Wellness Words February 2010 Posted on February 9, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator WOMEN & HEART DISEASE – 4 MYTHSMany women are surprised to learn that coronary heart disease – often thought to be a “man’s illness” – is the #1 killer of women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. In fact, women are 5 times more likely to die from heart disease as from breast cancer, and almost twice as many American women die of heart disease and stroke than from all types of cancer combined!While heart disease cannot completely be stopped, certain lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of developing this illness. Unfortunately, several myths about heart disease and women continue to persist. Four of the top myths include:Myth #1: Risk factors for heart disease are the same, regardless of gender. Studies show that certain illnesses and conditions are more likely to cause heart disease in women than in men. For example, metabolic syndrome is more likely to trigger heart disease in women. This condition is marked by obesity around the abdomen, high blood pressure and high levels of blood sugar and triglycerides.Myth #2: Heart disease is likely to be milder in women. In some ways, women are at greater risk of serious injury from heart problems than men. For unknown reasons, statistics show that women are less likely to survive a heart attack than men. Myth #3: Symptoms of a heart attack are the same for both genders. Women are actually likely to experience different types of symptoms than men. For example, women are more likely to feel unusual fatigue, abdominal, neck, shoulder or upper back pain, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath during a heart attack than their male counterparts. Often women ignore these symptoms especially if they are not accompanied by severe chest pain. By the time they finally realize that something is seriously wrong, there may be significant heart damage.Myth #4: Smoking is a greater heart-disease risk for men. Traditionally, men have been more likely to smoke and to smoke more than women. However, in recent years there has been an alarming upward spike in the numbers of women smokers. The risk of heart disease rises with both the number of cigarettes you smoke and the length of time since you first started smoking. According to the American Heart Association, these myths and misconceptions lead many women into a false sense of security—just 13% of women believe heart disease is their own greatest risk factor. Not only should women take this condition seriously, but they should also discuss their concerns with their physician during their annual exam.For more information on heart disease, contact the American Heart Association at 1-800-242-8721 (americanheart.org), your health care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at 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.
THE EVENT Date is Set! Posted on January 27, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeTHE EVENT will be May 21, 2010The date is set.May 21, 2010Get ready to be amazed.The Nathan Littauer Foundation announced today the date for their annual gala, THE EVENT. The event will be held May 21, 2010. This year’s theme will be a “Journey along the Nile” and will be held under a suradq (a tent). THE EVENT is the Foundation’s annual fundraiser in support of Nathan Littauer Hospital. THE EVENT was recently listed in the Capital District Business Review’s Book of Lists as one of the area’s most successful fundraisers.“Year after year, this event earns the highest praise as a great cause coupled with a lot of fun. This year will be no exception, as our guests will be treated to visual intrigue, amazing food and a lot of surprises.” stated Kelly Colby Development Coordinator,and event organizer. She added, “Get ready!”To learn more about THE EVENT, to become a sponsor or to purchase tickets please call Kelly at 773-5505. For updates, please bookmark this page.
News team films ground-breaking surgery at LITTAUER! Posted on January 22, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeDr. Paddock performs new surgery for the newsA news team from WNYT Channel 13 came to Littauer to film the ground-breaking procedure Dr. Bradley Paddock is performing at Littauer. The surgery is a new approach to treating sinus problems. Balloon Sinuplasty uses new technology which is safer and patients report a quicker recovery time than conventional sinus surgery.Benita Zahn, Health Reporter for WNYT and her crew interviewed the patient and filmed the surgery. She was also “tweeting” pictures while the surgery was being performed. Thanks to Dr. Paddock, the staff and our willing patient.Watch the full feature here: To see photos of the event click here:The patient reports that she is feeling “great” and her recovery is much better than her last sinus surgery. If you would like to contact Dr. Paddock for a referral please call 725-8656.
