From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Each year on June 27, we observe National HIV Testing Day. On this day, we unite with partners, health departments, and other organizations to raise awareness and plan events about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV. Contact your county health department in the North Georgia Health District in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County (see above LOCATIONS tab) or at one of our Living Bridge Centers in either Canton or Dalton. Click here to learn more about our district HIV/AIDS Program and services.

Get Involved

Help encourage HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day to ensure people get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment services. Plan a testing day event, or use the resources below to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing

This year’s theme, “Doing It My Way,” highlights how and why people make testing part of their lives—on their terms and in their way. Doing It My Way encourages individuals to share their personal testaments of why testing is important, what motivates them to get tested and stay healthy, and how they get tested—be it at home, at the clinic, or with the company of a friend or loved one.

Get the Word Out

Share these posts and the accompanying Doing It My Way visuals on social media using the #DoingItMyWay hashtag (#HaciéndoloAMiManera in Spanish).

Updated U.S. Recommendations for HIV Screening

Just recently, the United States Task Force on Prevention released updated recommendations for HIV Screening. This update emphasizes the importance of getting screened between the ages of 15 and 65, with those who are younger and older being at higher risk of HIV infection. It also recommends that for every pregnancy, women should be screened; and, it ends with a reminder that the only way to know if you are HIV positive is to be screened. Please refer to the link below for these updated recommendations:

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-screening1

——————————————————————————————————

More Resources about PrEP and HIV Awareness and Treatment:

file:///C:/Users/tscott/Downloads/hiv-screening-prep-final-rec-news-bulletin.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/testingday.html

——————————————————————————————————

This Year’s Theme for National HIV Testing Day: #DoingItMyWay

National #HIVTestingDay is Thursday, June 27. Share how you’re #DoingItMyWay—getting tested for HIV. #NHTD www.cdc.gov/doingit

Spanish: Hoy es el #DíaNacionalDeLaPruebaDelVIH. Comparte cómo estas #HaciéndoloAMiManera– haciéndote la prueba del VIH. www.cdc.gov/haciendolo

What motivates you to make HIV testing part of your health routine? Use #DoingItMyWay to tell the world why YOU get tested for HIV. #HIVTestingDay #NHTD www.cdc.gov/doingit

Have you heard about #DoingItMyWay? It’s about sharing why HIV testing is important to you, the things that motivate you to get tested and stay healthy, and how you get tested. Share how you’re #DoingItMyWay this National #HIVTestingDay! #NHTD  www.cdc.gov/doingit

From DMV.org by Bridget Clerkin

A vehicle's interior can warm rapidly and prove fatal to children and pets.

With its longer days and warmer air, summer is a seasonal favorite of many. But the same things that make this time of year so pleasant can also make it potentially dangerous.

The hottest months are here again and many children are at risk of losing their lives to vehicular heatstroke. Most tend to be infants.

The statistics are undoubtedly tragic, but sadly, they’re nothing new. Since 1998, hundreds of children age 14 and under have passed away from vehicular heatstroke. This is the leading auto-related killer of children outside of roadway accidents. 

Children under 1 are the primary victims.

And that’s to say nothing of the thousands of animals that lose their lives each year inside a hot car.

But the heartbreaking situation is nothing if not preventable.

Below are some tips, tricks, and facts to help make this summer as safe as possible for your smallest passengers.

Heat Rising

One of the things that makes vehicular heatstroke so dangerous is how quickly it strikes.

In 10 minutes, the interior of a car can heat up by 19 degrees. And cracking a window doesn’t help.

In 10 minutes, the interior of a car can heat up by 19 degrees.

The issue arises from the rays of shortwave radiation beaming down from the sun. The solar energy is absorbed particularly well by dark-colored objects, such as a dashboard, steering wheel, or car seat, which can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees from exposure to the rays. 

The heat-absorbed objects then, in turn, emit longwave radiation, which works quickly and effectively at warming the air inside of a vehicle.

Children and animals are particularly at risk in the superheated environment as it takes far less to bring up their core temperatures. 

Even in a vehicle parked in the shade, a 2-year-old’s body can reach a potentially fatal 104 degrees in under 2 hours, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Arizona. (Cars parked in the sun could become deadly in just one hour, the study found.)

And while vehicles with light-colored interiors take slightly longer to reach dangerous levels, they aren’t immune to the lethal effects, which can take place on days with a temperature as low as 57 degrees.

Still, a number of technological solutions are being developed to help combat the problem—and they’re becoming more widely available (go to DMV.org to learn more).

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Time to take steps to be healthier, but you're NOT alone!

National Men’s Health Week is observed each year leading up to Father’s Day. This week is a reminder for men to take steps to be healthier, but they don’t have to do it alone! Whether it’s your husband, partner, dad, brother, son, or friend you can help support the health and safety of the men in your life.

For more information, contact your local North Georgia public health department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County (click on county name to link to health department page and contact information).

Set an Example with Healthy Habits

You can support the men in your life by having healthy habits yourself and by making healthy choices.

