According to Dr. Ronald Melzack, a pioneer of modern pain research and author on the subject, almost all societies employ mechanical pressure to relieve pain. There is not one of us who does not stretch an aching back or rub an area that hurts. These almost instinctive maneuvers have developed into various modern anti-pain procedures.
Massage has enjoyed a boom in popularity. People are now recognizing massage therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to prevention, stress management and health. Once thought of as a luxury for the pampered, it has become a hands-on favorite of stressed-out office workers, recreational athletes, and wellness enthusiasts. In addition, massage enables one to satisfy the universal human need to be touched. Newborn infants and the institutionalized elderly decline rapidly when deprived of such stimulation.
To improve the quality of life for residents, Columbia-Greene Long Term Care (a Catskill nursing home operated by CMH) instituted an award-winning massage therapy program in late 1995. Initially, the program was established for residents who could not participate in group activities. Now, it includes any resident who will benefit from massage for pain management, relaxation when agitated, stimulation if socially isolated, and encouragement of verbal and non-verbal communication.
Rita Landy, Vice President of Geriatric Services, reports extraordinary results in such areas. This program was suggested by Clara Kellner, President of the CMH Board of Trustees and Past President of the Auxiliary, who personally benefited from massage therapy after an auto accident. Consequently, she recommended the treatment for residents of Columbia-Greene Long Term Care.
Although operational for only a short time, the program won the 1995 Innovation of the Year Award from the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYAHSA). Through NYAHSA, the facility will become part of a demonstration project to examine the positive results of massage therapy. Seed money for the project was provided by a private foundation. Additional money has come from contributions and fund raising. Donations may be directed to the Residents' Activity Fund.
You ask me to give you a motto. Here it is: SERVICE. Let this word accompany each of you throughout your life. Let it be before you as you seek your way and your duty in the world. May it be recalled to your minds if ever you are tempted to forget it or set it aside. It will not always be a comfortable companion but it will always be a faithful one. And it will be able to lead you to happiness, no matter what the experiences of your lives are. Never have this word on your lips, but keep it in your hearts. And may it teach you not only to do good, but to do it simply and humbly. Albert Schweitzer, M.D. ( also a Doctor of Music, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Theology, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and an outstanding humanitarian.)
I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday. Stephen Covey, Ph.D.
By Susan M. Skarp, M.D. A study in the September 11, 1995, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine adds to the cumulative evidence that colonic diagnostic procedures decrease the risk of death from colorectal cancer. The case-controlled study demonstrated that large intestinal diagnostic procedures, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, are associated with decreased colorectal cancer mortality. Men and women over 50 who have no gastrointestinal symptoms or risk factors should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, it is recommended that you have a colon oscopy 10 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed with cancer. If you are 40 or over, it is recommended that you have an annual screening with stool guaiac cards. Please see your primary care physician for further information. He or she may perform the procedure personally or refer you to a gastroenterologist.
By Donna Fox, CMH Nutritionist The Food Guide Pyramid is a visual way to see if the amount and type of foods that we eat every day will help keep us healthy. Poor selection of foods can lead to heart attacks, some cancers, and high blood pressure. We know that one way of preventing such illnesses is by choosing foods that are good for the body. The foods we need to eat more of are at the bottom (breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables). The foods we need to eat less of are at the top (fats, oils, and sweets). The Food Guide Pyramid helps to remind us what foods and how much of them we should eat every day. We need to eat more rice, pasta, cereals, vegetables, and fruits and less meat and high-fat dairy foods. Today, we know that this is a healthier way of eating. What Counts as a Serving? With the Food Guide Pyramid, what Counts as a "serving" may not always be a typical "helping" of what you eat. Here are some examples of servings: Bread. Cereal. Rice & Pasta - 6 to 11 servings recommended Examples of one serving: 1 slice of bread 1 oz. of ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta 3 or 4 small plain crackers Vegetables - 3 to 5 servings recommended Examples of one serving: 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables 1/2 cup of other vegetables, cooked or chopped raw 3/4 cup of vegetable juice Fruits - 2 to 4 servings recommended Examples of one serving: 1 medium apple. banana, or orange 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit 3/4 cup of fruit juice Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese - 2 to 3 servings recommended Examples of one serving: 1 cup of milk or yogurt 1 1/2 oz. of natural cheese 2 oz. of process cheese Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts - 2 to 3 servings recommended Examples of one serving: 2-3 oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans 1 egg, or 2 table spoons of peanut butter = 1 oz. of lean meat How Much Is an Ounce of Meat? Here's a handy guide to determining how much meat, chicken, fish, or cheese weigh: 1 ounce is the size of a match box. 3 ounces are the size of a deck of cards. 8 ounces are the size of a paperback book. SOURCE: US. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Page 4
Those who wear hearing aids can get swimmer's ear without going near the water. Hearing aids tend to trap moisture in the ear canal, and trapped moisture makes a prime breeding spot for infection. To avoid swimmer's ear associated with a hearing aid, remove it as often as possible to permit your ear to dry.
In 1995, CMH provided $1,500,000 in care for uninsured patients. We are fortunate to be served by a hospital where treatment is available to all in need.
At its May awards luncheon in Saratoga Springs, the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) granted Auxiliary Past President Jill Salerno the 1996 Trustee of the Year Award. Only three such awards were conferred by the organization this year, which drew from a state-wide pool of persons nominated by not-for-profit and public long term care providers. The award recognized Jill's many contributions to long term care and human services. A 34-year veteran of the Auxiliary, most of us associate Jill with the Hospitality Shop, which she has chaired for a number of years; however, her CMH volunteer activities are myriad. Now a member of the hospital Board of Trustees, Jill is especially devoted to her trustee responsibilities as they pertain to Columbia-Greene Long Term Care in Catskill, operated by CMH, and her NYAHSA award is proof that she has been effective. According to LTC Administrator Rita Landy, "All of her ideas have been excellent, but Jill's greatest gift of all has been Jill . . . Jill is one of those people who makes a difference and inspires others to follow." Congratulations, Jill!
In a comfortable suite, decorated with cozy furnishings, TV and VCR, friendly staff assist you during treatment and recovery. Sip chicken soup or herbal teas. If you like, you may even receive non-traditional healing treatments which include aroma therapy and music therapy. The Easy-Care suite is available by appointment seven days a week. Easy-Care is for you if you visit the hospital for: special diabetic care... IV therapy & maintenance. ..blood transfusions & work ups...therapeutic phlebotomy. ..TPN initiation...wound care management (e.g., wound assessment, dressing changes, wound debridement, pulsavac irrigation therapy)...special procedures (e.g., bone marrow aspiration, thoracentesis, paracentesis, lumbar puncture, non-complicated needle biopsies, cast application/removal, pain management)...patient/family education (e.g., diabetes, dressing care, ostomy care, equipment instruction, all education needs). To avail yourself of this service for any of the procedures listed above, ask your primary physician to refer you to the Easy-Care program. Brochures are available at the hospital. You may call 828-8026 for additional information.
Please submit any corrections for failed links or website suggestions to
Website Design |
 |