Nathan Littauer brings the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation” to area! Posted on September 21, 2011 by Dakota PikeNATHAN LITTAUER HOSPITAL LEADS EFFORTS WITH AREA BUSINESSES TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE WHILE DRIVING Collaboration brings nationally known Don’t and Text and Drive Crusaders to our region Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital, and their partners, Fulton Montgomery Community College Foundation and Frontier Communications today launched a comprehensive campaign dedicated at reducing distracted driving. The three entities have launched the initiative to teach local teens and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign will proudly bring to the region the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation”, organized by the family of teenager Alex Brown who tragically lost her life while texting and driving. The family has been featured on the TODAY Show, Oprah and Extreme Home Makeover. The father, mother and younger sister will be addressing the crowds. “The importance of educating the community about the dangers of distracted driving cannot be over-emphasized.” said Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Jeanne Brown, Alex’s mother said, “We are looking forward to making our first New York appearance with Nathan Littauer Hospital in the great Northeast. We are thrilled to travel to New York to make sure people hear first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving. Along with Nathan Littauer Hospital we also congratulate Frontier Communications and Fulton Montgomery Community College for supporting our New York State debut. These organizations along with the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board should be applauded for their commitment to a safe community. We hope our message and our story about Alex resonates with residents in the area.”The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will help kick off the event in Fulton County. “We know that distracted driving is a serious epidemic and young drivers need to be aware of the potential life-threatening consequences,” said Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Assistant Commissioner Chuck DeWeese. “The GTSC commends Nathan Littauer Hospital for its thoughtfulness in planning these events for teens.” The Brown family resides in Texas and this will be there first New York appearance- having come at the hospital’s request. The Brown family will be delivering six presentations to the region at Johnstown High School, Gloversville High School, Broadalbin Perth Central Schools and Northville High School. Fulton Montgomery Community College will host two presentations, one to the students and one to community.The community is welcome to attend the 6pm presentation at the Student Union at Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, NY The multi-platform campaign started in the spring with the Hospital encouraging its own employees to take a pledge not to text and drive. Littauer also has carried their message to post prom parties and public events. They asked people to take the NYS “Put It Down Pledge” and thumb bands were given to serve as a reminder to drivers. Now, the culmination of the campaign includes school assemblies, social media campaigns, a billboard; and finally a visit from the family of Alex Brown. Frontier’s General Manager, Todd Rulison said, “Frontier is proud to partner with Nathan Littauer Hospital and FM in promoting the “Don’t Text and Drive Campaign”. Driving an automobile requires total attention and we need everyone to put their cell phones down and drive safely. Don’t become a statistic.”In addition to Nathan Littauer Hospital, the FM Foundation and Frontier Communications, the following entities have also supported the efforts: Fulton County Traffic and Safety Board, Holiday Inn of Johnstown- Gloversville. Main Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, the Leader Herald Newspaper and Lamar Advertising. Chair of the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board, Maggie Luck stated, “The TSB is excited to be apart of this project because safety on our roads starts with education and awareness.” According to police-reported data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Automotive Sampling it was found that show that: “The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. During that time, fatal crashes with reported driver distraction also increased from 10 percent to 16 percent.” It is a statistic which prompted Nathan Littauer Hospital to embark on an awareness campaign. The Remember Alex Brown Foundation has gained national attention especially after Justin Beiber became a spokesperson for the organization. “As a 17-year-old driver, I am aware of the countless distractions that we teenagers face on the road, and texting is one that is preventable,” said Justin in a press release. “There are too many young people, like Alex Brown, whom we’ve lost because of texting while driving,” said Justin Bieber recently about the Alex Brown Foundation. He stated he wishes to raise awareness of this issue and create safer conditions for everyone on the road. “It’s clearly time to bring this issue to the forefront,” said Jennifer Hing-Wainwright of Nathan Littauer Hospital. She added, “A tremendous amount of work has gone on behind the scenes since mid-May. Knowing that so many people in our region will hear this important message is extremely gratifying.”“Preventing injury and death due to distracted driving is consistent with our mission. We frequently see the results of car accidents in our Emergency Department. This issue is timely, important and needed.” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, Director of Emergency Medicine at Nathan Littauer Hospital. XXX About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home located in Gloversville, NY. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The hospital The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Shen heard on WAMC- spanning seven states Posted on August 17, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDr. Shen takes to the airwaves to talk about complete spine careDr. Shen (left) pictured with Dr. Alan Chartock at WAMC studiosDr. Shen, who recently completed a ground-breaking surgery for our region at Nathan Littauer Hospital , was a featured guest on WAMC’s Medical Monday with Dr. Alan Chartock. The show first aired Monday, August 15, 2011. Littauer’s Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan explained, “Medical Monday is a showcase for the states’ best and brightest physicians. It is truly an honor to sit at the microphone with Dr. Chartock.” The show is heard on seven states. During the interview he also took calls from people who are suffering with orthopedic issues. To reach Dr. Shen’s please call his office at 518-773-4242.To hear the entire Medical Monday show press here:
New endoscopic spinal surgery promises shorter recovery time Posted on August 17, 2011 by Dakota Pike(First printed in Daily Gazette) New endoscopic spinal surgery promises shorter recovery timeTuesday, August 16, 2011By Marcy Velte Gazette ReporterGLOVERSVILLE — A groundbreaking spinal surgery that is minimally invasive and comes with a faster recovery period is now being performed at Nathan Littauer Hospital.Dr. Jian Shen, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex spine care, completed the first endoscopic cervical spine surgery in the area at the hospital Friday. The technique causes less muscle damage and less irritation than the typical cervical spine surgery.“It’s basically a decompressing procedure,” said Shen, who explained that the surgery involves removing a bone spur, cyst or herniation that is compressing a nerve. The procedure is designed to improve patient discomfort.The procedure is about 5 years old but so far has been performed only in San Francisco, Chicago and Texas.Shen said the reason why more doctors aren’t performing the surgery may be because “people get used to the open procedure and it’s hard to change.”“But once you get used to [the newer procedure] there is no return because it’s so much better,” he said.The procedure uses an endoscope, a device with a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the tip. The video feed then goes to an HDTV that the doctor uses to view the area. It requires an inch-long incision, while other methods use a large, midline incision almost five times longer.“I think this is really good,” said Shen. “There’s less blood, less pain, a shorter recovery and less muscle damage.”The first local patient was a man with a rare spine disease.“The patient reports [he] already feel[s] a difference from surgery,” said Shen. “Although it is early in the recovery process, the patient already has improved range of motion.” The patient, whose name is not being disclosed for privacy reasons, was discharged from the hospital Saturday.The family was also grateful. “We have waited for Dr. Shen to come here. We are very pleased to be in his care,” they said in a news release.Hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly stated: “According to our research, only a few academic centers in the United States perform this type of surgery. Obviously we are thrilled for this patient and for others in our region who suffer with spine problems.”Shen finished his fellowship at University of California, San Francisco, earlier this year before joining the staff of Nathan Littauer in July.Previously, he earned a Ph.D. in basic science research in pharmacology, finished his medical education at Cornell University Medical College in New York City, did a surgical internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He is versed in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, as well as nonsurgical techniques and therapies.Dr. Shen chose the Gloversville area because he wants to interact personally with each patient so they “do not feel like a number.” He said working at Littauer allows him to do that and he plans to stay in the area.“With Dr. Shen’s arrival, we now say, ‘Spines everywhere can rejoice,’ ” Kelly said in the news release.
Fulton County Federal Credit Union Cares for Kids Posted on July 1, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeBirthing Center and Pediatric manager, Kelly Hartz (pictured far left) accepts a check from (left to right) Timothy R. Myers, President/CEO of Fulton County Family Credit Union, Vince LaPorta, Chairman of the Board, Deb Shepard, VP of Marketing Business Development, and NLH’s Susan Kiernan, VP of Development looks on.Nathan Littauer Hospital accepted a donation this month from the Fulton County Federal Credit Union. The donation of $2,000 is earmarked for the hospital’s pediatric unit. The donation is the culmination of a campaign the Fulton County Federal Credit Union participates in called “Credit Unions Care for Kids”, the bi-annual statewide community involvement program of the Credit Union Association of New York. For ten years, FCFCU has been selling a plush toy and donor acknowledgement cards to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital. The staff at the Credit Union sells the plush toy and explains their purpose towards helping children. “This donation is truly a tribute to the Credit Union staff and the countless credit union members who support our hospital. We are honored that Fulton County Federal Credit Union would enlist their members in such a project to benefit our hospital and ultimately the children of Fulton County.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital CEO and President. This donation will be used for the pediatric unit. Accepting the donation was Kelly Hartz, Manager of the Birthing Center and Pediatric unit. She explained, “As many families can tell you, being in a hospital with a child is a particularly stressful time. Donations like this allow us to make their environs more comfortable and therapeutic.”