• Eat healthy and include a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
• Regular physical activity has many benefits . It can help control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and some cancers, and can improve your mental health and mood. Find fun ways to be active together. Adults need 2½ hours of physical activity each week.
• Set an example by choosing not to smoke and encourage the men in your life to quit smoking. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. You lower your risk for different types of cancer, and don’t expose others to secondhand smoke—which causes health problems. Call your state’s tobacco quitline (for English speakers, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW [1-800-784-8669]; for Spanish speakers, call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA [1-855-335-3569])
• Help the men in your life recognize and reduce stress.Physical or emotional tension are often signs of stress. They can be reactions to a situation that causes you to feel threatened or anxious. Learn ways to manage stress including finding support, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Remind Men to Get Regular Checkups

Encourage men to see a doctor or health professional for regular checkups and to learn about their family health history.

• Men can prepare for doctor’s visits and learn which preventive tests or screenings they need. Certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so checkups help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.
• It’s important for men (and women) to understand their family health history, which is a written or graphic record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family. It is helpful to talk with family members about health history, write this information down, and update it from time to time.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Every 43 seconds someone in the U.S. has a heart attack. Know the signs of a heart attack and if you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack call 911 immediately. Major signs of a heart attack include:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

Encourage Men to Seek Help for Depression

Depression is one of the leading causes of disease or injury worldwide for both men and women. Learn to recognize the signs and how to help the men in your life.

• Signs of depression include persistent sadness, grumpiness, feelings of hopelessness, tiredness and decreased energy, and thoughts of suicide.
• Those that suffer from depression or anxiety should seek help as early as possible. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.
  • Call 911
  • Visit a nearby emergency department or your health care provider’s office
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor

this Summer in North Georgia!

 Come get your delicious fresh fruits and vegetables this summer at several Farmers Markets presented by North Georgia's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services.

Affordably priced and locally grown, these fresh fruits and vegetables come with free recipes for preparing healthy, nutritious and scrumptious meals! By the way, active WIC participants get $30 worth of FREE fruits and veggies, so be sure to bring your WIC folder.

The Farmers Markets will be held this summer on these dates at these locations:

• Whitfield County Health Department, 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton - Thursday, June 13th, 8 AM - 2 PM
• Murray County Health Department, 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth  - Tuesday, June 18th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, June 19th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Fannin County Health Department, 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge - Thursday, June 20th, 8 AM - Noon
• Dalton's Mack Gaston Community Center, 218 N. Frederick Street, Dalton - Monday, June 24th, 8 AM - 2 PM
• Gilmer County Health Department, 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay - Tuesday, June 25th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, July 3rd, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Pickens County Health Department, 60 Health Way, Jasper - Tuesday, July 16th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, July 17th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Whitfield County Health Department, 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton - Thursday, July 18th, 8 AM - 2 PM
• Murray County Health Department, 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth  - Tuesday, July 23rd, 8 AM - 2 PM
• *Dalton's Mack Gaston Community Center, 218 N. Frederick Street, Dalton - Monday, July 29th, 8 AM - 2 PM *Moved from July 22nd
• Gilmer County Health Department, 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay - Tuesday, July 30th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, August 7th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Fannin County Health Department, 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge - Thursday, August 15th, 9 AM - Noon
• Murray County Health Department, 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth  - Tuesday, August 20th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, August 21st, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Gilmer County Health Department, 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay - Tuesday, August 27th, 8 AM - 11 AM
• Cherokee County Health Department, Canton Health Center, 1219 Univeter Road, Canton - Wednesday, September 4th, 8 AM - 11 AM

For more information, call (706) 370-4700.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

We are joining organizations across the country to team up for Men’s Health!

To celebrate Men’s Health Month, North Georgia Health District joins Men’s Health Network, the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, and hundreds of other local and national organizations to educate the public about the many preventable health problems that affect men and boys, and empower them and their loved ones to move towards a healthier, happier life.

Men die five years younger than women, on average, and die at higher rates for nine of the Top Ten causes of death. Men are the majority of workplace injuries, less likely to be insured, and far less likely to see a doctor for preventive care. All of this impacts their ability to be an involved father, supportive husband, and engaged member of their community.

“This year continues to be a pivotal one for men’s health—new guidance on prostate cancer screenings and the declining mortality rates for large groups of men means awareness and education is paramount,” says Ana Fadich, Vice President at Men’s Health Network.

More information is at our health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties. Click on the above LOCATIONS tab to find the one nearest you. 

June is also National Men’s Health Week (NMHW), passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. It starts Monday, June 10, and ends on Father’s Day, June 16, 2019. Additional support comes from governors and mayors who issue proclamations for Men’s Health Week in their jurisdictions. You can find the proclamations here: http://www.menshealthmonth.org/week/proclamation.html You can also find more information on a variety of health issues at the Men’s Health Resource Center: www.MensHealthResourceCenter.com and health profiles of men and boys in each state can be found at www.stateofmenshealth.com

From the Georgia Department of Public Health 

Safe and Healthy Summer Fun!

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants it to be a safe and healthy summer for all Georgians and visitors to the state. Below are some tips on staying safe while having fun.

MOSQUITOES and summer go hand in hand in Georgia. Avoiding mosquito bites protects you and your family from mosquito-borne illness and helps prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness in Georgia.

