Update about H1N1 Posted on November 15, 2009 by Dakota PikeLast updated Tuesday, November 3, 2009At Littauer, we understand your concerns about the limited supply of the H1N1 vaccine. The production of H1N1 vaccines has encountered manufacturing delays on a national basis. However, we are closely monitoring notices of availability of the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Recently, our primary care centers have been notified that:The NYS Department of Health told hospitals last week that we will likely receive only 1 dose of the vaccine for every 20 doses we requested.The shortage means that Littauer’s Primary Care sites will likely receive a limited supply in three to four weeks for its established patients.At this point, we do not anticipate receiving our full order of the H1N1 flu vaccine in the coming weeks.Obviously, we cannot vaccinate everyone who would like the H1N1 vaccine. We are strictly following the recommendations outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therefore, we are obligated to vaccinate our established patients in the following order:Pregnant women;Children and young people ages 6 months through 24 years (infants under 6 months cannot be vaccinated);People who live with or provide care for infants under six months of age;People ages 25-64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications (including cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and weakened immune systems); andHealth care workers and emergency medical services personnel who have direct patient contact.However, when we do receive supply of we will take the following steps:Established patients of Nathan Littauer’s Primary Care Network who fall within the priority groups recommended by the CDC will receive the vaccine first.Our Primary Care Network will be contacting those patients who are on waiting lists and are considered high-risk patients to arrange for the vaccination.Many of our primary care offices have extensive waiting lists of high priority patients and many vaccines are already spoken for.If you are not an established Littauer primary care patient please contact your physician or county health department.
LITTAUER RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR CT SCANNING Posted on November 14, 2009 by Dakota PikeLittauer earns ACR accreditationLITTAUER RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR CT SCANNING Three-year accreditation awarded by American College of RadiologyGloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital has been awarded the prestigious CT Scanning accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The accreditation is awarded for a three-year term and is a result of a strenuous survey.“Not only is this great news for our hospital”, stated Wayne McNeil, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, “it is a boon for our area.” The ACR headquartered in Reston, VA., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. The evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and nuclear medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.Mr. Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO notes, “We have made significant investment in our diagnostic equipment, bringing the latest technology to our patients. Therefore, it is more than gratifying to receive this accreditation.”The hospital’s diagnostic unit has also earned accreditation from the American College of Radiology in MRI and Mammograms.
Litttauer’s Dr. Duthaler provides expertise to WTEN Posted on November 13, 2009August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDr. Todd DuthalerNathan Littauer’s Chief of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Todd Duthaler, recently conducted an interview at WTEN regarding the H1N1 flu.Dr. Duthaler was asked to lend his opinion on the current flu pandemic. He provided insight about flu complications and gave advice about preventing and treating the H1N1 virus.Watch the entire interview“More and more media outlets are turning to Littauer for crucial information during this flu season.” stated Cheryl McGrattan spokeswoman for Littauer.” Ms. McGrattan added, “We will always be glad to provide information to our community.”
Wellness Words November 2009 Posted on November 11, 2009 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BS, Community Health Educator PREPARING YOUR HOUSEHOLD FOR FLUWe all need to be prepared for flu season by stocking our medicine cabinets and food pantries with appropriate supplies. You’ll rest easier at home if you, or someone in your home, become ill and you are prepared. Start picking up supplies today by purchasing an item each time you go to the store. You can’t run to the store if you are sick, and if many people are sick at the same time, stores may become depleted. It will also easier on your budget.The New York State Department of Health suggests stocking the following items: • Bottled water • Canned or bottled juice and ginger ale • Hydrating drinks • Low sodium or unsalted crackers • Low sodium canned or instant broth mixes such as chicken, vegetable or beef • Low sodium canned or dry soup mixes • Flavored gelatins • Flavored ice popsFor Fever: Use a reliable thermometer to take temperatures. You may want to use pain relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprophen), or Aleve (naproxyn). Choose either the brand names or generic store brands. Always check with your doctor if the ill person has another medical condition such as high blood pressure, kidney or stomach problems, or is on blood thinners.For Cough, Sneezing and Nasal Congestion: Use liquid cough medicines or over-the-counter cold medicines to treat symptoms of congestion and to control cough. If needed, liquid cough medicines labeled “expectorants” help loosen phlegm (mucus). Liquid or tablet medications labeled either “decongestant” or “antihistamine” help reduce nasal stuffiness. Nose drops and nasal sprays also work to relieve nasal congestion. Remember to check the ingredients on the label to see if a medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprophen before taking it…DON’T double dose! Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.For Sore Throat: Use cough drops or any hard candy or lozenges to soothe a sore throat. Pain relievers can also be used.For Body Aches or Headache: Use aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprophen or naproxyn as directed.For Vomiting and Diarrhea: These symptoms are not always present with the flu. Anti-diarrheal medicines are generally not needed or recommended. If you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, check with your doctor…PREVENTING dehydration is essential! When you have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you lose lots of water and essential minerals. Therefore, you should avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.Keep your emergency stockpiles of foods and medications with other critical supplies, such as prescription drugs and copies of important documents like health records, insurance cards and phone numbers.The N.Y.S. Department of Health reminds you to stay on top of the flu. Good nutrition, combined with enough rest and exercise, can help you stay healthy. Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you are sick and cover your coughs and sneezes to avoid the spread of germs.For more information on flu, visit www.nyhealth.gov, contact your health care provider, your county public health department, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re celebrating 20 years of being your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
