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Visiting Hours Change

March 16, 2020

To further protect staff, patients, and community members, Littauer is changing our visitation guidelines – March 18, 2020

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is issuing the following guidance regarding visitors to hospitals and other precautions and procedures hospitals must take to protect and maintain the health and safety of their patients and staff during the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

NYSDOH issues guidelines effective immediately:

Hospital visitation is suspended.
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home must not accept visitors at this time.

Compassionate exemptions are allowed; for family members or legal representatives of patients in imminent end-of-life situations.
Speak to your nurse. 

Facilitated Enrollment – NYS of Health Marketplace will NOT be scheduling face to face interviews nor will they be accepting any walk-ins. Enrollments are being done by phone only. Clients, patients and members of the community can contact our office at 518-775-4092 for enrollment assistance.


For Labor and delivery, the Department considers one support person essential to patient care throughout labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period.  This person can be the patient’s spouse, partner, sibling, doula, or another person they choose. In these settings, this person will be the ONLY support person allowed to be present during the patient’s care. It is discouraged that the support person be 60 years of age or older. We are calling all patients expected to deliver. This designated support person must:

Have their temperature taken every 12 hours
Must stay in room when meals are delivered

In addition:

Any visitors meeting these exceptions must be screened for symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, or fever) or potential exposure to someone with COVID-19 and the duration and number of visits should be minimized.

Hospitals should attempt to provide other forms of communication to meet the needs of their patients.

Hospitals must post signage notifying the public of the suspension of visitation in all hospital entrances and in parking lots. In addition, these policies should be posted to the hospital’s website and social media pages.

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Wellness Words March 2020

March 13, 2020

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Tammy Merendo, R.N. B.S.N.

Director of Community Education

 

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2.3 million people have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a disease that effects the central nervous system (CNS).

The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. When damage occurs in the CNS, it interferes with the transmission of nerve signals and can cause symptoms like numbness and tingling, blurred vision, double vision, weakness, poor coordination, imbalance, pain, depression, fatigue and problems with memory and concentration.

MS is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms can be vague, they differ from person to person, and there is no single lab test to confirm the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spinal fluid analysis are helpful in diagnosing. Most often people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 but it can occur in any age group. Women are 2-3 times more likely to have MS than men.

There is no evidence that MS is directly inherited but there are genetic factors that increase the risk of developing MS, and there are environmental factors such as low vitamin D and cigarette smoking that increase a person’s risk.

There are 4 different courses that MS can take:

  1. Clinically Isolated Syndrome – The first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the CNS.
  2. Relapsing-Remitting MS – Characterized by periods of relapses also called attacks or exacerbations that subside, a person may return to their previous state or they may have disease progression after.
  3. Secondary Progressive MS – Occurs after the relapsing-remitting and is usually more progressive.
  4. Primary Progressive MS – A gradual but steady progression of disability from the onset of symptoms, with few or no relapses or remissions or new MRI activity.

Although there is no cure for MS, there are now medications that help to change the course of the disease and limit new areas of damage in the CNS in certain courses. These drugs are called “disease-modifying” drugs and they can help reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, the number of new lesions in the CNS, and they may slow the progression of disability. If you have MS, talk to your health care provider to see if there is a drug that could benefit you.

The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled. Two-thirds remain able to walk, though many will need an aid, such as a cane or crutches. Some people will use a scooter or wheelchair because of fatigue, weakness, and balance problems or to conserve energy.

Things to remember if you or a loved one has MS is that everyone is different. Some people may be able to do more than others before they need to take a rest break. It is important that people with MS listen to their bodies, pace themselves, and be aware of what triggers them.

Over all, anyone and everyone can benefit from a healthy diet and exercise, by managing stress and utilizing positive coping mechanisms, and keeping your mind organized and stimulated.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has MS Navigators available to help anyone with MS identify solutions and provide access to resources by calling 1-800-344-4867 for assistance.

