Wellness Words April 2011 Posted on April 6, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH April is National Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month and there is no better gift to give than the gift of life! There have been advances in medical technology and donation. However, the demand for organ, eye and tissue donations still vastly exceeds the number of donors. There are currently more than 100,000 men, women and children that need life-saving organ transplant. It is estimated that every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list and an average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.There is a great deal of misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation. The Donate Life America organization has provided several facts that will help individuals better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life and treat you. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.When an individual is on the waiting list for an organ, there are several factors that influence who receives the organ. These include severity of the illness, time spent on waiting list, blood type, and other important medical information. Financial status or celebrity status does not effect waiting time.An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.In 2006, a new law created the New York State Donate Life Registry. This registry records an individual’s own legal consent to organ, tissue and eye donation upon their death. To ensure that your decision to be a donor is honored, you must enroll in the Donate Life Registry. You can enroll online at http://www.nyhealth.gov/donatelife or through the Department of Motor Vehicles when you apply for or renew your license or non-driver ID.While organ donation is your own personal choice, it is still important to share your desires with your loved ones. This will make it much easier for them to accept and help avoid any issues that may slow down the donation process.For more information, visit the Organ & Tissue Donor Registry website listed above or call 1-866-NYDONOR (693-6667). You may also call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120, 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.
Laughing for Health Posted on March 21, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeEnjoying humor can have physical, mental benefitsFirst published March 20, 2011 – By RODNEY MINOR, The Leader-HeraldLaughter may be a true rarity; it is contagious and it improves your health.Sue Cridland, director of community education for HealthLink Littauer, said laughter has many health benefits.Sue Cridland, left and Sue McNeil right share some funny wisdom.Laughter affects body chemistry similar to the way working out does, she said. Endorphins are released when people laugh, easing pain and improving mood, she said.As part of her work at HealthLink – the community health and wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital – Cridland has incorporated humor into the many programs the service offers. Getting people to laugh together can make it easier for people to communicate and remember what they learn, she said.“[Laughter] does make a difference,” Cridland said.Susan McNeil has seen the effect humor can have on people firsthand.The Director of Volunteers Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, McNeil said when programs are put on that include elements to make patients laugh – such as a leash around the neck of an “invisible dog” – they make the volunteers laugh.Communication aidThose moments help make people more talkative and relaxed, she said, aiding the communication that is necessary for work to be done and patients to be helped.The humor does not have to involve incredibly clever punchlines, McNeil said. What is important is people understand a joke, and get it on an emotional level.“It’s about that connection between the brain and the heart,” McNeil said.Dr. Roberto Ochoa, with the Community Mental Health Adult Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, said laughter has been shown to decrease stress hormones, boost the immune system and lower blood pressure.Ochoa said many muscles are involved in laughing, making it almost like a short burst of exercise. Muscles tend to relax after they have been used, explaining why people described feeling more relaxed after spending time laughing.When it comes to mental health, Ochoa said, laughter not only helps someone’s mood, it also makes it easier for people to cope with difficult things.Karen Britt, western region program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern N.Y., said laughter engages many parts of the body, including the region of the brain initially affected by Alzheimer’s disease.Britt said research has shown people who say they are happy live longer and in better health than those who do not.“In a sad situation, it can be good [for mental health] to laugh through the tears,” she said.In a way, Britt said, laughter can be the key to happiness.Sue Cridland (left) and Sue McNeil share wisdom about laughterCridland said humor can be beneficial anywhere and anytime, provided it is appropriate.“There is no need to insult people to make others laugh,” she said.With tragedies, such as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, people need to be careful, she said. Humor can lighten the mood, but people need to be cautious about the jokes they tell.McNeil said she has found humor does not have to be crass or vulgar to have an effect on people.“Good, clean, non-offensive humor is more intelligent and clever than the other extreme,” she said.Cridland said there are many ways people can make themselves laugh more. An easy way is to make space for laughter, she said, such as having a place at work to put cartoons or jokes.Attitude can be as important as anything, she said. If people want to laugh more and include more humor in their laugh, Cridland said, they can find a way too.
