONGER TOGETHER. The annual EMS STRONG campaign provides opportunities to recognize the emergency medical services (EMS) community, enhance and strengthen the profession on a national level, and expand and celebrate National EMS Week, May 20-26, 2018.“Because we are a small community hospital, we rely on our EMS partners to provide professional emergency care services. We are a team working as one, caring for our patients,” states Littauer’s Emergency Care Center Manager, Maggie Houghton, RN, CEN.The campaign brings together key organizations, media partners, and corporate sponsors that are committed to recognizing and fortifying the EMS community, commending recent groundbreaking accomplishments, and increasing awareness of National EMS Week.“Last year’s devastating disasters and mass casualty incidents revealed the strength, dedication, and willingness of the EMS community to come to together, across the nation, in a time of dire need to aid our country,” says Dr. Paul D. Kivela, president, ACEP. “Now, more than ever, we must come together and honor the sacrifices that the EMS community makes by increasing awareness and finding opportunities to protect and pursue the interests of our nation’s EMS professionals.”EMSSTRONG.org serves as a resource for stakeholders and the public to learn of inspiring stories from EMS practitioners, ways to get involved and EMS Week ideas, activities, and templates. The website, which is also home to the annual EMS Week Planning Guide, encourages EMS personnel and stakeholders to promote their own industry and share content on social media platforms.“NAEMT is devoted to a future in which EMS is highly recognized and respected across all health care professions and among other health care stakeholders,” stated NAEMT President Dennis Rowe. “Whether it be through funding, resources, or political and public support, an enhanced EMS workforce allows practitioners to provide better patient care.”EMS Week dedicates each day to specific themes under the ‘Stronger Together’ umbrella. First responders are encouraged to plan activities and events around these themes in their communities.Monday, May 21: Education DayTuesday, May 22: Safety DayWednesday, May 23: EMS for Children DayThursday, May 24: Save-A-Life DayFriday, May 25: EMS Recognition DayIntegral to the campaign’s success is the continuing involvement of the corporate sponsors, strategic association partners and strategic media partners.Corporate Sponsors include:Genentech, Medtronic, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), Priority Ambulance, Stryker Medical, Teleflex Medical, American Heart Association, Bound Tree Medical, PerSys Medical, Rev Group, Air Methods, Ferno, Inc., Laerdal Medical and Moore MedicalStrategic Association Partners include:American Ambulance Association, Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education, Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Public Safety Association, National Association of EMS Educators, National Association of EMS Physicians, National Association of State EMS Officials, National EMS Management Association, National Registry of EMTs and National Volunteer Fire Council. About Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing HomeNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties in upstate New York with a full-service, 84-bed acute care hospital, 10 primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894 and has nearly 1,000 employees. Littauer’s medical staff provides well over 130,000 patient encounters each year. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Honors Auxilians Posted on May 16, 2018May 22, 2018 by Dakota PikeThe Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary celebrating Auxilian Day on May 9, 2018GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (May 9, 2018) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is grateful to the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary 77 members, and the over 11,000 hours they have volunteered over the past year. Within this time, the auxiliary provided volunteer hours serving Littauer patients, nursing home residents and visitors, maintained and ran the hospital gift shop, organized and facilitated blood drives, the annual Tree of Lights ceremony, the hospital Reflection Garden, annual Card Game & Party, knit newborn baby hats and delivered U.S. Flags to patient Veterans, and many other volunteer activities. In a luncheon held May 9 at Raindancer Restaurant in Perth, the auxilians and volunteers were recognized by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence Kelly, who praised the group for their monumental efforts.Littauer Director of Volunteer Services, Susan McNeil said to the group, “When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources, your time, and you have made life better for those who are in need. Your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued and cherished.”New York State has more than 75,000 healthcare auxilians who initiate, fund, and volunteer for a wide variety of patient and family care services—from outpatient clinics to intensive care units. They sponsor community health fairs, health screenings, blood banks, and wellness lecture series; raise funds for hospital and nursing home equipment; and organize and underwrite outreach programs in their communities.