Littauer helps Haiti Posted on January 21, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeAnchorwoman Lydia Kulbida load up medical equipment headed to HaitiWhen anchorwoman Lydia Kulbida needed some medical supplies for 6 local relief workers who were traveling to Haiti, Nathan Littauer responded with “incredible generosity”.Read about how we helped:
Littauer partners with the Center for Donation & Transplant to honor those who donate Life Posted on January 18, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeProgram hopes to increase donations while honoring othersA rose representing Nathan Littauer’s supporting organ donation sat on this floatGloversville, NY… In 2010, Nathan Littauer Hospital is partnering with the Center for Donation & Transplant (CDT) to honor patients and their families that choose to give the gift of life through organ or tissue donation. Nathan Littauer will recognize its organ and tissue donors by flying a Donate Life Flag in their honor each time a donation is facilitated at the hospital in 2010. After the flag has been flown it will be given to the donor’s family in memory of their loved one, as part of an aftercare packet designed to help families cope with their grief. Nathan Littauer will also fly the flag during National Donate Life Month in April to help raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation. “I am thrilled that Nathan Littauer Hospital is recognizing the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation by flying the Donate Life Flag in honor of their donors,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, Chief Executive Officer of CDT. “The flags provide awareness of the importance of donation and also serve as a symbol of respect for those who have given the gift the life. The families of our donors find it very meaningful to receive the flag in recognition of their loved one.” This is the first year Nathan Littauer has participated in the program. “This is such a worthy endeavor” stated Nathan Littauer’s CEO and President Laurence E. Kelly. He added, “I hope our efforts here today spark conversations among families about the importance of organ and tissue donation.”To thank Nathan Littauer Hospital’s for its support of CDT’s mission, CDT has dedicated a rose in honor of Nathan Littauer Hospital’s donors that was placed on the Donate Life Float in the 2010 Rose Parade. 2010 marks the seventh year that the donation and transplant community has participated in the Rose Parade through the Donate Life Float, which is designed to inspire more than 30 million U.S. television viewers to give the gift of life. Nathan Littauer’s dedicated rose joined hundreds of others from across the nation to create a living memorial called the “Family Circle Garden” that was incorporated into the float. For more information about the Donate Life Float, or to read Nathan Littauer’s rose dedication, visit the Donate Life Float website at www.donatelifefloat.org.– XXX –The Center for Donation & Transplant is the federally designated non-profit organization that coordinates the retrieval of donated organs and tissues at 46 hospitals throughout western Vermont and northeastern New York State.Nathan Littauer’s Family of Health Services serves Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery counties with a 74- bed regional hospital, eight primary care centers and a nursing home. The hospital recently opened a new state-of-the-art Birthing Center. To learn more about Nathan Littauer, please visit www.nlh.org.
Littauer welcomes first baby of the year Posted on January 18, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer announced today that Baby Evan Matthew was the first baby born at Nathan Littauer Hospital in the New Year. Parents Nicole Cozzolino and father Doug Hotaling welcomed little Evan January 1, 2010 at approximately 11:13 am. He weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces and was 21 inches from head to toe. Dr. Nguyen delivered Evan.Littauer’s Auxiliary presented the family with a huge basket, adorned with baby gifts: from handmade blankets to gift certificates for the mom to enjoy a manicure. “The Auxiliary puts a tremendous amount of thought into the Baby New Year Basket. What the parents leave with is really a gift of the heart while being extremely practical as well.” stated hospital spokes person Cheryl McGrattan.The family gave birth to their son at Littauer’s new Birthing Center, and reported that it was a very pleasant experience. Mom, Dad and baby are resting comfortably at home.Baby Evan HotalingParents Nicole Cozzolino and father Doug Hotaling hold baby Evan Hotaling with hospital representatives (from left to right): Auxiliary representative Anita Beck, Charlene Reppenhagen and Dr. Nguyen
Wellness Words January 2010 Posted on January 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Sue Cridland RN BSNDirector of Community Education THE SCOOP ON SNOW SHOVELING SAFETYIt happens every winter in certain parts of the county … snow falls, usually leaving piles of the stuff to clear from your sidewalks and driveway. Consider the following before you grab your shovel after a major snowfall! The good news is that snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity according to the 1996 Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. We all should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity of some kind on most days of the week. (Brisk walking or social dancing are other ways to fit in moderate physical activity during cold winter months.)The bad news is that researchers have reported an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among snow shovelers after heavy snowfalls. This rise may be due to the sudden demand that shoveling places on an individual’s heart. Snow shoveling may cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure. One study determined that after only two minutes of shoveling, sedentary men’s heart rates rose to levels higher than those normally recommended during aerobic exercise.Shoveling may be vigorous activity even for healthy college-aged students. A study performed by researchers at North Dakota State University determined that, based on heart rate, shoveling was a moderately intense activity for college-aged subjects most of the time but was vigorous activity during about one-third of their shoveling time of 14 minutes.Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body. There also is the risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions.Who should think twice about shoveling snow? Those most at risk for a heart attack include:Anyone who has already had a heart attackIndividuals with a history of heart diseaseThose with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levelsSmokersIndividuals leading a sedentary lifestyleShould you rush out and buy a snow blower? Not necessarily. Not everyone who shovels snow is going to have a heart attack. Snow shoveling can be good exercise when performed correctly and with safety in mind.Also consider back safety when shoveling snow. Even if you exercise regularly and are not at risk for heart disease, shoveling improperly could lead to a strained back. If you’ve been inactive for months and have certain risk factors, use some common sense before taking on the task of snow shoveling.So here’s the scoop on how to be heart healthy and back friendly while shoveling this winter:If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart.Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Do some gentle stretching before you begin because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. There are also ergonomically designed shovels which may decrease the work load.Begin shoveling slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your heart. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.Protect your back from injury by lifting correctly: Stand with your feet about hip width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees (not the back) and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements. If you need to move the snow to one side, reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.Most importantly — listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain!The preceding was edited from an article by North Dakota State University Extension Staff in November 1999: Jocey Mathern, Program Assistant and Julie Garden-Robinson Ph.D. L.R.D., Food & Nutrition Specialist.For more information on health and wellness, you can call us at 736-1120, e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re celebrating 20 years of being your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
