Walk, or roll to school with Littauer Posted on May 15, 2013May 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeLocal schools and Nathan Littauer to celebrate National Bike or Walk to School Day May 8- 15, 2013 Nathan Littauer Hospital and schools from the Johnstown and Gloversville School districts will join others from around the nation to celebrate National Bike or Walk to School Day on May 8 and throughout the following week. The collaboration is with the schools, Public Health of Fulton County and local schools. Hundreds of students from Glebe Street and Park Terrace Elementary Schools will be walking and rolling to school Wednesday along with parents, teachers and community leaders. Glebe Street students will walk or bike from home in the company of family or friends. Glebe is holding a second walk or bike to school day one week later on May 15th. Students who participate in both events will have their name entered in a prize drawing. For Park Terrace, the event will begin at 8 am with students, school staff, parents and community leaders walking or biking from the park at the intersection Park and Forrest Streets to school. Participants will arrive at the school at in time for a special healthy breakfast and have their name entered in a prize drawing as well. Feedback from students who participated in last year’s walk to school days said they liked spending time with family and friends, recognizing that is was also good for them. Many noted that they could concentrate in better school after their early morning exercise. The event is being organized by the respective school with support from Nathan Littauer’s HealthLink, Fulton County Public Health and the Johnstown and Gloversville Police Departments. HealthLink Director, Sue Cridland, said that these type of events are relatively easy to implement.. the key is having a few committed staff members at each school who are willing to promote the idea. In 2011, International Walk to School Day was celebrated at more than 4,000 events at schools across the United States, along with children and adults in 40 countries around the world. Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community. For additional local information, please contact Sue Cridland, Director of Community Education for Nathan Littauer Hospital , (518) 736-1120 For additional information, please visit these websites: Walk to School Day in the USA www.walkbiketoschool.org National Center for Safe Routes to School www.saferoutesinfo.orgInternational Walk to School Day www.iwalktoschool.org About Walk to School DayWalk to School Day was established in the United States in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America. Canada and Great Britain already had walk to school programs in place. In 2000, these three countries joined together to create International Walk to School Day. The National Center for Safe Routes to School serves as the national coordinating agency for Walk to School activities in the United States. Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.Organizations supporting International Walk to School Day in the United States include America Walks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. xxx
Kathie Rohrs receives award for clinical strengths and vision Posted on May 13, 2013 by Dakota PikeCongratulations to our own Kathie Rohrs, MSN, RN, CDE, a Patient Education Coordinator and Diabetes Educator at Littauer who was awarded the prestigious Ellen Burns Award by the Nursing Organization from Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady counties last week. The Award is given annually to a nurse who has a vision of nursing and consistently explores new perspectives for meeting nursing challenges of the future by: articulating this vision into his/her own area of practice and assisting colleagues, new graduates, and students through support and role modeling, to embrace the vision. The organization also look for a change agent. That is, someone who promotes a positive image of nursing to the community through role-modeling and empowerment of self and others. She provides professional and/or community education, and she continuously strives toward professional growth. They also recognized Kathie for her excellence in nursing through assisting students and colleagues to meet personal and professional goals and by assisting the community to meet health needs and expectations. Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO states, “We are immensely proud of Kathie Rohrs and her outstanding work in the field of diabetic counseling and management. There are hundreds of people in our region who are walking examples of her work. They are the people who are living life to the fullest because of Kathie’s encouragement, skill and counsel after being diagnosed with diabetes.” He added, “We have always known her to be a passionate, committed nurse. It was only a matter of time before she was recognized for her work in this field.”
