Georgia Coastal Health District

July 2, 2014 – As of July 1, 2014, it is against the law in Georgia to sell or distribute any electronic cigarette to a person who is under the age of 18 years old. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging caution about the use and exposure of children to electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and other emissions producing products.
DPH is asking adults to warn children and young adults of the dangers of electronic nicotine delivery systems, sometimes referred to as “e-cigarettes,” “vape pens,” and “e-hookahs,” and to keep these products out of the reach of young children. Emissions from electronic nicotine delivery products may include formaldehyde, propylene glycol, acetaldehyde, acrolein, lead, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in addition to nicotine.
“These chemicals are toxic, and are particularly dangerous for children,” said Jean O’Connor, JD, DrPH, director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for DPH. “Parents should not allow children to handle electronic cigarettes or similar devices. They contain liquid chemicals which, if swallowed, could cause serious health complications.”
During the past five years in Georgia (April 2009 – April 2014), there were a total of 1,169 calls made to the Georgia Poison Center (GPC) for exposures or poisonings from products containing tobacco or nicotine. Between January 1, 2014 and June 14, 2014, the number of calls made to GPC about nicotine poisonings, specifically from e-cigarettes, was 46. In 2011, there were a total of five calls for the entire year.
Parents, teachers, counselors, and other youth leaders should be aware electronic cigarettes and similar electronic nicotine delivery devices are available in a variety of colors and flavors that are attractive to children and young adults, such as bubble gum, strawberry and chocolate. The products are made to look like pens and other small objects that can be hidden in backpacks and clothes. The emissions, although potentially toxic, may smell like the flavoring.
There is no evidence that using current electronic nicotine delivery systems or being exposed to these products is safe, and the research suggests that these products may introduce children to lifelong nicotine and tobacco addiction. Tobacco use is known to cause cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that causes hardening of the arteries, which is associated with heart attack and stroke. Pregnant women should avoid using or being exposed to electronic nicotine. It can impact fetal development, affecting the brain, nerves and circulatory systems.
Electronic cigarettes and similar electronic nicotine delivery devices have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as tobacco cessation devices. The only current safe and effective tools to quit nicotine and tobacco products are approved nicotine replacement therapy products, which contain controlled doses of nicotine. The manufacturing of electronic nicotine delivery systems is currently not regulated by any state or federal agency. Consequently, consumers are cautioned they may be exposed to varying levels of chemicals and contaminants in these products.
Most people who use tobacco or nicotine and want to quit are unable to end their nicotine addiction without help. Anyone, including teenagers, who need help quitting tobacco or nicotine, can contact the Georgia Tobacco Quitline:
English:
1-877-270-STOP (877-270-7867)
Spanish:
1-877-2NO-FUME (877-266-3863)
Hearing Impaired:
1-877-777-6534
The Quitline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is never too late to quit.
For more information visit: https://dph.georgia.gov

June 23, 2014 – Spending time outdoors is just one of the great things about summer. Coastal Health District officials want coastal Georgia residents to make the most of that time and prevent illness and injury that some summer-related activities can bring.
Heat-related illness
Heat and humidity are a normal part of a Georgia summer but they can also pose a threat to those spending a lot of time outside. To minimize the risk of heat-related illness:
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink fluids. Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library-even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
It’s also important to remember that infants, children, and those 65 and older are at increased risk for heat-related illness. Limiting outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and exercising indoors, are other ways for people of all ages to avoid getting heat-related illness.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a bother but they can also carry disease such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and chikungunya. WNV can cause mild to serious illness. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all but some develop more severe illness that may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and muscle weakness. The first laboratory-confirmed case of chikungunya in Georgia was reported last week. Chikungunya symptoms usually begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and the most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Symptoms can sometimes be severe but most feel better within a week. The mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus bite mostly during the daytime. So far, all of the chikungunya patients in the United States have travel histories in areas where chikungunya is circulating.
The best way to prevent mosquito-related diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes breed in standing water which is why it is important to:
• Remove water-holding containers (buckets, barrels, flower pots, tarps, etc. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they’re not being used).
• Change water frequently in pet dishes
• Change bird bath water at least twice a week
• Avoid using saucers under outdoor potted plants
In addition, following these tips can help lessen the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes:
• DRAIN all standing water
• Avoid DAWN and DUSK when mosquitoes are most active
• DRESS appropriately in long sleeves and pants.
• DEFEND or DEET yourself against mosquitoes with an effective repellent. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection.
• DOORS and windows should be in good condition
Septic Systems
Afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers are common during the summer months. Heavy rainfall can cause a septic system to not function properly due to saturation of the soil in and around septic drain fields. It is always important for residents using septic systems to conserve water usage and ensure that surface waters from rain are diverted away from septic drain fields. Some helpful tips include.
• Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets.
• Run dishwashers only when full.
• Do not do all your laundry in one day. Space out the washing machine use over the week.
• Replace old fixtures with water saving fixtures.
• Do not direct water from gutter downspouts, sump pumps or subsurface drains into the septic tank.
• Always divert water away from septic drain fields.

June 6, 2014 – The Coastal Health District HIV program will hold a free HIV testing event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 27 at Oglethorpe Mall (outside of Belk) in Savannah. Educational information, music and other entertainment will also be on hand. All testing will be done without needles and results will come back quickly and remain confidential.
The event is being held in support of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) which takes place annually on June 27. Every year on NHTD, HIV testing events are held all over the country to encourage people to “Take the Test, Take Control.” Close to 1.1 million people are living with HIV and almost one in five don’t know they are infected. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people to learn their HIV status and to gain knowledge that will help them take control of their lives and health.
The event is being sponsored by the Coastal Health District, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and WEAS 93.1.
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