2013 was an oustanding year at Nathan Littauer Posted on February 7, 2014 by Dakota PikeAs Nathan Littauer welcomes 2014, we take a look at all we accomplished in 2013 Nathan littauer Heals In 2013
So far, Nathan Littauer is seeing a slower flu season in 2013-2014 Posted on January 24, 2014January 24, 2014 by Dakota PikeNYS DOH released its most recent flu data. the red line is this year 2014Nathan Littauer is seeing a less active flu season this year than in past years, according to Littauer’s Infection Control Specialist, Theresa Klausner, NP. The hospital has not restricted its visitation policy due to flu activity as other local hospitals have recently announced. “So far Nathan Littauer has seen a fairly slow start to the flu season.” stated Cheryl McGrattan, hospital spokesperson, adding, “We are continually monitoring the flu data and we will change our visitation policy if needed. We always have the best interest of our patients in mind.” The hospital’s visiting hours are: 11am to 8pm.
Dr. James Anania to speak on WAMC’s Medical Monday Program Posted on January 17, 2014January 17, 2014 by Dakota PikeMeet Dr. James Anania, an anesthesiologist at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, New York, certified with the American Board of Anesthesiology, who joined NLH in 2008.Dr. Anania will be on WAMC’s Jan. 20 Medical Monday program with Dr. Alan Chartock discussing the latest medical updates and procedures available with today’s anesthesiology. He will be available to field questions and discuss all aspects of the topic.Dr. James Anania anesthesiologist at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville who will presenting on WAMC’s Medical Monday with Dr. Alan Chartock from 2 to 3 p.m.Expect Dr. Anania to explain the latest advancements controlling pain post-op and intra-surgery, how to recognize a patients signs of discomfort, intra-op recall, regional blocks and the use of ultrasound to visualize the nerve and precautions in preventing post-op nausea. Learn how under Dr. Anania’s guidance, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home maintains a 100 percent success rate.Dr. Anania will candidly discuss important information that patients should make known to their anesthesiologist prior to surgery such as their cardiac history, current physical health, and and current drugs the patients are on medically and recreationally.What makes Dr. Anania a most interesting doctor is what he does in his spare time. When not at the Surgery Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Dr. Anania volunteers his time to travel to underserved areas throughout the world. He serves as a volunteer for the NGOs (Non- Governmental Organization) Smile Train and ReSurge International. He has worked in third world countries on three occasions to date, assisting people – especially children who need surgery. Dr. Anania is part of ReSurge International (formerly Interplast). The organization works with Smile Train and other NGO’s “to restore the health and dreams to children and adults with deformities and injuries (such as disabling burns and clefts) so they can go to school, return to work to care for their families and be productive members of society. They also build surgical capacity in underserved areas to increase year-round access to surgical care. ReSurge mission is to reduce global suffering and poverty by giving more and more patients a second chance for a normal, productive life.Dr. Anania states that despite the exhausting schedule and challenging setting, he feels truly rewarded when he meets the patients and their grateful families. He explains, “The family members are very appreciative. This is truly life-changing. These kids tend to be ostracized and these surgeries are a new lease on life for them.”An avid photographer, Dr. Anania had taken photos of his journey which are posted on the hospital’s Facebook site. He summarizes, “I like to do this. This is where medicine can change a person’s life. And these are extremely poor people.” He added, “I am satisfied to know that I played a direct role in changing somebody’s life.”Listen to Dr. Anania’s interview with Dr. Alan Chartock as WAMC broadcasts live in seven states at local stations: WAMC, 90.3 FM, Albany NY; WAMC, 1400 AM, Albany, NY or WCAN, 93.3 FM, Canajoharie NY.
Nathan Littauer reviews 2013 Posted on January 17, 2014January 17, 2014 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer took a look at all we accomplished in 2013. What a year! From ground breaking surgeries to new heights in patient satisfaction scores, it was a good year. See it here: Nathan littauer Heals In 2013
We celebrate clean hands Posted on January 15, 2014January 15, 2014 by Dakota PikeAt Nathan Littauer we are obsessed with clean hands. See why.
