The Gathering Posted on May 31, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeThe Gathering: May 2011The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual “Gathering” at the hospital auditorium. More than 70 people attended the event including auxilians from St. Mary’s Healthcare. The auxilian’s theme was “Spring In The Adirondacks,” with guest speaker, Don Williams, author, storyteller and Adirondack Guide. Mr. Williams brought an array of yesteryear’s tools that our forefathers and mothers would have used getting their gardens ready for planting. He described the tool, its use and its simplistic; yet thorough way of getting the job done. After Mr. Williams’ talk and demonstration, the hospital’s nutritional department, led by Chef Tim Forte and his staff, set up an array of refreshments that encompassed the Adirondacks, from duck to trout. For dessert, the auxilian’s traditional all American,“make your own sundaes” topped off the evening. “The evening was a huge success”, commented Susan McNeil, volunteer director at the hospital, “our co-chairmen, Patty Franco and Grace Naselli and their committee did another outstanding job! The committee even donned Adirondack garb as hunters, guides, fishermen, a lot of fun!” Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President, commented that “both groups look forward to our evening in the spring, and St. Mary’s auxiliary hosts one in the fall.” For more information on volunteering, contact Susan McNeil at 773-5408.
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honors Auxilians Posted on May 18, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeOur amazing Auxilians!Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honors Auxilians, National Auxilian Day, May 11, 2011Laurence Kelly, President, President/CEO, addressed the group praising them for their accomplishments. During the past year, the auxiliary continued to donate money toward hospital and nursing home special projects, celebrated Staff Appreciation Day by giving the staff refreshments and prizes, provide music for the staff during Hospital Week, organized Life Share blood drives, conducted hospital tours, received HANYS 2010 Auxiliary Advocacy Award, knitted over 500 newborn caps, blankets, dolls, sweaters, booties for maternity dept. or the gift shop, and hundreds of hours helping various departments. Also, the Auxiliary started a new project called the Veteran’s Flag Project. Any inpatient who is a veteran or on active duty is presented a 6” American Flag on a stand thanking him/her for serving our country. The auxiliary¹s 118 active members devoted more than 11,000 hours to the hospital and nursing home in 2010.Gov. Andrew Cuomo proclaimed May 11 as Health Care Auxilian Day in StateNew York to recognize the dedicated auxilians who annually donate more than 5 million hours of service to their health care facilities and to their communities.L-R. Susan McNeil, DVS, Barbara Cohen, Frances Mezza, Joyce Bierman, Laurence Kelly, President/CEO
Final Preparations for The Nathan Littauer’s Foundation annual gala THE EVENT underway Posted on May 17, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeSurrounded in mystery, chefs reveal a few hints for the evening’s menuA peek at the menuGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Foundation is gearing up for the Friday’s May 20th gala, THE EVENT, a yearly soiree to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development and one of THE EVENT organizers explained, “THE EVENT has been all over the world-so-to-speak. We have had evenings in Paris, a journey down the Nile and we have even ‘traveled’ on the Orient Express. But this year partygoers will be treated to something as American as apple pie- Monopoly.” She added, “The theme is generating a lot of enthusiasm.” The Foundation received special permission from Hasbro to use Monopoly as THE EVENT theme. “Hasbro was very supportive of our mission.” said Kelly Colby one of organizers of THE EVENT.Tim Forte and Scott Norris make final preparations for THE EVENTTHE EVENT will be held Friday under a tent next to Ruby & Quiri starting at 7:00 pm. Guests will be treated to artwork, décor and food reflecting the game of Monopoly. Kelly Colby explained “Guests will even be able to get close to Pennsylvania Railroad.”Perhaps the most anticipated part of evening as well as the most closely guarded is the menu. Susan Kiernan said, “People time and time again, rave about the food at THE EVENT.” She added, “I cannot reveal too much about this menu but I can tell you that chefs from across the state have helped to create this Monopoly inspired event.” THE EVENT will feature seven “action food stations”. For example, The Pacific Avenue food station will have Northwest Salmon Cakes with Lemon Pepper Aioli. If you visit the Boardwalk Food Station guests will be treated to Mini Coney Island Hotdogs or a Creole Seafood Tartlet.“We really stretch our culinary muscles at THE EVENT. And the feedback we get from the guests is extraordinary.” stated Tim Forte one of the chefs for THE EVENT adding, “The culinary team works for months designing a menu which is eclectic and satisfying.” This year, the culinary team is sourcing local foods as well.Music will be provided by the T. S. Ensemble. “I say it every year.” said Susan Kiernan, “Most of all, this is a great party for a great cause.” THE EVENT is listed on the Capital District Book of Lists as one of the most successful one-day fundraisers in our region. In the previous eight years, THE EVENT has raised almost one million dollars for the hospital. Sue Kiernan notes, “People know that behind all the festivities lies a community hospital who greatly appreciates the support we receive from our community.” If anyone is interested in getting tickets for Friday’s event, please call 773-5505. xxx
