Wellness Words March 2018 Posted on March 9, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Nutrition & AgingAs you age, your body experiences many changes. To promote a long, healthy life it’s important to fuel your body with proper nutrients. Since March is National Nutrition Month, it’s the perfect time to educate yourself on what foods to eat and how to better your health throughout each stage of life. The National Institute on Aging recommends the following:Drink Plenty Of FluidsSometimes with age you lose your sense of thirst, however, it’s important to stay hydrated. Choose healthy beverages including water, low-fat or fat-free milk and 100% fruit juices to hydrate your body. Try to avoid drinks that have added sugar or excess salt as these can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems. Choose Healthy MealsWhat you put into your body can greatly affect your health. Educate yourself on what foods to eat and how much you should be eating by visiting www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. Watch Your Portion Sizes A portion size is the amount of food you put on your plate or eat. Often times many people eat more than necessary, leading to weight gain and health problems. Therefore, it’s important to recognize how much you are eating so you can control your portions. Try using smaller plates or bowls – this will automatically make you choose smaller portions. Vegetables, Vegetables, Vegetables!Brighten your plate with a variety of vegetables. These are low in calories and provide the body with many nutrients and fiber. Eat To Protect Your Teeth And GumsAs you age, you may notice changes to your teeth or gums. This can make it harder to chew certain foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats. Try eating foods that are softer, including low-sodium soups, unsweetened fruit cups, or canned tuna. Use Herbs And Spices When You CookAge can affect your sense of smell and your sense of taste. Foods may seem to lose their flavor and taste differently from what they once did. Add some flavor back into your meals by using herbs and spices when cooking. Safety First!Don’t risk eating unsafe food as this can cause illness and be life-threatening to an older person. Avoid risky foods such as unpasteurized dairy or undercooked eggs, fish, meat, or poultry.Check The Nutrition Facts LabelKnow what you are purchasing and eating by looking at the nutrition facts label. Pay attention to the total calories, fats, sodium, and sugars for each food. To promote health, choose foods with fewer calories, limit the amount of fat you eat, and avoid excess salt and sugar.Finally, Eat While Socializing!Make your meals a time to connect with others. Plan a dinner with family or friends, or join a club or senior center to share a meal with others. This will make meal times more enjoyable, making it easier for you to be mindful of your nutrition.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Nutrition & Aging’ presented by Erika Winney MS RD CDN, Littauer’s Clinical Nutrition Manager on March 28 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.
Littauer welcomes Pediatrician Dr. David Eisenberg Posted on March 1, 2018 by Dakota PikeDavid Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P. (February 21, 2018) Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud welcome David Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P., to their pediatric staff at Perth Primary/Specialty Care Center.Dr. Eisenberg medical career has spanned 20 years. He is the founder /pediatrician of Eisenberg Pediatrics establishing a 10-year practice in Long Island. He comes to Littauer from private practice in both Putnam and Westchester Counties, as well as in Greenwich, Connecticut.“I am thrilled to be practicing at Littauer,” said Dr. Eisenberg. “I’d like to think I will be a positive influence as I practice in this community.”Dr. Eisenberg received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and completed his residency at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.“Littauer is fortunate to have Dr. Eisenberg practicing in our community,” states Cheryl MCGrattan, Littauer VP Marketing/Communications. “His experience and expertise is exceptional. He is bringing the latest in pediatric healthcare to Littauer’s youngest patients.”Dr. Eisenberg is practicing at Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Center in Perth Monday through Friday. For an appointment, please call (518) 883-8624.