Nathan Littauer Celebrates Hospital Week Posted on May 10, 2013May 10, 2013 by Dakota PikeNational Hospital Week PutsSpotlight on PeopleA hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. That’s the message organizers are touting with the 2013 National Hospital Week theme “A Guiding Light for Changing Times.” National Hospital Week is May 12-18th of this year.Nathan Littauer is also celebrating National Nursing Home Week the same week. “National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people,” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer‘s President and CEO said. “We’re extremely proud of each member of our staff and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.”The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country. A full slate of community activities is planned for 2013. At a picnic May 16th employees will be recognized for their dedication to the Littauer Family of Health Services. In celebration the hospital plans the following activities:Monday: National Hospital Week kick-off Walking track challenge begins Volleyball Begins Reiki 2pm-4pm Blood Pressures from 11am-1pm in lobby Tuesday: Make your own Ice cream Sundays Music in Café’ Wednesday: Nathan Littauer gives back! Employee gifts. Massages 9am-1pm and 3:30pm- 6:30pm Reiki 1pm-2pmThursday: BBQ for hospital employees starting at 3am until 6pm Massages 6am – 8amFriday: Gifts to be handed out by managers. ZUMBA (in apple orchard parking lot) 4pmAccording to the American Hospital Association, “Hospitals are: Economic Contributors, Gateways to Care, and Centers of Innovation. Improving Community Health and Committed to Quality and Safety.”
Littauer Salutes a 50-year employee Posted on April 11, 2013April 11, 2013 by Dakota Pike“Shirley Cook is a part of this hospital” Shirley Cook worked at Nathan Littauer for 50 years. She recently retired after a send-off from a grateful hospital.In 1963 when Shirley Cook began her career at Nathan Littauer Hospital, the Beatles had just released “I want to hold your hand”, “To Kill a Mockingbird” was a favorite movie, the US started to use zip codes and AT&T had introduced touch tone phones. Gas prices were at $.30 a gallon. Last week, Nathan Littauer Hospital bid farewell to Shirley Cook who retired from Nathan Littauer’s Nutrition Services Department after 50 years of service. The hospital threw her a celebration on her last day working at the hospital. “Everyone likes Shirley Cook.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. He added, “The large turnout at her reception was the best way to acknowledge her career.” “Shirley is as much a part of NLH&NH as the foundation the building was built on.” stated Timothy J. Forte CDM, CFPP, and General Manager of Nutrition Services for Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and Shirley’s supervisor. “Having been with us for 50 years, Shirley experienced all of the changes our department has embarked on over those decades. Shirley’s bright smile, unmistakable laugh and warm heart will be missed. I am better for knowing her”.In a room filled with balloons, Shirley was surprised by the party. Hundreds of people came, some with gifts, many with stories, and all to bid her goodbye. “I will miss buying my coffee and chatting with her. She always had a smile for me” said Martin Brown, a hospital employee. Shirley’s family was also at the ceremony. Mr. Kelly surmised, “Shirley recently wondered to me how much money has she handled at the cafeteria’s cash register. I told her at least a million dollars!” Shirley received a bonus check as part of her retirement package and a special $500 gift card from the hospital. Pictures of the party may be seen on the hospital’s Facebook site.
Littauer gears up for an active tick season Posted on April 10, 2013April 10, 2013 by Dakota Pike “Hospital aims to reduce tick-borne illnesses” Nathan Littauer gets the word out about ticks.“The snow is still on the ground I have already found three ticks –one engorged on my puppy.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. And she is not alone. According to staff working at Littauer’s Perth Primary Care Center, local residents are already asking about tick bites. While the area braces for another busy tick season, Nathan Littauer is getting people ready with some tools needed to fend off Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. While the message is still “get outside”, the hospital is helping people enjoy the Adirondacks safely. The hospital has partnered with the one of the most astute resource groups in the US, The Tick Encounter Center out of Rhode Island. “Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to partner with the TickEncounter Resource Center. We have combined our resources to provide our neighbors and visitors with the most reliable strategies for preventing tick bites and tick-transmitted diseases.” explained Cheryl McGrattan. Last year, the hospital brought a world-renowned tick expert to the region. Thomas Mather, PhD appeared in sold-out town hall meetings. Continuing on that momentum, the hospital has launched a multi-media program aimed at preventing tick bites in the first place. The hospital has launched a new “Got ticks?” widget which can be found on the home page of www.nlh.org. The hospital has tools in place for this tick season.The hospital has launched a “tick widget” on their home page. The widget brings the surfer to a micro site complete with identification resources, video and additional information related to the prevention of tick bites. It also explains the “Top ten things to know about ticks”. Cheryl McGrattan explains, “So now if someone finds a tick they can literally log onto to nlh.org and identify the type of tick.” Only deer ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease. “We are no stranger to the outdoors.