Littauer Birthing Center again recognized for higher quality in maternity care Posted on February 8, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthy moms and babies at Nathan Littauer Hospital with Littauer Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, at centerGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 2018) – Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has once again recognized the Nathan Littauer Hospital Birthing Center with a Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community. Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization, and cesarean sections the most common operating room procedures, according to National Centers for Health Statistics and the Agency for Health care Research & Quality (AHRQ). Reducing early elective delivery is an area of focus for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)According to Health Affairs, elective inductions result in more cesarean deliveries and a longer maternal hospitalization. The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on quality measures for vaginal and cesarean delivery.Littauer is proud to be recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Center quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.“I am so proud of our team,” said Maureen Mosher, Littauer Manager of Maternal Child Health. “Last year, we were one of the first hospitals designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care. It is a distinction we achieve through our heartfelt dedication to our patients and community.”Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies across the nation have recognized more than 1,000 hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care. Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and cost measures derived from BCBS companies’ medical claims.Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, maternity care, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other hospitals, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.
Littauer announces new Emergency Management Supervisor, Patrick LaBuff Posted on February 1, 2018 by Dakota PikeLittauer Supervisor of Security and Emergency Management, Patrick LaBuffGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 25, 2018) – Littauer is proud to welcome Patrick LaBuff as the hospital’s new Emergency Management Supervisor. LaBuff comes to Littauer with a dual Masters degree in Homeland Security and Disaster Management from American Military University. He received his B.A in Political Science from Binghamton University, and an A.A.S in Homeland Security & Disaster Management from Onondaga Community College, along with Firefighter Certifications from the New York State Fire Academy.LaBuff’s professional career has included working with United States Congress as a Federal Liaison Caseworker engaged in communications between constituents and federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA/ICE, Department of Justice/FBI/ATF, to state a few.After his initial work, he was promoted to Homeland Security & EM Advisor, maintaining effective communications between the member of Congress and Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Military personnel, and other stakeholders throughout the district. LaBuff’s assignment had him providing a hazard/threat assessment over an eight county district which included 750,000 people. His experience has had him assist with over six international/national crisis incidents.“Littauer is thrilled to have a professional with Patrick’s education and professional background directly on our campus,” said Leslie Beadle, Littauer’s Vice President and Administrator of NLH Nursing Home. “He brings great skills to apply to our emergency preparedness plans to ensure a safe, secure environment.”In addition, LaBuff was recognized with the Presidential Call to Service Award, presented by the Obama Administration for 4,000 hours of volunteer service.“My passion for security and management stems from an entire family of dedicated public servants. In fact, I have family in Newtown, Connecticut, and the Sandy Hook shooting reinforced my passion for emergency management,” said LaBuff. LaBuff’’s responsibilities include hospital security, and emergency management at Littauer and all 10 primary/specialty care centers.
Littauer introduces Rev. Brian Dykema, as on-call chaplain Posted on January 31, 2018 by Dakota Pike– Littauer’s new On-Call Chaplain, the Rev. Brian Dykema Littauer announces the addition of the Reverend Brian Dykema to their Pastoral Care Department. He is Littauer’s new On-Call Chaplain, now assisting the Rev. Bonnie Orth with Littauer’s Pastoral Care. He began working with Littauer in December 2017. “I have to say, I really enjoy the people here at Littauer,” said Dykema . “I am greatly impressed with the true kindness and compassion I see exhibited here daily.” Rev. Dykema grew up in Michigan with a legacy of family involved in ministry. It wasn’t until he was a young adult that he knew this calling was his as well. He completed his college and seminary training in Michigan. He then completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Rev. Dykema moved to this community originally as the pastor of the Calvary Reformed Church in Hagaman, New York. He then served as the pastor of the Johnstown Reformed Church for 10 years. He then joined Littauer and is pleased with the opportunity. He is married to his wife Sarah and living in Johnstown. They have a 15 year-old chocolate-lab mixed dog appropriately named Coco. Rev. Dykema, who likes to be called simply Brian, can be reached through Littauer Pastoral Care at (518) 773-5655. The Pastoral Care office is located on the second floor of the hospital.
