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

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It’s Not Too Late to Get the Flu Shot

September 29th, 2016 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

With flu activity increasing and family and friends planning gatherings for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine if you have not gotten vaccinated cdc-flu-qa-nivw [PNG, 264.65 KB]yet. A flu vaccine can protect you and your loved ones. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This season, CDC recommends only flu shots (not the nasal spray vaccine).

While seasonal flu activity varies, flu activity usually peaks between December and February, though activity can last as late as May. As long as flu activity is ongoing, it’s not too late to get vaccinated, even in January or later. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against this potentially serious disease. Even if you have already gotten sick with flu this season, it is still a good idea to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines protects against three or four different flu viruses (depending on which flu vaccine you get).

December 4-10, 2016 is this year’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (or NIVW). CDC Established NIVW in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. A goal of NIVW is to remind people that even though the holiday season has arrived, it’s not too late to get their flu vaccine.

As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season in order to protect as many people as possible against the flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. CDC recommends only flu shots this season. If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to get a flu shot!

Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties offer the regular flu shot for $29 and a high dose flu shot – made especially for those 65 and older – for $50. No appointment is needed for flu shots at health departments. 

Save time when going to get your flu shot by filling out the consent form ahead of time and bringing it with you to the health department:
General Vaccine Consent Form [PDF, 100.96 KB]
General Flu Vaccine Consent Form (Spanish) [PDF, 49.56 KB]

Read the Vaccine Information Statement here:
Flu Vaccine Information Statement (English)
Flu Vaccine Information Statement (Spanish) [PDF, 343.81 KB]

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu. Every flu season is different and we never know how bad a flu season is going to be or how long it’s going to last which is why it is so important to get the flu vaccine every year. Some things to know about this year’s flu season:

  • The vaccine has been updated for the 2016-2017 flu season so it should be a better match for flu viruses.flu-shot-pic [JPG, 159.27 KB]
  • Only the flu shot is recommended this year because there are questions about the effectiveness of the nasal spray form of the vaccine.
  • Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it also protects people around you – like babies, older people, and people with chronic health conditions – who may be at risk from getting seriously ill from the flu.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive a yearly flu vaccine.
  • People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease and people 65 years of age and older.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to fully respond to the vaccine and provide the body protection. While getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, there are other things we can all do every day to prevent getting or spreading the flu viruses and other viruses:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • Try to cough or sneeze into the corner of your elbow and not your hand or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Don’t let the flu get the best of you. Protect yourself and your loved ones from flu by getting vaccinated early.

 

 

Kellogg Company Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Kellogg’s® Eggo® Nutri-Grain® Whole Wheat Waffles Due to Potential Health Risk

September 21st, 2016 by District_PIO

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

From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

Battle Creek, MI – Kellogg Company today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 10,000 cases of Kellogg’s® Eggo® Nutri-Grain® Whole Wheat Waffles because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No other Eggo products are impacted by this recall.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The company has received no reports of illness to date but is taking this action as part of its commitment to the health and safety of the people who eat its foods.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT

Recalled product was distributed to customers and retailers in 25 states (CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WI, WY). The affected product is:

Description
UPC Code
Size
Better If Used Before Date
Kellogg’s ® Eggo® Nutri-Grain® Whole Wheat Waffles
38000 40370
12.3 oz (10 ct)
NOV21 17 and NOV22 17
The date code can be found on the side of the package. Images of the product can be found at www.Kelloggs.com/eggorecall.

The recall is a result of routine tests that the company conducts which identified the potential for contamination. As soon as the company learned of a potential concern, it moved quickly to identify any foods that might be impacted and resolve the issue.

Kellogg is asking that people who purchased affected product discard it and contact the company for a full refund. Consumers can call 1-800-962-1413, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET or by visiting https://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/contact-us.htmlucm521572 [JPG, 120.30 KB]

EPA Encourages Homeowners and Communities to Maintain Septic Systems during SepticSmart Week

September 19th, 2016 by District_PIO

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

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners – is kicking off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems.

More than 26 million homes in the United States – one in five households – depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses and household hazardous waste to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health and the environment and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.

“By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners not only protect our nation’s public health and keep our water clean, but also save money and protect their property values,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.

Simple tips for homeowners:

  • Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department’s recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.
  • Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
  • Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
  • Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day: too much water at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
  • Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents.

For information on SepticSmart Week or tips on how to properly maintain your septic system, visit www.epa.gov/septicsmart.

Free HIV Testing Event Scheduled at SSU Sept. 7

September 1st, 2016 by District_PIO

Posted in Chatham News, News |

The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Team and Savannah State University’s “Know to Live Program” will offer free HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, at the King Frazier Student Center on the SSU  campus. The event is open to the public and all testing is confidential.

Testing will be done without the use of a needle and those tested will get results in 20 minutes. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for anyone who tests positive and counseling will be made available to those individuals.

For more information, please call Diane DeVore at (912) 353-3276 or Linda Samuel at 912-358-3244.

SSU Testing Flyer [JPG, 387.76 KB]

 

Will You be Prepared If Disaster Strikes?

August 31st, 2016 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

Don't Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more at www.ready.gov/September.    

[JPG, 147.17 KB] Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more at www.ready.gov/September.

 

It can happen any time, any day of the week. It can come on suddenly or slowly but no matter when or where disaster strikes, being prepared as much as possible is key. A big part of that preparation is making an emergency communication plan. You may not be with your family when a disaster hits which is why it’s important to talk about it now: Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency communication plan today. Include children in the discussion. They need to be in on the plan, too. Here are some simple, useful tools that can help:

Family Communication Plan for Kids [PDF, 1.16 MB]
Family Communication Plan for Parents [PDF, 1.12 MB]

Everyone needs an emergency supply kit. But what should be in it?
Emergency Supply Kit

Want to know more about preparedness and National Preparedness Month? Click HERE.

Don't Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more at www.ready.gov/September.    

[JPG, 116.33 KB] Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more at www.ready.gov/September.

Free Mammograms for Eligible Women in Chatham Co.

August 8th, 2016 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 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, August 22, at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Women 40-64 years old without insurance whose annual income is not greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, call 819-6800.

World Breastfeeding Week Event Scheduled for August 6

July 29th, 2016 by District_PIO

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

The Coastal Health District Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will hold a walk to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week  at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 6 at Forsyth Park in Savannah. The event is free and there is no cost to register but those who register will receive a free t-shirt. Register HERE.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated during the first week in August every year in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.  This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding: A key to sustainable development.” According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, this year’s theme is about how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our well-being from the start of life, how to respect each other and care for the world we share.

The key to best breastfeeding practices is continued day-to-day support for breastfeeding mothers within their home and community. The Coastal Health District is committed to helping mothers breastfeed their babies because breastfeeding is so important for good health. Breast milk is easy to digest, with just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein for a baby’s growth and development. Breastfed babies usually get sick less often, because breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections.

For more information, contact Monica.Lightfoot@dph.ga.gov.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Detected in Effingham County Horse

July 28th, 2016 by District_PIO

Posted in Chatham News, Effingham News, News |

A horse in Effingham County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE has also been detected in the mosquito population in Chatham County. EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain and poses a significant risk to both horses and humans.

Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every three to four days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. The primary mosquito that transmits EEE breeds in freshwater swamps. Residents are encouraged to use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20%-30% DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to protect themselves from mosquitoes. In addition, wearing light colored clothing with long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help prevent mosquito bites.

Residents are encouraged to help by keeping mosquitoes from breeding by getting rid of standing water around the home and in the yard. For containers without lids or that are too big to tip over or toss out (bird baths, garden pools), use larvicides such as Mosquito Dunks or Pre-Strike Mosquito Torpedoes and follow the label instructions. These larvicides will not harm birds or animals.

Residents are always encouraged to remember the 5 D’s of Prevention:

  • Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.
  • Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed.
  • DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
  • Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
  • Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

For more information on EEE: http://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/

Coastal Health District to Host National Dance Day Event July 30

July 15th, 2016 by District_PIO

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

The Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Program, in conjunction with Savannah Mall, will host a National Dance Day event at noon on Saturday, July 30, at the center court outside of Bass Pro Shops on the lower level of Savannah Mall. The event is free and open to the public.

The Savannah Flash Mob Dance Crew will be on hand at the event to teach participants the 2016 National Dance Day dance. Anyone interested in learning the dance prior to National Dance Day so that they can help teach the dance at the event can attend dance tutorials at the following times on the following days in the Community Room at Savannah Mall: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 and 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 23.

“Dancing is a great way to increase physical activity to help promote a healthier and more active lifestyle,” said Director Chronic Disease Prevention for the Coastal, Cristina Gibson. “Dancing is fun and it’s also good for you. Including dance as part of a regular exercise routine can help prevent chronic disease and obesity.”

National Dance Day was started in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of the television show “So You Think You Can Dance” and co-president of Dizzy Feet Foundation, a national organization created to “support, improve, and increase access to dance education in the United States.” National Dance Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in July.

“Our Savannah Flash Mob Dance Crew includes people with all levels of dance abilities. For us, it’s all about having fun and getting our feet moving,” said Gibson. “The event on July 30 will definitely include both of those things.”

Check out the National Dance Day dance routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C-7f4tmyt8

 

District Health Director Announces Retirement; New Health Director to Start August 1

July 13th, 2016 by District_PIO

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

Diane Z. Weems, M.D., who has served as health director of the Coastal Health District for the past three years, announced today that she will retire at the end of the month. Lawton C. Davis, M.D., the current health director of the South Central Health District, has been named as her successor.

A board-certified pediatrician, Weems began her public health career at the Lowndes County Health Department in 1986 and relocated to the Chatham County Health Department in 1987 as a staff physician. In 1993, Weems became the chief medical officer for the health district and served in that position until appointed district health director in February 2013. She was instrumental in the formation of the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council and has served on numerous community boards. In addition, she served as a Governor’s appointee and vice-chair of the Public Health Commission in 2010 whose report was instrumental in supporting the establishment of an independent Georgia Department of Public Health. Weems is the recipient of numerous professional awards including the 2011 Georgia Public Health Association’s Sellers-McCroan Award and the Al Dohany Award for community service.

Davis has served as health director in the South Central Health District for the past 18 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Furman University and a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He practiced internal medicine for 13 years and worked full time as an emergency room physician for two years in Dublin before joining public health as the district health director in January of 1998. Davis has served as the chair of the state’s technical review committee (onsite sewage disposal) since its creation in July of 1999. He has served on the boards of multiple organizations and is a proponent of strengthening public health’s community presence through community activity. Davis and his wife, Diane, have three grown children.

“Dr. Weems has made significant and lasting contributions during her 30 years of service to public health. She has served as a dedicated public health ambassador on local, regional, and state levels and is truly representative of what is good about public health leadership in Georgia,” said Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “Dr. Davis brings a wealth of public health experience and his own unique perspective and leadership style to the Coastal Health District. I am confident that under his guidance the District will continue to be proactive in preventing disease and promoting good health among its residents.”

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