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From cdc.gov.
We sprang forward last Spring. Now, we must Fall BACK, Sunday, Nov, 4. 2018.
We all know the saying to help us remember to adjust our clocks for the daylight saving time changes. But, what can we do to help workers adjust to the effects of the time change? A few studies have examined these issues but many questions remain on this topic including the best strategies to cope with the time changes.
By moving the clocks ahead one hour in the Spring, we lose one hour which shifts work times and other scheduled events one hour earlier. This pushes most people to have a one hour earlier bedtime and wake up time. In the Fall, time moves back one hour. We gain one hour which shifts work times and other scheduled events one hour later thereby pushing most people to have a one hour later bedtime and wake up time.
It can take about one week for the body to adjust the new times for sleeping, eating, and activity (Harrision, 2013). Until they have adjusted, people can have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up at the right time. This can lead to sleep deprivation and reduction in performance, increasing the risk for mistakes including vehicle crashes. Workers can experience somewhat higher risks to both their health and safety after the time changes (Harrison, 2013). A study by Kirchberger and colleagues (2015) reported men and persons with heart disease may be at higher risk for a heart attack during the week after the time changes in the Spring and Fall.
The reason for these problems is thought to be disruption to circadian rhythms and sleep. Circadian rhythms are daily cycles of numerous hormones and other body functions that prepare us for the expected times for sleeping, eating, and activity. Circadian rhythms have difficulty adjusting to an abrupt one hour time change.
Other hazards for workers related to the time change in the Fall include a sudden change in the driving conditions in the late afternoon rush hour– from driving home from work during daylight hours to driving home in darkness. People may not have changed their driving habits to nighttime driving and might be at somewhat higher risk for a vehicle crash. Additionally, the Spring time change leads to more daylight in the evening which may disturb some people’s sleep.
To help reduce risks about one and a half weeks before the time changes in the Fall and Spring, employers can relay these points to help their workers.
- Remind workers that several days after the time changes are associated with somewhat higher health and safety risks due to disturbances to circadian rhythms and sleep.
- It can take one week for the body to adjust sleep times and circadian rhythms to the time change so consider reducing demanding physical and mental tasks as much as possible that week to allow oneself time to adjust.
- Remind workers to be especially vigilant while driving, at work, and at home to protect themselves since others around them may be sleepier and at risk for making an error that can cause a vehicle crash or other accident.
- Research found men and people with existing heart disease may be at risk for a heart attack after the time change.
- Workers can improve their adaptation to the time change by using these suggestions (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2013). Circadian rhythms and sleep are strongly influenced by several factors including timing of exposure to light and darkness, times of eating and exercise, and time of work. One way to help the body adjust is to gradually change the times for sleep, eating, and activity.
- For the Spring time change, starting about three days before, one can gradually move up the timing of wakening and bedtime, meals, exercise, and exposure to light earlier by 15 – 20 minutes each day until these are in line with the new time. About one hour before bedtime, keep the lights dim and avoid electronic lit screens on computers, tablets, etc. to help the body move earlier the time it is ready to wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night.
- For the Fall time change, starting about three days before, one can gradually move the timing of wakening and bedtime, meals, exercise, and exposure to light later by 15 – 20 minutes each day until these are in line with the new time. About 1 hour after awakening in the morning, you can keep the lights dim and avoid electronic lit screens on computers, tablets, and so forth can help the body move to a later time that it is ready to wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night.
- Being sleep deprived before the time change will increase the health and safety risks so make it a priority to get enough sleep and be well rested several days before the time change.
Does the Time Change Effect Everyone Equally?
In short, no. People who sleep seven or less hours per day tend to have more problems with the time changes (Harrison, 2013). Additionally, a person’s natural tendency to get up early and go to bed early or get up late and go to bed late may also influence their ability to adjust to the one hour time changes in the Spring and Fall (Adan et al., 2012; Harrison, 2013). Those prone to naturally follow an “early to bed and early to rise” pattern (morningness) will tend to have more difficulties adjusting to the Fall time change because this goes against their natural tenancies. Conversely, those who naturally follow a “late to bed and late to rise” routine (eveningness) will tend to have more trouble with the Spring time change.
Morningness/eveningness tends to change as people age. Teenagers and young adults tend to be “evening” types, and researchers theorize this may be due to brain and body development at those ages. Younger workers therefore may have more difficulty adjusting to the Spring time change (Medina et al., 2015). Morningness increases as people age, so older adults tend to be “morning” types. As a result, older workers may have more trouble adjusting to the Fall time change. Finally, people who are on the extreme end of the eveningness or the morningness trait may tend to have more trouble adjusting their sleep to the time changes.
