The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

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Camden Co. Health Dept. Preteen Vaccination Clinic March 16

February 16th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Camden News, News |

Georgia Preteen Vaccination Week is March 13-17 and Camden County Health Department officials are encouraging parents to bring preteens to the health department on Thursday, March 16, to get up-to-date on vaccinations. Both Camden County Health Department locations – 1501 Georgia Avenue in Woodbine
and 901 Dilworth Street in St. Marys – will be open until 6:30 p.m. on March 16 and no appointment is necessary.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices currently recommends that 11 and 12 year olds receive Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough), HPV (human papillomavirus), meningococcal, and flu vaccines. Also, any preteens should be brought up-to-date on any other vaccines that may have been missed such as the chicken pox vaccine.

For more information, please call the Camden County Health Department at 912-576-3040 (Woodbine) or 912-882-8515 (St. Marys).

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Georgia Health Officials Warn of Potential Phone Scam

February 8th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is receiving complaints from residents of Georgia and residents of other states about suspicious phone calls. Many of the calls appear to come from a Georgia DPH phone number.

“Right now, we do not know the real reason for the calls or what the caller is truly looking for,” said Rick Keheley, DPH’s inspector general. “We do know the calls are not coming from the Georgia Department of Public Health.”

DPH encourages residents to be extremely cautious when participating in health-related telephone surveys.

DPH does occasionally use telephone surveys to gain information on health trends and it is important to understand the difference. DPH:

  • Will never ask for religious information
  • Will never ask for credit card information
  • Will never try to sell goods or services
  • Will always provide call back or contact information for verification

Residents with questions or those wishing to report a suspicious call should contact DPH’s Office of Inspector General at (404) 656-4409 or reportdphfraud@dhr.state.ga.us

 

About the Georgia Department of Public Health

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.

National Black HIV/AIDS Testing Events Scheduled Feb. 7

February 2nd, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

Tuesday, February 7, will mark the 16th observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) and the Coastal Health District will recognize the day by holding HIV testing events throughout the eight-county public health district. The Coastal Health District Prevention Program will offer free and rapid confidential HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. No appointment necessary.

The NBHAAD 2017 theme is “I am my Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS.” NBHAAD is directed, planned, and organized by a group known as the Strategic Leadership Committee, a coalition that partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mobilize communities in an effort to address local epidemics and influence the course of HIV in African American communities across the country.

The Coastal Health District has close to 1,400 active cases of HIV and Georgia ranks 5th highest in the nation for the total number of new diagnosis of HIV. The Coastal Health District encourages the community to use this observance to promote HIV prevention practices and reduce the stigma surrounding the disease.

Go to www.nationalblackaidsday.org to learn more about NBHAAD. To locate services for a free HIV test or to access treatment, visit Georgia Department of Public Health’s CAPUS (Care and Prevention in the U.S.) Care Portal at www.gacapus.com or call the Georgia AIDS/STD Infoline at 1-800-551-2728.

For more information on the testing events, please call Diane DeVore at 912- 644-5828 or email Diane.Devore@dph.ga.gov.

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Listen to Your Heart

February 1st, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

About 610,000 people in the United States die of heart disease every year and heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in our country. A lot of things can lead to heart disease including family history, lifestyle, and age. Could you be at risk for heart disease?

[JPG, 444.13 KB] Risk factors of heart disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking risk factors for heart disease.
Other conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Poor diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol use

Want to know more about heart disease? Click HERE.

The good news is that heart disease is often preventable. Exercising regularly, eating healthy, and not smoking are just a few things that can help keep heart disease away. What are some simple ways to improve heart health?

  • Do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Don’t like to run? Put on your dancing shoes. Dancing is a legitimate form of exercise. Pick a few of your favorite songs, turn up the volume, and dance your way toward your 30-minute daily goal!
  • When it comes to heart healthy eating, there is a lot to consider but you can never go wrong with eating fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when it comes to snacking. Just about everybody needs a little snack to get through the day and snacking doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-fat yogurt, raisins – there are a million great healthy snacking choices out there. You just have to find the one that suits you.
  • Don’t smoke. There is nothing good about tobacco. It’s also not easy to quit but there is help. Using Georgia Tobacco Quit Line can help you improve your chance of quitting for good. The Quit Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    English: 1-877-270-STOP (877-270-7867)
    Spanish: 1-855 DEJELO-YA
    Hearing Impaired: 1-877-777-6534

A high Body Mass Index or BMI (a ratio of weight to height) may put you at risk for heart disease. Check your BMI using this BMI Calculator.

28 Days to a Healthy Heart.

Let’s Dance, Savannah! Scheduled for Feb. 11

February 1st, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Bryan News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Liberty News, Long News, News |

The Coastal Health District will host “Let’s Dance, Savannah!” from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, at Savannah Mall’s Center Court. The event will feature local dance groups and a variety of dance styles. Event attendees are encouraged to participate and dance their way toward better heart health.

“Dancing is a great form of exercise and a fun way to get your daily recommended 30 minutes of physical activity,” said Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Director, Cristina Gibson. “Physical inactivity is a contributor to heart disease. What better way to stay active and improve cardiovascular health than dance?”

Let’s Dance, Savannah! will include free dance demonstrations/mini-classes, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, and information on the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line and smoking cessation classes.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 610,000 die from heart disease in the U.S. every year. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, and not using tobacco can help prevent heart disease which can lead to stroke and heart attacks.

