Hot Topic Archive
The Coastal Empire has been lucky when it comes to hurricanes; however, most experts agree that it's only a matter of time before the Georgia coast gets hit by a major storm. The 2010 hurricane season is expected to be very active and the time to prepare is now, especially if you have special medical needs and may require assistance during an evacuation.
Summer is officially here and so is the intense heat and humidity. Spending time at the beach or the pool can provide relief on hot days but it's important to remember that the sun can be dangerous.
Warm summer nights often bring different forms of wildlife into backyards and neighborhood playgrounds. And while those animals might be interesting to look at, they should be avoided as they may be carrying a potentially deadly disease.
Boating is a great way to spend weekends, holidays and vacations during the summer in Coastal Georgia. It's something the whole family can enjoy. But before you hit the water, remember: safety first.
As temperatures outside continue to rise and public swimming pools begin to open, it's important to remember to practice healthy swimming habits to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone.
As the school year comes to a close, the Coastal Health District and Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response encourages families to start their summer vacations safely by buckling up the whole family.
Sometimes what you don't know can kill you. May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, and the Georgia Department of Community Health urges you to "Know Your Numbers" by taking part in the statewide Know Your Numbers campaign. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. About 30 percent of adults in Georgia have high blood pressure.
The month of May is a celebration of women and their contributions to our lives and society. This month, let's remember to focus on the health and wellbeing of the women in our lives, and encourage them to practice good health for a lifetime.
Spring showers might bring summer flowers but they can also bring an unwanted increase in the mosquito population. There's no question that mosquitoes are pesky, but they can also be dangerous. Mosquito bites can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), both of which can cause serious illness. That's why protecting yourself from mosquitoes throughout the summer is so important.
Parents do a lot of things to keep their children safe. They install car safety seats, put child-proof latches on medicine cabinets, and make sure toys aren't too small to cause a choking hazard. Just as those measures help keep children healthy, vaccines protect children from illness and death associated with diseases.
The decision to start smoking cigarettes can be costly in more ways than one. Besides putting a major dent in your wallet, it could have you paying the ultimate price: your life. We offer tools to help you quit, because Tobacco is Whacko.
Spread of the H1N1 flu virus is declining around the country; however, Georgia continues to report regional flu activity and flu activity is expected to continue for weeks. It's not too late to get the H1N1 flu vaccine and it's never too late to practice proper hand hygiene to avoid getting and spreading germs.
When it comes to making our communities healthier, we all play a part. Public Health is leading the charge in that effort and National Public Health Week, April 5 - 11, is a time to learn more about the services local health departments offer to help promote health and prevent disease.
When most people hear the term "Tuberculosis," they think of a disease that killed one out of seven people in the 1900s. But Tuberculosis, or TB, is still in existence today. Although the number of cases is declining, TB continues to pose a health risk.
Although the H1N1 flu is no longer considered widespread in Georgia, it is still circulating and causing illness, hospitalizations and deaths. The H1N1 flu has proven unpredictable and it's possible that Coastal Health District counties could see another wave. There is plenty of vaccine available in all health departments throughout the Coastal Health District counties (Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh) and everyone over six months of age is encouraged to get vaccinated. Read this article to find out more about the vaccine and other flu prevention methods.
The recent heavy rain and flooding in the Atlanta area caused property damage to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. But to the family and friends of the people who lost their lives in the flood, the cost is immeasurable. Floodwaters are dangerous. Preparation is key when it comes to protecting yourself from the dangers of flooding.
Think it's just a bad cold? Think again. It could be the seasonal flu and the flu can be dangerous. Complications of seasonal flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Vaccines aren't just for babies and children anymore. Although it is the law that in order for a child to enter school or attend childcare he must be up-to-date with all required immunizations, preventing disease has a much wider focus. Vaccines have been approved to protect all family members including teens, young adults, adults, and elders.
Each fall and winter certain illnesses such as colds and the flu begin to circulate. This year, we also face a new health challenge: novel H1N1 influenza (A). So what exactly is novel H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu) and how can you protect yourself from getting it?
As temperatures increase and family schedules change, parents and caregivers should avoid leaving children unsupervised in or near vehicles.
Did you know that one of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands? Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent illness at home, work, and school. It's simple, it's easy, and it works.
