Winter Weather has been unpredictable in Georgia this season, which is why it’s so important to understand what you and your family can do to stay safe and warm during extreme cold temperatures. Fore more detailed information, visit Ready Gov or CDC Winter Weather websites.

Winter storms are just not blizzards that last several days. They can range from freezing rain and ice to moderate snowfall over a few hours.

Potential Impact of Winter Weather

• Roads and Walkways are made dangerous or impassable
• Power outages could last for days
• Injuries and deaths could result from dangerous road conditions, cold related illness or carbon monoxide poisoning

How You & Your Family Can Stay Safe

• Create a family communications plan, FEMA provides a wallet sized template for Family Emergency Communication plans
• Build An Emergency Kit, think about your family’s physical and medical needs especially for children, seniors, and even pets
• Prepare your home
  • Make sure you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep warm air inside
  • Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working
  • Learn to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand

• Prepare your vehicle

  • Ensure your gas tank is at least half full
  • Have your mechanic check antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires and windshield wipers
  • Keep an extra emergency kit in your car

• Bring pets inside

  • look for a pet friendly hotel, or locate a veterinarian for temporary shelter

During the Winter Weather

• Stay indoors during the storm
• Drive only if necessary and keep others informed of your whereabouts
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. It can cause a heart attack which is a major cause of death in winter
• Keep dry and change wet clothing
• Bundle up with several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Make sure outer garments are tightly woven and water repellant. And wear mittens, hats, and scarves.

Watch Out For Cold Related Illness and Seek Medical Care If Needed

• Frostbite
  • white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • numbness
• Hypothermia
  • If the person’s temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get medical attention immediately
  • Adults may experience shivering, exhaustion, confusing, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness
  • Infants may have bright red, cold skin, and very low energy

Carbon Monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder months

• Deaths are likely due to increased use of gas powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources which are used inappropriately
• Each year, about 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning
• More than 20,000 visits to the emergency room for Carbon Monoxide exposure

Tips To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devise inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially exposed area.
• Place unit 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors inside your home

Helpful Links

• Ready Gov – Winter Weather
• CDC – Winter Weather
• FEMA – Emergency Plan Template
• FEMA- Emergency Supply Kit
• Ready Gov – Pets and Animals
• Pet Friendly Hotels
• CDC – Frostbite
• CDC – Hypothermia
• CDC- Carbon Monoxide Detectors

CDC has narrowed its warning to consumers regarding E. coli 0157: H7 associated with romaine lettuce. U.S. Consumers should not eat and retailers and restaurants should not serve or sell any romaine lettuce harvested from the central coastal growing regions of northern and central California. The specific California counties identified by the FDA are: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura. Romaine lettuce from these areas or from an unknown source should be discarded right away.

 If you do not know where the romaine lettuce is from, do not eat it.

You can check bags or boxes of romaine lettuce for a label indicating where the lettuce was harvested. Romaine lettuce is not linked to this outbreak if labeled with a harvest region outside those listed above, like the desert growing region near Yuma, the California desert growing region near Imperial County and Riverside County, the state of Florida, and Mexico.

If you do not know where your romaine lettuce was harvested, do not eat it and throw it away. You should discard it right away regardless of whether some has been eaten and no one has gotten sick. This includes all types of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad. Once thrown out, wash and sanitize refrigerator surfaces or drawers where romaine was stored.

Restaurants and retailers should check the label on bags or boxes of romaine lettuce, or ask their suppliers about the source of the lettuce. Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve any romaine lettuce harvested from the areas mentioned above. If the harvest region is unknown, do not sell or serve it.

People infected with E. coli 0157: H7 usually get sick between 3 – 4 days after eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach pain, and vomiting. In rare cases, E. coli 0157: H7 may lead to kidney failure. Contact your physician’s office if you develop diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days or if the diarrhea is accompanied by blood in your stool, a high fever, or severe vomiting that prevents you from staying hydrated. If you are diagnosed with E. coli 0157:H7 through a laboratory test, your doctor is required to report this information to the health department.

Helpful Links 

• CDC E. coli Investigation 
• FDA Restaurant and Retailers 

Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County (GNR) Health Departments is extremely proud to announce our health director, Lloyd M. Hofer, MD, MPH, has won the Distinguished Leader Healthcare Award through the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Hofer has served as the CEO and Medical Director of GNR Health Departments since 2002.  The GNR Health Departments provide preventive care to our communities, with clinical services including adult and child immunizations, breast and cervical cancer screenings, family planning, dental care, lab tests, school hearing and vision screenings, STD testing and treatment, case management for at-risk children, WIC nutrition services, and more.

Dr. Hofer has leveraged his experience in both the public and private sector to help grow clinicians, expanding both the capacity and knowledge base of the healthcare sector. He provided mentorship and preceptorship to physician residents from the Emory School of Medicine, Gwinnett Hospital System’s Graduate Medical Education Programs, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventive Medicine Residency.