Wellness Words May 2011 Posted on May 17, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body, which leads to joint inflammation. Inflammation is one of the body’s natural reactions to disease or injury and includes swelling, pain and stiffness. Inflammation that lasts for a very long time or recurs, such as in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage.There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and the symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, a rash and signs of joint inflammation. The signs of joint inflammation are pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness and warmth. Three of the more common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.Osteoarthritis is the most common form and occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints due to age and overuse.Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body, except the lower back. In this form, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone.Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain.The causes of most types of arthritis are unknown. Although the exact causes might not be known, there are several risk factors that increase an individuals chance of developing a form of arthritis. These risks include:Age – The risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age.Gender – In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men.Obesity – Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis.Work Factors – Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis.If arthritis is diagnosed early, most types can be managed and the pain and disability minimized. Early diagnosis and treatment may be able to prevent tissue damage caused by arthritis. The goal of arthritis treatment is to provide pain relief and increase joint mobility and strength. There are several treatment options and treatment plans may involve more than one of these options. Treatment options include medication, exercise, hot/cold compresses, use of joint protection and surgery.Along with treatment, there are preventative measures that can be taken. Although it may not be possible to prevent arthritis, there are steps to take to reduce the risk of developing the diseases and to slow or prevent permanent joint damage. These preventative steps include:Maintaining a healthy weight – Excess weight puts strain on joints.Exercising – Stronger muscles can help protect and support joints.Using joint-protecting devices and techniques at work – Proper lifting and posture can help protect muscles and joints.Eating a healthy diet – A well balanced and nutritious diet can help strengthen bones and muscles.For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-420-5554 (www.arthritis.org). Littauer’s Physical Therapy Services at 773-5541, 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.
Nathan Littauer announces advances in medical records with HIXNY Posted on May 16, 2011 by Dakota PikeWatch the story here! YNN: first reported on May 11, 2011Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records with consent. YNN’s Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients.Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records. Our Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients. To view our videos, you need to enable JavaScript. Learn how. install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now. Then come back here and refresh the page.GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. — A patient’s information, just a mouse click away.“We’re sharing this information so that patients can benefit from our records wherever they may receive care in the area,” said Martin Brown, the Chief Information Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital.This electronic sharing of patient data is made possible through HIXNY, or the Healthcare Information X-change of New York.Nathan Littauer Hospital joins 27 other upstate healthcare facilities already part of the organization.“With the institution of HIXNY, we will be able to instantaneously have access to the medical records from most of the regional facilities,” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the hospital.“Before this, we had fax machines,” said Brown.And a whole lot of red tape.“Get the patient’s consent, fax that consent to the organization, and they fax you the records when they get around to it in maybe two or three days,” said Brown. “This would allow immediate access at the time of care.”But agreeing to join on with HIXNY does not automatically allow for the sharing of patient records. Each person will have to sign a consent form, which hospital officials hope everyone will do.“There really are no negatives to allowing us consent to access your information,” said Duthaler. “The information will still be kept private.”But Dr. Duthaler does admit to a loophole, but says it only applies in a critically life-threatening emergency.“When that patient would be least able to provide us with their history, we would have access to it,” said Duthaler.“We would be able to bring up your records so we don’t have to do everything in the dark,” said Brown.Just one more reason, they say, to sign on the dotted line.