The online training program “NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours” has many suggestions for coping with various types of work schedules and improving sleep. Although it was designed for nurses, the information is relevant to many occupations. Part 1, Module 2 gives information about sleep and circadian rhythms and Module 4 discusses individual differences. In Part 2, Module 6 gives suggestions for improving sleep.
How have you dealt with the time change in the past? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Claire Caruso, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Caruso is a research health scientist in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
References - Log onto cdc.gov
It's that SPOOOOOKY time of year again, but there's no need for you or your kids to find comfort in anything less than delicious, HEALTHY Treats! The North Georgia Health District has put together this list of a few HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS that you and your whole family can enjoy Making and MUNCHING!
Monster Teeth
Ingredients:
4 medium-sized granny smith apples, cut into 8 sections each
1 cup natural creamy organic peanut butter
1 cup yogurt covered goji berries
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Directions:
Section each apple and then sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Spread about 1 tsp. of peanut butter on each slice. Stick 4-6 yogurt-covered berries on an angle in the peanut butter, then place a second peanut butter-covered apple slice on top. (You may need to secure with a toothpick or extra peanut butter.)
Cool for 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. . . yum!
Lychee Eyeballs, Banana Ghosts & Clementine Pumpkins
Lychee Eyeballs
Drain a tin of lychees and shake to remove any excess fluid. Try to get lychees that are in fruit juice rather than in syrup. You can use fresh lychees but be warned its very time consuming and difficult to remove the skin and stone while keeping the fruit whole.
Stuff the hole with dried vine fruit such as raisins. For blood red eyes stuff with dried cranberries. The best dried cranberries to use are the ones that are sweetened with pineapple juice rather than sugar.
Banana Ghosts
You can use shop bought chocolate chips for these, but I struggle to buy good quality chocolate chips so I make my own. Also this gives the ghosts a great non-uniform appearance and you can bring out your creative flair. I use a very high 85% cocoa content as it has only a tiny amount of added sugar and with all the sweet fruit a tiny bitter bite tastes great.
Chop up and melt the chocolate in a bowl that’s in another bowl of warm water (bain-marie), you only need about 15g to make enough to decorate 10 ghosts. I tend to melt 2/3rds of the chocolate until its liquid, then remove from the heat and add the other 1/3 and stir until melted. This is an easy way to temper chocolate and makes it the right temp for the crystals to form glossy chocolate without messing with a thermometer or waiting around.
Drop the chocolate however you like onto a non stick sheet and place in the freezer for 5 mins.
Peal and chop all the bananas in half – ensuring that they can stand. Take out the chocolate drops and then push into the bananas to decorate.
Pumpkin Clementines
Peal your Clementine and then slice an inch of celery into a thin strip to push into the centre of the fruit. If you cant get clementines then any other small easy pealing fruit such as satsumas, mandarin or tangerines works just as well. Also the celery can be replaced with any other green vegetable such as cucumber or courgette (although these are technically a fruit).
Watermelon Head
This one is REAL Simple! Just carve up your "Upchucking" watermelon and over fill it with bits of watermelon and pineapple - some of everyone's FAVORITE treats!
Creepy Crawly Toasts
Eeeeeeeek... SPIDERS! But, Tasty!! These creepy toasts are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center as the body while 4 smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re ready for this yummy treat!
Happy, HEALTHY Halloween!
(See GROUP PHOTOS Below)
North Georgia – The North Georgia Health District was honored with the 2018 Walt Orenstein Champions for Immunization Award at the Immunize Georgia Conference, recently held for the 25th year by the Georgia Department of Public Health in Atlanta. The conference is an occasion to give special recognition to public health immunization champions for their leadership and influence in getting Georgians immunized.
Immunization is the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, polio, diphtheria and pertussis, just to name a few, and the Walt Orenstein Champions for Immunization Award honors individuals, agencies or coalitions that demonstrate excellence in providing immunization care.
The North Georgia Health District (district 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, based in Dalton and comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties) received this award due to the high level of staff commitment to reducing barriers to immunizations through no- or low-cost vaccinations, community outreach events and flexible clinic hours to meet the needs of the community.
“We are committed to making it possible for everyone to have access to immunizations with quality care,” said Ashley Deverell, RN, BSN, district Immunization Coordinator. “From providing over 1200 no-cost flu vaccinations during the peak of the unusually active flu season this past winter to being a Vaccines For Children provider so we can ensure no one is turned away from receiving eligible vaccines based on ability to pay, our county health departments and Living Bridge Center/Ryan White Clinic work in conjunction with public and private partners to administer all applicable vaccines to as many people as possible.”
Immunizations have been made more accessible in North Georgia through public health in multiple ways.
County health departments stay open until late one day a week so people who work normal business hours can have access to services, including immunizations.
