As temperatures rise, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments remind residents to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses or deaths.  The elderly, very young, and people with disabilities and chronic diseases are at higher risk for heat-related death or illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips for extreme heat exposure:

• Know the signs for heat exhaustion: heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting; skin may be cool and moist; pulse rate fast and weak; breathing fast and shallow.  Heat stroke:  extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea.  Should these symptoms occur after exposure to heat, seek medical attention.
• Drink water, regardless of activity level.  Do not wait until you are thirsty.  Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they can cause the loss of body fluids.  Avoid very cold drinks-they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if possible, stay or go to an air-conditioned place.  Malls, recreation centers, and senior centers (when open) can be good options.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on outdoor exercise.  If on a low-salt diet, talk with a doctor before drinking sports beverages.
• Rest often in shady places.

For guidance and information on the prevention of heat related illnesses, log-on to http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

Helpful Links

• Prevent heat related illnesses
• Prevent heat related illnesses

Stay safe this 4th of July! Follow these recommendations from the National Council on FireWorks Safety

Recommended Safety Tips

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

Helpful Link

National Safety Council

Fireworks Safety Tips From Safe Kids

Fireworks Infographic: National Fire Protection Association

Every year the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health Departments gears up for a back to school immunizations extravaganza. Employees volunteer from the organization to help out with this busy time at the clinics.

The Health Department offers every vaccine listed on the current vaccine schedule which you can view and download by visiting www.gnrhealth.com/child-immunization. Every child entering into the Georgia school system (Kindergarten – 12th grade), or a child care facility is required by law to be protected against 12 diseases. Students must have a Georgia Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231. The Health Department will document all new immunizations on this form or can transfer previous immunizations on the form for a small fee.

All students born on or after January 1, 2002 and entering, advancing or transferring into 7th grade in Georgia needs proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) and an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (“MCV4”). The HPV, chickenpox, and influenza vaccines are also recommended for preteens and teens.

Did you know there was a month entirely dedicated to raising awareness for issues impacting the health and wellness of men and boys? June will honor the 23rd annual Men’s Health Month. The month also coincides with Men’s Health Week (June 10-16), a special awareness period created by Congress. See our easy list of things to do to be active, aware, all month long.

1. June is Men’s Health Month – spread the word and make sure every loved male in your life is living well.
2. Early screenings! They will not only save money in the long run but also save your life and/or make life easier to manage if diseases are caught early on.
3. Exercise, it’s summertime! Why do you think most TV shows and football are off? So men can finally go out and move around. (Note: there is no true correlation between summer broadcast schedule and reason to exercise) You shouldn’t need a reason to get at least 30 minutes of exercising in, just help your heart and just do it like Nike says.
4. Father’s Day is coming up! Why not give your father figure in your life the gift of knowledge along with your gift. There are many resources at www.menshealthnetwork.net that help educate you and your father about risks of prostate cancer and other diseases that may be prevalent to you.
5. Remember that anyone can assist in the men’s health movement, and help is not limited by gender basis. Anyone can be supportive and help men make that first step towards a better life. Everyone should be an ally!

Helpful Links

• Men’s Health Month
• CDC: Cheatsheet for Cancer Screening & Good Health 
• Men’s Health Videos

Information Provided by Mens Health Month

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Each hepatitis virus affects the liver differently and has different routes of transmission, and has different populations that are commonly affected

CDC developed an online Hepatitis Risk Assessment to help people find out if they should get tested or vaccinated for viral hepatitis. The assessment, which takes only five minutes, will provide personalized testing and vaccination recommendations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. The hepatitis A virus is usually spread when a person ingests the virus from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected personHepatitis A is common in many parts of the world, and many new cases of hepatitis A in the United States have occurred from international travelers eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A can be easily prevented with a safe and effective vaccine, which is recommended for all children at one year of age and for adults who may be at risk.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus. For some people, especially those infected as infants, the infection leads to a chronic or lifelong illness. The hepatitis B virus is spread primarily when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids from a person infected enters the body of someone who is not infected. The virus can be spread through sexual transmission and through contact with blood, such as sharing injection drug equipment. The hepatitis B virus can also be passed from an infected woman to her baby at birth, if her baby does not receive the hepatitis B vaccine. As a result the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and anyone else at increased risk.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. Most people who become infected with the virus go on to develop a chronic infection that causes serious liver problems. The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when blood from a person infected enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment to inject drugs. In fact, rates of new infections have been on the rise in young people who inject drugs in recent years. While rare, hepatitis C can be transmitted sexually, as well as from an infected women to her baby. . In the past, hepatitis C was spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. However, widespread screening of the blood supply began in 1990 and the hepatitis C virus was virtually eliminated from the blood supply by 1992.