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. “As a full-service hospital located at the foothills of the Adirondacks, we are also no stranger to ticks. That is why we have launched a comprehensive community education program with TickEncounter to safeguard our residents and our region’s visitors. Our provider’s share our message of tick bite prevention.” The hospital gift shop is also selling Sawyer premium permethrin spray. The spray is recommended by Dr. Mather as one of the best defenses against tick bites, “As a treatment for clothing, Permethrin clothing insect repellent does not harm fabrics and is odorless after dried. Use Permethrin on clothing by itself or with skin-applied repellents to create the ultimate protective, armor-like insect barrier. Permethrin-treatments on clothing are non-toxic to humans and are registered for use by the U.S. EPA.”The hospital is also distributing shower tick cards for free to local camp grounds and summer camps. The shower cards show the areas of the body to check for tick bites and it also contains tick identification images. “It is important that we encourage people to look for ticks on their skin daily as it typically takes 24 hours for the tick to pass on anything threatening.” stated Dr. McBiles, Chief of Staff at Littauer. Summer camp counselors are encouraged to get a shower card by emailing the hospital at ticks@nlh.org. The hospital will also be using their powerful social media channels to inform the public about the importance of tick-bite prevention. Lastly, the hospital also has resources now available to providers in the Emergency Center for quick and more accurate tick identification. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Staff at Littauer explains, “We want people to enjoy all this region has to offer. And ticks should not prevent anyone from enjoying the outdoors. But we also want to be a resource to anyone who is striving to be tick-bite free.” XXX To find our tick widget, log onto www.nlh.org. In the right hand corner is a button with the image of a tick and the words, “Got ticks?” Community organizations like summer camps and campgrounds can email a request for a Tick Shower Card to the hospital at ticks@nlh.org.
For 25 years Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline program has touched the lives of seniors Posted on April 9, 2013April 9, 2013 by Dakota PikeProgram provides independence with help at the push of the button Maggie Luck holds a Lifeline button. Littauer’s Lifeline program is 25 years old. Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline program has reached a major milestone this year. The medical alert program, managed out of the hospital is celebrating 25 years of service to seniors in our region. Laurence E. Kelly Littauer’s President and CEO stated, “Lifeline is one of those programs Nathan Littauer provides that some people don’t know about. Yet Lifeline greatly impacts the quality of life for thousands of local people.” Littauer’s Lifeline is a medical alert system designed to reduce the risk of living alone. In the event of a fall or emergency, help is available at the push of a button. Since 1988, the LifeLine Littauer program has grown to over 500 subscribers serving thousands of people. Under the leadership and vision of Margaret Luck, Lifeline’s Director since its inception the program is credited with helping countless people. Mr. Kelly explained, “Maggie has been a tireless advocate for this program personally touching the lives of people throughout this region.” He added, “Not only is she passionate about elders and their independence, she has made it her life’s work to bring needed services to people in their homes.” Lifeline provides help at the press of a buttonLifeline offers people, usually senior, but some with other medical conditions, the confidence to continue to live independently at home. Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline Program serves people in the Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton County, and bordering communities in Herkimer and Saratoga Counties.“We are proud to have touched the lives of seniors.” said Maggie Luck, adding, “By offering Lifeline, we give seniors in our community a meaningful and needed service, allowing them to have the confidence to continue to live in the homes they love, knowing that help is available at a push of a button.” And Littauer subscribers agree, in a past survey program participants were asked what Lifeline meant to them and some responded, “Lifeline is so special, as I used to fall a lot. I walk slowly and watch every I step, but I feel safe with my Lifeline as I can get help when I need it. I will be 87 next month and I am still living at home. ” Another wrote, “It also means my husband can do things or go places and I do not have to feel guilty. It gives him and I freedom. I am not afraid of being alone.” Maggie Luck observed, “So many people cherish their independence. I am proud to help people live with dignity. So many family members- daughters and sons have increased peace of mind knowing that Lifeline can be there when they cannot. ” Lifeline operates out of Nathan Littauer Hospital On average, one of every three adults over age 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home – causing real concern for seniors and their caregivers. Lifeline is able to provide seniors with help at the push of a button which can make a significant difference in survival and recovery. Ms. Luck concludes, “Thousands of local people have stated, ‘My Lifeline makes me feel safe.’ That is a good legacy to have.”
