Wellness Words August 2018 Posted on August 15, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Pain AwarenessHave you been experiencing long-lasting pain?According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year, affecting more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Pain can result from a number of health concerns including injury, disease or physical conditions.What is chronic pain?The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines chronic pain as pain that persists over a long period of time. Unlike short-term or acute pain, chronic pain is not a normal sensation; it is a continuous sensation of hurt that lasts for weeks, months or even years. More often than not, pain is caused by an initial injury or condition such as a sprained wrist, arthritis, or an ear infection.However, people may experience pain without having suffered a previous injury or health problem. Some of the most common complaints of chronic pain stem from headaches, lower back problems, cancer, arthritis and damage to nerves. The AAPM estimates that over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide, with the top three leading causes resulting from low back pain, severe headache or migraine, and neck pain.Effects of chronic painChronic pain comes in many forms that can negatively affect your quality of life. For example, persistent pain may limit your ability to move around and perform everyday tasks. According to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, this can often lead to decreased activity and result in weakened muscles. When your muscles are weakened and your body is not used to performing daily activities, even the slightest use can result in more pain.Chronic pain can also affect your mental state causing feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety or depression. These physical and mental challenges may intensify feelings and make it more difficult to deal with a painful situation.Dealing with chronic painIf you’re experiencing long-term pain, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program suggests talking with your healthcare provider about your symptoms to better address the cause of your pain. Providers may be able to prescribe treatment or medication to address the problem or alleviate your symptoms.However, since the cause of chronic pain is not always certain, treatment and medication may not always work. A few other tools for pain management include:Exercise: Exercise provides many health benefits, including pain relief. Talk with your healthcare provider about which activities are best for you.Using your mind: Use methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or muscle stretching to help ease your pain.Ice, Heat or Massage: Try icing, heating, or massaging local areas of pain such as the back, knees, or neck.HealthLink currently offers programs that can aid in pain relief such as Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Senior Steps, and Chronic Disease Self-Management.For more information on chronic pain, 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.
Teddy Bear Hospital Posted on August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer’s first Teddy Bear Hospital was a HUGE success! Thank you to all of our volunteers who made this event happen. Also a special thank you to the Gloversville Fire Department, Fulton County Ambulance and to LifeNet for showing children the inside “scoop” of their equipment. It’s safe to say we had many healthy teddy bears head home in our community today!
“Teddy Bear Hospital” Event Will Welcome Children, Families Posted on August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 by Dakota PikeChildren are invited to have their favorite teddy bear, doll or action hero “examined” Sunday, August 12th from 1-3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Area children and families are invited to bring their bears, dolls, action figures and more to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s first annual “Teddy Bear Hospital” event, scheduled for 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, August 12 at the Hospital.During the fun and FREE family event, children will learn about general health, good nutritional habits, and the various types of care provided at Nathan Littauer Hospital.While their special friends are getting their FREE check-up, children can ask questions about visiting the doctor, learn about the body and good health habits, experience hands-on displays, visit health booths and workshops, enjoy refreshments, and more. Emergency services personnel will also be on hand with an ambulance and LifeNet helicopter. The first 200 children in attendance will receive a FREE backpack.“Going to the hospital can be scary, but we want children to feel comfortable and supported here,” said Nathan Littauer Chief of Pediatric Services Maruthi Sunkara, MD. “Events like this are a great opportunity for us to welcome members of the community – especially the littlest ones – into our facility and help them start to understand that we’re here to help, and that Nathan Littauer Hospital is a place you can go when you need to feel better.”No advance registration is required for the Teddy Bear Hospital event, and children of all ages are invited to attend with their parent or caregiver. For more information about the event, interested individuals can visit www.nlh.org.
Wellness Words July 2018 Posted on July 10, 2018July 27, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant HepatitisWhat is Hepatitis?The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is usually caused by Hepatitis viruses but can also occur from other infections, use of alcohol or drugs, certain medications and autoimmune diseases. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are five main types of Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; these types of Hepatitis cause the greatest burden of illness and death and have the most potential to spread among individuals. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, lead to chronic disease in millions of Americans, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. The most prevalent forms of Hepatitis in the United States are types A, B, and C.Hepatitis A (HAV)Hepatitis A is found in the waste of those who are infected and is usually spread by consuming contaminated water or food. HAV is most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation. According to the WHO, certain sexual practices can also spread HAV. Individuals infected with HAV often experience mild infections and make a full recovery. However, in some cases, the infection can be severe and life threatening. In orderto protect yourself from Hepatitis A, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated and practicing good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands.Hepatitis B (HBV)The WHO estimates that approximately 257 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes both acute, or short-term disease, as well as chronic or long-term disease, and can be life threatening. HBV is passed from person to person by contact with infected blood or body fluids, and can even be passed from mother to child at birth. Those infected with HBV are at an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent HBV infection. The WHO recommends that all infants be vaccinated for HBV within the first 24 hours of birth to protect against Hepatitis B infection.Hepatitis C (HCV)Globally, the WHO estimates 71 million people have Hepatitis C. Similar to the Hepatitis B virus, the Hepatitis C virus also causes both acute and chronic disease. Infections can range from a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks to a severe illness that lasts a lifetime. HCV is classified as a blood borne virus that is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Unsafe injection practices, like injection drug use, and unsafe healthcare practices can result in the spread of the Hepatitis C virus. Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV, but there are antiviral medications that can cure more than 95% of those infected. To avoid infection, the WHO urges individuals to refrain from sharing needles, syringes, razors or toothbrushes with others. If you are sexually active, always use protection.Protecting Yourself and OthersIf you currently have Hepatitis, it’s important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. To keep yourself healthy and free of infection, the CDC recommends visiting your healthcare professional on a regular basis, monitoring your liver, avoiding alcohol and staying up-to-date on the latest research, information, and treatment for Hepatitis. Chronic Hepatitis can often cause nausea, fatigue, and emotional stress. In order to ease your symptoms, make it a priority to eat a nutritious diet, take naps throughout the day as needed, and find ways to cope with your stress. To ensure the safety of your loved ones and others around you, don’t share toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, nail files, clippers, or any other objects that come into contact with blood or body fluids.For more information on hepatitis, talk 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. Additionally, more information on Hepatitis B can be found by visiting STDTesting.org’s article here: https://www.stdtesting.org/hepatitis-b-testing/