Littauer announces Tammy Kennedy, 2017 Employee of the Year Posted on March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 by Dakota PikeNLH President and CEO, Laurence Kelly presents Tammy Kennedy, the 2017 Goodwill Employee of the YearCertified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs, left, Performance Improvement Coordinator, Tammy Kennedy, and Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger, honored for their dedication and service to LittauerGLOVERSVILLE, February 27, 2018 – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, as the Littauer 2017 Goodwill Employee of the Year.Also receiving recognition were Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger , first runner- up .and Certified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs, as the second runner-up.Littauer President and CEO Laurence Kelly made the announcement at a hospital-wide celebration praising Kennedy stating, “Tammy is an outstanding employee, one that we can look up to, her values mirror those that Littauer stand for.”Kennedy is a 30 year Littauer employee, hired in January 1988. She has been promoted twice to her current position. Her perpetual role of accommodation, cheerfulness and kindness, along with her signature smile, were noted in most nominations. Kelly went on to point out many of the accolades that Tammy received as a new hire 30 years ago, are mirrored by what her peers still are saying today.“I am speechless,” said Kennedy. “I am fortunate to work with such an amazing group of people for a very long time.”Also nominated to the Goodwill Committee in the blind format were; Certified Nurse Assistant, Erin Schreckenberger for her kind-hearted nature, compassion and empathy working at Littauer’s Easterly Primary Care Center, and Certified Nurse Assistant, Carl Tubbs for his positive, caring, safe, nature in the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home where he is both adored and respected by residents and co-workers. Both runner-ups received a check and gift certificate from Littauer. Littauer has over 1000 employees and Kennedy was nominated by her peers for this top honor. “Tammy has a very friendly, special way about her,” said Goodwill Committee Chairperson Brenda Hammons. “She encompasses Littauer’s mission and values each day with a smile,” added Hammons.Kennedy received along with her honor; flowers, a cake, gift certificate, check, the coveted year-long prime parking spot, and a plaque on Littauer’s Wall of Fame.
Wellness Words February 2018 Posted on February 12, 2018February 12, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant February Is American Heart MonthIt’s the perfect time to learn about the importance of heart health and take the necessary steps to prevent heart disease. One of the main risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure, also called hypertension. The American Heart Association notes that nearly half of Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure and don’t know it. Having high blood pressure is dangerous and can lead to heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it’s important to know your numbers and have your blood pressure checked regularly.What is blood pressure?According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against your blood vessel walls, and it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). When you have your blood pressure checked, it is written as two numbers, such as 110/70 mm Hg. The top number is your systolic number, which refers to the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic number, which refers to the pressure in your arteries when the heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg.What is high blood pressure?The American Heart Association defines a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher as high blood pressure. If your systolic number, or top number, is 120 – 129, and your diastolic number, or bottom number, is less than 80, this is considered “elevated” blood pressure.What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?Certain risk factors increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Some of these risk factors are controllable, and some are not.The risk factors you can control include:Smoking and secondhand smoke exposureDiabetesBeing overweight or obeseHigh cholesterolConsuming an unhealthy dietBeing physically inactiveThe risk factors you cannot control or change include:Family history of high blood pressureRace/ethnicityGenderIncreasing ageChronic kidney diseaseObstructive sleep apneaHow do you determine if you have high blood pressure?In order to determine whether or not you have high blood pressure, you must get it checked regularly by your physician or healthcare provider.Are there steps I can take to manage or control my high blood pressure?Yes! If you have high blood pressure, follow these tips from the American Heart Association:Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smokeMaintain a healthy weightConsume a diet that is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while minimizing intake of saturated fats and trans fatsDecrease your salt intake! Try to consume less than 1,500 mg of salt a dayChoose foods that are rich in potassiumLimit alcohol intakeGet active! The AHA recommends getting at least 90 to 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each day, as well as performing resistance or weight training activities three times per weekTake your medications as prescribed by your providerEducate yourself – know what your blood pressure should be and work to achieve those numbersIf you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Healthy Hearts’ presented by Nicole Higgins R.P.A., of Littauer’s Primary Care Services, on February 28 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.
Littauer Nursing Home welcomes new staff Posted on February 8, 2018February 8, 2018 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Nursing Home Social Worker, Kerry Benway, standing and Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Amanda GrossmanNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to welcome Kerry Benway, Social Worker and Amanda Grossman, Director of Recreation Therapy to their nursing home staff. Kerry Benway is a Social Worker providing assistance to nursing home residents and their families. Benway’s experience serving families is an asset to the Littauer residents.“I’m proud to be a part of a positive and strong team that provides excellent care to our residents as well as support to our families at Littauer,” said Benway. “I feel we are a family-infused community working together to meet everyone’s needs.”Amanda Grossman is the Director of Recreation Therapy in the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, providing daily programs to residents on that focus on cognitive, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being ultimately improving their overall quality of life.Grossman came to Littauer after finishing a practicum at Albany Medical Center working in the Recreation Therapy Department. She received her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from the State University of New York at Cortland.“My experience at Nathan Littauer has been amazing,” said Grossman. “The residents, staff and community make my work feel like a home away from home. I’m hoping my presence here is doing the same for our residents and staff.”