Groups scheduled to take part in the event include Maria Colucci with special guest Koni Perodeau (Dance Chance), Abeni Cultural Arts (African), Salon de Baile (ballroom), Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, Savannah Flash Mob Dance Crew, One Spirit Dance Academy (ballet), Darrell Davis (hip-hop), and bRyaN (divas & pumps/hip-hop).

Always be Weather Ready

January 23rd, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

Weather can change on a dime. One day the climate may be mild and calm and 24 hours later tornado warning sirens could be going off. Hurricane season is expected every year in that we know the dates – June 1 through November 30 –  but we never truly know how the season will play out. Hurricane Matthew showed us that knowing a hurricane is out there doesn’t necessarily mean we know where it’s going to make the biggest impact once it makes landfall. It is important for all of us to be as prepared as we can be when it comes to changing weather.

Do you know what you should have on hand in case of severe weather? A basic disaster supply kit should include:

  • One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
  • At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Change of clothes
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Chargers for cell phones
  • Personal hygiene items

You can always add more to your kit which should be accessible all year round. It’s also a good idea to periodically check your kit to see if it needs to be updated or changed in any way.

Click HERE to find out more about preparing for severe weather.

Ready.gov is a great site with a lot of helpful information on how to prepare for weather and other potentially dangerous occurrences.

Don’t Wait: Communicate
Having emergency plans in place for severe weather or any other crisis just makes good sense. Ready.gov has everything you need to make sure that when a disaster strikes, families know what to do which includes having an up-to-date contact list for those you may need to reach during a disaster and establishing alternate methods of communication in case traditional means are not available.

Family Communication Plan for Parents: FEMA_plan_parent_508_071513 [PDF, 1.12 MB]
Family Communication Plan for Children: FEMA_plan_child_508_071513 [PDF, 1.16 MB]

Coastal Health District Counties Awarded Car Seat Mini Grants

January 20th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Bryan News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, McIntosh News, News |

Health departments in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties have been awarded the 2017 Car Seat Mini Grant by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Injury Prevention Program. Through the Mini Grant, the health departments will work together with other local partners and to provide car seats and education to financially eligible families. This program is funded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to help ensure Georgia’s children are safe while riding in motor vehicles.

Since 2007, the education, car seats, and booster seats provided through the Mini Grant prevented serious injury or death and saved more than 300 of Georgia’s children who were involved in crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent among infants and by 54 percent among children ages 1 to 4 years in passenger cars. Car seats offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash and they are most effective when installed and used correctly. Nearly three out of every four car seats are not used properly, placing children at unnecessary risk. Through this program, parents and caregivers are educated on how to properly install and use car seats.

Through the Car Seat Mini Grant, agencies supporting more than 130 counties are working to keep Georgia’s children safe. These programs help families get their children buckled up right, every trip, every time.

For more information about the car seat program, please contact your local health department. Contact information for Coastal Health District health departments can be found HERE. If you would like information regarding other counties involved in the program, please contact the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Child Occupant Safety Project via email at injury@dph.ga.gov or by calling (404-679-0500).

 

 

 

McIntosh Co. Health Dept. Receives Funding for Lead Screening; Child Safety Seats

January 18th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

The McIntosh County Health Department recently received $10,000 in funding from the Miller Family Fund, a component fund of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, to purchase a much needed lead testing machine and additional child safety seats. The safety seats supplement a needed gap in funding and support the program the Miller’s previously funded focused on infant and child car safety. Martin and Laura Lynn Miller have a home in McIntosh County and a long history of successful philanthropy focused on health, aging and quality of life issues.

“This is just one more example of how the Foundation works with our donors to enhance the effectiveness of their philanthropy,” said President & CEO of the Coastal Georgia Foundation, Paul White. “We look forward to continuing to work with Martin and Laura Lynn to expand their impact in McIntosh County and all of Coastal Georgia”

About the Community Foundation
The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation (CCGF) was incorporated in 2005, as a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people of Glynn, McIntosh and Camden counties.   The Foundation now has assets approaching $17 million and hosts over 60 distinct funds.  Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $7 million in grants to community organizations in the three county region and beyond.

Pictured L-R: Paul White, Coastal Georgia Foundation President and CEO; Brook Deverger, RN, BSN, McIntosh County Health Department Nurse Manager; Martin Miller; and Lawton C. Davis, M.D., District Health Director, Coastal Health District [JPG, 401.53 KB]
Pictured L-R: Paul White, Coastal Georgia Foundation President and CEO; Brook Deverger, RN, BSN, McIntosh County Health Department Nurse Manager; Martin Miller; and Lawton C. Davis, M.D., District Health Director, Coastal Health District

Free Mammogram Screening for Women Who Meet Eligibility

January 9th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Chatham News, News |

The Chatham County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) is partnering with the St. Joseph’s/Candler Mobile Mammography Program to offer free mammograms from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 30, at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are 40-64 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, please call 356-2946.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies on St. Simons

January 6th, 2017 by District_PIO

Posted in Glynn News, News |

A raccoon on Poplar Avenue on St. Simons Island has tested positive for rabies after coming into contact with a family dog. The dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination.

Several species of wild animals that are native to coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every year as prescribed by your veterinarian.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 279-2940.

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