For more information, talk to your healthcare provider or contact HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center located at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

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Visitation Guidelines Strengthened at Capital Region Hospitals

March 12, 2020

Visitation guidelines strengthened at Capital Region hospitals

Hospitals around the Capital Region are strengthening visitation guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Albany Med, St. Peter’s Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, Columbia Memorial Health, Ellis Medicine, Glens Falls Hospital, and Nathan Littauer Hospital all teamed up to release the latest guidelines.

Visitors should refer to the hospitals’ websites for guidance.
To read more on Nathan Littauer Hospital’s current visitor guidelines, click here.

By the end of this week, visitors will begin to be briefly interviewed at hospital entrances.

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is not accepting visitors at this time.

Compassionate exemptions are an exception; speak to a nurse.

For more information on Capital Region hospitals’ strengthened guidelines, watch the Channel 13 WNYT news report here.

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Guidance From Littauer on COVID 19

March 7, 2020

New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline:
1-888-364-3065

A new coronavirus (2019 novel coronavirus), first detected in China, is now spreading worldwide. This virus causes a disease called COVID-19 and can lead to fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in a growing number of countries and the virus is now spreading in the United States.

Like many hospitals across the country, Nathan Littauer has been working to ensure we are equipped and ready to respond to COVID- 19. We are committed to the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and employees. Our preparations involve ensuring we are equipped to respond to any potential cases in our area. We are continuing to work closely with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health departments to actively monitor and respond to this dynamic situation.

Symptoms

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pneumonia

If you develop these symptoms please call your primary care provider before seeking treatment in person, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing others. A provider will talk to you on the telephone, give advice for caring for yourself at home or pave the way to a full coronavirus workup. 

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Protect Yourself

Regular hand washing remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, including seasonal flu. People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Protect Others

At this time, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is currently under visitor restrictions.
To learn more about Littauer’s visitation guidelines, click here.

If you are sick, avoid contact with people and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve (not your hands) or a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Helpful Resources

NYSDOH: Novel Coronavirus

CDC: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC: What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
 

County Health Department Contact Information
 

County  Phone Number
Albany (518) 447-4580
Clinton (518) 565-4840
Columbia (518) 828-3358
Essex (518) 873-3500
Franklin (518) 481-1710
Fulton (518) 736-5720
Greene (518) 719-3600
Hamilton (518) 648-6497
Herkimer (315) 866-6879
Lewis (315) 376-5433
Montgomery (518) 853-3531
Oneida (315) 798-5748
Rensselaer (518) 270-2655
Saratoga (518) 584-7460
Schenectady (518) 386-2810
Schoharie (518) 295-8382
Warren (518) 761-6580
Washington (518) 746-2400

You may question whether you should attend an appointment with your PCP or our Specialist offices for routine or follow up care that is not related to a respiratory illness.

Our plan is to deter respiratory sick calls from our offices during this time.  You will be safe attending your regular visits.

Should the county, state or nationwide advice on this change, we will change our policy to conform and we will notify you.  

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Small is Powerful

March 2, 2020

Introducing Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s campaign: Small is Powerful!

One of the many photographs taken by Trampoline, which features Patricia Nguyen, MD, OBGYN, a medical provider with Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home launches its new campaign.
The campaign, which launched February 28th, emphasizes a small, local approach to care, and celebrates Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s community.

“We’re the only small, independent hospital left in the Capital Region,” says Vice President of Marketing with Littauer, Cheryl McGrattan. “It means we provide focused care. It is like they say, ‘Good things come in small packages.’ Small is powerful gives our community an example of what we provide.”

The health care organization contracted with the Glens Falls ad agency, Trampoline, to develop the commercials.

“At a time when health care is at the center of conversations around the globe, the opportunity to highlight a local hospital caring for its community felt wonderful. We interviewed providers and employees at Nathan Littauer, and were so moved by their passion and dedication; hopefully you feel that in the campaign,” explained Derek Slayton, Managing Partner at Trampoline.

Small care can have a big impact.
Watch our 30-second brand commercial and long-form video below:

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. Please visit  www.nlh.org for more information.

