SALON STRONG: HAIRSTYLISTS, BARBERS EMPOWERING CANCER PATIENTS Posted on April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 by Dakota Pike Arsyl De Jesus, a radiation oncologist at New York Oncology Hematology’s Amsterdam office at Riverfront Center, gives a presentation during Salon Strong 2.0 held Monday, April 23, at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield. A story shared by our media partner at McClary Media – Posted by The Recorder News | Apr 24, 2018 By DUSTEN RADER/For The Recorder MAYFIELD — A diagnosis of cancer is a devastating moment for many, and the side effects of treatment can further exacerbate the already difficult situation. That’s why New York Oncology Hematology and Nathan Littauer Hospital have joined forces for the second year to share critical information with hair stylists and barbers about how to support and empower cancer patients. Dozens of area women, stylists and barbers gathered Monday at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield for Salon Strong 2.0. The event included several speakers, including hairstylists, a cancer survivor, and Dr. Arsyl De Jesus, a radiation oncologist at New York Oncology Hematology’s office at the Riverfront Center in Amsterdam. The topic of De Jesus’ presentation was Ways to Better Serve Your Clients after a Cancer Diagnosis. The goal, she said, was to provide attendees with skills and insight to be proactive with clients. Cancer survivor Kelly Quist, of Amsterdam, speaks during Salon Strong 2.0 held Monday, April 23, at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield. De Jesus covered several aspects of the subject, including what to expect, what to say, 10 ways to talk to someone with cancer, how to respect the uniqueness of cancer, skin care, hair care, and how to be a part of someone’s cancer team. “The purpose of this event is two-fold: Empower hairdressers to feel comfortable with clientele, and let hairdressers know what services are available,” De Jesus said. A patient of De Jesus’, Amy Karas, of Gloversville, said she got involved in the event to encourage beauticians to cater to cancer patients and the unique needs that they have. Karas said her friendship with her hairstylist Dottie Detterieder, of Beauty and Beyond in Gloversville, was a major support during recovery. “They have a big part to play and I don’t know if they realize it or know what to do — it’s a wonderful program and an awesome thing for the community,” she said. Karas noted she felt encouraged to take her hair off instead of letting the cancer get to it. “When you take it off, you’ve taken control over it — it doesn’t control you,” she said, adding that even though her hair has since grown back, she keeps it short and still uses the dozen or more wigs she acquired during treatment. “I had fun w Jennifer Barnett, who makes pieces for Pinup Jordan’s Mermaid Lounge in Scotia, had several colorful wigs on display during Salon Strong2.0 held Monday, April 23, at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield ith it because I was bound and determined that it was not going to get me — I was going to get it,” Karas said. Another survivor, Kelly Quist, of Amsterdam, said her relationship with her hairstylist Amanda Landrio, of Bella Vita in Amsterdam, taught her that when hair begins to come back it’s a time of “reinvention and rebirth.” “I don’t think I was fully prepared for what it would be like to lose my hair and the journey back from that,” Quist said. “I fully embraced it and shaved it off. I definitely would have taken advantage of more resources had I known about them. That’s why this program is important, because we have to let all the stylists know the role they play in the lives of cancer survivors and patients. There is a really important bond there, and I think the more information and resources they have the more they can share.” In addition to De Jesus and Quist, other speakers at the event included: Tammy Merendo, RN, director of Healthlink Community Education at Nathan Littauer Hospital; Jessica Bump, hair stylist, CW Hair Salon, Johnstown; and Cheryl McGrattan, vice president, marketing/public relations/community relations at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Representatives from the American Cancer Society were present with wigs and beauty products. Jennifer Barnett, who makes pieces for Pinup Jordan’s Mermaid Lounge in Scotia, had several colorful wigs on display during the event. Although only in its second year, Salon Strong has spread beyond hairstylists to barbers to be more inclusive of men. Barbers Michael Medina and Jamie ‘Pito’ Ramos, of the Fulton County Barber Shop in Gloversville and The Other Shop in Canajoharie, were excited to receive Salon Strong decals after participating the event. The barbers will be able to put the sticker in their window to let customers know that they have taken steps to be sensitive to the needs of cancer patients. In addition to the Salon Strong event, a workshop is being planned for June. For more information, call 518-736-1120. American Cancer Society Program Manager Wendy Stickley-Ocker poses with wigs and beauty products to demonstrate to attendees ofSalon Strong 2.0 held Monday, April 23, at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield.
