Wellness Words April 2019 Posted on April 15, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Testicular Cancer AwarenessWhat Is Testicular Cancer?According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicles begin to grow out of control. The testicles are made up of many different kinds of cells, all of which can develop into one or more forms of cancer. Therefore, it’s important to know the type of cell testicular cancer begins in as well as the type of cancer.There are multiple types of testicular cancer. However, the most common type is a germ cell tumor. The American Cancer Society categorizes germ cell tumors into two different forms including seminomas and non-seminomas.Seminomas are more likely to occur in men ages 30 – 50 and usually grow and spread more slowly than non-seminomas. Non-seminomas are more likely to occur in men anytime from their late teens into their early 30’s and usually grow and spread more rapidly than seminomas. Other less common forms of testicular cancer include stromal tumors, Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors. What Are The Risk Factors For Testicular Cancer?A risk factor is anything that changes your chance of developing a disease – some risk factors can be controlled like diet and lifestyle, while others, like age or family history, cannot. A few risk factors that make men more likely to develop testicular cancer include:An undescended testicle – when one or both testicles fail to move from the belly into the scrotum before birth.Family history of testicular cancer – having a father or brother with testicular cancer.HIV infection.Carcinoma in situ of the testicle – a condition in which cells look abnormal under a microscope but have not spread outside of where they are formed.Having previously had testicular cancer.Age – about half of all testicular cancers occur in men ages 20 – 34.Certain races/ethnicities – testicular cancer is four to five times more common in white men than African-American or Asian-American men.Signs & SymptomsSome men have no signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, but others may experience: A lump on the testicleA swollen testicle or an increase in size of the testiclePainHeaviness or aching in the lower belly or scrotumSore breasts or an increase in breast sizeThere are a number of non-cancerous conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms noted, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Prognosis & PreventionA prognosis is the chance of recovery or outcome of a health condition. The prognosis for testicular cancer depends on the type of testicular cancer and the stage it is in. Fortunately, testicular cancer can usually be cured with treatment.In general, the sooner you diagnose cancer, the better the outcome. Be sure to visit your healthcare provider on a regular basis and contact them if you experience any signs or symptoms of testicular cancer.For more information on testicular cancer, talk to your healthcare provider or call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
2018 Employee of the Year Posted on April 11, 2019April 12, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced our Employee of the Year last week at the Goodwill Committee’s annual celebration. The winner, Barbara Garrigan was awarded the top honor. Barb works in Nathan Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department as a Staff Nurse. She celebrated her 31st year at Littauer this month. Her coworkers explain, “Barb is calming and compassionate nurse. She is always willing to help her peers while also looking for better ways to care for our patients”.Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO made the announcement at a hospital gathering comprised of employees and the award recipients’ family members. When her name was announced the audience rose to their feet in a show of support.Upon receiving the award Barb graciously said, “I would like to thank everyone who is here and even those who are not. This is a super honor. But mostly, I would like to thank my coworkers that support me every day.”Patients have gone out of their way to compliment Barb’s clinically-astute, empathic care.“This is my first experience with Nathan Littauer and Barb represented NLH in the most professional and caring way that an employee could. If Barb is a representation of how all our employees care for patients, then NLH has a very good thing going.”As Employee of the Year she will receive: Tickets the hospital’s EVENT, cake for her department, flowers, a plaque, a coveted parking spot and a monetary award.Barb is a native of Mayfield, NY. She and her husband Jay have two children: Jay JR and Emily.The celebration also honored two Littauer team members who were recognized as “Runner-Up” for Employee of the Year.Teresa Sullivan is an LPN at Nathan Littauer’s Family Practice in Gloversville. Teresa was recognized for her outstanding communication skills and excellent nursing skills.Shannon Berhaupt is a Medical Receptionist at Nathan Littauer’s Perth Primary Care Center. Shannon was celebrated for her empathy and kindness and in doing so earning the trust of patients, coworkers and providers.
Nathan Littauer to offer “Healthy Lifestyles for Kids” Class Posted on April 8, 2019April 8, 2019 by Dakota PikeClass to be taught by Clinical Nutrition ManagerLearning healthy lifestyles is an important part of growing up. Nathan Littauer will be offering a class designed specifically for kids.Gloversville, NY…. Nathan Littauer Hospital is pleased to offer CORE 4 KIDS, a comprehensive 9 week nutrition and lifestyle program developed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with certificates in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The class will be taught by Nathan Littauer’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Erika Winney, MS, RD, CDN. “Learning a healthy lifestyle is an important investment in family wellness. Therefore, we are excited to offer this evidence-based class,” stated Erika Winney.Core 4 Kids is designed to meet the needs of parents, caregivers and physicians who want a fun, safe and educational program that teaches children to make confident lifelong decisions around nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The program is based on research and scientific evidence. This comprehensive program is designed for children ages 6 and up. During the 9 weeks parents/caregivers and children will learn about basic nutrition, meal planning, portion sizes, snacking, grocery shopping and dining outside the home. Physical activity and positive lifestyle changes are an important part of this program. The children will also learn how self-esteem issues can effect a healthy lifestyle. Please join Nathan Littauer for a FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION on April 11, 2019 at 4 pm at the hospital auditorium. Each class is one hour in length and the 9 week class is $35 per family with scholarships available for those in need.Littauer’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Erika Winney, MS, RD, CDN. For further information, please contact Healthlink Littauer at 518-736-1120.
Wellness Words March 2019 Posted on March 14, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Go For Whole Grains!Celebrate National Nutrition Month by brushing up on your knowledge of what healthy eating really means! According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet involves eating all five food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines For Americans recommends adults consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, switch to non-fat or low-fat dairy products, limit added sugars and saturated fats, and shift towards eating more whole grain foods. Specifically, about half of all grains consumed should be whole grains.So, what’s the difference between a whole grain or a refined (also called processed) grain? A whole grain contains the entire grain kernel and is made up of three layers including the bran or outer layer, the endosperm or middle layer, and the germ or inner layer. According to the Dietary Guidelines For Americans, the outer layer is rich in fiber and contains B vitamins and trace minerals, the middle layer contains carbohydrates and some proteins, and the inner layer is filled with many nutrients including antioxidants, Vitamin E, B vitamins and healthy fats.Unlike a whole grain, a refined grain is processed, meaning parts of the grain are removed. A refined grain only contains the endosperm, or middle layer, so much of the nutrients that benefit your body are taken away when grains are processed.Eating whole grains along with a healthy diet can help reduce the risk for developing some chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes. To add more whole grains to your diet, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends these tips:Make Simple Shifts – Try choosing 100% whole grain bread, bagels, or pasta instead of white bread, bagels or pasta. Change one or two things at a time until you’ve made half of your grains whole grains.Check The Label – Read the ingredients list to be sure you’re choosing whole grain foods. Foods that are 100% whole grain usually list whole grains as the first ingredient or the second ingredient, after water.Have A Whole Grain Snack – Popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack when made with little salt and no butter. Other whole grain snack options include whole wheat or rye crackers and brown rice cakes.Modify Your Baking Recipes – Try substituting buckwheat or oat flour in your favorite pancake or waffle recipes in place of white flour.Plan Ahead – Cook extra brown rice or quinoa during your free time and refrigerate half of it to enjoy later in the week. This makes it easier to add extra whole grains to your meals.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping’ presented by Erika Winney MS RD CDN, Littauer’s Clinical Nutrition Manager on March 27 in Littauer’s Auditorium.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 email healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Love Letters to Littauer Posted on February 20, 2019February 20, 2019 by Dakota PikeThis Valentine’s Day, our community sends love letters to Littauer.
