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.
Nathan Littauer Hosted Celebration for Breastfeeding Families Posted on August 8, 2012September 22, 2012 by Dakota PikeThe Road to Lifelong Health Begins with BreastfeedingGloversville, NY…Last night, Nathan Littauer hosted a celebration in honor of 2012 World Breastfeeding Week. Nancy Quinlan, an International Board Certificated Lactation Consultant at Littauer explains, “We held the celebration to support breastfeeding families. The event was such a huge success. Women who were interested in learning more about breastfeeding also stopped by.” She added, “There is support for every family who decides to breastfeed.” Nancy believes the road to lifelong health is not one for mothers and babies to travel alone. “Successful breastfeeding begins with support of families, health care providers, governments, employers and communities,” said Nancy. She concluded, “That is why we held this celebration. To show families there is a tremendous amount of support for breastfeeding in our community.”Left, Stefanie Soto and her baby Lydia Soto and Jessica Herishko and her baby Ezekiel Herishko celebrated breastfeeding at Nathan Littauer. The event: “Sweet Celebration of Breastfeeding 2012” was attended by over 45 people including entire families. Cheryl McGrattan noted, “It was such a nice family atmosphere.” Anyone who is interested in breastfeeding for themselves or for someone close to them is encouraged to call 773-5710.
Littauer celebrates 2012 World Breastfeeding week Posted on July 31, 2012August 15, 2012 by Shannon RoseThe Road to Lifelong Health Begins with BreastfeedingAnother happy mom who received breastfeeding support from Littauer.At Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center, breastfeeding is not only an important part of the birthing experience; it is also a cause for celebration. In honor of 2012 World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2012 the hospital is celebrating “Understanding the Past—Planning the Future: Celebrating 10 years of WHO/UNICEF’s Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.” Hospital Spokeswoman Cheryl McGrattan states, “Throughout the hospital, and our Primary and Specialty Care Centers, there will be activities promoting families who choose to breastfeed.” Nancy Quinlan, an International Board Certificated Lactation Consultant at Littauer explains, “We want everyone to know there is support for every family who decides to breastfeed.” Nancy believes the road to lifelong health is not one for mothers and babies to travel alone. “Successful breastfeeding begins with support of families, health care providers, governments, employers and communities,” said Nancy Quinlan. She concluded, “That is why we are publicly celebrating the importance of breastfeeding this week.”According to the Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer, Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) like Nancy can help navigate the way to successful breastfeeding and ultimately to sustained health. The hospital is planning a week long celebration starting Wednesday August 1st with an information table at the hospital all week, a raffle and an evening celebration called, “Sweet Celebration of Breastfeeding 2012”. Any community member who is interested in breastfeeding for themselves or for someone close to them is encouraged to come. Mothers, children and parents who decided to breastfeed are welcome to come as well. The event will be held at the hospital on August 6, 2012 at 99 East State Street from 6-8pm. For more information about that event or World Breastfeeding Week or IBCLCs, please call 773-5710.Nancy Quinlin, IBCLC and RN helps families who choose to breastfeed.According to the International Lactation Consultant Association: Research shows that infants who are not exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life are also more likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases and conditions including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and respiratory illnesses. In addition, mothers who do not breastfeed are at an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Keeping breastfeeding high on the public health agenda is critical to improving global health. Early and exclusive breastfeeding with the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding around six months of age ensures that both mothers and infants receive maximum health benefits. The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, jointly developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), serves as a roadmap toward a renewed commitment to exclusive breastfeeding beginning in the first hour of birth to achieve optimal health outcomes. The Global Strategy is celebrating 10 years of guiding infant feeding in 2012.
Wellness Words July 2012 Posted on July 17, 2012January 8, 2013 by Shannon RoseHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator SUN SENSEMore than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.The sun sends out ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-B) which we cannot see. Long-term, unprotected exposure to the UV rays causes up to 90 percent of all skin cancer. Sunburned or tanned skin is actually damaged skin, according to the New York State Department of Health.Before you head outside, take these few simple steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays:Schedule outside activities for early mornings or late afternoon. If possible, avoid the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.If you must be out during these hours, stay in the shade as much as possible or use an umbrella or tent for artificial shade.Cover-up when in the sun. Wear wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, scalp, neck and ears. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes that are rated to block UV-A and UV-B rays.Use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and reapply at least every 2 hours or more if you are in the water or sweating.Use sunscreen stick or lip-balm on sensitive areas such as lips, ears, nose, hands and feet.Don’t use tanning booths or beds. Their UV rays are up to 12X greater than the sun.According to the Skin Cancer Institute, clothing is your single most effective form of UV protection. However, not all materials protect the same. For example, cotton, linen and silks do not filter out all UV rays. Synthetic and semi-synthetic materials provide the greatest sun protection.Many manufacturers are now providing clothes that are made to protect from UV rays. Look for the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label. The number on the tag indicates what fraction of UV rays can penetrate the fabric. You can increase your clothes UPF by using an additive such as Rit Sun Guard in your wash. It will protect your clothing for up to 20 washes inexpensively.Boy Scouts of America clothing, hats and sunglasses now hold the UPF seal. So be prepared and be in good company. With just a few moments of prevention, you can safely enjoy the outdoor summer weather with friends and family.For more information on skin cancer prevention, attend a free program on “Sun Sense” on Wednesday, July 25 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Auditorium of Nathan Littauer Hospital, or contact your health care provider, the National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-CANCER (www.cancer.gov), or call 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.