Wellness Words March 2011 Posted on March 9, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator 7 WARNING SIGNS OF INADEQUATE NUTRITIONHaving good nutrition is important at any age. Many Americans, young and old, fall short on vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. As individuals age and become less active, they need fewer calories. However, older individuals may need more of certain nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin B.Nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition can persist for a long time before they show up in physical signs or symptoms. Peter Jaret, of WebMD, has provided seven warning signs of inadequate nutrition.1. UNEXPLAINED FATIGUEFatigue is a common side effect of iron deficiency and can lead to anemia. However, other conditions can cause fatigue. These include heart disease, depression, or thyroid disease. It is important to alert your doctor if you feel unusually weak or tired.2. BRITTLE & DRY HAIRBrittle hair can signal a deficiency of essential fatty acids, protein, iron and other nutrients. Hair loss is usual with aging. However, if hair begins to fall out at an unusual rate, a nutrient deficiency may be the cause.3. RIGID OR SPOON-SHAPED NAILSA spoon-shaped nail, in which the nail curves up from the nail bed, is an indicator of iron deficiency. This condition is known as koilonychias and your doctor may recommend iron pills and iron-rich foods such as liver and shellfish.4. MOUTH PROBLEMSCracking or inflammation at the corners of the mouth are warning signs of either riboflavin or iron deficiency. An unusually pale or swollen tongue is a warning sign of iron or B-vitamin deficiency. Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that may arise from iron, zinc or folate deficiency. All of these conditions can be treated with nutrient-rich foods and supplements.5. DIARRHEAChronic diarrhea can be a sign of malabsorption. Malabsorption means that nutrients aren’t being fully absorbed by the body. It can be caused by infection, surgery, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, and digestive disorders. If you have experienced this, it is important to consult your doctor.6. APATHY OR IRRITABILITYUnexplained mood changes, especially feeling apathetic or irritable, can be a sign that your body isn’t getting the required energy. These mood changes are often accompanied by another sign of malnutrition, fatigue or weakness.7. LACK OF APPETITEAs individuals age, their appetite often diminishes and taste buds lose their sensitivity. Older individuals tend to be less active and require fewer calories. Medications can also diminish an individual’s appetite. However, nutritional deficiencies can also cause a lack of appetite. Nancy Wellman R.D., past president of the American Dietetic Association says, “Chronic lack of appetite is a serious warning sign that you may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies.” If you find yourself skipping meals because you are not hungry, talk to your doctor. The faster you discover the deficiency, the better the chance of stopping the nutritional problem before it causes serious trouble.For more information, contact your health care provider, Littauer’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling at 773-5413 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.
Littauer Announces Employee of the Year Posted on March 1, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeEmployee commended for helping people “get back into life”Candace Underwood is Littauer’s Employee of the Year!Gloversville, NY… Nathan Littauer Hospital announced the Employee of the Year earlier this month at the Goodwill Committee’s annual celebration. The winner, Candace Underwood who is a Physical Therapy Assistant, was awarded the top honor. “She is a shining example of exceptional patient care. She frequently goes above and beyond for her coworkers and patients.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. She added, “And it obviously shows.”Candace Underwood works at Nathan Littauer’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Department in Gloversville. She has been working at Littauer for over 22 years. With a passion for sports she explained, “I want my patients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, which is why I am compelled to get my patients back to enjoying life.” Candace recently authored a ski preparation video with her coworkers posted on YouTube with tips to try and keep people injury-free when skiing. An avid skier herself, she understands the value exercise and works tirelessly to get people “back into the game”.“Nathan Littauer Hospital currently has about 980 employees. Therefore, this is definitely a prestigious award” stated Bill Oates her Department Manager, adding “She is a person who has truly found her calling occupationally and appears to enjoy arriving at work daily.” Her patients consistently have wonderful things to say about Candace. Some recent feedback on patient satisfaction surveys state:“Please relay to Candy for me the great benefit she is responsible for in bringing me to the comfort level I now enjoy. She is the best and I miss her and her therapy sessions”.“My physical therapist Candy was great. She would always talk to me like we were friends and she always made me feel great”.“Candy does an excellent, thorough job and should be commended for her caring and attention towards her patients. People like her are hard to find so treat her well”.“The services that I received were excellent. I was very pleased with the therapist who worked with me, Candace Underwood, and would recommend her and this department to anyone”. Candace responded to her new title by explaining, “I am very honored to receive this award. I have worked here for many years and know most of the people in this hospital. It is a great place to work and I enjoy coming to work everyday. The rehab department (where I work) is like family. Thanks everyone.”Candace Underwood is a deserving award winner. As Employee of the Year Candace receives gift certificates, preferred parking and on a specific day of her choosing, she will arrive to work receiving the time-honored “Red carpet treatment” from her coworkers.Candace is a native of Johnstown, NY. She studied at Maria College and SUNY Brockport. She has two daughters, Alison and Kate and one grandson.xxx
Littauer announces appointment of Vice President of Medical Affairs Posted on March 1, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHospital welcomes Dr. Frederick GoldbergNew Chief Medical Officer announced at Littauer.Gloversville, NY….Laurence E. Kelly, President/CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has announced the appointment of Dr. Frederick Goldberg as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Goldberg’s distinguished medical career has spanned private practice as a pediatrician to physician executive positions at Community General Hospital in Syracuse and Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica.“Dr. Goldberg successfully led implementation of quality and safety initiatives leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs. Our Medical Staff and Board Search Committee were impressed with the education, background, knowledge and experience he will bring to Littauer,” stated Mr. Kelly.In response to his appointment Dr. Goldberg said, “The Littauer team of physicians, managers and staff demonstrate the same passion for healthcare quality and safety as I do. Joining this team is an honor as together we embrace the challenges facing health care delivery in upstate New York.” Dr. Goldberg is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency at The Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He received a Master of Science in Health Care Management from Harvard University. XXXNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties in Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed acute care hospital, eight primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded 1894, has 980 employees and recently opened a new Emergency Care Center. For more information please visit www.nlh.org.
