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.
Wellness Words November 2013 Posted on November 15, 2013November 15, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Emergency Preparedness: Prepare, Plan, Stay InformedWhat will you do when faced with an emergency or natural disaster, for example a flood, major ice or snow storm, tornado, or extended power outage? Many people do not consider the steps they will take until faced with a situation. FEMA’s Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed Guide (developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with AARP, American Red Cross, and National Organization on Disabilities) suggests these easy tips that may help you be prepared for whatever may come our way.STEP ONE: MAKE SAFETY KITSPrepare two safety kits, one that will stay at home and a lighter one you can travel with. What you put in these kits depends on the types of things that you use on a day to day basis. Here are some suggestions from FEMA:One gallon of water per person per day for at least three daysNon-perishable foods and a can openerBattery powered or NOAA weather radiosFlashlightsExtra batteriesFirst aid kit and your medicationsA whistle to signal for helpTools that you may need to complete tasks like turning off utilitiesMoist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal hygienePlastic sheeting and duct tape will help in times of contaminated air, as well as dust masksMaps and other important documents such as wills, deeds, power of attorney, banking information, and tax records should be kept in a water proof container.Don’t forget Fido! Pets need everything that we need, so make sure to have plenty of water and food on hand for your furry friends.STEP TWO: MAKE A PLANContact anyone that might visit you on a day to day basis, like a visiting nurse or home health aide, and find out what their emergency or disaster procedures are.Create an emergency contact list of family and friends that will support you in case of an emergency and share important parts of your plan, like where you will evacuate to, and where your emergency supplies are.Develop a family communication plan outlining how you will contact one another. Each family member could be assigned to call or email one friend or relative, like a phone tree.Make plans for staying put and evacuating. Base your decision on whether to stay or go from local authorities, and news reports of official instructions.When you make an evacuation plan, consider destinations in different directions to give you more options.If you have special needs, for example you use a cane or wheelchair, oxygen, Lifeline, if you have difficulty hearing, a visual impairment, etc., consider filling out the Fulton County Disabled Persons Voluntary Registry. This authorizes emergency responders to enter your home in an emergency to assure your safety and welfare. Forms can be obtained at Fulton County Public Health, Office For Aging, Office of Civil Defense and Fire Coordination, and NathanLittauerHospital’s Lifeline program as well.STEP THREE: STAY INFORMEDThere are a few ways you can receive local information in the event of an emergency, such as the current situation at hand, designated shelters, power outages, road blocks, etc. First, stay tuned to local radio stations, like WIZR and WENT. Second, be on the look out for your local fire departments, as they may be deployed to provide assistance. Fulton County is also working on establishing a reverse 911 system that would provide emergency automated messages via phone.To learn more about how you can prepare yourself in case of an emergency, and what types of emergencies are likely to affect our region, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239).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 October 2013 Posted on October 11, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Medication SafetyDid you know that Saturday, October 26th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day? The purpose of this event is to provide a safe way for people to dispose of their unused or expired prescription drugs, and to educate the general public about the potential for prescription drug abuse.In a 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration determined that 70% of children who abuse prescription drugs admit to getting them from family or friends.Why can’t we just throw our medications in the trash? According to AARP, participating in Take-Back Events will:Minimize opportunities for people seeking to use discarded medications illegally or sell them.Keep medications away from children and animals.Keep toxins and chemicals in medications from polluting our environment.Be Sure That Your Medications Are Safe and Secure According to the National Council on Patient Information and Education, there are things we can do to ensure our medications are stored and disposed of safely:Complete a medicine cabinet inventory at least every 6 months.Check the expiration dates on medicine bottles and dispose of anything outdated (see safe disposal tips below).Look for and dispose of any “leftovers,” or medications from a previous illness.Keep medications in a location that is safe, cool, and dry as heat and humidity can damage medication. Medications arriving by mail should not be left in a mailbox for too long.Lock up medications, especially controlled substances, in locked boxes or drawers.Keep your medications separate from those of your spouse or other family members.Open pill bottles over a flat surface. In the event that you drop or spill the bottle, pills will not land on the floor.Keep medications in the bottles they came in. Did you know the amber color protects medicine from the light?Never mix different medications in the same bottle.Keep lids on pill bottles closed tightly so a child can not open them.Throw away any cotton that may be in your pill bottles as the cotton absorbs moisture and can negatively effect medications.According to AARP, when traveling do not pack medications in a suitcase that will be put in the trunk of the car or that will be checked on a plane while flying due to heat conditions.Safely dispose of outdated medications by participating in Take-Back events.If that is not possible, crush pills or caplets if you can, and put them in cans or sealable bags. Mix medications with substances like kitty litter, coffee grounds, flour, or sawdust. Add water, mix, and seal the container.Be sure to remove labels and other personal information from empty pill bottles.There is a Prescription Drug Disposal Day scheduled for Fulton and Montgomery Counties on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Below is a list of the disposal sites for each county:Fulton County Johnstown City Police Department – 41 E. Main Street, JohnstownGloversville City Police Department – 3 Frontage Road, GloversvilleMontgomery CountyMontgomeryCounty Sherriff – 200 Clark Drive, FultonvilleCanajoharie Police Department – 75 Erie Boulevard, CanajoharieSt. Johnsville Kinney Drugs – 12 Park Place, St. JohnsvilleFort Plain Police Department – 168 Canal Street, Fort PlainAmsterdam Police Department – Guy Park Avenue Ext, AmsterdamFor 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.
