NLH aims to keep local children safe while participating in summer sports.

Littauer’s Sports Medicine and Rehab Team will host a seminar Nov 30.

Gloversville, NY — As summer sports camps start throughout the area, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Team is reminding local sports teams about the dangers of heat-related illness and dehydration. The hospital is offering a free 45 minute seminar “Beat the Heat” to coaches in the area to address the issue of heat-related illness and dehydration. The program, headed by William Oates, Director of the Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Team and STOP Sport Injuries liaison explains, “The goal here is to make sure our kids stay safe as the temperatures rise.” He added, “We have a real passion to keep our kids safe while they are on the field. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, we wanted to give as much information to local teams as possible.” Classes can be arranged at the hospital or at a central location.

As a physical therapist and former athlete Mr. Oates said, “At this time of the year we are very concerned about dehydration. The risk that an athlete will become dehydrated, or suffer a more serious heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, is always present, but increases dramatically when the heat index is high and we have hot, humid conditions.”

Studies show that between 50 and 75 percent of girls and boys attending summer sports camps are significantly dehydrated, according to three University of Connecticut studies. The studies found that 25 to 30 percent of the campers studied showed signs of serious dehydration, putting them at increased risk of heat-related illnesses. (Uconn, 2006)

Littauer warns that having sports drinks and water available are not enough. According to research, campers were dehydrated despite the availability of water and sports drinks, frequent breaks and coaches’ encouragement to stay hydrated. Oates said, “What a team needs is a hydration plan.”

“The children, ages 9 to 16, also suffered significant dehydration despite an overwhelming display of knowledge and positive attitudes about healthy hydration habits”, said Douglas Casa, a Certified Athletic Trainer and Director of Athletic Training Education at U Conn and lead researcher in the studies.

“Most campers thought they were doing a pretty good job of staying hydrated during the day, but their thirst level during practice was not a good indicator of their hydration status,” Casa said. “Obviously, there’s a gap between their knowledge and their actual behavior.” (Momsteams.com)

“Unfortunately you cannot use thirst as an indicator of dehydration.” explained Oates. “Dehydration can occur before an athlete gets thirsty. We want young athletes to be well-hydrated so they can avoid athletic performance issues or worse, be at risk for heat-related illnesses”

Studies also show that heat-related deaths are rising. The critical importance of hydration for athletes was highlighted by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research’s Annual Survey of Football Injuries, which reported 13 heat-related deaths among middle school and high school football players in 2006, the highest total since 1936. (UNC.edu)

“Now there are even apps on Iphones and smart phones to address dehydration.” explained Mr. Oates. To see get more information about the “Beat the Heat” program at Littauer please contact William Oates at 773-5540.

Some facts:

* Dehydration can begin when an athlete loses as little as 1 percent of body weight. In a 70-pound child, that is less than 1 pound of weight lost through sweat; (University of Missouri Extension)

* Dehydration effects performance: as little as a 2% decrease in body weight from fluid loss (e.g. 1.2 lb for a 60-lb athlete) can lead to a significant decrease in muscular strength and stamina; (Bar-OR, Dotan, “Voluntary hypohydration in 10 to 12 year old boys”).

* Children don’t tolerate heat and humidity as well as adults and get dehydrated very easily; (Berning and Nelson, “Nutrition for Sport and Exercise”, 2005)

* Children have a lower sweating rate; (Berning and Nelson, “Nutrition for Sport and Exercise”, 2005)

* Children experience greater heat production in exercise and has less ability to transfer this heat from muscles to the skin; (Berning and Nelson, “Nutrition for Sport and Exercise”, 2005)

* Dehydration is common in kids playing sports. (Bar-OR, Dotan, “Voluntary hypohydration in 10 to 12 year old boys”).

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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 upstate New York. 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 to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities. To learn more, please visit www.nlh.org.

Bonnie James Cooper named for a two- year term.

Bonnie James Cooper is our newly elected Auxiliary President

At a recent luncheon, the Nathan Littauer Auxiliary welcomed newly elected Auxiliary President, Bonnie James Cooper for a two- year term. Presenting her with a rose bedecked gavel is past president

Anita Moore.

The Gathering: May 2011

The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual “Gathering” at the hospital auditorium. More than 70 people attended the event including auxilians from St. Mary’s Healthcare. The auxilian’s theme was “Spring In The Adirondacks,” with guest speaker, Don Williams, author, storyteller and Adirondack Guide. Mr. Williams brought an array of yesteryear’s tools that our forefathers and mothers would have used getting their gardens ready for planting. He described the tool, its use and its simplistic; yet thorough way of getting the job done. After Mr. Williams’ talk and demonstration, the hospital’s nutritional department, led by Chef Tim Forte and his staff, set up an array of refreshments that encompassed the Adirondacks, from duck to trout. For dessert, the auxilian’s traditional all American,“make your own sundaes” topped off the evening. “The evening was a huge success”, commented Susan McNeil, volunteer director at the hospital, “our co-chairmen, Patty Franco and Grace Naselli and their committee did another outstanding job! The committee even donned Adirondack garb as hunters, guides, fishermen, a lot of fun!” Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President, commented that “both groups look forward to our evening in the spring, and St. Mary’s auxiliary hosts one in the fall.” For more information on volunteering, contact Susan McNeil at 773-5408.

Surrounded in mystery, chefs reveal a few hints for the evening’s menu

A peek at the menu

Gloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Foundation is gearing up for the Friday’s May 20th gala, THE EVENT, a yearly soiree to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development and one of THE EVENT organizers explained, “THE EVENT has been all over the world-so-to-speak. We have had evenings in Paris, a journey down the Nile and we have even ‘traveled’ on the Orient Express. But this year partygoers will be treated to something as American as apple pie- Monopoly.” She added, “The theme is generating a lot of enthusiasm.” The Foundation received special permission from Hasbro to use Monopoly as THE EVENT theme. “Hasbro was very supportive of our mission.” said Kelly Colby one of organizers of THE EVENT.

Tim Forte and Scott Norris make final preparations for THE EVENT

THE EVENT will be held Friday under a tent next to Ruby & Quiri starting at 7:00 pm. Guests will be treated to artwork, décor and food reflecting the game of Monopoly. Kelly Colby explained “Guests will even be able to get close to Pennsylvania Railroad.”

Perhaps the most anticipated part of evening as well as the most closely guarded is the menu. Susan Kiernan said, “People time and time again, rave about the food at THE EVENT.” She added, “I cannot reveal too much about this menu but I can tell you that chefs from across the state have helped to create this Monopoly inspired event.” THE EVENT will feature seven “action food stations”. For example, The Pacific Avenue food station will have Northwest Salmon Cakes with Lemon Pepper Aioli. If you visit the Boardwalk Food Station guests will be treated to Mini Coney Island Hotdogs or a Creole Seafood Tartlet.

“We really stretch our culinary muscles at THE EVENT. And the feedback we get from the guests is extraordinary.” stated Tim Forte one of the chefs for THE EVENT adding, “The culinary team works for months designing a menu which is eclectic and satisfying.” This year, the culinary team is sourcing local foods as well.

Music will be provided by the T. S. Ensemble. “I say it every year.” said Susan Kiernan, “Most of all, this is a great party for a great cause.” THE EVENT is listed on the Capital District Book of Lists as one of the most successful one-day fundraisers in our region. In the previous eight years, THE EVENT has raised almost one million dollars for the hospital. Sue Kiernan notes, “People know that behind all the festivities lies a community hospital who greatly appreciates the support we receive from our community.”

If anyone is interested in getting tickets for Friday’s event, please call 773-5505.

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Watch the story here!

YNN: first reported on May 11, 2011

Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records with consent. YNN’s Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients.

Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records. Our Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients.

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GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. — A patient’s information, just a mouse click away.

“We’re sharing this information so that patients can benefit from our records wherever they may receive care in the area,” said Martin Brown, the Chief Information Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

This electronic sharing of patient data is made possible through HIXNY, or the Healthcare Information X-change of New York.

Nathan Littauer Hospital joins 27 other upstate healthcare facilities already part of the organization.

“With the institution of HIXNY, we will be able to instantaneously have access to the medical records from most of the regional facilities,” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the hospital.

“Before this, we had fax machines,” said Brown.

And a whole lot of red tape.

“Get the patient’s consent, fax that consent to the organization, and they fax you the records when they get around to it in maybe two or three days,” said Brown. “This would allow immediate access at the time of care.”

But agreeing to join on with HIXNY does not automatically allow for the sharing of patient records. Each person will have to sign a consent form, which hospital officials hope everyone will do.

“There really are no negatives to allowing us consent to access your information,” said Duthaler. “The information will still be kept private.”

But Dr. Duthaler does admit to a loophole, but says it only applies in a critically life-threatening emergency.

“When that patient would be least able to provide us with their history, we would have access to it,” said Duthaler.

“We would be able to bring up your records so we don’t have to do everything in the dark,” said Brown.

Just one more reason, they say, to sign on the dotted line.