Nathan Littauer readies for hurricane Sandy: A lesson in preparedness Posted on October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 by Dakota Pike“We practice all year long for any type of emergency”While the East Coast braces for Hurricane Sandy, Nathan Littauer’s preparedness is grounded in year-long drills and tests. Joe Slovak, Safety Officer for the hospital states, “It is business as usual at the hospital”.Tim Forte, Director of the Nutritional Services Team checks drinking water supplies ahead of the storm.The hospital is preparing for three things: Loss of electricity, high winds and staff who may not be able to get to work. “We are prepared for all three.” stated Mr. Slovak adding, “The hospital has plans in place for all these events and more.” Mr. Slovak has been sending out weather alerts to staff twice a day since last week.Since last week the engineering team has been preparing for the storm. The hospital ran a successful generator check at 7:45 this morning. The hospital has three generators. The hospital checks all generators the first Thursday of the month, but the hospital ran a special test this morning. “All went smoothly.” stated David Bruhns Engineering Director for Littauer. The engineering team also has walked the rooftops and secured outside items.The Engineering Team at NLH checks the generators ahead of the stormThe nursing team is reviewing their staffing plans. Last year Nathan Littauer received patients from St. Mary’s Hospital when flooding became an issue for theMontgomeryCountyhospital. They will be ready to do the same this year as well.All surgeries for the hospital are going on as planned.“The Emergency Department by nature is ready for any type of event”. Explained Bonnie Looman, Emergency Department Manager adding, “We can always activate one of our plans if we need to. Right now we are all set and we are ready if we need to go further.”Time Forte, Director of Nutritional Services checked their water supplies this morning and has 96 hours of food on hand. The Nutritional Services Department also has a disaster plan and if activated, is guaranteed to receive a shipment of food within 24 hours.xxx
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary Card/Game Party fundraiser a success Posted on October 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeCard party players: L front to R – Iris Hayes, Barbara Draffen; L rear to R – Marge Maio, Pam HenkeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual Card/Game Party fundraiser on Wednesday, October 3, at The Holiday Inn, Johnstown.Approximately 70 women & men joined in playing cards and/or board games, and enjoyed a delicious luncheon. Louise Hornung and Deborah SanJuan co-hosted the event and Suzanne Herrick, Patron Chairman together raised approximately $2,500. Gift Certificates donated by Laurence Kelly, NLH & NH Gift Shop, Olde Bryan Inn, Raindancer Steak Parlor, Holiday Inn, Lanzi’s On The Lake, Union Hall Inn, Mountain Memories, Bowman’s Market, Wine & Roses, Sam’s Seafood, Harold’s Restaurant, Castaglione Gem Jewelers, Barb Tucci. Winners were Toby Ortell, Gretchen Haight, Connie JoDiCruttalo, Betty Ringelese, Nelle Abel, Irene Beaudin, Sheila Sammons, Edith Eckert Peck, Louise Hornung, Shelia Ambrosino, Barb Lomanto, Sofia Piazza, Juanita Fisher, Dr. Horowitz. Attendees also received gifts from Asian Delight, Thomas’ Hallmark, Gianna’s Pizza & Pasta, Adirondack Stained Glass, Mulberry Tree, Mohawk Harvest CO OP, Peck’s Flowers, Mountain Valley Hospice, Bona’s.Special thanks to Ann Adore, NLH & NH Gift Shop and Engineering Department, Jeanne Wilkinson, and thanks to committee members, Mona Capasso, Donna Ellithorpe, Ann Masala, Clementine Perritano, Barb Tucci, Pat Walker, Susan McNeil.Proceeds go to the NLH & NH Auxiliary toward their Pledge to the hospital and nursing home.
Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary gives gift to hospital Posted on October 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer’s Auxiliary presented the hospital with a donation during their annual luncheon recently. The check totaling $10,000 was a gift from their annual pledge to the hospital. Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President presented the donation to the hospital president and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. The organization raised the monies throughout the year holding various fundraising activities throughout the year. Mr. Kelly explained, “The Auxiliary is truly an extension of our team. Beyond being generous of their time and spirit, they are also financially generous to our hospital.”Dr. Frederick Goldberg, (VP Medical Staff), Guest Speaker presented a slide show presentation and spoke about healthcare issues effecting our hospital and community.Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President hands Nathan Littauer’s hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly a check.Along with its fundraising activities the Auxiliary also has been recognized by the HealthCare Association of New York State (HANYS) with the 2011 Auxiliary Advocacy Recognition Award. The organization bestows the honor upon auxiliaries that have committed significant time and effort serving as an advocate for their facility and community.In 2011 the Auxiliary had 99 active members donating 10,114 hours to the hospital. Also in 2011 Auxiliary members were used as “mock” patients during disaster drills. Last year 29 volunteers (27 volunteers and 12 auxiliary members) knitted 551 newborn caps, 21 booties, 6 dolls and 40 blankets and 15 sweaters to newborns in our Birthing Center. The group also launched a new program to honor our veterans. Now, when a patient is admitted to the hospital and identifies themselves as a veteran, the Auxiliary will present him or her with an American flag. In 2011 the Auxiliary delivered 149 flags to patients in the hospital.
Nathan Littauer announces new back pain seminar Posted on October 12, 2012October 12, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer and its family of health services is pleased to announce a new seminar for people suffering from back pain. Featuring Dr. Jian Shen and William Oates, Director of Rehabilitation Medicine, the session is designed for people who are interested in non-surgical solutions to back pain. The event is scheduled for November 27th at 6:30 pm at the Johnstown Holiday Inn. This session is free. To RSVP please call 736-1120 or email us at spines@nlh.org. To learn more download our event announcement.
Wellness Words October 2012 Posted on October 12, 2012January 8, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator BREAST CANCER … THEN & NOWBreast cancer is an ancient disease. It has been mentioned in every period of recorded history. However, even with its profound significance, any discussion of breast cancer was only found in medical journals before the 1970’s. Early treatments for this disease were rudimentary and often painful. In 1810, Abigail Adams underwent a grueling mastectomy without anesthesia. In the centuries since the first recorded mastectomy in 548 A.D., breast cancer has been treated with everything from castor oil to opium to various homemade salves. Starting in the mid-1800’s, radical mastectomy became the “gold standard.” In 1949, a doctor became known for creating the super-radical mastectomy which removed the breast, lymph nodes, chest muscles and the internal mammary nodes even if the tumor’s size was only ½ an inch, leaving the patient deformed and in pain. This treatment was continued until 1963.As the ability to visualize the internal breast through technology began to develop, the thinking about and treatment of breast cancer changed radically. By 1969 mammograms became available. The development of radiation and chemotherapies also rose rapidly. By 1976, the “gold standard” became a simpler, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy. In the 21st century, less than 10% of women with breast cancer have a mastectomy according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).Today, this disease is discussed openly and advances are shared worldwide. Activism by such organizations as ACS, the National Cancer Institute and the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure foundation have brought focus and much needed financial support for research and development of the best detection equipment and therapies.There’s been an explosion of new life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer. Instead of only one or two options, today there’s an overwhelming menu of treatment options. Today’s level of radiation with mammography uses less than a dental x-ray, and discomfort during the procedure has been reduced by such things as the soft pad. Additionally, breast cancer can be detected much earlier when the treatment is the most effective.The currently most utilized treatments for breast cancer in theUSAinclude surgery (mastectomy or more commonly lumpectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. There are now various types and combinations of chemotherapies that can be used for a specific type of tumor. Also, we now have 5 “targeted therapies” that target the specific characteristics of a cancer cell. Recently, scientists also reported finding 4 types of breast cancer through genetic profiling.The ultimate cure for this disease remains elusive due to its complex nature, but detection advances and treatments have proliferated in the 21st century giving women and men not only hope but also more choices about their treatment and recovery. There are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in theUSA today and the five year survival rate is 99% when the cancer is found early.To learn more, attend a free program on “Advances In Breast Cancer Detection” presented by Littauer’s Chief of Radiology, Dr. Mike McBiles, on Thursday, October 18 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in Littauer’s Auditorium. Participans will enjoy delicious desserts and receive complimentary gift bags! To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120.For more information, contact your healthcare provider, American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