Nathan Littauer to talk about the first robotic-assisted spine surgery cases in the Northeast Posted on September 18, 2013 by Dakota Pike What: Press conference at Nathan Littauer Hospital Date: Friday, September 20, 2013Time: 12:00 NoonPlace: Board Room of Nathan Littauer Hospital, 99 East State Street Gloversville, NY 12078**************************************************************************************************Recently, history was made in a four-state region of the Northeast when Nathan Littauer Hospital hosted the first robotic assisted spine surgery case in New York State and the entire Upstate Region. Nathan Littauer will be hosting a press conference Friday to review the outcomes of the first few cases. Nathan Littauer Hospital started using the Renaissance Guidance System as part of a partnership with Mazor Robotics, a developer of innovative surgical robots and complementary products. Multiple subsequent surgeries have been successfully performed since then. Nathan Littauer, as an independent, rural community hospital has a history of being an early adopter of new, therapeutic technologies.Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO states, “We are compelled to share the outcomes we are experiencing with this technology.” Dr. Jian Shen noted, “This system is a tool in my minimally invasive arsenal created for patients who suffer from debilitating spine pain.”About the event:Hear from the Hospital President and CEO, Laurence E. KellyHear from Dr. Jian Shen, the surgeon who conducted the first robotic- assisted surgery in New York State and the Upstate RegionHear first hand from one of the first robotic–assisted surgery patients as she tells her compelling storyWatch footage of the first surgerySee a demonstration on an anatomically correct replicaSee the robotSee the team that assisted in the surgery ****************************************************************************************************Notes for the press:Appropriate for: reporters, health reporters, technology reporters, economic development reporters, living sections and business reporters. Approximately 30 minutes in length.Nathan Littauer is approximately 50 minutes from Albany, NY.Individual interviews granted upon request following the event.XXX About Nathan Littauer HospitalNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. For 118 years, 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 it serves. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.About MazorMazor Robotics (TASE: MZOR; NASDAQCM: MZOR) is dedicated to the development and marketing of innovative surgical robots and complementary products that provide a safer surgical environment for patients, surgeons, and operating room staff. Mazor Robotics’ flagship product, Renaissance™, is a state-of-the-art surgical robotic system that enables surgeons to conduct spine surgeries in an accurate and secure manner. Mazor Robotics systems have been successfully used in the placement of tens of thousands of implants in the United States, Asia and Europe. Numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at leading scientific conferences have validated the accuracy, usability, and clinical advantages of Mazor Robotics technology. For more information, please visit www.mazorrobotics.com.
Nathan Littauer celebrates its 37th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer awards Posted on September 16, 2013September 16, 2013 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 37th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2013 Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 9. Taylor Gifford, a student at Mayfield High School, was the recipient of the Alice Paula Muskin Memorial Award. Taylor has volunteered in the Nursing Home since 2010. She officially became a Candystriper this past summer. The Alice Paula Muskin Award, established by Mr. & Mrs. Nathan J. Muskin in memory of their daughter, is given each year to a candystriper who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment and leadership. Laurence Kelly, President/CEO, addressed the volunteers stating, “There are different groups of volunteers; our Board of Directors, auxilians and jr. volunteers who continue the tradition of giving back to others. You have started the tradition of giving back to your community at your age here at our hospital and nursing home. In addition to the residents and patients, the staff also appreciates you giving of your time throughout the summer and some of you, I understand, choose to volunteer throughout the year. Thank you!” Anita Beck, Auxiliary First Vice President, Susan McNeil, DVS, Rachel Johnson, Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Cathy Burek, RN, Supervisor, Nadine Gifford, RN, Nursing Home Supervisor, Carol Sleezer, Medical Library addressed the group regarding volunteering and thanked them for volunteering their time. Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Beck, Mrs. McNeil, also presented Honorable Service Awards to Darcy Dunn, Jessie Brand, Raina Danylak, Emily Garrigan, and also presented to those present a certificate of appreciation and a gift on behalf of the hospital and nursing home. In addition to Taylor and the Honorable Awards recipients, 2013 candystripers and jr. volunteers include; Garrett Andrist, Kaylee Beddow, Felicia Benedict-Hillman, Alexandra Bielli, Abigail Blake, Kiersten chang, Jillian Chase, Caitlin Lawton, Sarah Lebel, Hayley Mellis, Jennifer Sprung, Megan Moore, Morgan Swedick, Sydney Towne. In 2013, these young adults generously contributed approximately 700 hours to the hospital, nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs. The Auxiliary sponsors the annual event, which was chaired by Mona Capasso. Mrs. Capasso also presented each jr. volunteer with a carnation. The candystripers were treated to a pizza & wings party, and over 40 people attended the awards presentation in the auditorium which included candystripers, their families, hospital board members and auxilians, and a special guest, Nancy Muskin. A special “thank you” cake was served.
