Wellness Words February 2019 Posted on February 11, 2019February 11, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant February Is American Heart MonthDid you know the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States is heart disease? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 630,000 Americans die from heart disease every year. Therefore, it’s important to stay educated on heart health, know the risk factors associated with heart problems, and the steps you can take to protect yourself against such problems.Speaking of heart health, you’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary artery disease, but do you know the difference between them?Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines cardiovascular disease as a broad term used to describe any type of disease that affects either the heart or the blood vessels. Heart disease is considered a type of cardiovascular disease. All heart diseases are considered cardiovascular diseases, but not all cardiovascular diseases are heart diseases.Heart DiseaseThere are several types of heart diseases, all of which affect the heart. While coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, there are many other conditions that affect the heart. These conditions may include but are not limited to arrhythmias, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can be either very fast or very slow, heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs, and cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart muscles, resulting in a weakened heart.Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)Coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease and, according to the American Heart Association, is actually the most common type of heart disease, affecting more than 16.5 million Americans. CAD occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque is usually made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium or other substances. When plaque builds up, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is blocked and can lead to chest pain and heart attack.Promoting Heart HealthWhile there are some uncontrollable risk factors that increase the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, like age or family history, there are many risk factors that we can control. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a poor diet and inactivity can all greatly increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. In order to promote heart health and protect against CVD, the National Institute of Health recommends:Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C levels in check by visiting your healthcare provider on a regular basis.Reducing the amount of salt you eat to no more than 2,300 mg per day.Increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains you eat.Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis.Maintaining a healthy weight.Not smoking.Managing stress.For more information, contact 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.
PRISCILLA PARKHURST FERGUSON OBITUARY Posted on January 16, 2019 by Dakota Pike Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson of Manhattan and Gloversville, New York, died at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan on December 31, 2018. She was born in Gloversville in 1940, the daughter of Richard and Neale Parkhurst.After graduating from the Emma Willard School and Mount Holyoke College, cum laude, she earned a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in French from Columbia University. Dr. Ferguson retired a few years ago as Professor Emerita of Sociology at Columbia University after a long and accomplished career. According to her university biography, her work ranged from analysis of the literary field in France to studies of the post-revolutionary French novel through explorations of an emerging national culture in France over the 19th century. Her most current research involved the sociology of food and cuisine.Dr. Ferguson taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago from 1966 to 1989, rising to the level of Professor and Chair of the Department of French. While there her first two books were published, both in America and Belgium.In 1989 she began teaching at Columbia University as Professor of Sociology and French. She published three more books during her tenure there and held positions for various periods as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Graduate Studies.During her academic and teaching career, Dr. Ferguson was invited to be a Visiting Lecturer or a Visiting Professor at the University of Chicago, Yale University, Le Institut d’ẽtudes Francaises d’Avignon, and Harvard University. In addition to her five books, she edited two books, published at least twenty-two journal and magazine articles and at least five book reviews during her long career.Dr. Ferguson was married for almost 30 years to the late Robert A. Ferguson who, like Priscilla, was a distinguished and nationally recognized professor at Columbia University.PRISCILLA PARKHURST FERGUSON, Obituary 1-9-19 Page 1The Fergusons were generous benefactors to Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in Gloversville, N.Y. In 2012, they established the Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson and Robert A. Ferguson Fund for Education. This fund annually provides scholarships to employees to enhance their careers. The Fergusons also donated funds to construct The Parkhurst-Ferguson Pavilion which houses the Gloversville Dialysis Center on the Littauer Campus. In 2015, Dr. Ferguson stated, “We are great supporters of Gloversville, and of Nathan Littauer as a key institution in Fulton County. We hope that by giving back to this community, others will recognize the importance and do the same.”Dr. Ferguson was a member of the Board of Directors of the Nathan Littauer Foundation as well as various professional organizations.From her childhood days as a lifeguard at Gloversville’s Littauer Pool to the more recent years of nurturing the roses at her Gloversville home during summer breaks, taking long evening walks with Robert, and having lively conversations with local friends, Priscilla Ferguson enjoyed the benefits of life in Gloversville.Dr. Ferguson is predeceased by her parents, Richard and Neale Parkhurst and her brothers Peter and Michael. She is survived by nephews David, Richard B. III, Cameron and Alexander Parkhurst and niece Amanda Parkhurst.A memorial service will be held at the family’s convenience.