Summertime means spending more time enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, there may be some unfriendly creatures that want to join in the fun. Raccoons and other wild animals can often be found looking for food in trash cans or outdoor pet dishes this time of year. These animals may look innocent enough, but they can be dangerous and should be avoided.
There has been a lot in the news lately about outbreaks of E. coli infections linked to raw cookie dough and ground beef. In fact, there are around 70,000 E. coli infections every year in the United States. So what exactly is E. coli and how do you become infected?
All you have to do is take one step outside to know that summer is here. Temperatures are soaring and there's no end in sight. Staying cool when the weather is hot is more than just a matter of comfort, it's also a matter of protecting your health.
These days, both men and women are living longer, healthier lives. But death rates for men are still higher than women. Many health problems experienced by men are preventable with early detection and treatment. In some cases, the answer may be as simple as getting enough sleep.
Summer hasn't officially arrived but don't tell that to the heat and humidity. Southeast Georgia is already sweltering and the sun's rays will only get stronger as we move through the summer months. That's why it's important to protect yourself from those potentially dangerous rays while spending time outside working or playing.
The 2009 hurricane season has begun and that means that now is the time to prepare. Georgia's coastal counties have been lucky in recent years and avoided direct hits from storms in the Atlantic basin. But experts agree that it's a matter of when, not if, a major storm will come our way. When it does, will you be ready?
Spring showers might bring summer flowers but they can also bring an unwanted increase in the mosquito population. There's no question that mosquitoes are pesky, but they can also be dangerous. Mosquito bites can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), both of which can cause serious illness. That's why protecting yourself from mosquitoes throughout the summer is so important.
H1N1 influenza continues to spread in Georgia and throughout the United States. See what you can do to prepare and protect yourself.
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If you don't have health insurance or your insurance is inadequate, it can be tough to figure out where to go for health care. Now, if you live in Chatham County, the search for a health care solution just got a bit easier with the launch of a new website.
When it comes to Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs, what you don't know could really hurt you and your partner. Some STDs have few or no symptoms, which is why testing is so important.
So - what's the big deal about public health? Even if you never set foot in a Health Department clinic, public health touches your life everyday. April 6-12 is National Public Health Week, and we believe it's important to remind people about the benefits of a strong public health system, and we need your support.
Autism can have different effects on children, but one thing is the same - the sooner autism is diagnosed, the more help a child can receive to overcome or minimize the effects. Learn more about autism, its characteristics and what to do if you suspect your child has autism.
Every day, more than 3,500 kids try their first cigarette. Most parents hope their kids don't pick up the habit, but it's time to do more than just hope. Find out what you can do to keep your kid smoke-free.
Early in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, very few females were diagnosed with the disease. But today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses.That's why the Coastal Health District is celebrating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Read more to find out about some upcoming events!
We all know childhood obesity is a problem - now see how some Georgia legislators want to get schools more involved in obesity prevention. House Bill 229, also called the SHAPE Act of 2009, passed the house on Feb. 25th, and is now being considered by the Senate.
Tired of the same, old exercise routine? It might be time to try dancing your way to a healthier lifestyle. That’s why the Coastal Health District is sponsoring “Let’s Dance, Savannah!” on Saturday, February 28th.
Especially during these difficult economic times, people are turning to the government for assistance with health care, food, bills and employment. We want to make it easy for you to find the help you need, so read on to learn more about the new Department of Human Resources Guide.
If a major disaster hits Georgia, will you be ready? Do you have plans in place to make sure that you and your family can be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours following an emergency such as a hurricane, flood, or terrorist attack?
If the answer is “no,” then now’s the time to get ready and the state of Georgia has just the tool to help.
Think heart disease can’t affect you? Think again. Heart disease is the number one killer of women. In fact, one in four American women dies of heart disease every year. In 2006 in the Coastal Health District (CHD) alone, 748 women died of cardiovascular disease.
Local and national news outlets have been buzzing with stories detailing the recent Salmonella outbreak that has spread across the country. The outbreak is a result of tainted peanut butter that was produced at a plant in Georgia. While many people have heard of Salmonella, few know exactly what it is and how it can affect one’s health.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That old axiom holds true when it comes to diseases such as cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is a very serious disease, now more than ever it’s also a very preventable disease.
The holidays are over and it’s back to the grind. That alone has many people feeling a little blue. But sometimes those feelings of sadness and distress can mean more than just a temporary case of the blues. In fact, one in four adults suffer from some kind of diagnosable mental disorder.