Health department staff go out into their communities to host vaccine clinics with businesses, schools, churches and organizations as well as conduct annual back-to-school clinics and drive-thru flu shot clinics.
They participate in various health fairs to promote immunizations and provide education about many other health issues and public health services.
The health departments have also developed relationships with fellow county agencies, including EMS offices and fire departments, to assist in updating vaccinations among personnel.
The Gilmer County Health Department’s International Travel Clinic in Ellijay administers comprehensive health services to travelers, including vaccines for many diseases that a traveler may encounter along the way such as polio, measles, typhoid and yellow fever. People all throughout North Georgia, and beyond, take advantage of these travel clinic services due to the quality of service and the ability to arrange prompt appointments.
The North Georgia Health District collaborates with local OB/GYN offices to offer low-cost prenatal care and routinely administers vaccines as part of these services. Plus, the Whitfield County Health Department offers many primary care services through their Medical Access Clinic, Women’s Clinic and Children’s Access Clinic to ensure that people who may not have easy access to care can receive health services, including all recommended vaccinations.
The health district’s commitment to reducing barriers to immunizations also includes a solid public information campaign that utilizes media and social media along with community partners and stakeholders to inform the public of their need to maintain immunizations and how, when and where to receive them.
Sherry Gregory, RN, district Infectious Disease Supervisor, said, “Our staff understands the critical role immunizations play in preventing disease and I am proud of their diligent efforts to make immunizations more accessible to everyone.”
For more information about the 2018 Walt Orenstein Champions for Immunization Awards and award recipients, go to http://www.immunizegeorgia.com/awards/.
Some of the public health staff from the North Georgia Health District who contribute to providing access to immunizations in our communities posed with state staff and Dr. Orenstein:
Standing, from left to right: Sheila Lovett (Georgia Dept of Public Health), Dr. Walt Orenstein (Emory Vaccine Center), Ashley Deverell (Dalton), Karen Penland (Dalton), Denise Bowman (Woodstock), Robin Coffey (Dalton), Doreen Andrew (Canton), Leyna Mashburn (Jasper) and Carol Padgett (Woodstock)
Kneeling: Cyndi Lopez (Canton)
Additional public health staff from the North Georgia Health District who contribute to providing access to immunizations in our communities:
Standing, from left to right: Elizabeth Thomas (Blue Ridge), Angie Callaway (Dalton), Marie Smith (Dalton), Robin Coffey (Dalton), Pam Baker (Woodstock), Pamela Graham (Canton), Denise Bowman (Woodstock), Karen Penland (Dalton), Doreen Andrew (Canton), Carol Padgett (Woodstock), Lauren Cedor (Woodstock), Melaina Hutcherson (Jasper) and Leighann Dover (Ellijay)
Kneeling, from left to right: Ashley Deverell (Dalton), Cyndi Lopez (Canton), Leyna Mashburn (Jasper) and Jennifer Vick (Ellijay)
For ages 18 and older. . .
In Recogition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Catherine Dodd and Debbie Pearson, RN of Murray County Health Department pose with Chatsworth Mayor Tyson Haynes as he signs Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation.
Chatsworth, GA – Free Breast Exams will be provided at Murray County Health Department on Tuesday, October 23rd in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The free exams will be that morning from 7:30 until 11 then will resume that afternoon from 1 to 5:30. Breast cancer prevention education will also be provided, and no appointment is necessary. Save a life and get checked! Murray County Health Department is located at 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road in Chatsworth and the phone number for more information is (706) 695-4585. For more information about breast cancer and prevention of this and other forms of cancer, click here on our website.
Drive through and BEAT the FLU in Chatsworth - Tuesday, October 9th!
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic is for people 18 and older. Click on this graphic to view the Drive-thru Flyer and SHARE!
Chatsworth (GA) Fast, safe, convenient... drive through and beat the flu at the DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC in Chatsworth! Just roll in, roll up a sleeve and get your flu shot while seated in your vehicle. The Murray County Health Department will conduct their annual Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic for people ages 18 and older on Tuesday, October 9th from 8 am to 6 pm at Murray County Parks and Recreation Department, 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth. You will be helping public health staff and community partners practice local Point of Dispensing plans for times of emergency. There will be no additional charge for a flu shot to people under Medicare or Medicaid or to anyone with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana and United Healthcare Insurance. Otherwise, the quadrivalent flu shot that protects against four strains of flu will be $25 and the high dose flu shot with an extra boost of protection for people 65 and older will be $65. Cash and checks will be accepted. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October. The fastest, most convenient way to get that shot is at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic in Chatsworth! Call (706) 695-4585 for more information.
