Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness that generally causes vomiting and diarrhea.  You may hear people refer to it as the “stomach flu,” but norovirus is not related to the influenza virus, which is primarily a respiratory illness.

Every year – especially from November to March – we will see an increase in reports of norovirus, and many reports are in reference to outbreaks of illness.  So what are the symptoms? And what can you do to stay healthy?  The Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Department has information to help protect your family from norovirus.

Great American SmokeOut 2012

If you or someone you know is a smoker, the idea of quitting (or helping someone else to quit) has probably crossed your mind. Almost 70% of smokers want to stop smoking, and about 52% of them try to stop each year. The Great American Smokeout (GASO), sponsored by the American Cancer Society, takes place every year on the third Thursday of November. It was established to encourage smokers to not smoke on that day and to make plans to quit smoking for good.

Why Is It Hard to Quit Smoking?

That’s an easy answer. It’s nicotine, a chemical that is in all tobacco products. Research suggests that nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine. More people in the United States are addicted to nicotine than to any other chemical.

Because nicotine is so addictive, people can find it hard to quit smoking. They may feel more irritable or anxious; have trouble concentrating; and have an increased appetite when they try to stop. These are some of the symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine. Because these symptoms are uncomfortable, many people begin smoking again. The 2008 Clinical Practice Guideline Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence concluded that “Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that often requires repeated interventions and multiple attempts to quit.”

Most smokers try to quit several times before succeeding. But many, many people succeed. In fact, the number of former U.S. smokers has exceeded the number of current smokers since 2002. Smokers can learn from previous quit attempts and be better prepared to overcome the specific challenges (sometimes called triggers) that cause them to start smoking again. With continued encouragement and support, many people keep trying until they succeed in stopping smoking for good.

What Is the Best Way to Stop Smoking?

There are many ways to quit smoking, but no single way works for everyone. You need to keep trying until you find a specific treatment or combination of treatments that best suits your individual needs and gives you the best chance of quitting permanently. Most importantly, don’t give up trying to quit. Seek out people who will offer you support and encouragement.

Learn from a Former Smoker

Ms. Tina Long, a former smoker, stopped by the Health Department to talk with Ed Jones, Health Department Health Promotion Coordinator.

Learn more about Tina.

Resources to Help You Quit

There are many proven services and treatments can ease withdrawal symptoms and help you quit. Although many people quit without medication, FDA-approved medications, combined with counseling, can greatly increase the likelihood of quitting successfully. Combining medication and counseling is more effective than either medication or counseling alone.

For support to help you quit, call 1-877-270-STOP (7867). You can get free support and advice from experienced counselors, a personalized quit plan, self-help materials, the latest information about cessation medications, and more.

Online services and resources are also available through the following Web sites:

• www.smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.
• women.smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of women trying to quit smoking.
• Quit Tobacco: Make Everyone Proud is a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored Web site for military personnel and their families.
• American Cancer Society—The Great American Smokeout is the American Cancer Society’s Web site that provides many resources to help you stop smoking.
• For assistance in Español: http://espanol.smokefree.gov/

The recent “superstorm” that affected nearly 20 states in the eastern United States has been all over the news lately.  Here in Georgia, we escaped with barely a scratch.  But what if we had been impacted similarly to what happened in the Northeast?  Would you and your family have been ready?  Some say “That’s not possible, especially here in metro Atlanta because we live so far from the sea.”

While it is true we would not feel the impact of storm surge, there are plenty of other things that could make life very uncomfortable for an extended period of time.  We have had hurricanes move inland fast enough to bring hurricane force winds here.  We have had major floods, tornadoes, and ice storms here; we also must be mindful of the possibility of man-caused disasters.

Any of these has the potential to knock out power, transportation resources, supply lines, and more for an extended period of time.  I read that three days after the storm passed residents in New York were already complaining that it was taking “so long” to repair the infrastructure there.  Utility workers, first responders, health officials, and other government employees are not miracle workers.  I’m sure they are all doing the best they can.  But the fact is it takes time to recover from an event of this magnitude.

The bottom line is that each person and family should take actions to ensure that they are prepared to take care of themselves with no outside assistance for at least 72 hours, and with very limited assistance (and possibly no power!) for several more days.  If you know a major storm is coming – and the weather forecasts for this and most recent major storms have been right on target – you can plan ahead by filling your car up with gas, charging up your mobile devices, filling up the tub with fresh water, restocking food, batteries, water, medicine, blankets, etc.

An even better strategy is to have a family emergency plan written up and an emergency kit ready at all times, so even if an unexpected event occurs you are ready.  It won’t cost a lot, and you can even stock it a little at a time to alleviate any financial burdens.  Below are some excellent websites that can help you get ready for any disaster, including some fun activities for your kids to get prepared.  Stay safe, and stay ready.

Mark Reiswig

Director of Emergency Preparedness

https://www.gnrhealth.com/hurricane-preparedness-week

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

http://www.ready.gov/kids

http://ready.ga.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/flash/brr/English-html/kit-contents.asp

Preventing West Nile Virus

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites.  Preventing mosquito bites begins with the Five D’s of West Nile prevention:

When emptying containers that can hold standing water, don’t forget about items such as:

Pet Water Bowls	Clogged Gutters	Toys and other containers that may catch rain water

Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.

The CDC has put together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about West Nile Virus.  Information is available in both English and Spanish:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm

Download a PDF of West Nile Virus Frequently Asked Questions.

Flu shots are now available at all Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Department locations.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

The regular flu shot is an option for people 6 months and older. The nasal spray is available for non-pregnant, healthy people ages 2 through 49.  High-dose vaccines are specifically designed for people 65 years and older. Our immune systems become weaker with age, which places us at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. The high-dose vaccine has a higher amount of antigen than what is contained in regular flu shots.

