June Is Men’s Health Month—Get Involved

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Did you know there was a month entirely dedicated to raising awareness for issues impacting the health and wellness of men and boys? The month also coincides with Men’sHealthWeek (June11-17), a special awareness period created by Congress, and the #ShowUsYourBlue campaign on June 16 where men and women are encouraged to wear blue to work that day to show their support for the health and well-being of men boys and men. 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, its 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 maybe prevalent to you.
  5. Keep reading this blog and others like it for the latest on how to improve and support men’s health.
  6. 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

Posted in News |

GNR Health Departments become one of five in the nation to meet all nine FDA National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

The Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR) are proud to announce that their Environmental Health program recently fulfilled all nine standards for the Food and Drug Administration’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program.  GNR is now one of only five jurisdictions in the nation to achieve this status.

The Retail Program Standards define what constitutes a highly effective and response program for the regulation of foodservice and retail food establishments.  They begin by providing a foundation and system upon which all regulatory programs can build through a continuous improvement process. Further, they provide a framework designed to accommodate both traditional and emerging approaches to food safety. The Retail Program Standards are intended to reinforce proper sanitation (good retail practices) and operational and environmental prerequisite programs while encouraging regulatory agencies and industry to focus on the factors that cause and contribute to foodborne illness, with the ultimate goal of reducing the occurrence of those factors.  The Retail Program Standards represent an important component of a comprehensive strategic approach to help ensure the safety and security of the food supply at the retail level.

The nine standards include, (1) Regulatory Foundation, (2) Trained Regulatory Staff, (3) Inspection

Program Based on HACCP Principles, (4) Uniform Inspection Program, (5) Foodborne Illness and Food Defense Preparedness and Response, (6) Compliance and Enforcement, (7) Industry and Community Relations, (8) Program Support and Resources, and (9) Program Assessment.

There are currently only four other jurisdictions in the country meeting all nine standards.  Those include Kansas City Missouri Health Department (Missouri), City of Vineland Health Department (New Jersey), Portsmouth Health Department (Virginia), and Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (Virginia).

GNR’s Environmental Health staff are dedicated and work tirelessly to help ensure the health and safety of our communities.  This recognition acknowledges their efforts.

Posted in Environmental Health, News | Tagged , |

Tobacco Breaks Hearts

Posted on May 30, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Every year, on May 31st, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health and other risks associated with tobacco use. This year’s focus will be on the use of tobacco and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease as it can:

  • Raise triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood)
  • Lower “good” cholesterol (HDL)
  • Make blood sticky and more likely to clot, which can block blood flow to the heart and brain
  • Damage cells that line the blood vessels
  • Increase the buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) in blood vessels
  • Cause thickening and narrowing of blood vessels

 

World No Tobacco Day 2018 supports a large range of global initiatives and opportunities aimed at addressing the tobacco epidemic and its impact o public health, particularly in causing the death and suffering of millions of people globally. These actions include the WHO- supported Global Hearts and RESOLVE initiatives, which aim to reduce cardiovascular disease deaths and improve care, and the third United Nations General Assembly Hih-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, being held in 2018.

Helpful Links

 

 

Posted in News | Tagged , , |

Communication Disorders Among the Most Common Childhood Disabilities

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Speech, language, and hearing disorders often go undetected and untreated for too long.  Parents are encouraged to learn the warning signs and seek help early.

With 11% of children ages 3–6 having a speech, language, voice, or swallowing disorder—and almost 15% of school-age children experiencing some degree of hearing loss—communication disorders are among the most common disabilities in children nationwide. During May, which is Better Hearing & Speech Month, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR) urge families to learn the early signs of these disorders and seek an assessment if they have concerns.

Communication disorders are treatable, yet all too often, we find parents are waiting longer than we’d like to bring their child in for an evaluation.  Timely intervention is important, as untreated speech/language and hearing disorders can lead to problems with reading and writing, academic success, social interactions, behavioral problems, and more. These disorders are highly treatable and, in some cases, can be reversed or even prevented. So, our message to parents is: If you have any concern, don’t wait and see if there is a change. Trust your instincts, and get it checked out.”

Hearing loss is evaluated and treated by audiologists. Speech and language disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists. Warning signs of these disorders are listed below.

Language Disorders

  • Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
  • Does not babble (4–7 months)
  • Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months)
  • Does not understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
  • Says only a few words (12–18 months)
  • Words are not easily understood (18 months–2 years)
  • Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years)
  • Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2–3 years)
  • Has trouble with early reading and writing skills (2½–3 years)

 

Speech Sound Disorders

  • Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)
  • Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
  • Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

 

Stuttering 

  • Repeats first sounds of words—“b-b-b-ball” for “ball”
  • Speech breaks while trying to say a word—“—–boy” for “boy”
  • Stretches sounds out—“ffffff-farm” for “farm”
  • Shows frustration when trying to get words out

 

Voice Disorders

  • Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
  • Uses a nasal-sounding voice

 

Hearing Loss

  • Shows a lack of attention to sounds (birth–1 year)
  • Does not respond when you call their name (7 months–1 year)
  • Does not follow simple directions (1–2 years)
  • Shows delays in speech and language development (birth–3 years)
  • Pulls or scratches at their ears
  • Has difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math
  • Is socially isolated and unhappy at school
  • Has persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

 

Families can learn more about these signs, get tips for helping their child, and find a searchable database of the professionals who treat communication disorders at http://IdentifytheSigns.org.

 

Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale residents who want to schedule an assessment may contact 678-442-6863 for more information.

 

 

 

Posted in Infants / Children, News |

May Is Healthy Vision Month!

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Many Americans see the doctor every year for a physical. Lots of us also schedule regular visits to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned. But what about our eyes? The fact is, more than 23 million American adults have never had an eye exam. 