Littauer welcomes Pediatrician Dr. David Eisenberg Posted on March 1, 2018 by Dakota Pike David Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P. (February 21, 2018) Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud welcome David Eisenberg, M.D., F.A.A.P., to their pediatric staff at Perth Primary/Specialty Care Center. Dr. Eisenberg medical career has spanned 20 years. He is the founder /pediatrician of Eisenberg Pediatrics establishing a 10-year practice in Long Island. He comes to Littauer from private practice in both Putnam and Westchester Counties, as well as in Greenwich, Connecticut. “I am thrilled to be practicing at Littauer,” said Dr. Eisenberg. “I’d like to think I will be a positive influence as I practice in this community.” Dr. Eisenberg received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and completed his residency at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Littauer is fortunate to have Dr. Eisenberg practicing in our community,” states Cheryl MCGrattan, Littauer VP Marketing/Communications. “His experience and expertise is exceptional. He is bringing the latest in pediatric healthcare to Littauer’s youngest patients.” Dr. Eisenberg is practicing at Littauer’s Primary/Specialty Care Center in Perth Monday through Friday. For an appointment, please call (518) 883-8624.
Kristin Farley raises an additional $850 for Littauer newborns Posted on December 28, 2017January 3, 2018 by Dakota Pike Gloversville High School student Kristin Farley, right, presents a check to Littauer VP Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan for $850. The funds were raised to support the Littauer Birthing Center Baby Box program. GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2017) – Gloversville High School sophomore Kristin Farley of Gloversville presented a check to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home totaling $850 on Dec. 20 in the hospital lobby The check was presented to Littauer VP, Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. Farley coordinated a spaghetti and meatball fundraiser at Gloversville’s Plaza Italian Bistro, held on Dec. 6, to benefit the Littauer Baby Box Program. “We are honored to be the beneficiary of Kristin’s talent,” said McGrattan. “Her efforts directly impact new families in our region.” Throughout 2017, Farley has worked closely with the Littauer Birthing Center. The industrious young woman set her sights on raising money for the Littauer Baby Box Program and excelled in the process. In August, Kristin raised $1,250. Together with her latest effort, she has raised $2100 for the Baby Box Program at Littauer. Kristin’s hard work and determination is greatly appreciated by Littauer and well received by local families.
Meet Performance Improvement Specialist, Wes McFee Posted on November 30, 2017 by Dakota Pike Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Performance Improvement Specialist, Wes McFee GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (November 30, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Performance Improvement Specialist, Wes McFee, has brought his skill set to Littauer. Performance improvement specialists are employed primarily in the healthcare field to improve patient care in a variety of ways. At Littauer, McFee serves as a consultant to staff and administration, evaluating, planning, and implementing improvements in healthcare. Other aspects of his job include team building and group facilitation, compiling and tracking data, and preparing training materials. In has set up a task force to address sepsis and to lead the nation in sepsis education. McFee is working as the project lead for sepsis education at Littauer. Sepsis is the result of a massive immune response to bacterial infection that gets into the blood. It often leads to organ failure or injury It is McFee’s goal to bring awareness and education to the forefront of all Littauer staff. He also works closely with individual departments supplying them with information and tools to improve patient outcomes. McFee works closely with Littauer’s Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Goldberg. “In the brief time that Wes has been working here, he has been quick to add value by using his strong problem-solving, analytical, communication and teamwork skills. We are delighted to have him on our team,” said Goldberg. “As a numbers guy, using data and statistics for practical insight is what I enjoy, and I’m right at home at Littauer’s Performance Improvement department,” adds McFee. “My background is largely in project management and I’m fortunate to share that with my colleagues, as well.” Interestingly, June 2017 was not McFee’s first interaction with Littauer. In 2000, while at Littauer, he was diagnosed with a severe mitral valve prolapse at age 33. Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which the two valve flaps of the heart do not close smoothly or evenly, but instead bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium. Dr. Michael Holmes of Schenectady Cardiology Associates gave McFee a prognosis of two weeks during surgical consult. McFee claims he would not be alive today without the condition being correctly diagnosed at Littauer. McFee had open-heart surgery immediately thereafter, was found to have an extremely rare bleeding disorder known as Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia, which caused post-op complications while at Albany Medical Center. He was later seen at Johns Hopkins University Hospital by Dr. Harry Dietz, the world’s leading expert in connective tissue disorders and after whom Loeys-Dietz Disorder is named. McFee was soon diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder not yet identified by medical science, and his DNA remains as a research specimen at Hopkins. Fast-forward to 2017, McFee together with his wife Tabatha, a Special Education Teacher at Mayfield Elementary School, Co-Advisor of Mayfield Elementary School Running Club, created a 12-person team of locals to run the Reebok Ragnar Adirondacks Relay Race where each runner completed three different legs of the 196.2 mile course through the Adirondack Mountains over two days and one night; each runner totaled 11-24 miles during the event depending on which legs they ran. Open-heart surgery survivor Wes McFee was the Team Captain of the team appropriately named “Heart & Sole,” who finished with flying colors and an amazing sense of accomplishment. “Littauer was thrilled for Wes when he was able to compete in Ragnar” said Littauer VP of Marketing/Communications Cheryl McGrattan. “We were stunned when he finished so strongly. Undoubtedly his professional and personal experience will benefit our patients.” Littauer welcomes the education and experience McFee brings to this community hospital.