Wellness Words January 2019 Posted on January 10, 2019 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Thyroid AwarenessJanuary is thyroid awareness month! You’ve probably heard of the thyroid gland before, but do you know what it does? According to National Institutes of Health, the thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that’s located in the base of the neck and produces thyroid hormone. While it is a relatively small gland, the thyroid plays a big role in how our bodies function.For example, the thyroid gland regulates many of the organs within our bodies including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin, and affects things like our heart rate, digestion, breathing and body temperature. Therefore, to protect and maintain your body’s overall well-being, it’s important your thyroid gland works properly.The American College of Endocrinology estimates roughly 30 million Americans are affected by thyroid disease, altering the function of their thyroid gland. The two most common conditions of thyroid disease include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone and increases the activity of the body systems. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, eating more than normal, increased heartbeat, irritability, problems sleeping, feelings of anxiety or nervousness, feeling warm more easily, increased sweating, muscle weakness and increased bowel movements or diarrhea.While it is not the only cause, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Grave’s disease. This disorder causes the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone than the body needs.Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing down the function of the body systems. The Department of Health and Human Services lists common symptoms of hypothyroidism as weight gain, feeling cold more easily, sweating less than normal, muscle weakness, muscle or joint pain, feeling sad, depressed or extremely tired, dry skin, thinning hair, a swollen face or hoarse voice and constipation.Another autoimmune disorder, known as Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease causes your body’s immune system to attack the thyroid gland, causing swelling, scarring and decreased production of thyroid hormone.While thyroid disease is common, it is often hard to identify. Unfortunately, many symptoms of thyroid disease mimic other chronic conditions. One indication of a thyroid disorder may be a thyroid nodule or goiter. A thyroid nodule is a swelling in one section of the thyroid gland while a goiter is an enlargement of the entire thyroid gland. Not all nodules cause problems, but some can.If you have a family history of thyroid disease, swelling of the thyroid gland or experience symptoms of a thyroid disorder, talk with your healthcare provider. A simple blood test can determine whether or not your thyroid is doing its job.For more information, contact 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.
Littauer’s Birthing Center welcomes the first baby of 2019 Posted on January 4, 2019January 8, 2019 by Dakota PikeParents are grateful for the send-offNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced today that baby Bella Ann Waffle was the first baby born at NLH & NH in the New Year. Bella’s parents, Alyssa Duma and Michael Waffle of Gloversville welcomed little Bella on January 3, 2019 at 9:19 a.m. Bella, shown here dressed in her beautiful gold polka dot New Year’s best dress, weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. Midwife Andrea Becker, C.N.M. delivered baby Bella.Meet Bella, Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center’s First Baby of the Year!Littauer’s Auxiliary presented the family with a generous gift of supplies and necessities. This special presentation by our auxiliary has been a tradition for over 30 years. Anita Beck, an auxiliary member coordinates the shopping for the First Baby months in advance of the event. Bella’s parents were grateful for the auxiliary’s generosity stating, “Thank you so much for all you did!” “The Auxiliary puts a tremendous amount of thought into the Baby New Year basket. What the parents leave with is a gift of the heart while being extremely practical as well,” stated Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Celebrating the happy family! (from left to right) Jeanne Wilkinson, auxiliary member, Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services, Norma Cozzolino, Auxiliary President, Baby Bella, Alyssa Duma and Michael Waffle
Wellness Words December 2018 Posted on December 10, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Staying Healthy Over The HolidaysThe holiday season is upon us and with it comes times of celebration, visits with family and friends, and a greater appreciation of what’s important to us. The holidays present the perfect opportunity to value the gift of health and provide our bodies with a little extra self-care. In order to stay healthy and happy throughout the holiday season, try these tips:Wash Your Hands Frequently: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most important steps you can take to maintain health and prevent sickness is to wash your hands. Be sure to rub fingers and palms together with soap for at least 20 seconds and rinse with clean, running water.Dress Appropriately: Exposure to cold weather can increase health problems for older adults. If you go outside, the CDC recommends dressing in layers. Keep your head, ears and hands covered and wear warm, dry shoes and socks to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.Eat Healthy: While the holidays can tempt us to indulge in unhealthy foods, do so in moderation. Incorporate some healthy dishes into your holiday meals or try swapping out a sugary dessert for a piece of fruit. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends including all five food groups when preparing holiday meals (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy), and selecting lean cuts of mean such as turkey, roast beef or fresh ham. For more tips on preparing holiday meals, visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.Stay Active: The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest that older adults get at least 2 ½ hours of cardiovascular activities and two days of strength training activities each week. While the cold may keep you indoors, you can still find ways to be active! Dance to your favorite holiday music, get involved in activities at a local senior center, or walk around a local shopping mall with a friend.Manage Your Stress: The holidays can be hectic and stressful both mentally and financially. It’s important to take time for yourself and find ways to manage stress. According the American Psychological Association, the best way to avoid holiday stress is by setting realistic expectations for gift-giving, seeking support from friends and family and taking care of your health!Prevent Injuries: Injuries can happen to anyone at any time, especially around the holidays. Make sure to never leave fireplaces, stoves or candles unattended and use caution when hanging holiday decorations to prevent falls.Visit Your Healthcare Provider: Regular check-ups can help prevent future health problems and address any current concerns you may have. If you plan to travel over the holidays, ask your provider about special health precautions or recommended vaccinations.For more information, 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.