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Wellness Words February 2020

February 18, 2020

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.

Heart Health

Did you know that your heart and blood vessels change with age? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) people over 65 years of age are much more likely to have problems with their heart and blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke, heart disease and heart failure.

How The Heart Works

The heart is a strong muscle in your chest that pumps blood throughout your body. It works like an engine to keep your body running and is controlled by an electrical system that determines how fast and how hard the heart beats. The heart is divided into four different sections, two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. Each chamber is separated by a valve that opens and closes when blood enters or leaves. The right side of the heart receives blood low in oxygen from the body and pumps it to the lungs to receive oxygen. The left side of the heart pumps the blood high in oxygen to the rest of the body.

Age–Related Changes

According to the NIA, as you age, your heart and blood vessels lose some of their ability to function as efficiently as when you were younger. Over many years, fatty deposits begin to build up in the blood vessels, specifically the arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. Stiffening of the arteries is called arteriosclerosis and narrowing of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. The muscles of the heart also become weakened and the chambers of the heart can increase in size. A weakened heart may lead to an arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, while an increase in size of the chambers will decrease the amount of blood your heart can hold, causing it to fill more slowly. The valves of the heart can also stiffen with age, limiting the flow of blood into and out of each chamber.

Heart Disease

The NIA defines heart disease as the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are located outside of the heart and are responsible for delivering blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Over time, as fatty deposits build up, they can block the flow of blood to your heart muscle or cause a rupture in your arteries. This leads to a lack of oxygen–rich blood to the muscles of the heart, resulting in chest pain or even heart attack (cell death of heart muscle). In order to protect your heart and your body, it’s important to educate yourself on the symptoms of heart disease and the steps you can take to improve heart health.

Symptoms Of Heart Disease

The NIA lists several signs and symptoms of heart disease including:

  • Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
  • Chest pain during physical activity that gets better when you rest
  • Pain, numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back
  • Shortness of breath at rest or during activity
  • Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or confused
  • Headache, feeling tired or fatigued
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cold sweats
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach or neck
  • Difficulty performing normal activities
  • Difficulty exercising or being physically active

People with heart disease may or may not experience symptoms, so it’s important to regularly visit your healthcare provider.

Prevention

In order to protect your heart, the NIA recommends:

  • Following a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy
  • Increasing physical activity to get 150 minutes of activity each week
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Minimizing alcohol consumption
  • Managing stress
  • Managing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, talk with your healthcare provider about managing your condition. They will be able to give you a plan that best fits your lifestyle and needs.

For more information on heart health, talk to your healthcare provider or contact HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120.  You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center located at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown.  We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

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Littauer Welcomes New Physician Assistant

February 18, 2020

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to welcome Alison Townsend, Registered/Certified Physician Assistant, or RPA-C, to our medical staff. Townsend brings 18 years of expertise and medical experience to Littauer. She practiced in Saint Johnsville, Little Falls, and Middleburgh prior to joining the medical team at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Townsend recently started her practice with Littauer January 13.

Alison Townsend, RPA-C, a provider with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home‘s Caroga Lake Primary Care Center


“All the staff are very welcoming,” Townsend says. “Littauer is a comfortable setting for a medical provider. It feels like you’re part of a family.”

Alison Townsend, RPA-C, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She continued her studies at Midwestern University, where she obtained her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies.


“The best part of my day is helping my patients reach their health goals,” Townsend adds. “I choose to practice at Nathan Littauer Hospital because Littauer is patient-centered and provides me with unending support for myself and my patients.”

“I am extremely excited,” says Townsend. “I love the patients I have had the opportunity to work with so far, and I am looking forward to meeting more members of the region.”

Townsend is a physician’s assistant focused on family practice. She brings to Littauer clinically astute medical expertise and is a provider to all ages.
She is currently accepting new patients at Nathan Littauer’s Caroga Lake Primary Care Center. Her office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, you may call the Caroga Lake Primary Care Center at (518) 835-2341

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About Nathan Littauer
Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. 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. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

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