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Wellness Words December 2009

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BS

Community Health Educator

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS SAFE & FUN

Every year, we look forward to a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. Holidays can be a great time of the year if we are careful and plan ahead. However, each year the holidays end up being one of the busiest times for Emergency Rooms. Rushing, stress and unpredictable weather all play their part.

This year, the American College of Emergency Room Physicians and the Hope Health Newsletter have developed tips from decorating to dining that can help to keep your holidays safe as well as fun!

1. Check all fireplaces, heaters and stoves for proper ventilation. Install a carbon monoxide
detector and smoke detector if you don’t have them in your home. Check the batteries if
you do have these devices.

2. When hanging decorations, always have someone hold the ladder for you and use the proper
size ladder.

3. Use a pair of scissors instead of a razor blade or other sharp object to open boxes.

4. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey and other meats are cooked thoroughly.
Refrigerate leftovers immediately.

5. To prevent fires or shock, avoid overloading electrical outlets.

6. Secure trees and other decorations so that they can’t fall or be pulled down by children or pets.

7. If you have high blood pressure or other heart problems, don’t overindulge in holiday food,
and limit your salt intake.

8. Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape or have a history of heart problems.

9. Drink only in moderation and, if you do drink, please have a designated driver bring you home.

10. If you give a bike, skateboard or similar gift, make sure the child has a helmet—or include one
as part of the gift.

Follow these common sense tips to make this holiday season a safe and healthy one.

The staff of HealthLink Littauer wishes you joy and peace during this special time of the year!

For more information on health and wellness, you can 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. We’re celebrating 20 years of being your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

2009 Tree of Lights Ceremony Kicks Off Holiday Season

Nathan Littauer Hospital’s annual Tree of Lights Celebration ushered in the Holiday Season last night. The Tree of Lights, now in its 19th year was lit last light in a celebration complete with music, refreshments and prayers. Offered as “A Symbol of Hope and Love” the memory tree was lit by Auxiliary President Anita Moore in front of many onlookers. The tree is outside the hospital’s surgical waiting room, adorned with over 600 white lights lit in memory of loved ones. This year, about 65 people came to the ceremony. Attendees were entertained by Devan Rowe, and joined Pat Travis- Doull and Nate’s Notes in singing Christmas carols.

The annual event is brought to the community by the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary. People throughout the community buy a light as a tribute or memorial. This year the Auxiliary raised over $3,000 . Littauer’s Director of Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil noted, “We are so grateful to all our dedicated volunteers who bring us this moving event, year after year. It is a warm reminder of the holidays and of our loved ones.”

Tree of Lights Festival

Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly told the onlookers, “It is fitting we would have this celebration when we are about to open our new maternity unit.” He explained that this moving tribute combined with the new maternity unit honors the cycle of life.

The Tree of Lights Committee is:

Bonnie James-Cooper and Donna Ellithorpe, Co-Chairmen

Toby Ortell

Mona Capasso

Pat Walker

Susan McNeil

Sue McNeil and Devon Rowe sing at this year’s celebration

Littauer to hold H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccination clinic

Public Advisory

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Event: Swine Flu Vaccination Clinic

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009

Place: Littauer’s Gloversville Primary Care Center, 99 East State Street, Gloversville, NY

Times: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Established Littauer Primary Care Patients

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – All walk-ins welcome- WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

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Johnstown, NY —Nathan Littauer’s Primary Care Network will be holding an H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination clinic at their Gloversville Primary Care Center located next to the Hospital at 99 East State Street. Established patients will be vaccinated first, from the hours of 9am to 1pm. Those people who are not established patients can be vaccinated between the hours of 1pm to 4pm, while supplies last.

All patients will be asked to complete a consent form, which will be available on site. Patients will be vaccinated according to the New York State Department of Health Guidelines. For more information, people may email the hospital at flu@nlh.org or contact Littauer’s Flu Resource Line at 773-5399.

Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary Receives 2009 Distinguished Service Award

This story can also be found by clicking here:

http://readme.readmedia.com/Nathan-Littauer-Hospital-Auxiliary-Receives-2009-Distinguished-Service-Award/989702

Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary Receives 2009 DISTINGUISHED Service AWARD

Littauer’s auxiliary receives top honors

Auxiliary touted for service to hospital and community

Gloversville, NY… Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home’s Auxiliary was recently awarded the 2009 Distinguished Service Award by the Healthcare Association of New York State. The hospital received notification last week. The Healthcare Association of New York (HANYS) represents more than 550 non-profit and public hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and other health care organizations.

 

Daniel Sisto, President of HANYS notes, “HANYS congratulates the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary as a recipient of our 2009 Distinguished Service Award. In all of its activities, the Auxiliary exemplifies an active spirit of volunteerism, community, and advocacy.” Mr. Sisto added, “Each member of the Auxiliary is to be commended for their tireless efforts that strengthen health care in the community every day.”

 

Sue McNeil, the Director of Volunteer Services notes, “This group works so hard at volunteering. Each one loves that they are able to give back to our community through their tireless devotion of volunteer hours at our hospital and nursing home.” She added, “You’d be surprised at what they do. In addition to the lobby liaison, gift shop, patient mail delivery and fundraising, they are designing and working on a reflection garden, purchased a digital piano and have a singing group, “Nate’s Notes” who entertains in the nursing home, special functions at the hospital and will be singing Christmas Songs for the staff in December. Priceless!”

 

Hospital CEO and President, Laurence E. Kelly agrees stating, “We owe our Auxiliary a debt of gratitude. These people truly are an extension of our team.”

Mr. Kelly added, “We have always known the value they bring to our Organization. However, with this recognition from HANY’S, now the rest of New York knows about their exemplary service too.”

For more information please contact Cheryl McGrattan At 518-773-5533 or Sue McNeil at 518-773-5408.