Public health officials encourage everyone to get the shot. “When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you.  You can pass the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick.  Flu vaccinations are the best way to prevent the flu in our community,” says Linda Davis, RN, BSN, Director of Clinic Services.

Other than getting the vaccine, there are everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of the flu: wash your hands often with soap and water; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and then throw it away; avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, since germs can pass this way and; avoid close contact with sick people. Most importantly, if you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone to avoid spreading the flu to others.

The seasonal flu shot and nasal spray are $25; High-Dose flu vaccines are $50.  For payment the Health Department accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BlueChoice and PPO). United Healthcare and Cigna are also accepted for state employees.

More information on the seasonal flu can be found on the following two websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

http://www.flu.gov/

We all need immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) to help protect us from serious diseases. To help keep our local community safe, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month.

Shots can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella. But people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.

• You can find out if you are up-to-date on your shots by contacting your local Health Department location.  Click here to find the one closest to you.

Everyone over age 6 months needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:

• Children need a series of shots from birth to age 6.
• Pre-teens need recommended shots at age 11 or 12.
• All adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.

Every year, thousands of Gwinnett, Netwon and Rockdale County children prepare to enter Kindergarten/school with the familiar rush to purchase school supplies, tour new class rooms and be introduced to new teachers and friends.

Through a little early prevention, your child can look forward to a fun, happy and healthy time at school.

Immunizations and Screenings

One key component of preparing for back to school is ensuring your child is up to date with their medical and immunizations requirements. Fees for immunizations start at $14.75. With proper documentation, out of state immunizations records can be transferred onto the required Georgia form 3231 at a cost of $4 per child.

The Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments provide children’s health exams which include lab tests, hearing, vision and dental screenings; nutritional and developmental assessments; and physical exams for infants and children up to age 21.

All screenings done through our health centers include:

Hearing Screening – $15
Vision Screening – $15
Dental Screening – $10

Vision, hearing, and dental records can be transferred from another physician (from any state) with proper documentation for $4 per child. All transferred information must contain documented test results for visual acuity, hearing test levels and dental screening results and the exams must have been completed within a calendar year.

To learn more about services available through our health department, please visit our Clinical Services Page or contact one of the following Health Department locations:

• Buford Health Center – 770-614-2401
• Norcross Health Center – 770-638-5700
• Lawrenceville Health Center – 770-339-4283
• Newton Health Center – 770-786-9086
• Rockdale Health Center – 770-785-4345

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 mental illness 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 more fluids (nonalcoholic), 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.
• Electric fans may provide limited comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.  Take a cool shower or bath to lower body temperature.
• 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.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.  Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

All summertime activity, whether playing or working outside, should be monitored and balanced with actions that help keep the body cool.

The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta is providing cooling stations and will distribute water and 500 free electric fans beginning Friday at 12PM at the following locations:

• The Salvation Army Lawrenceville (Cooling Station, Fans): 3455 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
• Ray and Joan Kroc Center Community Center (Mobile Canteen, Fans, Ice-cream): 967 Dewey St. SW, Atlanta
• The Salvation Army Peachcrest: 3500 Sherrydale Lane, Decatur

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

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a healthy diet.Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid stroke and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.For more information on healthy diet and nutrition, see CDC’s Nutrition Web site.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for stroke. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person’s excess body fat.If you know your weight and height, you can calculate your BMI at CDC’s Assessing Your Weight Web site.
• Be active.Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.For more information, see CDC’s Physical Activity Web site.
• Don’t smoke.Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for stroke. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.For more information about tobacco use and quitting, see CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco Use Web site.
• Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure. For more information, visit CDC’s Alcohol and Public Health Web site.

Prevent or Treat Your Medical Conditions

If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, there are steps you can take to lower your risk for stroke.

• Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.
• Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.
• Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
• Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.
• Talk with your health care provider. You and your doctor can work together to prevent or treat the medical conditions that lead to heart disease. Discuss your treatment plan regularly and bring a list of questions to your appointments.

For more interesting facts, check out this fact sheet!

Monday, May 7, at 5:30 pm – Come hear the story of a heart disease survivor.

Ms. Alethea Chapman of Covington will speak at the Newton County Health Department on Hazelbrand Road in Covington on Monday May 7, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Chapman is one of 31 women in the state of Georgia – all heart disease survivors – trained as a leader to educate, advocate, and support her community on the issue of women and heart disease – the nation’s leading cause of death for women.

Chapman recently became a WomenHeart Champion after graduating from the prestigious Strengthening the Heart of Georgia program, a state based initiative based on the nationally renowned WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic.

“I am thrilled and honored to represent this very important campaign to fight heart disease in women,” said WomenHeart Champion Chapman. “I look forward to getting started right here in Covington with a WomenHeart Support Network for women living with heart disease – educating the community and supporting all women in their quest to live a heart healthy life. Together, we can do it and make a difference.”

Ms Julianne Schell, Newton County Health Department’s Clinic Administrator, says. “The Health Department is pleased to be teaming with WomenHeart in hosting Ms. Chapman’s important presentation. The Health Department wants to get information to the public in advance of the development of chronic diseases. This presentation not only addresses management of heart disease once diagnosed, it also covers how to prevent the development. Anyone in the Newton County area can benefit from hearing Ms. Chapman’s personal story and the healthy living tips she will share.”

For additional information, please visit our website calendar and click on the May 7 event.  To register, please call 678-442-6891 or email healthpromotiongnr@gmail.com.

If you are a woman with heart disease, know a woman with heart disease, are a woman who does not want to develop heart disease, or are an individual who cares about the women in your life – you will want to take advantage of a free presentation on women’s heart health.

Print this flyer and invite your friends!