A summer haven courtesy of Nathan Littauer! Posted on June 29, 2012August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeCamp SuperStarrs- a camp for special kids Children with health problems find a summer haven in Fulton County for two weeks“I am going to summer camp!” That is what Nathan Littauer Hospital wants every kid to be able to say, even those with medical conditions. And thanks to Camp SuperStarrs, that dream is coming true for many kids. This year, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Camp SuperStarrs will be celebrating 33 years of bringing summer fun to children with health problems. The dates for this year’s camp will be July 16th to July 20th, and the second session will take place July23rd to July 27th. The camp is held at Woodworth Lake’s Boy Scout Camp.Summer camp begins July 16th Continue reading “A summer haven courtesy of Nathan Littauer!”
Wellness Words June 2012 Posted on June 29, 2012August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator SUMMER HEALTH & SAFETYWe all have memories of fun-filled summer days when school was out and we could swim, ride our bikes, camp out and enjoy the beautiful Adirondack weather. Summer in Fulton County is still a beautiful time of year most of us look forward to, but we also need to be prepared for the unique health and safety issues of our warmer months.Every summer many people end up in the Emergency Department for treatment of any one of a number of summer ailments…burns, cuts, food poisoning, heat exhaustion and of course pesky mosquito and tick ailments, to name a few. Here are some suggestions to make your summer safer and more enjoyable!1, Drink plenty of cool, not ice-cold (non-alcoholic) fluids, especially on hot days. Many medications can contribute to dehydration. Check with your doctor on the amounts of fluid you should be drinking if you are on medication.2. Protect yourself from the sun and be sure to wear a hat. Avoid the midday sun, apply sunscreen frequently on all exposed skin and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of the medications you use should restrict your time in the sun.3. Be careful of the foods you eat, how they are prepared and how they have been stored…BEWARE of undercooked meats and foods left outside or not refrigerated.4. Restrict your activity on very hot and humid days. As we age our bodies do not adjust as well to extremes in temperature and/or humidity, and some medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.5. Treat equipment with respect – lawn mowers, weed eaters, saws and ladders, etc. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, shut off engines before refueling and clean the work area of debris.6. Take care to use insect repellents safely. Remember to spray outdoors or in a well ventilated area.7. Be prepared for summer storms and power outages. Flash lights with working batteries are a must and a battery operated radio will help keep you aware of emergency information. Don’t forget to have a reserve supply of drinking water and food supplies to last from 1-3 days.8. If you live alone make sure a neighbor, friend or relative knows where you are when a storm approaches. Set up a plan to alert someone if you need assistance should phones not work.9. Ticks and mosquitoes can cause major health issues. Keep lawns mowed, litter picked up and objects that can hold rain water clean and dry. The ground area under bird feeders should be kept clean so it won’t attract small animals that can carry ticks.10. Make sure to carry a small emergency first aid kit with you.HealthLink, your community health and wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, wants to wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy summer! For more information, call us at 736-1120, 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.
The healing power of “Images of a Woman” Posted on June 7, 2012July 16, 2012 by Dakota Pike Women gather for 16th year of camaraderie and fun with annual retreatHealthLink, the community education component of Nathan Littauer Hospital is hosting their 16th annual “Images of a Woman”. The conference is designed to be a fun and educational day for all women. Sue Cridland, RN, BSN, and HealthLink Director explains, “This year promises to be an especially energizing day, as we welcome a nationally-recognized speaker on stress reduction to Fulton County.” The event will take place June 20th, 2012 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn, on Comrie Avenue in Johnstown. Two sessions are being offered, one at 12noon to 2:30pm or at 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Each session promises, exhibitors, raffles, a buffet-styled meal and a key-note address from Robert Friedman.“Time and time again, we hear from attendees who really enjoy this event- from the speakers to the networking opportunities to the shared community of women addressing their health-related journey.” said Bonnie Wollard one of the event organizers. She added, “As we grew in popularity, we chose to add a second session to accommodate more women.”“Images of a Woman”, give women the time and the resources to focus on their overall health.”Encouraging women to take time for health is an important mission for Littauer. According to a report released by the Center for Disease Control, 13.5% of women 18 years and over are in fair or poor health. And the same report identified only, “42% of women 18 years and over met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity through leisure-time aerobic activity.” Sue Cridland explained, “Therefore, events like “Images of a Woman”, give women the time and the resources to focus on their overall health.” She added, “I am especially excited about this year’s speaker. People leave his presentations feeling happier, healthier and better prepared for their lives, both professionally and personally. “Robert Friedman will give the keynote address this yearRobert Lawrence Friedman, the Images of A women keynote speaker is an author, comedian, international speaker/trainer and psychotherapist. He has provided keynote presentations, training programs and workshops to Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, universities and health care organizations, throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He focuses on work/life balance, teambuilding, leadership and motivation. He has appeared on national and international television shows, including The Morning Show on Today (NBC), Fox News and E! Entertainment Television, as well as a stress management expert on a year-long Discovery Health Channel documentary. Robert has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Parenting Magazine, The Washington Times, Alternative Medicine Magazine, Newsday and many others.Registration for the event ends June 15, 2012. People can register in person at HealthLink, 213 Harrison St, Johnstown, NY or by calling (518) 736 1120.
