Stereotactic Breast Biopsies at Nathan Littauer means greater comfort and precision. Posted on September 25, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeWomen commenting on the new systemGloversville, NY …Local women requiring biopsies to reexamine suspicious findings from their mammograms can now reap the benefits of state-of-the-art technology Littauer is using in their Diagnostic Imaging Center. The new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment is delivering greater comfort and precision to women during their breast biopsies. It is the first technology of its kind available in the Fulton-Montgomery region. “We have already heard from women who have had biopsies on our old system and now our new system and they are very complimentary and grateful for this new technology” stated Priscilla Person who works at Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.A Nathan Littauer Diagnostic Imaging staff member reviews an image of a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure performed at Littauer recently. The new equipment is ergonomically designed, allowing women to sit during the exam, well supported throughout the entire procedure. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology explains, “As a radiologist comfort is paramount because greater patient comfort usually equates to better images and samples.” He added, “The computer-guided technology gives us better precision requiring smaller tissue sampling.” Dr. McBiles, continued, “The entire procedure is shortened and our patients have reported very little discomfort. The incision is much smaller so there is little if any scarring and decreased pain. Usually the entire procedure is completed within 45 minutes.” Another benefit? Women requiring a breast biopsy can avoid the operating room all together. Dr. McBiles explained, “We do biopsies in our newly renovated diagnostic imaging rooms. During the procedure, the patient sits in a specially designed, ergonomic chair, with the breast exposed. The digital machine takes focused images of the suspicious area which are viewed by the radiologist on the computer screen. The equipment then pinpoints the exact location of the breast abnormality seen on earlier mammograms by using a computer and x-rays taken from different angles.” The doctor continued, “Using exact computer coordinates; the doctor determines the site for the biopsy and administers a local anesthetic – similar to what dentist’s use. The tissue samples quickly secured with a vacuum-assisted device and the tissue samples are sent to the lab to be thoroughly examined.” Tammy Gerdes, who leads the mammogram unit for Littauer explains, “It all comes down to dignity and compassion. We strive with every exam to make our patients feel at ease and cared for. It is a stressful time.” The new technology was paid for with monies raised by the hospital’s Foundation. For more information on our advanced outpatient diagnostic radiology services people are encouraged to speak to their referring physician. XXX
Nathan Littauer launches new commercial with a twist Posted on September 24, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer launched a new campaign today using real staff members. The commercial “Less is Better” touts the hospital’s new ability to reduce radiation exposure by almost 40% during CT Scans. Moreover, the commercial uses real Diagnostic Imaging staff at Nathan Littauer and their families. Cheryl McGrattan, Hospital Spokesperson noted, “The feedback has been outstanding- using our own staff and their children just added a nice warm touch to the commercial.”
Nathan Littauer offers patients lower radiation doses on CT Scans Posted on September 21, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota Pike With GE’s ASiR technology the hospital is seeing up to a 40% reduction of radiation exposure with some testsNathan Littauer Hospital announced today that they are now using a new technology which lowers radiation exposure during a CT Scan (also known as a Cat Scan). GE’s ASiR technology aims to reduce radiation doses while still maintaining image integrity. “The results have been outstanding” stated Donna Boswell, Senior CT Technologist for Littauer. According to her studies the new technology has been able to reduce radiation doses by as much as 40% on some exams.Nathan Littauer is using new technology to reduce radiationCT exams are performed when people are ill or injured, or when a doctor suspects a medical problem that cannot be detected easily with a routine physical examination. CT is also used to rapidly obtain specific diagnostic information that hasn’t been provided by other imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, traditional X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Effective and efficient, a CT exam is one of the most common medical imaging procedures. The pictures are then used for in-depth clinical evaluations.“This is especially good news for our region- especially families with small children” said Donna Boswell. Research published in the June 7, 2012, issue of the Lancet suggested a possible increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia among patients who received computed tomography scans (Cat Scans or CT scans) of the head while they were children. For many parents, this article caused alarm and concern. Soon after The American Society of Radiology Technologists reminded parents that CT scans are an important medical tool that can provide information critical to the diagnosis and treatment of a child’s condition. Statistically, more than 70 million CT scans are performed each year in theUnited States, and about 7 million of those exams are on performed on children. TheAmericanCollege of Radiology holds, “The benefits gained through the medical information obtained far outweigh the small risks involved.” (American society of Radiologic Technologists)“We have made significant investments throughout our entire diagnostic imaging department, not just in our CT Scans” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO. He added, “We believe the patients in our area can be assured that we have the best technology coupled with qualified individuals who are properly educated to minimize radiation dose in every possible way.”xxx
Nathan Littauer announces sponsorship opportunities to local business Posted on September 18, 2012September 19, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer is pleased to announce sponsorship opportunities for local business to support the Littauer Family of Health Services as they bring in the world’s foremost Psychic Entertainer, Robert Channing. The family show will be Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 4pm. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP tickets (this includes reserved seating and a meet and greet with Robert at the Eccentric Club following the show).Robert Channing has been seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and even QVC. Sue Kiernan Vice President of Development at Littauer stated, “Even the most discriminating audiences and the biggest skeptics love the anticipation and speak of the excitement long after the show is over.” Become a sponsorPeople wishing to be a sponsor of this event can contact Kelly Colby at 773-5505.