“Only the best and brightest choose Littauer” Posted on November 1, 2017 by Dakota Pike – The best and brightest now at Littauer – meet; Nicholas J. Fusella, D.O., left, Michael Parslow, D.O., Jerome “Jerry” Rosenstein, M.D., and Shri Kris, Verma, M.D., seated. GLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (October 24, 2017) – Recently, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home held a reception welcoming their newest healthcare providers. “The best and brightest medical providers seem to choose Littauer,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer VP of Marketing/Communications. “And this excellence in healthcare benefits our community.” In September, Gastroenterologist Shri Kris, Verma, M.D., joined Nathan Littauer’s at Kingsboro Gastroenterology Primary/Specialty Care Center. He has come to Littauer after a successful solo practice at a Yale-affiliated hospital in New London, Connecticut. Dr. Verma completed his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the LSU Health Sciences Center-University Hospital Shreveport, LA. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, New York, and received his Medical Education through The Government Medical College of Rohtak Haryana, India. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology. “I am very happy at Littauer,” said Dr. Verma. “I am enjoying the tremendous support of Littauer and my colleagues. “ Dr. Verma is now living locally with his family and has said to be enjoying the 44 Lakes Region. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Verma, please call 518-752-5275. This month, Littauer welcomed the addition of Jerome “Jerry” Rosenstein, M.D., as a women’s health provider in the Gloversville Primary Care Center on the hospital campus. Dr. Rosenstein has come to Littauer from a successful practice in Binghamton, New York. Dr. Rosenstein completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and John Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “I am thrilled to be practicing and seeing new patients at Littauer,” said Dr. Rosenstein. Dr. Rosenstein comes to Littauer with extensive experience with women’s health and obstetrics. He takes great pride in providing patients with the latest in women’s health care. Dr. Rosenstein is living locally, joined by his family. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosenstein, please call Littauer’s Gloversville Primary Care Center at 518-775-4360. In August, Littauer added Nicholas J. Fusella, D.O., to the , 99 E. State St., in Gloversville. Dr. Fusella is coming to Littauer from Ellis Family Medicine in Schenectady. Dr. Fusella completed his residency at Ellis Family Medicine, Schenectady. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, his Post-Baccalaureate from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and his Bachelor of Science from Siena College. “Dr. Fusella is an asset to our primary care practice,” said Littauer Vice President, Primary/Specialty Care Services Patrice McMahon. “I’m happy to practice in a community I am familiar with,” said Dr. Fusella. “I am looking forward to getting to know each of my patients at the Gloversville Family Practice.” Dr. Fusella was born and raised in the Capital District. When not practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife and infant son. To set up an appointment or consultation with Dr. Fusella, please call Gloversville Family Practice at 518-775-4201. In July, Littauer welcomed Michael Parslow, D.O., to the Mayfield Primary/Specialty Care Center, 2497 State Highway 30, in Mayfield, New York. Dr. Parslow was previously employed at St. Elizabeth’s Family Medicine in Utica. “We pleased Dr. Parslow has joined our Primary Care team at the Mayfield Center,” stated Littauer Vice President of Primary/Specialty Care Services, Patrice McMahon. “He has proven to be the perfect fit for the patients in our community” Dr. Parslow completed his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Family Medicine, Utica. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is a Cum Laude graduate from Utica College of Syracuse University, Utica, New York. “I’m happy to be back in the Adirondacks,” said Dr. Parslow. “It’s a pleasure to practice where my medical skills are needed, while living in an environment I am so comfortable in.” Dr. Parslow was born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains and enjoys the outdoors. When not practicing medicine, he can be found skiing, fishing, hiking and camping with his wife and two young sons. To set up an appointment with Dr. Parslow, call Mayfield Primary/Specialty Care at 518-661-5441, or Speculator Primary/Specialty Care at 518-548-8155.
