Georgia Coastal Health District

July 18, 2014 – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will hold its annual public comment period from August 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014. During this period, Georgians are invited to comment on the program’s successes and identify opportunities to improve WIC services.
“We encourage Georgians to take part in this comment period so they can have an impact on the WIC program,” said Debra L. Keyes, Georgia WIC director. “State staff will review the comments that are received and use them to update our annual program plan. We count on our customers’ feedback every year to make the WIC program better.” To make comments or provide suggestions, visit the WIC website at www.wic.ga.gov, click on the public comment link and complete the appropriate survey.
The Georgia WIC program promotes good health and positive food choices by providing nutrition education and food selections based on their nutrient content, availability statewide, and cost. WIC food packages can include infant formulas and medical foods, milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, juice, whole grain foods, fish, peanut butter, soy products, and beans. Food packages are tailored to meet the needs of the participant.
The Georgia WIC program food packages are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The guidelines reflect recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine. There are more than 1,400 authorized food retailers that participate in the Georgia WIC program food delivery system.
To learn more about Georgia WIC, visit us at www.wic.ga.gov or call 1-800-228-9173 or 1-800-225-0056 (TTY).
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health 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. In 2011, the General Assembly restored DPH to its own state agency after more than 30 years of consolidation with other departments. At the state level, DPH functions through numerous divisions, sections, programs and offices. Locally, DPH funds and collaborates with Georgia’s 159 county health departments and 18 public health districts. Through the changes, the mission has remained constant – to protect the lives of all Georgians. Today, DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory. For more information about DPH, visit dph.georgia.gov .
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).

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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April 1, 2014 – What is public health? It’s helping people quit tobacco. It’s inspecting restaurants for potential causes of foodborne illness. It’s the prevention and treatment of HIV. It’s watching for signs of disease outbreaks. It’s making sure that residents who are most vulnerable are evacuated before a hurricane. It’s educating mothers-to-be on the importance of breastfeeding. It’s protecting children against diseases that can be prevented. It’s all of that and much more. Public health touches every life at one time or another. National Public Health Week (NPHW), April 7 – 13, is a time to spread the news about the value of public health.
“Public health continues to grow and evolve but preventing disease and promoting healthy communities will always be our goal,” said Diane Z. Weems, M.D., Health Director for the Coastal Health District.
NPHW 2014 will have daily themes:
Monday, April 7: Be Healthy from the Start
Public health starts at home. From family nutrition and maternal health to safety precautions and disaster preparedness, the first step the community takes toward public health are in the comfort of their own home.
Tuesday, April 8: Don’t Panic
Public health professionals help communities withstand the impact of a natural or manmade disaster by planning ahead, acting as a source of information during the crisis and helping to mitigate the long- and short-term effects.
Wednesday, April 9: Get Out Ahead
Prevention is now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventive health measures.
Thursday, April 10: Eat Well
The system that keeps our nation’s food safe and healthy is complex. Public health professionals can help guide people through their choices.
Friday, April 11: Be the Healthiest Nation in One Generation
For the first time in decades, the current generation isn’t as healthy as the one that came before. Communities need to band together to take a stance against this disturbing trend to make sure that children and young adults have bright, healthy futures.
For more information on the services offered at health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties, go to www.coastalhealthdistrict.org.