Wellness Words January 2014 Posted on January 15, 2014 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Make Resolutions That Will Last All YearAt midnight on January 1st, many of us were shouting Happy New Year, and singing the traditional New Year’s Eve song, Auld Lang Syne. It’s also a time when people start thinking about the year ahead and making resolutions, making lists of things they don’t want to do, and how they will deprive themselves of the things they like and enjoy. Why not make some resolutions this year that will add to the quality, health, and happiness of your life?HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED RESOLUTIONS FOR 2014Everything in ModerationNow, we all know that donuts and French fries are not good for us, but what is the likelihood of giving them up altogether? If you set the standards too high, you will wind up failing, feel badly about yourself and be less likely to “stick to it.” Instead, why not allow yourself a portion of those foods once or twice a week. Set a day, like Friday, for one treat. When you know you are going to have that treat on Friday, you will be more motivated to stick with the healthy foods throughout the rest of the week.Choose LocalFruits and vegetables are important, they give us the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. Why not support local farmers, and in turn, end up with better tasting products, since local products get from the farm to the shelf quicker. Try visiting your local farm stand or farmer’s market (a little harder to find in the winter) or your local food coop, likely open all year long. If you are computer savvy, check out LocalHarvest.org for more information on local produce.Move More If you don’t really like to exercise, or if you are not already involved in daily movement, resolving to spend three hours in the gym probably will not go well. Try setting SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and timely. For example: “I’m going to walk at the mall, 30 minutes a day, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next two months.” Or, “I’m going to take a senior water aerobics class at the Y for 8 weeks, starting next week.” Also, gyms and exercise classes are fun but don’t forget to think outside the box! Try hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. Don’t forget about walking at the mall or a local school, museums, and while site seeing.Try Something NewPeople stick with what they know and commonly say, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Why not spice things up a bit. Try having a “meatless Monday” or that new (healthy) recipe you saw recently in a magazine. Start one of those hobbies you have always thought about. Get involved in the community by volunteering at your local hospital, soup kitchen, animal shelter, or theater program. Take a vacation to a place you have always wanted to go but have never been. Have An Attitude of Gratitude…All Year LongSend hand written letters and cards to those you love, letting them know just how much they mean to you. Maybe even send a care package “just because” to let people know you are thinking about them. It is so nice to receive letters in the mail with warm thoughts and messages from loved ones, isn’t it? Start the “gratitude jar” tradition. Use any glass jar you have on hand, and decorate it any way you like. Each time you are grateful for something, write it on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Review the slips with family and friends on December 31st, reminiscing about those events will allow you to enjoy them again. Lastly, remember to celebrate your efforts towards keeping your resolutions, and have a happy and healthy 2014!For more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words December 2013 Posted on December 17, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator The Healing Power Of Gratitude‘Tis the season when we’re reminded to count our blessings and help those in need, however there are many benefits to embracing an “attitude of gratitude” all year long that you must consider. Reminding yourself to be thankful for the things that you have in life rather than focusing on what you don’t have, can change your life profoundly.The ResearchIn fact, according to Robert Emmons, PhD. at the University of California, there are many physical health, physiological well-being, and relationship benefits of practicing gratitude. Dr. Emmons has been studying the effects gratitude for over ten years, working with more than 1,000 people ages 8 to 80, and found some of the effects of practicing gratitude to include: stronger immune system, less aches and pains, lower blood pressure, higher levels of positive emotions, happiness and optimism, more generosity, forgiveness, and people were also more outgoing. According to Emmons, practicing gratitude can also help us in celebrating the present moment, blocking negative emotions, resisting stress, and feeling a higher sense of worth. So, what can you do to recognize and express your gratitude?Strategies to Begin Practicing GratitudeStart a gratitude journal and record those things that you are grateful for. It will likely take just a few minutes each day to jot down things like spending time with loved ones, receiving a special letter or a phone call, family, great job, etc. Keep a notebook by your bed and write for a few minutes each morning or at night before you go to sleep to reflect on the day.Think about life according to the “George Bailey Effect” (referencing the character George Bailey from the movie It’s A Wonderful Life). Choose something that is special to you, either a person, place, or event that is meaningful to you and write about how your life would be different without that special person, place, or event. This will help you cultivate a deeper appreciation for that which you do have in life, and take the focus off of what you don’t have.Slow down this holiday season and do only what you really want to do. Often times we do things out of obligation and then don’t enjoy ourselves while doing them. Enjoy yourself, be grateful for the time you can spend with friends and loved ones, and learn that it’s ok to say no, you don’t even have to give an explanation.Paying it forward is another way to express our appreciation for all of the blessings bestowed upon us. If someone does something nice for you, do something nice for someone else that may be in need. You can also take part in a random act of kindness and do something nice for someone just because.Finally, change your self talk into grateful thinking (Psychology Today). Self talk is “the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our heads every day” (Mayo Clinic 2011). For many of us, our self talk focuses on negative thoughts and messages. It is important to turn off those negative thoughts and tune in to more positive ones. We can do that by re-framing our thoughts. Start by thinking about situations differently and focus on the positive and all that we have to be grateful for. Think of the glass as half full rather than half empty. Then, focus on the things that you can change, rather than on the things you can’t.Practicing gratitude can make you happier, improve your health, well-being, and even your relationships. So, practice gratitude, be happy, and in turn, be healthy!For more information, contact HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