People born from 1945-1965, or baby boomers, are five times more likely to have hepatitis C. Unfortunately, the reason that baby boomers have high rates of hepatitis C is not completely understood. Most baby boomers are believed to have become infected in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when transmission of hepatitis C was the highest. CDC recommends anyone born from 1945-1965, as well as anyone else at risk, get tested for hepatitis C.

Helpful Links

• Hepatitis Risk Assessment
• Hepatitis A info
• Hepatitis B info
• Hepatitis C info

Information provided by Centers For Disease Control & Prevention Website

Beginning Monday, June 3, 2019, our hours of operation will change. We trust these changes will help us more efficiently serve you and your family when you visit our locations. Each location will be open late one night each week, and all locations will close at 3PM on Fridays.

Please note the changes below.

Norcross Health Center and Newton Health Center

Lawrenceville Health Center, Buford Health Center, and Rockdale Health Center

**Please note that the hours for Preventive Health Clinic will remain the same: Monday-Friday, 8AM – 5PM.

We hope to see you soon!

This year, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County (GNR) Health Departments is extremely proud to announce our community partner, Sherwin Levinson, won the Mentor Award from the Medical Reserve Corps Program Recognition Awards. The Mentor Award honors Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) leaders that have successfully collaborated with other members of the MRC network over the past year to share practices, participate in activities, and carry out initiatives that have strengthened individual and collective groups of MRC units.

Sherwin Levinson is now in his 11th year as executive director of MRC Georgia East Metro (GEM), a unit that has over 600 trained and credentialed members. Under Levinson’s leadership, MRC GEM offers monthly training and educational opportunities to its members to encourage and maintain teamwork skills and preparedness and response capabilities. A highlight of the unit’s calendar is an annual weekend training and exercise that is held each June. Sharing best practices and encouraging reciprocal support.

Levinson is an active participant in the National Association of County and City Health Officials MRC work group, as well as the MRC radiation work group. He has collaborated in a number of efforts with the leaders of East Central Health District MRC in Augusta and DeKalb County MRC. Recently, Levinson assisted and supported Fulton County in re-activating its MRC unit, and he is currently actively involved in founding an Atlanta Metro Leaders MRC group. MRC GEM is always ready to assist the local community with routine or acute needs.

This year, the unit had a cadre of volunteers at the ready for the Super Bowl events which took place in Atlanta. In December, Levinson was recognized with the Gwinnett Chamber Healthcare Award in the category of Volunteer Service “for having made significant contributions to the community, while inspiring others.”

According to the Atlanta Jewish Times article, Levinson has made it his life’s mission to educate people on what to do in the event of an emergency in Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale counties. Most of MRC’s focus is on Gwinnett and its population 920,000 and in Newton and Rockdale Counties with a combined population of about 200,000. Levinson recognizes the diversity in culture, language, and demographics across these counties and works tirelessly to ensure that these needs are being addressed. To read more about Sherwin Levinson and the MRC GEM, visit the MRC GEM website.

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 27 – May 4, 2019, and Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Health Departments (GNR Health Departments) urge residents to protect infants from vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring our little ones and everyone around them, are vaccinated and up-to-date on their immunization schedules.

“Protect your baby! Have your children immunized according to the CDC guidelines to keep your child healthy” said Gloria Melvin, Immunizations Coordinator from GNR Health Departments. “Vaccines are safe and save lives.”

NIIW is a call to action for parents, caregivers and health care providers to ensure that infants are fully vaccinated against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.