Wellness Words September 2013 Posted on September 12, 2013September 12, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator In Honor Of Grandparents Day: Communicating With Your GrandchildrenMany of us are fortunate to have fond memories of baking cookies with Grandma, watching the game with Grandpa, or maybe even singing an old time song with Great Grandma. Today, with the hustle and bustle of the day, it’s easy to let time slip away from us…time that we could be spending cultivating relationships with our Grandparents.The AARP Foundation has developed the Grandparent’s Information Center that provides helpful information on the roles that Grandparents play in their family’s lives, how to improve communication between Grandparents and grandchildren, and tips to improve communication in long-distance relationships. Results from AARP’s 2012 member survey are below:COMMUNICATING ACROSS GENERATIONSGrandparents play many important roles in the family that no one else can fulfill because they have experienced things that we can only read about:Preserving Family HeritageGrandparents share stories from the past about their lives, current news about what is happening with family today, and help keep traditions alive.Special FriendsGrandparents report that the best thing about being a Grandparent is not being a parent. This leaves more time to enjoy conversing with grandchildren about school, daily life, and even spirituality.TeachersGrandparents teach moral values like good manners, respect, and strong work ethic. They also impart skills like gardening, cooking, sewing, fishing, sports, and even whittling.Life Long LearnersThough they have a lot of information to pass on to their grandchildren, Grandparents can learn a lot from their grandchildren such as staying healthy and physically active, being up to date on music and fashion, and learning how to use technology.HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH GRANDCHILDRENThese tips can make the communication process easier:Create a family archive filled with report cards, pictures, news clippings, etc. from past and present that you can use to start conversations.Ask parents about important things that are coming up for your grandchild like games, tests, and celebrations and ask about them.Ask your grandchildren if there is anything that they would like to learn from you, and think about what you would like to learn from your grandchildren. You can then teach each other a new skill.CULTIVATING A STRONG BOND ACROSS THE MILESAccording to the survey, 54% of grandparents live 200 or more miles away from their grandchildren. While distance can make it difficult to foster good communication, technology and modern means can make connecting easier:Make a tape or recording of yourself telling family stories or reading a book.Set up a regular schedule for phone calls or emails. Computer programs like Skype let you connect via the internet for free. If you have a camera you can communicate face to face!Send cards and photos to each other. Grandchildren can include their height.Plan visits whenever possible.For more information, visit aarp.org/grandparents or 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 August 2013 Posted on August 14, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator This Healthy Day Is Brought To You By LittauerIt is summertime in the Adirondacks, the “Land of 44 Lakes.” Looking around, you see people enjoying activities like tubing, hiking, biking, sailing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, miniature golfing, enjoying all this region has to offer. They are laughing, faces jovial, frolicking in the sunshine, taking in the picturesque mountains and bright golden sunsets. Wishing you felt up to partaking in all of the fun? Well you can, and we at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home would like to provide you with some ideas on how you can get there!• It all starts with taking good care of yourself! Be sure you schedule regular preventive health visits with your primary care provider. Don’t forget those annual screenings for both men and women that are so important to our health. Some people avoid them because they feel the screenings are too invasive, but the truth is these procedures could save our lives.• Plenty of exercise is important and that can be easier when the weather is nicer. Take a hike, join a walking club, swim, play a game of tennis, or take the kids in your life for regular walks to the library and get books to read at the beach.• Making healthier choices at the market in addition to encouraging physical activity are two ways we can model and encourage healthy lifestyles for those children in our lives. Take advantage of the local fruits and vegetables at farm stands, co-ops, and farmers markets. Avoid sugary drinks and have plenty of water on hand, especially during these hot summer days!• Slow down! We can get so involved with social media (like Facebook and Twitter) or other computer games and devices, that sometimes we are not fully “present.” We are often times so caught up thinking about the past (or the future) that we forget there is something happening right now, at this very moment. So how do we put down those devices and stay connected to reality rather than the internet? How do we put those pesky thoughts at bay and focus on the present? Here are a few ideas – take a “time out,” lay down on a beach towel either at the beach or right on your lawn and just watch the clouds roll by, take quiet nature walks, plan a fun day trip with loved ones, or spend the day with your family at the beach. You could even make a rule to Turn ‘Em Off or Tune ‘Em Out … the devices, that is!• Take advantage of HealthLink, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home’s Community Health and WellnessCenter, located inside the Fulton County YMCA. We have free information on health and wellness topics from A-Z, and offer a variety of other free or low cost services to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stop in to see us Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call us at 736-1120 or e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org with a question, or visit www.nlh.org to see our monthly calendar of events.So in the end, this healthy day really can be yours. We mean it when we say … “it’s your life, live it well!”