The beginning of a new year often signals a time of change. Resolutions are made and sometimes quickly broken. Many people start the new year resolving to eat better and exercise more but find it difficult to stay on task.
It’s definitely the season to eat, drink, and be merry but that doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to overindulge in holiday treats or libations.
Millions of Americans are planning to hit the road to visit friends and family during the holidays. Whether traveling by car, train, bus, or plane, it’s important to keep health and safety top-of-mind at all times.
Take a good look at your hands. It’s what you don’t see that can cause health problems. Just about every minute of every day there’s a chance that our hands are picking up unwanted germs. That’s why hand washing is so important. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent catching – and reduce spreading – colds, the flu, skin infections, and digestive viruses.
The holiday season is officially in full swing and it’s time to spread some healthy holiday cheer. We sometimes need to be reminded to take care of ourselves amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
The holidays are upon us and that means lots of family gatherings around the dinner table. But beware of unwanted guests that can turn your holiday celebration into a sour affair. The Coastal Health District encourages you to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses this holiday season and all year long.
It’s one of the toughest habits to break: smoking. But it is possible and thousands make the decision every day to put down their cigarettes and start living healthier. The Great American Smokeout is November 20. Could it be your time to quit?
The numbers are staggering. Of the 24 million Americans with diabetes, 5.7 million don’t even know that they have the disease and millions more are at risk of developing it.
Like any disease, the longer diabetes goes undiagnosed, the more dangerous it becomes.
November is American Diabetes Month and the Coastal Health District encourages you to take the time to learn more about this disease.
You remembered to set your clock back one hour and you’re getting adjusted to the end of Daylight Savings Time. But did you remember to do the one thing that can help save the lives of those living in your home?
It’s the time of year when pumpkins are proudly displayed on doorsteps and witches can be seen going door-to-door seeking treats. Halloween is a fun holiday for kids of all ages and Safe Kids Savannah wants to make sure that all the little ghosts and goblins stay safe while trick-or-treating this Halloween.
Chances are that you know someone who’s had breast cancer. That’s because next to skin cancer, it’s the most common type of cancer among women in the United States and is the second leading cause of death in women after lung cancer. So how can you reduce your risk for getting breast cancer?
Having “The Talk” with teenagers has never been easy. But in today’s society of Internet blogs and social websites where misinformation is rampant, getting the real facts out to teens is more important than ever.
Fall is in the air. Unfortunately, the weather cooling down is a sure sign that flu season is about to heat up. Every year, up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu and 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu complications. So how can you protect yourself? Get a flu shot.
There’s nothing more precious than the life of a child. But every year, too many innocent children are killed in car crashes. Simply making sure that children are in age- and size- appropriate car and booster seats can prevent many of these deaths.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know if you’re at risk? According to the Centers for Disease Control, prostate cancer is the most common cancer (after skin cancer) affecting men in the United States. In fact, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
School is back in session. That means it’s time to make new friends and share new experiences. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when students tend to share something else: germs. Germs can cause the spread of diseases that might keep your student in bed instead of school.
The arrival of Hurricane Gustav to the Gulf Coast serves as a harsh reminder that hurricane season is in full swing. With Hurricane Hanna on the horizon and at least two more tropical systems developing in the Atlantic Basin, now is the time for to prepare for storms that could come our way.
School is back in session. That means it’s time to make new friends and share new experiences. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when students tend to share something else: germs. Germs can cause the spread of diseases that might keep your student in bed instead of school.
The pre-school years play a big role in shaping a child’s personality. That’s why positive parenting during those formative years is so important. Spending quality time with your child during her preschool years can really help develop her sense of self. Learn how you can help your preschooler get off on the right foot.
College can be an exciting time, but independence also brings extra responsibilities and stress. Learn 6 important tools for making your college experience a healthier, safer one.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and for good reason. Several vaccines are required before children can enroll in school. Vaccines are important - not only because the law requires them, but also because they’re such an easy way to help protect your children. Let us help you ensure your child is up-to-date and protected.
If you're a teenager, you're already beginning to make lots of important decisions for yourself. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and we want to help you learn more about making healthy choices. Read all about our new Health-E-Teens newsletter, and find out how you can sign up!
You don't need a thermometer to know cars can get extremely hot during this summer heat. But did you know the temperature in your vehicle can spike to 160 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot and humid day within a matter of minutes? Learn about steps you can take to protect your children from this danger.