In Georgia, there have been three confirmed cases of measles since January 1, 2019. Because measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications and death in infants, it’s important for parents and caregivers to make sure their families are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Two doses given at least four weeks apart are recommended for children aged 6 months through 8 years of age who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time and for some other children in this age group.

• Two doses of HepA vaccine are needed for lasting protection. The first dose of HepA vaccine should be given between 12 months and 23 months of age. The second dose should be given 6 to 18 months later. HepA vaccination may be given to any child 12 months and older to protect against HepA. Children and adolescents, who did not receive the HepA vaccine and are at high-risk, should be vaccinated against HepA.

According to the CDC, the United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Scientists, doctors and health care professionals give vaccines to children only after long, thorough and careful review. The disease-prevention benefits of vaccines are much greater than the possible side-effects for most children. Vaccination is the best way to protect others from vaccine-preventable diseases.

GNR Health Departments encourages everyone, in observance of National Infant Immunization Week, to protect the little ones who cannot yet protect themselves: call 770-339-4260 to schedule an appointment for vaccination at one of our 5 health clinics or visit www.gnrhealth.com/locations for more information.

Helpful Links

• Child Immunizations 
• CDC National Infant Immunizations Week 
• GNR Health Clinic Locations 

Each year on April 18, National Transgender HIV Testing Day is observed as an opportunity to focus on HIV testing, prevention, and treatment among transgender people. It encourages local testing events and testing campaigns to increase HIV status awareness in transgender populations.

GNR Health Departments has specially trained health professionals on transgender sensitivity, health issues, and healthcare needed to help individuals feel safe and supported when getting tested for HIV. On Friday, April 19^th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Georgia Gwinnett College Building F, our team of HIV Prevention professionals will be providing information on HIV, FREE HIV testing, and support to prevent or treat HIV. Georgia Gwinnett College is located at 1000 University Center Ln, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

It is estimated that around 1.4 million adults identify as transgender, a term that is defined as being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had at birth. This means a person who is born a male at birth and who then identifies as a woman is a transgender women. Transgender women are at a high risk of having HIV and becoming infected with HIV. According to the CDC, 22-28% of transgender women are living with HIV and more than 56% of black/African American transgender of women are living with HIV.

While HIV stigma can affect everyone regardless of race, sex, orientation, and color. Transgender populations have a unique set of challenges that prevent these individuals from getting the healthcare they need. Research on transgender populations is limited and only a few health care providers receive proper training or are knowledgably about transgender health issues. This can influence transgender populations to avoid healthcare access. Join GNR Health Departments to end stigma of HIV among transgender individuals and encourage individuals to get information, tested, and treatment.

Helpful Links 

• National Transgender HIV Testing Day Resources
• HIV Among Transgender People
• CDC Factsheet
• Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
• Primary Care Treatment for Transgender Individuals
• Flyer – English and Spanish
• Map of Georgia Gwinnett College

April 10th is National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). The day was created to educate the public about the impact of HIV/AIDS on young people and to highlight the work going on across the country to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While youth are making better decisions about sexual behavior and drug use, it’s not enough to protect them from HIV and STDs. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 new HIV infections occurs in youth ages 13 to 24 years. More alarming, about 60% of all youth with HIV don’t know they are infected, which means they are not getting treated and can unknowingly pass the virus on to others.

GNR Health Departments is working tirelessly to educate and test the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County residents on HIV. Our HIV Prevention Program in partnership with Georgia Department of Public Health, is dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic. The HIV Prevention Program has specialized epidemiologists, health educators, and healthcare providers working together to spread awareness on the risk of HIV, offer rapid tests that can detect HIV in minutes, and more!

Education and prevention materials are provided at our health clinics and can be delivered to organizations upon request. We offer FREE HIV testing at all of our health clinics with no appointment required. Everyone – youth, adults, seniors – can get tested for HIV. We don’t stop at just testing individuals for HIV; we also offer referrals to low-cost providers for HIV positive individuals and help HIV positive individuals who may have discontinued their treatment find treatment again.

For confidential health support: call 770-339-4260 or visit one of our locations.

Helpful Links

HIV.gov

CDC

Georgia Department of Public Health 

Health Department Locations 

Get Tested for HIV Flyer – English

Get Tested for HIV Flyer – Spanish