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honors Auxilians Posted on May 18, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeOur amazing Auxilians!Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honors Auxilians, National Auxilian Day, May 11, 2011Laurence Kelly, President, President/CEO, addressed the group praising them for their accomplishments. During the past year, the auxiliary continued to donate money toward hospital and nursing home special projects, celebrated Staff Appreciation Day by giving the staff refreshments and prizes, provide music for the staff during Hospital Week, organized Life Share blood drives, conducted hospital tours, received HANYS 2010 Auxiliary Advocacy Award, knitted over 500 newborn caps, blankets, dolls, sweaters, booties for maternity dept. or the gift shop, and hundreds of hours helping various departments. Also, the Auxiliary started a new project called the Veteran’s Flag Project. Any inpatient who is a veteran or on active duty is presented a 6” American Flag on a stand thanking him/her for serving our country. The auxiliary¹s 118 active members devoted more than 11,000 hours to the hospital and nursing home in 2010.Gov. Andrew Cuomo proclaimed May 11 as Health Care Auxilian Day in StateNew York to recognize the dedicated auxilians who annually donate more than 5 million hours of service to their health care facilities and to their communities.L-R. Susan McNeil, DVS, Barbara Cohen, Frances Mezza, Joyce Bierman, Laurence Kelly, President/CEO
Laughing for Health Posted on March 21, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeEnjoying humor can have physical, mental benefitsFirst published March 20, 2011 – By RODNEY MINOR, The Leader-HeraldLaughter may be a true rarity; it is contagious and it improves your health.Sue Cridland, director of community education for HealthLink Littauer, said laughter has many health benefits.Sue Cridland, left and Sue McNeil right share some funny wisdom.Laughter affects body chemistry similar to the way working out does, she said. Endorphins are released when people laugh, easing pain and improving mood, she said.As part of her work at HealthLink – the community health and wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital – Cridland has incorporated humor into the many programs the service offers. Getting people to laugh together can make it easier for people to communicate and remember what they learn, she said.“[Laughter] does make a difference,” Cridland said.Susan McNeil has seen the effect humor can have on people firsthand.The Director of Volunteers Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, McNeil said when programs are put on that include elements to make patients laugh – such as a leash around the neck of an “invisible dog” – they make the volunteers laugh.Communication aidThose moments help make people more talkative and relaxed, she said, aiding the communication that is necessary for work to be done and patients to be helped.The humor does not have to involve incredibly clever punchlines, McNeil said. What is important is people understand a joke, and get it on an emotional level.“It’s about that connection between the brain and the heart,” McNeil said.Dr. Roberto Ochoa, with the Community Mental Health Adult Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, said laughter has been shown to decrease stress hormones, boost the immune system and lower blood pressure.Ochoa said many muscles are involved in laughing, making it almost like a short burst of exercise. Muscles tend to relax after they have been used, explaining why people described feeling more relaxed after spending time laughing.When it comes to mental health, Ochoa said, laughter not only helps someone’s mood, it also makes it easier for people to cope with difficult things.Karen Britt, western region program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern N.Y., said laughter engages many parts of the body, including the region of the brain initially affected by Alzheimer’s disease.Britt said research has shown people who say they are happy live longer and in better health than those who do not.“In a sad situation, it can be good [for mental health] to laugh through the tears,” she said.In a way, Britt said, laughter can be the key to happiness.Sue Cridland (left) and Sue McNeil share wisdom about laughterCridland said humor can be beneficial anywhere and anytime, provided it is appropriate.“There is no need to insult people to make others laugh,” she said.With tragedies, such as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, people need to be careful, she said. Humor can lighten the mood, but people need to be cautious about the jokes they tell.McNeil said she has found humor does not have to be crass or vulgar to have an effect on people.“Good, clean, non-offensive humor is more intelligent and clever than the other extreme,” she said.Cridland said there are many ways people can make themselves laugh more. An easy way is to make space for laughter, she said, such as having a place at work to put cartoons or jokes.Attitude can be as important as anything, she said. If people want to laugh more and include more humor in their laugh, Cridland said, they can find a way too.
