Georgia Coastal Health District

As loved ones gather around the table for Thanksgiving this week, the Coastal Health District offers tips and reminders for ensuring a safe and healthy holiday feast. From preparing food, to serving, to storing leftovers, there are important food safety rules that can prevent you from ingesting bacteria that can make you sick.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

• If turkey is on the menu, keep the raw turkey and its juices separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
• Remember to fully clean and sanitize surfaces that come in contact with the uncooked meat and juices so bacteria from the turkey doesn’t cross-contaminate other food or surfaces.
• Avoid touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands – this includes food you’ve already cooked, or food that doesn’t have to be cooked. Be sure to use serving utensils or gloves so you don’t unknowingly contaminate the food with germs from your hands.

Proper Temperature

• Whether you’re frying or roasting your turkey, the key is to make sure the meat reaches a safe minimum temperature.
• A food thermometer can help you ensure the turkey is hot enough to effectively kill bacteria. The turkey needs to reach a temperature of at least 165 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.

Leftovers: The Two Hour Rule

• Once the food has been served, remember the two-hour rule. Perishable food should not sit at room temperature longer than two hours or harmful bacteria can develop. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of serving.
• If you have leftover turkey, it’s a good idea to carve the bird into smaller pieces and place them into small, shallow containers so the meat can cool more evenly and quickly.
• When reheating the leftovers, only heat the amount you actually plan to eat at that time. For example, reheating an entire casserole dish and then cooling it back down multiple times isn’t a safe choice.
• Leftovers can be kept safely in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and the freezer for 2-6 months.

Several health departments in the Coastal Health District are hosting breast cancer screening events in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. However, many cancer deaths can be avoided through regular screening. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chance of survival is greatly increased.

Read below for information about a screening event near you.

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Bryan County Health Department – Pembroke Clinic

• October 24th, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• At the health department, 430 Ledford Street in Pembroke
• Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for mammogram at a later date
• Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-653-4331.
• All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.

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Camden County Health Department

• October 17th, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• At the health department, 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys
• Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, mobile mammogram unit
• Appointments are limited and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-882-8515.
• All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
• Women with health insurance are also welcome to schedule an appointment, and health insurance will be billed for the services.

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Chatham County Health Department

• October 29th
• At the health department’s Midtown clinic, 1602 Drayton Street in Savannah
• Mobile mammogram unit
• By appointment only – schedule by calling 912-356-2946
• Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance.

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Effingham County Health Department

• October 22nd, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• At the health department, 802 Hwy 119 South in Springfield
• Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for mammogram at a later date
• Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-754-6484.
• All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
• Free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings will also be available, and all participants will receive goody bags and light refreshments.

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Glynn County Health Department

• October 21st, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• At the health department, 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick
• Mobile mammogram unit
• No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
• Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.

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Liberty County Health Department

• October 22nd, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• At the health department, 1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy. in Hinesville
• Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for a same-day mammogram at Diversity Healthcare
• Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-876-2173.
• All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
• No-cost COVID and flu vaccines will also be available, and all participants will receive giveaways.

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Long County Health Department

• October 15th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• In the IGA parking lot on Hwy 84 in Ludowici
• Mobile mammogram unit
• No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
• Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.

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McIntosh County Health Department

• October 28th, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Coastal Market at 5214 Highway 17 in Darien
• Mobile mammogram unit
• No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
• Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.