You've taken the first step, and decided it's time to stop smoking. But you know you'll need some help to kick this tough habit. Find out how you can get free nicotine replacement therapy tools through a new pilot program.
Few things help beat the heat like a dip in the pool, which has long been a favorite summertime activity of many children. But adult supervision is critical for swimming safety. Learn more about keeping your kids safe in the water.
Your bags are packed and you're ready for your next summer vacation. But before you load up the car or hop on that plane or train, have you packed your travel health kit? Find out how to assemble your own travel health kit to help keep you healthy on your trip.
Fireworks are often the centerpiece of July 4th celebrations, but much safer when left to the professionals.
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. Getting tested is your first step toward taking responsibility for your health and the health of your partners. Find out where you can get a free test.
Hurricane preparedness is important for everyone, but critical for our residents with special needs. Find out more about how you can prepare, and if our Special Needs Registry is right for you.
The tropics may be quiet right now, but it's June and that means it's hurricane season. Storms can develop quickly, which is why we all need to prepare now before a hurricane threatens our coast. Check out these tips to protect yourself, your family, your pets and your property.
For any animal lover, it may be hard to resist the sight of a baby raccoon or any other stray animal wandering through our backyards. But unfortunately, it can be impossible to tell if that unknown animal might be infected with the deadly rabies virus and could pass that virus to you. Learn more about preventing rabies infection in your pets and family.
Memorial Day marks the symbolic beginning of summer, which is always a great time to fire up the grill and enjoy a meal with friends and family. But before you toss something tasty on the barbecue, read these tips to make sure your next gathering is a healthy one.
As the weather warms, many of us will head outside to enjoy the beach, the pool, the playground and the park. But before you bask in that coastal Georgia sunshine, take a few moments to protect your skin. Not only can sunburn be a real pain, it can be dangerous - even deadly.
Real date or a play date? Change majors or change diapers? Too often, teens don't think about the long-term consequences when they make decisions about sex and contraception. Get the information you need to choose responsibly through a new teen pregnancy prevention campaign.
As children approach their teen years, research shows many of them don't visit the doctor for preventive healthcare, only making an appointment when they're sick. But our preteens need check-ups too, and three very important vaccinations.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a great time to focus on steps you can take to protect your children from predators.
March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact. The American Dietetic Association is reminding consumers to focus on the total balance of foods consumed, rather than one food or meal during a 24 hour time period.
For many families, sex education comes in the form of one "Big Talk." But research shows children typically make healthier choices about sexual activity when their parents have ongoing, frequent and open discussions with their children about sex.
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke? February is American Heart Month, and a great time to learn how to take care of your heart so it can take care of you.
As a mother, you have always been there for your daughter. Did you know a virus is responsible for some types of cervical cancer in women? Giving your daughter a vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus now is something you can do to protect her for many years to come!
Parents-to-be hope for a healthy baby, but they can actually do more than just hope. There are steps parents can take to reduce the risk of having a child with a birth defect.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture announced today that it is quarantining all PetSmart stores in the state and a Superpetz store in Martinez due to psittacosis, a bird disease that can be transferred to humans.
With so much attention focused on the holidays this time of year, it’s easy to forget what’s just around the corner – the peak of flu season. The good news is that it's not too late to get a flu shot.
Want to stay healthy? Then handwashing is just what the doctor ordered. This is National Handwashing Awareness Week, a perfect time to highlight the benefits of handwashing. Washing your hands is easy to do, and it's one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs and prevent illness.
December 1st is World AIDS Day, and several events are planned in the coastal Georgia area to raise awareness about the issue and encourage prevention, testing, and treatment.
When it's time to carve the turkey on Thanksgiving Day, you want to be sure your family's meal not only tastes good, but is safe to eat too. We can help.
You may be hearing a lot about a certain antibiotic-resistant staph infection occurring throughout our nation called "MRSA." Learn more about what the bacteria is, and how you can reduce your risks.
Halloween is supposed to be a spooky night, but parents don’t have to be scared about their kids’ safety if they follow some simple safety tips.
Want to avoid the flu bug this year? The best protection you can get is your annual flu shot. The counties of the Coastal Health District will begin offering flu vaccinations this month. Check this hot topic to find out when your county will begin offering flu shots, and to download the client information form for the drive-through clinic in Camden County.