Every Healthy Vision Month, the National Eye Institute (NEI) shares tips and resources to encourage people to take care of their vision — and inspire health professionals to help make eye health a priority. 

Read on to learn just a few ways to keep your eyes healthy. 

  • Get an eye exam

    If your eyes feel healthy, it’s easy to assume they are healthy. But getting an eye exam is the only way to be sure. Many serious eye diseases don’t have any warning signs — so you could have an eye problem and not know it. Getting an eye exam is the single best way to stay on top of your eye health! 

  • Know your family’s eye health history

    Talking to your family members about their eye health can help you find out if you’re at higher risk for eye disease. If you learn that eye diseases run in your family, talk with your eye doctor. 

  • Give your eyes a rest

    If you spend a lot of time at the computer, you may sometimes forget to blink — and that can tire out your eyes. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your work and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

  • Eat eye-healthy foods

    A diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables — especially dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale — is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon, tuna, and halibut — can also help protect your vision. 

  • Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days!)

    Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays — and help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. When shopping for shades, look for a pair that blocks out at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation. 

From the moment you wake up until you go to bed at night, your eyes are working to bring you the world — so take steps to keep them healthy. To learn more about Healthy Vision Month and how to take care of your eyes, check out the Healthy Vision Month website. 

Information Provided by the National Eye Institute 

Posted in News |

National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Despite historic declines in the rates of teen pregnancy and births in the United States, the U.S. teen birth rate is still higher than that of many other developed countries and Georgia has the 19th highest teen pregnancy rate in the country according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

While May is a critical time to consider teen pregnancy and how it impacts individuals and the community as a whole, it is important to note that this issue is one to focus on year-round. This why the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR) offer Family Planning services at our clinics.

The Family Planning Program provides services that help prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  No one is turned away due to inability to pay, because our services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income.

We offer:

  • Gyn Exams
  • Pap Tests
  • Breast Exams
  • Screenings for Anemia, Diabetes and Cholesterol
  • Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
  • Education on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Needed immunizations

 

Most importantly, all services are safe and confidential and available to you at your local Gwinnett, Newton, or Rockdale County Health Center. The mission of this program is to ensure that all women and men in our communities have access to education and care in regard to planning their families.  Find out more about our Family Planning Program HERE.

 

Additional Resources:

 

Posted in Health, News, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Women's Health |

National Women’s Health Week is May 13th – 19th

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

It’s never too early or too late to work towards being your healthiest you!

This National Women’s Health Week, we want to help you take control of your health. Each year millions of women take steps to improve their health. This week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and build positive health habits for life.

 

What steps can I take for better health?

To improve your physical and mental health, you can:

 

Why should I take these steps?

These steps are the foundation for a lifetime of good health. They can help you be as healthy as possible, whether you’re 20 or over 100! Find out what additional steps you can take, based on your age, for good health.

 

How can I participate in National Women’s Health Week?

We invite you to:

  • Learn what steps you can take for good health, no matter your age.
  • Take the National Women’s Health Week quiz to see how much you know about healthy living.
  • Show your friends how you’re making your health a priority by using the #NWHW hashtag.

 

Source: Office of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted in Health, News, Women's Health |

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month 2018

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

Asthma

According to the CDC, Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.

Asthma Attack

An asthma attack may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. The attack happens in your body’s airways, which are the paths that carry air to your lungs. As the air moves through your lungs, the airways become smaller, like the branches of a tree are smaller than the tree trunk. During an asthma attack, the sides of the airways in your lungs swell and the airways shrink. Less air gets in and out of your lungs, and mucous that your body makes clogs up the airways even more.

 Asthma Symptoms

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing (a whistling, squeaky sound when you breathe)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid breathing
  • Chest tightness

Asthma Triggers

  • tobacco smoke
  • dust mites
  • outdoor air pollution
  • cockroach allergens
  • pets
  • mold,
  • smoke from burning wood

Preventing Asthma Episodes and Controlling Your Asthma

For people with asthma, having an asthma management plan is the best way to prevent symptoms. An asthma management plan is something developed by you and your doctor to help you control your asthma, instead of your asthma controlling you. An effective plan should allow you to:

  • Be active without having asthma symptoms.
  • Fully take part in exercise and sports.
  • Sleep all night, without asthma symptoms.
  • Attend school or work regularly.
  • Have the clearest lungs possible.
  • Have few or no side effects from asthma medications.
  • Have no emergency visits or stays in the hospital

Get Your Asthma Management Plan Here

Helpful Links

 

 

Posted in News |

Lilburn WIC’s “Talk With Me Baby” Event Photos

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Chad Wasdin
Posted in Infants / Children, News |

The Importance of Hand Hygiene

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Chad Wasdin

It’s easy to transfer germs, especially in a healthcare setting where there are multiple patients who are sick. Handwashing has been a form of personal hygiene for centuries. And though handwashing with soap and water was something practiced among doctors and medical students, in the mid 1800s, scientists still found that hospital-born diseases were transmitted by Healthcare Workers themselves. Handwashing was not enough for them to prevent the spread of infection outside the hospital. At that time, scientists recommended to scrub hands in an antiseptic solution. Healthcare workers started doing so, though they were not required by law, and infection rates started to decrease. Fast forward to the 1980s, the first National Hand Hygiene guidelines were published. Even more recently, alcohol-based hand washing has finally established as the standard care for hand hygiene.

It seems like a simple concept for most people to remember to wash their hands throughout the day. However, healthcare workers sometimes have to wash their hands 100 times a day. It takes dedication, mindfulness, and time. And it’s efficiency has been proven as Hand Hygiene has been linked to a reduction in Healthcare-associated infections!

Helpful Links

Posted in News |