FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 29, 2017

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH), Injury Prevention Program announces the 2018 recipients of Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grants. The grants help county health departments and their community partners reduce the number of injuries and deaths among children in Georgia. This year’s $229,670 award will be used to support the purchase of car seats to be distributed in over 115 Georgia counties. Funding for these efforts is provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

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Most families plan a holiday get-together this time of year. Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s cottage or to a favorite vacation spot to celebrate, these simple tips will help make your drive a smooth and safe one:

•  Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Give yourself a week prior to the trip to check tire pressure, replace wiper blades, refill windshield washer fluid, test the battery, and have tires aligned and rotated.
•  Make an emergency road kit that includes: a first aid kit, jumper cables, an ice scraper, sand or traction mats, gloves, hat, warm change of clothes, drinking water and non-perishable snacks, and flashlight.
• Map your route in advance. Know how you are going to get to your destination and have an alternative route in mind. Be prepared for busy roads and long gas lines. Leave earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
• Check the weather to know what kind of conditions you will be driving through, not just the weather at your home and destination. You may be going through mountain passes with heavy snowfall.
•  Secure your valuables. The holidays are a tempting time for thieves and a vehicle full of items in plain view will attract them. Do not make yourself a target. Keep your valuables and wrapped gifts in the trunk or covered storage area.
• Keep the kids busy and safe. Entertain the kids with books, games, DVDs, snacks, or whatever will keep them comfortable and stop them from distracting the driver. Remember to buckle kids in using safety belts, booster seats, or car seats, depending on age and weight. Remind children not to talk to strangers and always accompany them on bathroom breaks.
• Take a break every two hours or 100 miles. Adults need to stop too. Breaking up the drive periodically will keep you more alert while you are on the road.

Helpful Links

• Holiday Travel 
• Ready.gov Care Safety  
• Travel Safely With Pets

Contributed by Health Promotions Coordinator, Mackenzie Crisp MPH, CHES from Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments.  

The holidays are almost here, and that means family gatherings and holiday parties where people can be in close proximity of each other. Don’t let the flu bring you down. National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 3-9, and the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR Health) encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine.

“Flu season can begin as early as August and even last through May,” said Immunization Officials at GNR Health. “It’s important that people understand the best way to protect against influenza is to receive an annual flu vaccine. As long as the virus is circulating, it’s never too late to vaccinate.”

Last year, Georgia Department of Public Health reports show a total of 1,493 patients seen with Influenza like illness in the State of Georgia. Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions.  Preventative actions such as simply washing your hands and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing can guard against the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.  Getting a flu vaccine is more convenient than ever before.  Vaccines are available at your doctor or local health department, and at many retail pharmacies.  Many employers, schools, colleges and universities also offer flu vaccines. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the “nasal spray” flu vaccine, should not be used during the 2017-2018 flu season.

National Influenza Vaccination Week emphasizes the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccination.  Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. So this winter, don’t forget to call your doctor’s office, local health department or pharmacy and get immunized.

Helpful Links

• What You Need To Know About Influenza 
• About National Influenza Week 
• Don’t Use Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine 

The Gwinnett Chamber is pleased to honor leading individuals and organizations who make an impact on the community with its annual Healthcare Awards on December 12. This program raises awareness and illustrates best practices to emulate, while enhancing the quality of care.  Continue reading →

Progress Has Been Made But There Is Still Work To Do! 

According to the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition, rates of new lung cancer cases have fallen for both men and women over the years. However, though rates have fallen for lung cancer, the CDC reports more people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type. And even though most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, there are two other silent causes of lung cancer, asbestos and radon.

Asbestos

Asbestos is known to cause a rare form of cancer that can affect the lungs, called mesothelioma. Earlier this year, CDC published in their Mortality and Morbidity report that mesothelioma death rates are rising.

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma results from exposure to asbestos, and according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists several places asbestos can still be found in existing structures and uses. Think walls in older homes, schools, and public buildings.

Asbestos fibers are so hazardous because they are invisible to the naked eye and can become easily airborne and inhaled. The shape of these minerals make it easy for them to lock onto the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system, causing irritation that can lead to serious health conditions.

Like many areas across the nation, Georgia industry and manufacturing utilized asbestos both in the structure of their buildings and the processes themselves. Work sites including mills, power plants, shipyards and other industry often used asbestos-containing materials or worked among them. Due to this fact, mesothelioma remains a leading occupational cancer in the United States.

How to get tested for Asbestos?

To find out if you’re at risk, click here to find licensed qualified asbestos testing and abatement services.

Georgia residents can click here to find Asbestos Contractors and Training Providers.

Renovating/Remodeling An Old Home?

You should hire a certified inspector to test your home for possible asbestos before any home renovations or remodeling. Remember these tips:

•   All asbestos professionals should document their completion of federal or state-approved training
•   You should check on their past performance with your local air quality board and even the Better Business Bureau
•   Make sure they will complete both a visual assessment and collect samples for analysis.

Radon

Unfortunately, asbestos isn’t the only environmental danger that can cause lung cancer. Radon is identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. It occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to radium which, in turn, breaks down to form radon. Radon is released into the soil and easily enters your home through the foundation and well water. It can build up to dangerous levels inside houses, schools, and other buildings. The only way to know if you have radon is to test.

According to the UGA Extension website, radon kills nearly 21,000 people each year and more than 800 in Georgia.

How To Get Tested For Radon?

• If you are a Georgia resident, click here to order a test kit.
• If you are a non-Georgia resident visit the EPA

Helpful Links

More about mesothelioma cancer

Dangers of Radon

Information on keeping lungs healthy

Free Services For Mesothelioma Patients 

Mesothelioma Cancer

Diabetes has several forms:  Type 1 & Type 2. What’s the big difference? According to the ADA, Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. The body doesn’t produce insulin which regulates the sugar in your body. In Type 2, your body produces insulin but doesn’t use it properly resulting in insulin resistance. At this time, type 1 cannot be prevented. It’s recommended for individuals diagnosed with diabetes to work closely with your healthcare team to determine which insulin(s) are best for you.

 Find out if you have Prediabetes by taking this quiz

But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to prevent Type 2 or manage type 1 and 2 diabetes. Nearly 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Depending on your age, weight, and other factors, you may be at risk. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk and help manage diabetes. Always consult with your doctor first before starting any healthcare regimen.

Watch your weight

It’s easy to make excuses, that’s why you need to have a plan for how you are going to lose weight and options when you don’t follow the plan. Click here for a weight loss guide.

Eat healthy

Low-fat doesn’t have to be low on flavor. So try to cook in these ways: roast, broil, grill, steam or bake — instead of deep-frying or pan-frying. Try this Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe.

Get more physical activity

Get at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of light aerobic activity every week. This could be as simple as going for a brisk 30-minute walk 5 days per week. Even 10 minutes at a time adds up. Small steps can lead to big changes.

• Work? Take a walk during lunch breaks.
• Don’t want/can’t walk in the neighborhood? Find a local gym.
• Can’t afford the gym or don’t feel like walking in the neighborhood/on lunch break? Walk in place at home. Sounds silly, but it’s effective.

Whether you are diagnosed with diabetes or not, following these lifestyle tips can ensure optimal health for your well-being.

Helpful Links

• American Diabetes Association
• Do you have prediabetes?
• ADA Weight Loss Plan
• Find A National Diabetes Prevention Program
• Register For Diabetes Class Gwinnett Medical Center