With so many recent toy recalls due to lead-based paint and materials, many parents may be eyeing their children's toybox with anxiety. Is lead poisoning a real threat? What can you do to help protect your children? We hope to provide some answers.
Exercise sounds like such a chore … but it doesn’t have to be. Exercise just means moving your body and increasing your heart rate, and dance can be a fun way to get healthy. That's why the Chatham County Health Department is sponsoring “Let’s Dance!” Savannah Saturdays, a series of FREE dance classes every Saturday from August 25th through October 27th.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis are contagious, and with a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis in Chatham County, it may be helpful for people to know the signs and symptoms of the disease.
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, and it's a good time to talk about the importance of breastfeeding. This year's emphasis is on ensuring every newborn receives colostrum, the "very first food".
West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes in Chatham County, which means we all need to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
It's hot outside! When the temperature rises, so does your risk for heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious, and can even be deadly. Find out how to stay cool and safe despite this summer sizzle.
Beginning July 1st, Georgia has expanded vaccination requirements for children to attend school and daycare. Don't wait until the first day of school to find out if your child is up to date!
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, an annual event highlighting the need for HIV testing and counseling. “Take control. Take the test,” is this year’s nation-wide message. Find out more about free HIV tests offered in our area that day.
The Coastal Health District is home to a lot of great young people. Check out our new web feature, which shines a spotlight on some of our fantastic teens.
June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season, and if you haven't begun preparing already, you should start now. Living along the coast has a lot of perks, but also comes with a responsibility to be ready if a storm ever comes our way.
The Chatham County Health Department is screening passengers of the Chatham Area Transit's Teleride transportation system for possible exposure to tuberculosis. Learn more about TB and the screening process.
The Coastal Health District is asking residents to take precautions to avoid health problems related to the smoky conditions caused by the current wildfires in nearby Ware County.
Did you know that most Georgia mosquitoes begin distributing eggs the first of April? Unlike the Easter bunny, though, they're not colored, candy or harmless.
One in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, and there are presently over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes today. Diabetes is a dangerous disease if left untreated, but there are steps you can take to prevent diabetes, or reduce its impact on your health.
Breastfeeding gives your baby the perfect nutrtion for a healthy start to life. Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding for the whole family, and about lactation services available in the Coastal Health District.
During National Nutrition Month, we encourage you to go 100% Fad Free and develop lifelong habits based on proven, science-based approaches to healthy eating.
Vaccination reqiurements have been expanded for children in Georgia. Find out how the new rules may affect your child.
It may not be the easiest topic to discuss, but with colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Georgia and the United States - can you afford to be shy? Learn more about risk factors, prevention, and when you should call your doctor.
Feeling burned out on tradtional exercise methods? Try dancing your way into health! Find out more at a Day of Dance event Saturday, Feb. 24th.
Assess the health status of your heart, and learn how you can reduce your risk of heart disease.
This Friday, February 2nd, is National Wear Red Day, and a time for all Americans to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness. Heart Disease is the number one killer in women, with one in three American women dying from the disease. Learn about important steps you can take to protect yourself.
January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. Get some simple facts about cervical cancer, and learn how early detection can save lives.
Okay, so maybe it's been a long time since you've been able to do a backbend like this - but that doesn't mean you can't make exercise fun again. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise, and it can be enjoyable, too.
Area flu vaccination clinics begin November 27th. Find out where you can get the vaccine in your county...
On November 16th take part in the Smokeout by smoking less or quitting for the day, or encourage your friends or family members to quit for the day. Read more about Smokeout activities happening in your county...
The end of October brings more than just fall colors and trick-or-treating. October 23-31 is National Red Ribbon Week! It's a time when people like you pledge to stay drug free and join the fight against drug use.
Fight the bite.
Late summer and early fall mark the season when most West Nile encephalitis cases occur. Learn how to protect yourself.
Make sure your chid's health is in check. Read more...
Locally grown fruits and vegetables will be available all summer at your County Health Departments. Read more...
Protect Your Skin!
April brings beachgoers to the Georgia Coast. Before you head out into the sun, learn how to appropriately protect yourself from Skin Cancer.
Eat your colors every day to stay healthy and fit. March is national nutrition month. What better way to celebrate than to focus on your own diet and start making healthy choices...(read more)
Did you know getting plenty of folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects for your baby? See why some doctors say every woman needs folic acid, and find out how to get enough in your diet.