Wellness Words May 2018 Posted on May 8, 2018May 29, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant May Is National Physical Fitness MonthAs an older adult, routine physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health! No matter your age or abilities, there’s much to be gained from making physical activity a part of your day.According the National Institute on Aging (NIA), being active can help:Improve and maintain your physical strengthImprove and maintain your cardiovascular fitnessImprove your ability to do everyday tasksImprove your balancePrevent future health problemsManage and improve current health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or osteoporosisImprove your mood and overall well-beingDecrease feelings of stress, anxiety, or depressionPhysical activity includes three main categories – endurance or aerobic activity, strength training, and balance and flexibility. Endurance or Aerobic Activity: Endurance or aerobic activities help keep your heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy. They increase your heart rate and speed up your breathing. Common examples of aerobic activity include walking, taking a dance class, or pushing a lawn mower.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults ages 65 years or older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week. Intensity is defined as how hard you are working. When working at a moderate intensity, you should feel somewhat challenged, but still be able to carry on a conversation.Strength Training: The NIA defines strength training as activities or movements that make your muscles stronger. This type of exercise can help you continue your everyday activities, such as carrying groceries or getting up from a chair. Some examples of strength training include lifting weights, using a resistance band, or using your own bodyweight to do a pushup.The CDC recommends that older adults perform muscle–strengthening activities two or more days a week, working all major muscle groups including the legs, hips, chest, shoulders, back, arms, and abdomen.Balance and Flexibility: Balance and flexibility exercises help your body stay limber, giving you the freedom to perform day-to-day activities as well as other forms of exercise. These exercises stretch your muscles and prevent you from falling. Standing on one foot, stretching your arms overhead, or taking a Tai Chi class, are just a few examples of balance and flexibility exercises.According to the NIA, certain aerobic activities and strength training movements can improve balance, as well. To promote health and prevent injury, be sure to include all three categories – aerobic, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises – into your weekly routine.Ready To Get Started? Being physically active doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or buy expensive exercise equipment. You can learn to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine! Take the stairs instead of the elevator, use soup cans to strengthen your muscles at home, or stretch for ten minutes every morning before starting your day.Small amounts of physical activity throughout the day can help you reach the CDC’s recommended amount of physical activity each week. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise routine to see what activities are best for you and which activities you may want to avoid.‘Spring’ Into Fitness With HealthLink Littauer! We currently offer a variety of classes every month including Zumba, Zumba Gold, Chair Yoga and Gentle Yoga. In June, we’ll begin a Senior Steps walking group and a Stretch & Strengthen class. Check out our monthly program calendar online at www.nlh.org or call us for a free copy!If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Senior Fitness’ in Littauer’s Auditorium on May 23. You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or send an email to healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Littauer celebrates National Hospital Week Posted on May 7, 2018 by Dakota Pike2018 NLH celebrating 50 years – cake made by Littauer’s Director of Nutritional Services, David WardGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (May 7, 2018) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home celebrates this National Hospital Week with events, activities and historical milestones.National Hospital Week 2018 celebrates hospitals, health systems, and the women and men who support the health and well-being of their communities through dedication and care from the heart. Littauer’s network of healthcare systems recognizes the nearly 1000 employees for the countless services they bring to patients and the community every day.At Littauer, celebrating National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to thank all of the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and so many more – for their contributions.This year Littauer is celebrating 50 years in its current home. Activities spanning the hospital’s conception, to the cornerstone laying and opening of the current hospital to be commemorated throughout the week. Hospital employees can enjoy special treatments such as chair messages, a 50-year special anniversary cake presentation, a company-wide barbeque and the annual surprise gift to each employee.For more details on Littauer’s Hospital Week celebrations, the hospital history and special events please go to www.nlh.org or to the Littauer Facebook page.
Littauer’s A.C.E. Award presented to some valued employees Posted on May 1, 2018 by Dakota Pike GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (May 1, 2018) – “People helping people,” that’s what Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is all about.One of Littauer’s highest honors to receive is the A.C.E. Award. A.C.E. is an acronym meaning Awards Celebrating Employees. The award is given to any employee who does something extraordinary outside the scope of their role within the organization.On April 16, three Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home employees were surprised with the A.C. E. Award before their peers. The Rev. Bonnie Orth, Pamela Bell and Alexis Hayes, RN, each received the award for their extraordinary work done outside the scope of their role within the organization. Paying their own way, and carrying in all supplies – Orth, Bell and Hayes joined 31 others and traveled to Pachaj, Guatemala in February for nine days to provide care to Guatemalan residents.On Friday, April 6, Melissa A. Bown, ANP, employee health and infection prevention manager was driving to work when she witnessed a severe car accident. She quickly pulled over, called 9-1-1, and proceeded to check on the two drivers.Smoke was filling the one vehicle from the dashboard. Bown assured the driver help was on the way and went on to open the vehicle doors allowing for ventilation. She then went to check on the other driver. Unable to open the vehicle doors due to the impact of the accident, Bown could only assure this driver to remain calm and help was on the way.Bown feels she did nothing out of the ordinary that anyone would have done. Yet, her calm, assurance and professionalism were to be celebrated when she was then nominated for an A.C.E. Award. She received her award on April 19 before a gathering of her peers.Littauer is very proud of these special employees. Their compassion and humanitarian efforts have gone far beyond what they bring to Littauer every day. For these reasons, they are each recognized. Littauer A.C.E. Award winners Alexis Hayes, RN, left, Pamela Bell and the Rev. Bonnie Orth presented on April 16.Littauer A.C.E. Award winner Melissa A. Bown, ANP, presented on April 19
