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

Customer Service Survey

Posts by District_PIO

McIntosh County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic Scheduled for Oct. 20

October 8th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

The McIntosh County Health Department will hold a drive-through vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, at the health department located on Hwy. 57 in Townsend. No appointment is necessary. Just roll down your window and roll up your sleeve. Cost of the vaccine is $29 and is covered under both Medicare and Medicaid.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Getting vaccinated is the first and best line of defense against the flu. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to fully respond to the vaccine and provide the body protection.

On average, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year for illnesses associated with seasonal influenza virus infections and it is estimated that more than 36,000 Americans die each year from influenza-related illness.

The flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That’s why good health habits are also important including staying home when you’re sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

For more information please call the McIntosh County Health Department at 912-832-5473.

For more information on the flu or flu vaccine, go to cdc.gov.

McIntosh County Health Department Invites Residents to “Pink Out” Oct. 15 Bucs Game

October 7th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

The McIntosh County Health Department, in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate, wants McIntosh County residents to wear pink on Thursday, October 15, when the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers take on Bryan County at 7 p.m. The “Pink Out” is part of an effort to raise breast cancer awareness in the community.

McIntosh County Health Department staff will have a display set up at the game with important information about breast cancer screening along with free giveaways to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and it is estimated that 40,290 women will die from breast cancer in 2015.

“Early detection plays a huge role when it comes to breast cancer survival,” said McIntosh County Health Department Nurse Manager, Paige Lightsey, R.N. “This event is our way of educating our own about breast cancer and letting our residents know about resources that are available to them when it comes to breast health.”

This is the fourth year that the McIntosh County Health Department used grant funding from Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate to provide breast cancer community outreach at a Bucs game. Up to 75 percent of the Affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women.

Camden County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic Scheduled for October 24

October 7th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Camden News, News |

The Camden County Health Department will hold a drive-through vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, in the North parking lot at the College of Coastal Georgia located at 8001 Lakes Boulevard in Kingsland. No appointment is necessary. Cost of the vaccine is $29 and is covered under both Medicare and Medicaid.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Getting vaccinated is the first and best line of defense against the flu. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to fully respond to the vaccine and provide the body protection.

On average, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year for illnesses associated with seasonal influenza virus infections and it is estimated that more than 36,000 Americans die each year from influenza-related illness.

The flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That’s why good health habits are also important including staying home when you’re sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu

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

For more information on the flu or flu vaccine, please go to cdc.gov.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Information

September 30th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while breast self-awareness should be important every day of the year, October is a good time to put the spotlight on breast cancer and the services that are available to women in their own communities.

To help reduce the impact of cancer on the lives of Georgians, the the Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (GBCCP) strives to address 2020 Healthy People National Objectives by providing access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women. Women diagnosed with cancer through the program are eligible for treatment through Medicaid coverage as authorized by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Act passed by Congress in 2000.

The GBCCP is for eligible women residing in Georgia aged 21 to 64 years for cervical cancer screening and aged 40 to 64 years for breast cancer screening. The program serves women who are uninsured and those with a low annual income (not greater than 200% of the federal poverty level) with a focus on never/rarely screened women and those aged 50 to 64.

Program Eligibility
The Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides services to adults who meet the following requirements:
• Georgia resident
• Income: Annual income is not greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
• No health insurance
• Age: 40-64 years old for breast cancer screening (mammogram).
• Age: 21-64 years old for cervical cancer screening.

Services
Services provided by the Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) include:
• Clinical breast examinations
• Pelvic examinations
• Pap tests
• Mammograms (if 40-64 years old)
• Diagnostic evaluation, if results are abnormal.
• Referrals to treatment through the Women’s Health Medicaid Program.

For more information on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, please contact your county health department.

For more information on breast cancer screening, detection, and treatment, risk factors, and more, check out Susan G. Komen.

 

BCCP ad generi 9.15 [JPG, 1.17 MB]

Fox Tests Positive for Rabies in Kingsland

September 29th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Camden News, News |

A fox caught near the intersection of Clarks Bluff Road and Vacuna Road just inside the Kingsland city limits has tested positive for rabies. At least one dog and one cat were exposed to the fox. Camden County Environmental Health officials encourage residents to stay away from wild animals, keep an eye out for animals acting strangely, and make sure that all pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.