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20-30%) or Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow all label instructions for safe and effective use. If you’re using sunscreen, apply it first, followed by insect repellent. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long-sleeves, pants and socks to help protect against mosquito bites.
• Tip ‘n Toss standing water after every rainfall or at least once a week to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness.

FOODBORNE ILLNESSES tend to increase during the summer months for two reasons. One reason is that bacteria tend to multiply faster when it’s warm. Another reason is that people are cooking outside more, away from the refrigerators, thermometers and washing facilities of a kitchen.

• Clean surfaces, hands and utensils with warm water and soap. Wash produce under running water before cutting, eating or cooking.
• Separate raw and cooked meat and poultry from ready-to-eat foods (raw vegetables and fruits). Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
• Cook food to the proper temperature – use a food thermometer to check.

• Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts,chops): 145 °F with a three-minute rest time
• Ground meats: 160 °F
• Whole poultry, poultry breasts and ground poultry: 165 °F

• Chill. Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.

SWIM SAFELY. We all share the water we swim in, and each of us needs to do our part to help keep ourselves, our families and our friends healthy.

• Don’t swim or let children swim if sick with diarrhea.
• Check out the latest pool inspection results. You can find pool inspection scores online.
• Shower for at least one minute before you get into the water. This will remove most of the dirt and sweat on your body.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Take children on bathroom breaks and check diapers every hour.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing area—not poolside—to keep germs away from the pool.
• A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
• Check for a lifeguard or to see where safety equipment, such as a rescue ring or pole, is available.

HEAT AND SUN can cause skin damage, skin cancer and serious illness, but there are ways to enjoy the summer and stay protected.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, hat and sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection. Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Click here for more Sun Safety Tips for Families.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous activity, take breaks.
• Never leave children or pets in a hot car.
• Call 911 if someone has signs of heatstroke:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache       
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Find a place out of the sun to cool off.

Click HERE for Safety information from the CDC about TICKS!

Additional Resources:

Undergoing Rabies Post Exposure Vaccinations

Jasper (GA) – Two Pickens County Animal Control Officers have begun post exposure rabies vaccinations due to exposure to a cat that has now tested positive for rabies.

Three weeks ago, a stray cat was found on Lambert Street in downtown Jasper, Georgia and brought to the Pickens County Animal Shelter. Other than having a bite mark, the small adult black and white female cat seemed healthy until it started exhibiting neurological symptoms. It was then sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing on Tuesday, May 21. The following day, the lab reported the cat tested positive for rabies.

The two animal control officers are believed to be the only ones exposed to the cat while it became symptomatic for rabies during a 21-day quarantine it had been placed under since arriving to the shelter. Therefore, no other recommendations or warnings are being issued related to this case.

Health officials continue to urge the public to avoid all unfamiliar animals and to report bites or scratches from any animal that could potentially be unvaccinated against rabies to a healthcare provider and to the local environmental health office immediately. The Pickens County Environmental Health Office phone number is (706) 253-0900. If calling after hours, please call the Georgia Poison Control Center, toll-free, at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information about rabies and its prevention, please log onto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

   Georgia Public Health Association President Colin K. Smith, DrPH, MS, CPH, presents the 2019 GPHA Barfield Nursing Section Award to J. Sharrel Jones, BSN, RN, Whitfield County Health Department manager, at the association’s annual conference in May.

Dalton (GA) – Whitfield County Health Department manager, J. Sharrel Jones, BSN, RN, was named winner of the 2019 Georgia Public Health Association Barfield Nursing Section Award at the association’s annual conference this May in Atlanta.

The Barfield Nursing Section Award was initiated by the Nursing Section of the Georgia Public Health Association in 1983 to honor Dorothy Barfield. Barfield was a lifelong learner who rose up the ranks in the nursing profession, eventually serving as chief nurse at the state level. The purpose of this award is to recognize written works, presentations or projects, including research, that promote public health by contributing to public health issues, programs, evidence and philosophies.

Not only has Jones greatly contributed over the years to local public health efforts to successfully create a community network of prenatal care for uninsured and income challenged residents of Whitfield and Murray counties, she has also presented the model for how to replicate this type of prenatal care synergy between public health and other organizations at several meetings and conferences throughout the state, including the State of the Public’s Health Conference in Athens last October and, most recently, the Georgia Public Health Association annual meeting in May.

Jones has lived in Dalton for the past 25 years but is originally from Quitman, Georgia. After graduating from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1994, she landed her first position as a registered nurse in pediatrics at Hamilton Medical Center. Jones underwent two years of nursing skill development in the private sector before accepting a position at Whitfield County Health Department in the Children’s Access Clinic, and she eventually transitioned into the Family Planning & Women’s Health programs.

Jones was promoted in 2018 and currently serves as county manager of the Whitfield County Health Department. She has worked in public health since 1997 and has experience in immunizations, child health checks, the Children First program, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), family planning, child passenger seat program, breast and cervical cancer program, maternal/child health, and women’s health, and she serves as the Basic Life Support instructor for the department.

Jones has dedicated 21 years of her nursing career to Public Health and her community.