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks and anthrax bioterrorism, Dr. Hofer utilized federal funding to establish a public health emergency preparedness program that brought together key players in the healthcare community to coordinate healthcare preparedness and response.  Through planning, exercises, and response to real-life emergencies, this program has grown and strengthened over time, gaining recognition as one of the best programs in the state of Georgia.

Under Dr. Hofer’s leadership, our award-winning epidemiology program has grown and exceeded high standards for disease surveillance and outbreak response.  Epidemiology staff perform surveillance, investigation and implement disease control efforts for over 70 notifiable diseases, including Tuberculosis, STDs, and emerging pathogens such as MERS, Ebola, and novel Influenza.

In 2016 the GNR Health Departments became one of the first in Georgia to be nationally accredited.  Attaining accreditation indicates that the GNR Health Departments meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards.  The process of seeking accreditation strengthened the Health Departments’ role in assessing the community’s health and planning for health improvements with our many community partners.

Dr. Hofer recognized the value of meeting federal standards for retail food (restaurant) inspections and challenged the GNR Environmental Health team to achieve all nine standards of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program.  In 2018, GNR Health Departments became one of only five jurisdictions in the nation to meet these standards.

Dr. Hofer will retire December 2018. His perseverance and focused commitment have served Georgia’s communities for more than two decades. He has been instrumental in the improvement of healthcare for all of Georgia through comprehensive, compassionate and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Lloyd Hofer’s career in public service will leave a lasting legacy for the healthcare industry as well as the health of our community for years to come.

We are also proud of our Community Partner, Sherwin Levinson, executive director of our partner MRC GEM for winning the Volunteer Service Award. Sherwin Levinson runs the Medical Reserve Corps-Georgia East Metro (MRC GEM), an organization that trains volunteers to engage local communities to strengthen response and recovery during potential crises in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties.

According to the Atlanta Jewish Times article, Sherwin 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. Sherwin 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 MRC website.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.

One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes. These changes include: eating healthy, getting more physical activity, and losing weight.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, use this time to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors and encourage people to make healthy changes.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Encourage people to make small changes, like taking the stairs or parking further away.
• Talk to people in your community about getting regular checkups. They can get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask the doctor about their diabetes risk.
• Join the American Diabetes Association in celebrating American Diabetes Month.

Below are the symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes. Here is a link to the ADA’s risk assessment quiz. Please consult with your doctor about your risk for Diabetes.

Please join GNR Health and GCAPP as we present Parents’ S.O.S! Tuesday, October 30th at 6 PM to 8 PM at Meadowcreek High School. Oftentimes parents tell us they feel uncomfortable or unprepared to discuss certain topics or events with their children.  Parents’ S.O.S! workshop provides parents with the information they need when navigating topics and situations that are critical in helping prepare their kids for social challenges in life. The parent can register at parents@gcapp.org.

Click on Image to Enlarge 

Recently, the CDC reported that positive influenza (flu) tests in the Southeast were up almost 23 percent, and Georgia moved into the “widespread” category for flu.  There have been more than 400 hospitalizations and nine confirmed flu-related deaths in the state (as of January 3). 

Flu viruses are detected year-round but are most common during the fall and winter. Even though we’re still early in the season, now is the time to get a flu vaccine – available at all GNR Health Departments. Find a location and get your shot today. 

“It’s never too early to get your flu shot,” said Alana Sulka, Director of Epidemiology for the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments.  “Don’t wait until we see an uptick in cases. Getting a flu shot now is one of the most important things you can do to protect you and your family from the flu.” 

Flu typically affects those at high risk, including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. Every flu season is different, and the flu shot protects against the flu viruses that will be most common during the flu season. Protection against H1N1, which tends to affect the young and middle-aged adult population, is included in this year’s vaccine.  

“In addition to encouraging flu shots in the young, elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, we want to encourage young and middle-aged adults to make sure they are protected, too,” Sulka continued.  “Flu season normally peaks in January and February, and can last until May.  So now is the time to get vaccinated and receive protection.” 

While we refer to the flu vaccines as flu “shots,” the Health Department also offers FluMist for those between 2 and 49 years old. FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose. If you’re under 49, don’t let the fear of needles detract from protecting yourself against catching the flu. 

Flu vaccines are available at many places, including all Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Department locations.  Locations and hours are available here. Come in and get your shot today! 

Additional Protection 

In addition to getting a flu shot, there are simple things you can do to help stop the spread of germs: wash your hands and cover your cough.  And if you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. 

Wash Your Hands 

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.  Wash hands after coughing and sneezing, after caring for ill individuals, after using the bathroom and before preparing food. 
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Cover Your Cough 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inner elbow or upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze. 

• Put your used tissue in the waste basket. 
• Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze. 

