Amy Ellsworth, NLH Goodwill Employee for the Year Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer recently announced their 2014 Goodwill Employee of the year. Amy Ellsworth, Office Coordinator of the Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center was the recipient of the honor. Ellsworth, a 14-year Littauer employee was nominated by her peers for her professional work ethic and endless compassion.At a hospital-wide award ceremony held Thursday, March 5, Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly said, “It takes all 1000 Littauer employees to do what we do for our patients and community. Not all of us are hands on, but we are here to support behind the scenes.”There were many examples of Ellsworth’s commitment to excellence. For example, a patient attributed Ellsworth’s intuitiveness to saving her life. The patient was in the parking lot refusing to come in and Ellsworth went outside to encourage her to enter the primary care center. Refusing to take no for an answer, Ellsworth got a wheelchair and brought the patient in. The patient was having a heart attack, and Ellsworth’s persistent actions most likely saved her life that day.“I’m a bit overwhelmed by this honor” said Ellsworth.Ellsworth was one of three top extraordinary finalists for the award. Second runner-up was Nicole Cleary, a Registration Representative. She was the 2014 third quarter Goodwill Award recipient. Cleary’s positive attitude and genuine smile, along with her outgoing personality with patients and co-workers made her an obvious choice as a finalist.First runner-up was Jessica Insogna, a Radiology Office Rep in Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. Insogna enjoys working with patients and has been employed by Littauer since 2006. Insogna was the 2014 first quarter Goodwill Employee recognized for her kindness, compassion, and professionalism.Ellsworth was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a plaque, gift certificate, check and a privileged hospital parking spot for a year. Her family was also present for the ceremony. Ellsworth’s family is from Galway and she resides in Mayfield with her fiancé Todd Brown.Photo – 2014 Goodwill Employee of the Year Amy Ellsworth, center, first runner up was Jessica Insogna, left, and Nicole Cleary at right
Darlene Demarest is fourth quarter Goodwill employee Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota Pike– Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced the 2014 Fourth Quarter Goodwill Employee of the year. Darlene Demarest, a Medical Receptionist from Littauer’s Mayfield Primary and Specialty Care Center was the recipient.“It takes all 1000 employees to make Littauer what we are,” said Mr. Kelly. “Darlene exemplifies Littauer’s values and is the perfect fit for this honor.”Demarest is a 40-year Littauer employee, and is known for her positive attitude. “I love my job, I love my co-workers and I especially love my patients,” said Demarest.Mr. Kelly read stories submitted by her co-workers applauding Demarest’s work ethic, kindness, compassion, and warm smile. In particular, she is instantly able to set patients at ease. “She goes above and beyond for her patients and co-workers daily and has done so for decades,” said a co-worker.Recipients for the award are nominated by NLH employees, providers or patients and submitted to the Goodwill Committee. In a blind format they are selected.Demarest received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly with 2014 fourth quarter Goodwill Employee Darlene Demarest
A visit from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeOn February 9, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, United States Representative, 21st District met with hospital leadership and toured the main campus in Gloversville.Ms. Stafanik said, “I recently had the pleasure of touring and meeting with officials at the Nathan Littauer Hospital. This hospital is doing important work to deliver high quality healthcare to North Country families, and I was very impressed with their facility and staff. In Congress, I look forward to working to advance solutions to increase access to high quality, affordable healthcare, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to discuss challenges to our healthcare system with officials at Nathan Littauer.”
Dr. Najmus Saqib in the news Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s Chief of Staff Dr. Najmus Saqib was interviewed by Liz Bishop of CBS6 News Albany in January. He was asked to lend some clarity to the thermography debate. The segment aired January 29, 2015.
Wellness Words March 2015 Posted on March 10, 2015 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health EducatorOvercoming Obstacles To Eat Smart & Live Strong!It can be difficult to meet the daily food and exercise recommendations for a variety of reasons, such as not having enough time, money, lack of transportation, or health issues that get in the way of preparing healthier meals and exercising.According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are many benefits to meeting the daily food and exercise recommendations:Getting the vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary to remain healthyMaintaining “regularity”Preventing or delaying chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseaseDecreasing stress, anxiety, and depressionBuilding and maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and jointsImproving strength and balance to prevent fallsImproving sleep and feeling better overallRECOMMENDATIONS AND STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU MEET THEMEat At Least 1 ½ Cups Of Fruits & 2 Cups Of Vegetables Each Day. Think about your personal challenges and see if there are some possible solutions below:Shop with a neighbor or friend who can drive you to the store and perhaps help you carry your groceries into the house.Shop when stores are less crowded and ask store personnel for assistance.Purchase fruits and vegetables that do not require cutting or chopping, or that are ready to eat.Fruits and vegetables that are in season are generally less expensive.If you cannot afford fresh produce, purchase frozen fruits and vegetables.If you are worried about produce spoiling, purchase single serving packages.Eat at least one fruit or vegetable with each meal.Try different recipes that include a variety of produce, such as orange pork chops or a pineapple orange smoothie.Cook vegetables longer so they are softer and easier to eat.Schedule at least one appointment with your dentist each year.Participate In At Least 30 Minutes Of Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity Most Days Of The Week. Again, think about your challenges and see if you can find a solution below:Recruit a friend to exercise with you.Park your car farther away from entrances.Invest in a good pair of supportive shoes or sneakers.Call your local senior center or fitness center and ask about exercise classes.Find ways to make exercising a social event.Start out slow and gradually increase your time and effort.Stretch before and after you exercise.Visit org to view our Winter Recreation Resources, a list of fun things for you to do to stay active while the weather outside is still frightful.For more information, visit myplate.gov, contact your healthcare provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.