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram or contact your County Health Department in North Georgia.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include—
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
How Can I Lower My Risk?
Some main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer include—
- Being a woman.
- Being older (most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older).
- Having changes in your breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors and no history of the disease in their families. There are things you can do to can help lower your breast cancer risk.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
Fast Facts About Breast Cancer
- Each year in the United States, more than 240,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. See detailed statistics.
- Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
- Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.
Get more information about breast cancer awareness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, here's a very personal story of survival from our own Hollye Petty, RN BSN, of Fannin County Health Department: "My story is an example of why early detection is so important. In late July, I noticed an unusual lump on my right breast. I went for a mammogram and ultrasound that determined it was nothing of concern; however, there was something on the left that was so tiny it could not be felt in a self exam. It was cancer. So, surgery and radiation followed. Thanks to early detection, the cancer was caught before any spread to my lymph nodes or other areas.I cannot stress enough the importance of regular mammograms - It really does save lives! My heart and prayers go out to all who fight this disease - we are strong - we are warriors and we will fight like a girl!" 
North Georgia – Residents are getting ready to drive through and beat the flu at one of six public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics held over the next two weeks in the North Georgia Health District.
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics start tomorrow, September 25th, and each will be held by the county health departments for one day at various locations through October 9th, as follows:
Cherokee: Tuesday, September 25th, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M., Woodstock City Church: 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA. Call (770) 928-0133 or (770) 345-7371 for more details.
Pickens: Tuesday, September 25th, 8:30 A.M. – 3 P.M., Mt. Zion Baptist Church: 1036 North Main Street, Jasper, GA. Call (706) 253-2821 for more details.
Fannin: Wednesday, September 26th, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M., The Farmers Market: East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Call (706) 632-3023 for more details.
Whitfield: Tuesday, October 2nd, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M., Dalton Convention Center: 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA. Call (706) 279-9600 for more details.
Gilmer: Thursday, October 4th, 8:30 A.M. – 2 P.M., Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: 115 Pleasant Grove Road, Ellijay, GA. Call (706) 635-4363 for more details.
Murray: Tuesday, October 9th, 8 A.M. – 6 P.M., Murray County Parks and Recreation Department: 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA. Call (706) 695-4585 for more details.
These clinics serve people ages 18 and over.
No additional charges for a flu shot will be required of anyone who is under Medicare or Medicaid or has a health insurance plan through Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, Humana and some other health insurance companies, depending on the county.
Otherwise, the cost of the four-in-one quadrivalent flu vaccine will be $25 and the Fluzone High Dose vaccine that provides added protection for people ages sixty-five and older will be $65.
Cash and checks will be accepted at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics in each county, and credit cards will also be accepted at the clinics being held in Cherokee and Pickens Counties.
The CDC recommends getting a flu shot before the flu begins spreading in communities. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so people should get a flu shot by the end of October before the flu season begins and prior to seasonal get-togethers when flu is more easily spread from person to person.
In addition to getting a flu shot, other protective measures to prevent the flu are to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits, such as clean and disinfect surfaces, get enough sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
And remember, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. The most convenient way to get that shot in North Georgia is at the nearest public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic.
For additional details about the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, click here to the North Georgia Health District website. To learn more about influenza and flu protection, log onto the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu/.
FREE HIV Testing at County Health Departments in North Georgia on Thursday, September 27, National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! Click on the nearest county name in the toolbar above for health department location and contact information. Free HIV testing will also be provided at The Living Bridge Center in Dalton (click here).
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) is observed each year on September 27 to direct attention to the continuing and disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on gay and bisexual men in the United States. Browse below for resources to learn more and find out how to get involved in making a positive difference at all times. Also click here to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/ngmhaad.html.
Photo Credit: CDC
Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness.... Learn about the best prevention options for you at gov/StartTalking.
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Drive through and BEAT the FLU in Ellijay - Thursday, October 4th!
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic is for people 18 and older. Click on this graphic to view the Drive-thru Flyer and SHARE!
Ellijay, GA – Gilmer County Health Department presents its annual DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC on Thursday, October 4th from 8:30 am to 2 pm at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ellijay! Drive through and beat the flu while remaining in your vehicle for a fast, safe and convenient vaccination. You’ll also help public health staff and community partners exercise local Point of Dispensing plans for times of public health emergencies. Four-in-One Quadrivalent Flu Shots will be $25 and Fluzone High Dose Shots for people 65 and older will be $65. Cash, checks, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana and United Healthcare Insurance will be accepted. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is conveniently located at 115 Pleasant Grove Road in Ellijay. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot each year. The fastest, most convenient way to get that shot in Gilmer County is at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic in Ellijay! Call (706) 635-4363 for more information.