Fulton County Federal Credit Union Cares for Kids Posted on July 1, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeBirthing Center and Pediatric manager, Kelly Hartz (pictured far left) accepts a check from (left to right) Timothy R. Myers, President/CEO of Fulton County Family Credit Union, Vince LaPorta, Chairman of the Board, Deb Shepard, VP of Marketing Business Development, and NLH’s Susan Kiernan, VP of Development looks on.Nathan Littauer Hospital accepted a donation this month from the Fulton County Federal Credit Union. The donation of $2,000 is earmarked for the hospital’s pediatric unit. The donation is the culmination of a campaign the Fulton County Federal Credit Union participates in called “Credit Unions Care for Kids”, the bi-annual statewide community involvement program of the Credit Union Association of New York. For ten years, FCFCU has been selling a plush toy and donor acknowledgement cards to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital. The staff at the Credit Union sells the plush toy and explains their purpose towards helping children. “This donation is truly a tribute to the Credit Union staff and the countless credit union members who support our hospital. We are honored that Fulton County Federal Credit Union would enlist their members in such a project to benefit our hospital and ultimately the children of Fulton County.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital CEO and President. This donation will be used for the pediatric unit. Accepting the donation was Kelly Hartz, Manager of the Birthing Center and Pediatric unit. She explained, “As many families can tell you, being in a hospital with a child is a particularly stressful time. Donations like this allow us to make their environs more comfortable and therapeutic.”
Littauer’s Pediatrician Dr. Solby takes to the national airwaves Posted on June 29, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDoctor to be heard on almost 200 stations across the US and abroad.Nathan Littauer’s pediatrician Dr. Richard Solby will be heard on “The Health Show” a nationally-syndicated health radio show produced by Bob Barrett. The show will air this Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 3pm on local stations. “The show has incredible reach.” stated Cheryl McGrattan spokesperson for Nathan Littauer Hospital. She added, “We are thrilled so many people will be able to hear Dr. Solby as he talks about his vision for healthy children.” Dr. Solby will be talking about overcoming childhood obesity, a topic he is passionate about.Littauer pediatrician Dr. Richard Solby to be heard on 190 stations across the US on healthradio.orgThe Health Show is heard on 190 stations throughout the US, including Armed Forces Radio, Reading Services Radio in Jackson, Mississippi and stretching to Guam and the Turks and Cacaos. The show reaches millions of people. Stations local to the hospital can tune in to: WAMC 90.3 FM – Albany, NY, WCAN – Canajoharie, NY, or by logging onto www.wamc.org and pressing on the “listen live” icon Thursday at 3pm. The show will also be archived on www.wamc.org and on the show’s website www.healthshow.org.
Wellness Words June 2011 Posted on June 20, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator CATARACT AWARENESS June is national cataract awareness month. WebMD Medical Reference states that more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have cataracts. Cataracts occur as a result of build up of protein in the lens of the eye. This build up prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, causing some vision loss. New lens cells form on the outside of the lens and the older cells are compacted into the center of the lens, resulting in the cataract.Many people believe that cataracts only develop as we age. However, there are several types of cataracts that individuals can have. These types of cataracts include:Age-Related Cataracts: This form develops as a result of aging.Congenital Cataracts: Babies can be born with cataracts. This is the result of an infection, injury or poor development before they are born. These cataracts can also develop during childhood.Secondary Cataracts: These develop as a result of other medical conditions. Diabetes or exposure to toxic substances, ultraviolet light, radiation and certain drugs can lead to the development of these cataracts.Traumatic Cataracts: These develop as a result of injury to the eye.Cataracts usually develop slowly and cause few symptoms until a noticeable amount of light is blocked. When symptoms are present, they include:Cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy vision.Progressive nearsightedness in older individuals. This is referred to as “second sight” because they may no longer need glasses.Changes in the way individuals see color.Problems driving at night, such as glare from oncoming headlights.Problems with glare during the day.Double vision.Sudden changes in glasses prescription.There are two basic treatments for individuals with cataracts. Some individuals may be able to correct their vision to an acceptable level with a change in prescription, eyeglasses, or contacts. This correction will eliminate the need for surgery at that time. If vision can not be improved and cataracts interfere with daily life, that individual may be a candidate for cataract surgery. This surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear and artificial one.Unfortunately, there is no proven method of preventing cataracts. Because cataracts are common in older adults, it is important for individuals to have eye examinations on a regular basis. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals ages 40 to 60 should have comprehensive eye exams every two to four years, and individuals 65 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Individuals with a history of eye problems or medical conditions that increase the risk of eye disease, such as diabetes, should have an eye exam more frequently.For more information, contact your vision care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can also attend a free program entitled “The Aging Eye” on Wednesday, June 22 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Littauer’s Auditorium with guest speaker, Dr. David Kwiat, Ophthalmologist & Surgeon of Kwiat Eye & Laser Surgery.
New NLH Auxiliary President Named Posted on June 2, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeBonnie James Cooper named for a two- year term.Bonnie James Cooper is our newly elected Auxiliary PresidentAt a recent luncheon, the Nathan Littauer Auxiliary welcomed newly elected Auxiliary President, Bonnie James Cooper for a two- year term. Presenting her with a rose bedecked gavel is past presidentAnita Moore.
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.