Nathan Littauer Holds First of Many Flu Clinics for Employees Posted on September 14, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer held the first day of an annual flu clinic for their employees yesterday. In all, 120 employees chose to get vaccinated. The clinic is free to all employees and will be held 7 days between September 13th and October 5th. Leading the charge is Terri Intilli Klausner, MS, FNP-BC, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Infection Control Preventionist and Manager Infection Control and Employee Health for Littauer. She explains “Getting the flu shot is important for everyone, since the disease leads to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations each year nationwide. It is especially important for health care workers because we are more likely to be exposed to the flu.” She adds, “We are encouraged by the first day of our clinic. Yesterday we vaccinated over 10% of our work force. That is a good response.” Sally Clemente, RN our Employee Health Infection Control Coordinator expertly delivers a flu shot to Nancy Abrams.
Wellness Words September 2012 Posted on September 13, 2012January 8, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator Importance Of Activity For SeniorsFor many adults, growing older seems to involve an inevitable loss of strength, energy, and feeling fit. However, it doesn’t necessarily need to be so!According to the Center for Healthy Aging, the frail health and loss of function we associate with aging such as not being able to walk moderate to long distances, climb stairs or carry groceries, is in large part due to physical inactivity. When it comes to our muscles the old adage, “use it or lose it” applies.There is good news! It is never too late to become more physically active. No one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. Even those with chronic medical conditions can benefit from increased physical activity. Working with their medical provider almost anyone can become more active. According to William Evans, author of “Biomarkers,” a book about healthy aging, “There is no single group that can benefit from physical activity more than the elderly.”Unfortunately, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the following: 28-34% of adults age 65-74 engage in NO exercise35-44% of adults age 75 and older engage in NO exercise30-40% of all older people are only occasionally activeAt best, 20-35% of seniors regularly achieve the recommended activity levels of at least 20 minutes of exercise 4 or more days a weekOlder women were found to be more sedentary than older menIf you are like most people, especially if you have been sedentary, you won’t be motivated to suddenly take up aerobic dancing, and you don’t have to join a gym to get the exercise you need.Walking is one of the best conditioning exercises and can be done by almost anyone, regardless of age! If the recommendation of 20-30 minutes of walking is unreasonable, you can walk for 10 or even 5 minutes several times a day.Regular physical activity, even stretching different muscle groups daily, can be helpful to increase flexibility and improve balance. There are many classes such as gentle yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, exercise for arthritis, and others offered throughout the area.With the many substantial rewards involved and the fun you can have just getting involved in new activities … it doesn’t make sense to take the retired life sitting down!For more information on getting active, contact your healthcare provider, local senior center, YMCA or 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 2012 Posted on August 20, 2012January 8, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator ADULT IMMUNIZATIONSMany think of vaccinations as something for children but it’s not just kids stuff. All adults, including those age 50 and older need vaccines. Some of the adult vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have changed recently. So even if you think you are up-to-date on your vaccines, you should review the following information.FLU VACCINEFlu kills about 36,000 people in theUSevery year and older Americans are among the most vulnerable to this disease. Because each year’s vaccine is made to combat that season’s strain of flu, you need a dose every year. Flu shots are given during the September-to-March flu season. Remember, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.PNEUMONIA VACCINEEveryone age 65 and older needs to have the vaccine once. You may need a second dose if you are 65+ and you had your first dose when you were younger than 65 and it has been 5 or more years since the first dose.SHINGLES VACCINEThis vaccine is now recommended for everyone over age 60, regardless of whether you have had a prior episode of shingles. Shingles is especially painful in older adults. Some experts have recommended only getting this vaccine if you have had chicken pox. However, the CDC recommends everyone over 60 get vaccinated because more than 99% of people over age 40 have had chicken pox, even if they don’t recall having the disease.TETANUS, DIPTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (Td, Tdap)Recently, we have heard a lot about increases in the number of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) cases. The latest CDC guidelines suggest that any adult who is going to be near infants under age 1 should have one booster shot of tetanus, diphtheria and (whooping cough). If you have never had a vaccine that included Pertussis, the recommendation is for you to have at least one dose at your next medical visit. Thereafter, you should have a booster of tetanus and diphtheria at least every 10 years. If you have a deep puncture wound you should contact your doctor to see if you need to have another tetanus shot.MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR)People born before 1957 generally are considered immune to measles and mumps because they are likely to have had these diseases as a child. However, if you are uncertain of whether you have either had the condition or had the vaccine ask your physician if you should have one dose.OTHER VACCINESYou may also need vaccines for such conditions as Hepatitis A and/or B and Meningitis if you have certain medical conditions or you are going to travel outside the U.S. Contact your physician to determine your level of risk for infection and possible need for any of these vaccines.Remember, vaccines are important to keep yourself and those around you safe from some of the most debilitating and deadly, but preventable diseases!For more information on immunizations, contact the CDC (cdc.gov), your local health department or healthcare provider, or 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.