Stay Home When You Are Sick  

• This will help prevent spreading your illness to others at work, school, or in the community.  

For more helpful tips, check out the following links 

• CDC Flu Prevention 
• Preventive Steps Against The Flu 
• Vaccines for Flu Season 2018-2019 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, ensure that your food and water sources are safe for consumption and your home is safe from mold.

• Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency.
• Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Excess moisture can contribute to the growth of mold in homes. 

In order to help protect yourself and family from threats before, during, and after the hurricane, the CDC and FDA have developed materials on food & water safety.  Visit the links below for more information:

General Food Safety Guidelines from the CDC

Food Safety during Power Outages Video

Food & Water Safety After a Storm

Restaurants & Grocers Reopening After a Storm

(click to enlarge)

Additional Safety Information:

Post Flood Food Service Establishments Fact Sheet

Disinfecting Private Wells After Flooding

FAQ After a Drinking Water Advisory

Floodwater and Food

Getting Rid of Mold Post-Flood

Homeowners & Renters Guide to Mold Removal

Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding

Mold After Flooding 

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is generally transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose or mouth of a person or animal. Prompt post exposure treatment is essential because once symptoms become apparent, rabies is nearly 100% fatal.

Animals infected with rabies may show a variety of signs, including fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering and seizures. Rabid wild animals may only display unusual behaviors: for example an animal that is usually only seen at night may be seen wandering at daytime. Only mammals can get rabies; birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians cannot. Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats, and some farm animals are most likely to contract rabies. Rabbits, squirrels, rat, mice, and rodent pets seldom get rabies.

In recent years cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies. Bats still are the most problematic of the carriers because their teeth are so tiny that bites often go undetected by the victim. If bats are discovered inside the living quarters, for example when the residents are sleeping, post exposure prophylaxis is always recommended if the bat cannot be captured for testing.

Rabies vaccinations and animal control programs, along with prompt evaluation and treatment for people who have been bitten by a potentially rabid animal, have dramatically reduced the number of human rabies cases in the United States.

What can I do to help control rabies and protect my family?

• Please remind your children to NEVER pet stray animals
• Make sure to have your family pets vaccinated yearly
• Keep your pets on a leash and not roaming free
• Do not leave exposed garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals
• Do not feed feral cats or stray animals
• Observe all animals in the wild from a distance
• Report any stray animal acting strangely to your local animal control
• Bat proof your home and other living structures
• If you think you have come into contact with a rabid animal or have any questions regarding rabies, please contact the Health Department at 770-339-4260

For more information check out World Rabies Day on the web!

Information Contributed by AIDSinfo

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day—a day to highlight the challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care that older Americans face. Although HIV risk factors are similar for all adults, older adults may be less aware of these factors and the importance of testing to detect HIV in its earliest stages.  CDC reports that in 2014, 40% of people aged 55 and older were diagnosed with AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Thanks to treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV are living longer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, an estimated 45% of Americans living with diagnosed HIV were aged 50 and older.

Nonetheless, CDC recommends that everyone 13 to 64 years old get tested for HIV at least once and that people at high risk of infection get tested more often. Your health care provider may recommend HIV testing if you are over 64 and at risk for HIV infection.

Age-related factors can complicate HIV treatment in older adults.

• Decreased liver and kidney functions with age. This decline may make it harder for the body to process HIV medicines and increase the risk of side effects.

• Older adults with HIV may have other conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, that can make it more difficult to manage HIV infection. In addition, HIV may affect the aging process and increase the risk of age-related conditions such as dementia, bone loss, and some cancers. Taking HIV medicines and medicines for other conditions at the same time may increase the risk of drug-drug interactions and side effects.
• The immune system may not recover as well or as quickly in older adults taking HIV medicines as it does in younger people.

Despite these age-related factors, some studies have shown that older adults are more adherent to their HIV medicine regimens—meaning they take their HIV medicines every day and exactly as prescribed—than younger adults.

Click on the links below to find National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day resources and information about HIV and aging.

CDC

AIDS info

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, ensure that your food and water sources are safe for consumption and your home is safe from mold.

• Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency.
• Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Excess moisture can contribute to the growth of mold in homes. 

In order to help protect yourself and family from threats before, during, and after the hurricane, the CDC and FDA have developed materials on food & water safety.  Visit the links below for more information:

General Food Safety Guidelines from the CDC

Food Safety during Power Outages Video

Food & Water Safety After a Storm

Restaurants & Grocers Reopening After a Storm

(click to enlarge)

Additional Safety Information:

Post Flood Food Service Establishments Fact Sheet

Disinfecting Private Wells After Flooding

FAQ After a Drinking Water Advisory

Floodwater and Food

Getting Rid of Mold Post-Flood

Homeowners & Renters Guide to Mold Removal

Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding

Mold After Flooding