Littauer announces Tammy Kennedy as Goodwill Award winner Posted on January 24, 2018 by Dakota PikeLittauer fourth-quarter Goodwill Award recipient, Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, with Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly on Tuesday GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 23, 2018) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home honored Tammy Kennedy, Performance Improvement Coordinator, with the 2017 fourth-quarter Goodwill Award. She was presented the award by Littauer President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly before a gathering of her peers on Tuesday morning.“Tammy is an outstanding employee, one that we can look up to,” said Kelly. “Her values mirror those that Littauer stand for, and that’s what got her here.”Kennedy is a 30 year Littauer employee, hired in January 1988. She has been promoted twice to her current position. Her perpetual role of accommodation, cheerfulness and kindness, along with her signature smile, were noted in most nominations. Kelly went on to point out many of the accolades that Tammy received as a new hire 30 years ago, are mirrored by what her peers still are saying today. “I am so very surprised,” said Kennedy. “And so very honored.”Recipients for the award are nominated by NLH employees, providers or patients and submitted to the Goodwill Committee. They are selected in a blind format.Kennedy received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.
Wellness Words January 2018 Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Alzheimer’s DiseaseJust as our bodies change with age, so do our brains. As we get older, most people tend to notice occasional forgetfulness, a slowed thought process, or a mouth that can’t always speak what the mind is thinking. However, serious forgetfulness or confusion with age can be a sign of failing brain cells. These failing brain cells may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer’s disease?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term used to describe a severe decline in mental ability. Due to the severity of decline, those that have the disease cannot maintain their usual day–to–day activities. Alzheimer’s is a gradual, progressive disease that worsens over time, and is not a normal part of aging. In the early stages, individuals experience mild memory loss. As the disease progresses, people often lose their memory, their ability to carry on conversations, and their ability to respond to their surrounding environment. How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?Scientists are still uncertain of the exact cause and process of Alzheimer’s disease, however, many believe Alzheimer’s affects our brain cells and keeps them from operating correctly. Our brains have millions of nerve cells that connect to other cells, creating pathways for communication and performing specific jobs including learning, thinking, seeing, smelling, and hearing. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to cause backups and breakdowns between these cells and their functions, which leads to damage, cell death, and irreversible changes within the brain. As this happens, our brain can no longer perform the tasks it used to. Who does the disease affect?Alzheimer’s disease is most common in adults over 65, but not everyone who is 65 or older gets Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association states there are currently 200,000 Americans under 65 that have early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What are the symptoms?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:Difficulty remembering newly learned informationDisorientation, mood and behavior changesConfusion about events, time and placeSuspicions about others including family members, friends, or co- workersMore serious memory lossDifficulty speaking, swallowing, or walkingWhat are the risk factors?The three main risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include increasing age, family history, and genetics. As we age, we are more likely to have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Similarly, our family history and our genetics also increase our risk of developing the disease.How can we prevent Alzheimer’s?Age, family history, and genetics are all risk factors that we cannot control. However, the Alzheimer’s Association believes that research has begun to show some risk factors that are influenced by our health.Brain health may be linked to heart health. Therefore, if you have a disease that affects or damages the heart, you are more likely to also develop Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly, monitor your heart health, and make good lifestyle choices to help prevent the likelihood of onset. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco, make sure to exercise daily, and eat a nutritious, balanced diet.There’s also a strong link between head injuries and developing Alzheimer’s, so it’s important to wear a helmet as needed for outdoor activities and always buckle your seatbelt when in a motor vehicle to prevent injury.While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can choose to make lifestyle choices that promote our health and well-being, and help decrease our risk for disease.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Living With Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Or Dementia’ presented by Meagan DeMento B.A., Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, on January 24 in Littauer’s Auditorium.You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Littauer announces their first baby of 2018 Posted on January 3, 2018 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s first baby of 2018, Ryder Xavier Henderson, son of Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of GloversvilleGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (January 3, 2018) – The Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announces the arrival of the first baby of the New Year 2018. Ryder Xavier Henderson, son of Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of Gloversville, was born at 5:31 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2018, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces. He is the couple’s first child.On Wednesday, members of the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary presented the couple with a gift of supplies valuing approximately $300, at a special presentation the auxiliary has done for over 30 years.Littauer’s first baby of 2018, Ryder Xavier Henderson, seated with his parents Ashley Boles and Aaron Henderson of Gloversville. Standing is NLH&H Auxiliary President Norma Cozzolino, left and NLH Director of Volunteer Services Susan McNeil