Foxes, along with other animals that are native to coastal Georgia including raccoons and bats, can be carriers of rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. 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.

The Camden County Health Department Environmental Health division 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.

 

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Camden County Animal Control at 912-576-7395 and the Camden County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 912-729-6012.

McIntosh County Health Department Schedules Breast Screening/Mammogram Event for October 22

September 21st, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

The McIntosh County Health Department, in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate and the Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS), will offer free breast exams and mammograms to women over the age of 40 who have not had a mammogram in the last year and who meet certain criteria, including those with no insurance or limited insurance coverage.

Mammogram screenings will be provided by the SGHS Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile health vehicle in the parking lot of the Bi-Lo located at 1338 North Way in Darien on Thursday, October 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, please call the Health Department at 832-5473.

McIntosh Mammogram Screening Flier Oct. 2015_Layout 1.qxd [JPG, 368.50 KB]

Help Stop Childhood Obesity

September 9th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Coastal Health District encourages your family to make healthy changes together.

  • Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
  • Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
  • Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.

Get THE FACTS about childhood obesity.

Click HERE for a child and teen BMI calculator.

Quick, Healthy Snack Ideas for Parents

How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?

Set Healthy Eating Goals

Treatment Works.

September 4th, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

Thirty five years ago the letters “HIV” struck fear and hopelessness in the hearts and minds of people. Today, fear has been replaced with facts and hopelessness with optimism. In the 21st century a person diagnosed with HIV can live a normal life expectancy and pursue personal dreams and aspirations with regular medical care and daily medications.

Treatment has come a very long way. Today’s medications are potent and very well tolerated with as little as a single pill once a day. With all of these advancements, the medical and scientific community is not satisfied with successful treatment, they are striving to find the cure!  So if you are a person living with HIV, get in care and stay in care.  A well known advocate said it best: “Stick around for the cure.”

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), people who are HIV positive who start and continue treatment are 96 percent less likely to transmit HIV to others. Treatment, especially for those starting antiretroviral drugs right after diagnosis, helps people with HIV live longer and healthier lives, and it prevents the spread of HIV. Yet, only 1 in 4 of the 1.1 million Americans living with HIV have an undetectable viral load. This means the virus is at a level that provides maximum health benefits and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

“Today, not only can HIV treatment save lives, it can help stop a national epidemic in its tracks,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “Our goal is to help everyone with HIV know the tremendous health benefits treatment offers to them and the protection it provides to their partners.”

HIV Treatment Works, a communication campaign focused exclusively on encouraging treatment and care for people living with HIV, was launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to get more Americans living with HIV to stay in care and take treatment.

The HIV Treatment Works campaign encourages people living with HIV to Get in Care , Stay in Care and Live Well .

Check out Angie’s story.

 

Glynn County Health Department Schedules Breast Screening/Mammogram Event for September 29

September 3rd, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in News |

 

The Glynn County Health Department, in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate and the Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS), will offer free breast exams and mammograms to women over the age of 40 who have not had a mammogram in the last year and who meet certain criteria, including those with no insurance or limited insurance coverage.

The screening even will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 284 Hyde Park Commons, Brunswick. Mammogram screenings will be provided by the SGHS Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile health vehicle No appointment is necessary.

For more information, please call the Health Department at 912-264-3961 or Southeast Georgia Health System at 912-466-5234.

BCA [JPG, 411.43 KB]

Don’t Wait. Communicate.

August 31st, 2015 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

We never know when disaster will strike which means we should always be planning. Hurricane season is a good time to review those plans to make sure that everything is in place to protect ourselves and our families. Do you have a plan? If not, there’s no better time to get started than right now.

Preparing for a Hurricane
How_To_Prepare_Guide_Hurricane [PDF, 1.86 MB]

Preparing for a Flood
how_to_prepare_flood_033014_508 [PDF, 2.64 MB]

Preparing for a Wildfire
how_to_prepare_flood_033014_508 [PDF, 2.64 MB]

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]

Having emergency plans in place 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.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »