RECENT NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dalton (GA) - The North Georgia Health District, based in Dalton, Georgia and comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties, joins health agencies and organizations worldwide in celebrating World AIDS Day 2012 on December 1.The theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is "Getting to Zero." Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that damages a person's immune system by destroying blood cells that help fight against diseases. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the late stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely damaged, leaving the person susceptible to infections and tumors. HIV is spread by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS Statistics and Reports online, Georgia is ranked sixth highest in the nation for its cumulative reported number of AIDS cases through December 2009, and in 2010, the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia was over 40,000 (http://health.state.ga.us/epi/hivaids/.)
UNAIDS is a global strategy adopted for years 2011 to 2015 that aims to advance progress in halting and reversing the spread of HIV worldwide by 2015.
The North Georgia Health District office in Dalton and health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
These offices will resume their regular business hours on Monday, November 26.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
These offices will resume their regular business hours on Monday, November 26.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Dalton (GA) - Turkey is such the favorite staple of most Thanksgiving feasts that Thanksgiving Day is often fondly referred to as Turkey Day. But, given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 80 percent of food borne illnesses are linked to meat and poultry, proper handling and cooking of your holiday turkey is essential.
Below are important turkey safety tips to practice this holiday season:
1. IMPROPER THAWING: If a turkey is not completely thawed it will not get done in the middle allowing Salmonella to survive.
2. IMPROPER COOKING: The middle of the turkey must reach 165ºF in order to kill all Salmonella and other bacteria. Don’t guess! Use a meat thermometer. Cook dressing separately - don’t stuff the turkey. Whether you bake, smoke or fry a turkey, the middle must reach 165°F.
3. IMPROPER COOLING: Never let a turkey sit out at room temperature for more than one hour after cooking. Many cases of Salmonella food poisoning have happened because the turkey was not thoroughly cooked and then allowed to sit out at room temperature all morning or all night. If the turkey is not served the day of cooking, it should be carved and placed in the refrigerator.
4. LEFTOVERS: Don’t leave leftovers sitting out a room temperature. After the meal, freeze or refrigerate leftovers in convenient smaller portions. Leftovers can be as or more dangerous than freshly cooked turkey. Your home refrigerator should be no higher than 41°F.
Just follow these tips, and have a very happy and SAFE Thanksgiving!
Below are important turkey safety tips to practice this holiday season:
1. IMPROPER THAWING: If a turkey is not completely thawed it will not get done in the middle allowing Salmonella to survive.
- Whenever possible, thaw turkeys in the refrigerator. However, it takes 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20 pound frozen turkey can take 4 to 5 days to thaw in a refrigerator.
- Frozen turkeys can be thawed by sealing in a food-grade plastic bag and submerging in cold tap water. Change the water every thirty minutes. This method takes approximately 30 minutes for each pound of turkey. Using a small stream of running water is an even better method but the water must drain at the same time. An ice chest is a good container for these methods although a kitchen sink may suffice.
- NEVER thaw turkeys out at room temperature! Bacteria will grow on the outside of the turkey before the middle is thawed.
- Microwave thawing is a possibility but most whole frozen turkeys won’t fit inside most microwave ovens. Cook the turkey immediately after removing from microwave.
2. IMPROPER COOKING: The middle of the turkey must reach 165ºF in order to kill all Salmonella and other bacteria. Don’t guess! Use a meat thermometer. Cook dressing separately - don’t stuff the turkey. Whether you bake, smoke or fry a turkey, the middle must reach 165°F.
3. IMPROPER COOLING: Never let a turkey sit out at room temperature for more than one hour after cooking. Many cases of Salmonella food poisoning have happened because the turkey was not thoroughly cooked and then allowed to sit out at room temperature all morning or all night. If the turkey is not served the day of cooking, it should be carved and placed in the refrigerator.
4. LEFTOVERS: Don’t leave leftovers sitting out a room temperature. After the meal, freeze or refrigerate leftovers in convenient smaller portions. Leftovers can be as or more dangerous than freshly cooked turkey. Your home refrigerator should be no higher than 41°F.
Just follow these tips, and have a very happy and SAFE Thanksgiving!
The North Georgia Health District and health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, 
Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties will be closed on Monday, November 12 in honor of Veterans Day.
Offices will open at the regularly scheduled time on the following day, Tuesday, November 13.
In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day.
Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties will be closed on Monday, November 12 in honor of Veterans Day.Offices will open at the regularly scheduled time on the following day, Tuesday, November 13.
In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day.
Dalton, GA - Carol Hendrix was recently announced as the Carolyn Wetzel Continuum Award Winner for 2012 by the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. This award recognizes volunteers and health professionals who contribute to the health and well being of Georgia's families.
Carolyn Wetzel Continuum Award Winner for 2012 is
Carol Hendrix, Breastfeeding Coordinator, WIC, North Georgia Health District. Pictured left to right: Karen Rutledge, Nominator; Carol Hendrix, Winner, Pat Swan, HMHB Board of DirectorsHendrix truly embodies the spirit of the award as both a volunteer and a health professional. In addition to serving as the Breastfeeding Coordinator for North Georgia Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Hendrix volunteers for the Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, the Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition and the Southeastern Lactation Consultant Association.
Hendrix played an integral part in the production of the highly successful Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition's DVD titled "Breastfeeding: A Guide for Success".
Additionally, Hendrix manages fourteen Loving Support Peer Counselors. These Peer Counselors are mothers who have personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to help women initiate and continue breastfeeding.
Through Hendrix's collaboration with Theresa Brown, Lactation Consultant at Hamilton Medical Center of Dalton, the Peer Counselors are able to spend time at the hospital providing breastfeeding support to new mothers.
Hendrix and Brown presented their unique collaboration at recent International Lactation Consultant Association and Atlanta Emory conferences.
Also this year, Hendrix and Brown gave a presentation of their Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition collaborations at the National Breastfeeding Coalition Conference in Washington, DC.
Carolyn Wetzel Continuum Award Winner for 2012 isCarol Hendrix, Breastfeeding Coordinator, WIC, North Georgia Health District. Pictured left to right: Karen Rutledge, Nominator; Carol Hendrix, Winner, Pat Swan, HMHB Board of DirectorsHendrix truly embodies the spirit of the award as both a volunteer and a health professional. In addition to serving as the Breastfeeding Coordinator for North Georgia Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Hendrix volunteers for the Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, the Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition and the Southeastern Lactation Consultant Association.
Hendrix played an integral part in the production of the highly successful Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition's DVD titled "Breastfeeding: A Guide for Success".
Additionally, Hendrix manages fourteen Loving Support Peer Counselors. These Peer Counselors are mothers who have personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to help women initiate and continue breastfeeding.
Through Hendrix's collaboration with Theresa Brown, Lactation Consultant at Hamilton Medical Center of Dalton, the Peer Counselors are able to spend time at the hospital providing breastfeeding support to new mothers.
Hendrix and Brown presented their unique collaboration at recent International Lactation Consultant Association and Atlanta Emory conferences.
Also this year, Hendrix and Brown gave a presentation of their Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition collaborations at the National Breastfeeding Coalition Conference in Washington, DC.
Dalton, GA - The Whitfield County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently received an 
Whitfield County EMA Director Claude Craig displays AED that was recently purchased for the agency's mobile command vehicle.Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to place on board the agency's mobile command vehicle. The AED was provided with federal funds through the North Georgia Health District's Emergency Preparedness Department.
According to Claude Craig, director of Whitfield County EMA, "I was concerned we did not have an AED in the mobile command vehicle and there is not always an EMS unit or Fire unit in the area of the mobile command post. Considering budget restrictions, we are pleased our local public health district could positively respond to our request for the AED. We and our other community partners train together, respond together and exercise together, and this is just another way we are making our community better prepared for emergencies."
AEDs improve defibrillation response to sudden cardiac arrests experienced by adults and children. Chances of full recovery from sudden cardiac arrest decrease with each minute the patient goes without defibrillation; therefore, having this AED readily available in the mobile command vehicle is a potentially life-saving provision.
Whitfield County EMA Director Claude Craig displays AED that was recently purchased for the agency's mobile command vehicle.Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to place on board the agency's mobile command vehicle. The AED was provided with federal funds through the North Georgia Health District's Emergency Preparedness Department.According to Claude Craig, director of Whitfield County EMA, "I was concerned we did not have an AED in the mobile command vehicle and there is not always an EMS unit or Fire unit in the area of the mobile command post. Considering budget restrictions, we are pleased our local public health district could positively respond to our request for the AED. We and our other community partners train together, respond together and exercise together, and this is just another way we are making our community better prepared for emergencies."
AEDs improve defibrillation response to sudden cardiac arrests experienced by adults and children. Chances of full recovery from sudden cardiac arrest decrease with each minute the patient goes without defibrillation; therefore, having this AED readily available in the mobile command vehicle is a potentially life-saving provision.
Dalton, GA – Two Whitfield County residents are undergoing rabies post-exposure treatments as a result of exposure to a pet cat that the Georgia Public Health Laboratory has now confirmed as positive for rabies.
Rabies virus: characteristically bullet shaped virion. Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease, often transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. The 15-year old cat had bitten its owner and exposed the owner’s fiancé to the disease before it died. The positive test result for rabies was returned on October 26, 2012.
The cat was reported to have had rabies vaccinations in the past but was not currently vaccinated. Because of its age and since the animal was an indoor cat, it was thought that the probability of rabies was very small. In fact, the cat’s owner could not recall an incident when the cat may have been exposed to rabies.
The owner lives in the Middle Summit Drive area of Dalton between Cleveland Highway and Waring Road, which is a highly developed area of condominiums and apartments; therefore, public health officials went door-to-door delivering rabies notices.
Rabies virus: characteristically bullet shaped virion. Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease, often transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. The 15-year old cat had bitten its owner and exposed the owner’s fiancé to the disease before it died. The positive test result for rabies was returned on October 26, 2012.The cat was reported to have had rabies vaccinations in the past but was not currently vaccinated. Because of its age and since the animal was an indoor cat, it was thought that the probability of rabies was very small. In fact, the cat’s owner could not recall an incident when the cat may have been exposed to rabies.
The owner lives in the Middle Summit Drive area of Dalton between Cleveland Highway and Waring Road, which is a highly developed area of condominiums and apartments; therefore, public health officials went door-to-door delivering rabies notices.
Canton (GA) - Nine local residents and their children were taken on a free Shopping Matters grocery tour at Kroger in Canton on Thursday where they learned how to make healthy food choices on a limited budget.
Josefina Arvizu-Villela, WIC nutritionist with Cherokee County public health, teaches Shopping Matters tour participants how to read food labels for nutritional values
The Shopping Matters tour was sponsored by North Georgia WIC and was led by Josefina Arvizu-Villela, a WIC nutritionist based in the Cherokee County Health Department who was recently trained as a Shopping Matters tour facilitator.
"Often, people don't know how to buy nutritious, yet affordable food for their family because they don't understand which foods are best, nor do they know how to make sense of the labels," Arvizu-Villela explained. "Shopping Matters empowers them to shop more effectively because it breaks it all down in a practical, sensible way."
This tour focused particularly on foods available in the Women's, Infants and Children (WIC) food package and taught ways to make healthy, affordable choices among these foods.
Josefina Arvizu-Villela, WIC nutritionist with Cherokee County public health, teaches Shopping Matters tour participants how to read food labels for nutritional valuesThe Shopping Matters tour was sponsored by North Georgia WIC and was led by Josefina Arvizu-Villela, a WIC nutritionist based in the Cherokee County Health Department who was recently trained as a Shopping Matters tour facilitator.
"Often, people don't know how to buy nutritious, yet affordable food for their family because they don't understand which foods are best, nor do they know how to make sense of the labels," Arvizu-Villela explained. "Shopping Matters empowers them to shop more effectively because it breaks it all down in a practical, sensible way."
This tour focused particularly on foods available in the Women's, Infants and Children (WIC) food package and taught ways to make healthy, affordable choices among these foods.
Dalton, GA – One hundred fifty area residents joined thousands of people all over the nation Wednesday to celebrate Food Day—the nationwide celebration and movement toward more healthy, affordable, sustainable food and a better food system. A kick-off in Dalton was sponsored by White’s Pediatrics and North Georgia WIC at the Mack Gaston Community Center.
Kimbilee Jonas (right) of White's Pediatrics in Dalton discusses the benefits of healthy food choices with young Diego Hurtado at the Food Day Celebration held in Dalton on Wednesday
“The reason we became involved in Food Day is because we began to realize that parents of many of the obese children coming into our clinic wanted to make the needed lifestyle changes but didn’t know how,” said Kimbilee Jonas, Community Outreach Coordinator for White’s Pediatrics. “So, by working with the children to make healthier food choices, we're helping the whole family adopt the right tools for healthy lifestyle changes.”
The theme seen throughout the local Food Day event was the positive effects of community collaboration in encouraging easy access to locally produced healthy and affordable foods.
For example, as part of Wednesday's Food Day activities, locally produced, low-cost fruits and vegetables were available at the farmers market held inside the community center pavilion.
“Food Day is about embracing the concept of real food,” North Georgia WIC Program Manager Karen Rutledge said. “And, as a society, we need to look more toward consuming foods that are right here in our own back yards.”
Kimbilee Jonas (right) of White's Pediatrics in Dalton discusses the benefits of healthy food choices with young Diego Hurtado at the Food Day Celebration held in Dalton on Wednesday“The reason we became involved in Food Day is because we began to realize that parents of many of the obese children coming into our clinic wanted to make the needed lifestyle changes but didn’t know how,” said Kimbilee Jonas, Community Outreach Coordinator for White’s Pediatrics. “So, by working with the children to make healthier food choices, we're helping the whole family adopt the right tools for healthy lifestyle changes.”
The theme seen throughout the local Food Day event was the positive effects of community collaboration in encouraging easy access to locally produced healthy and affordable foods.
For example, as part of Wednesday's Food Day activities, locally produced, low-cost fruits and vegetables were available at the farmers market held inside the community center pavilion.
“Food Day is about embracing the concept of real food,” North Georgia WIC Program Manager Karen Rutledge said. “And, as a society, we need to look more toward consuming foods that are right here in our own back yards.”
"I never thought it could happen to me," said 63-year-old Paulette White of Dalton after she was diagnosed last fall with breast cancer.
Paulette White of Dalton is a breast cancer survivor due to early detection
But it did happen.
And now, Paulette is a breast cancer survivor because she maintained regular check-ups.
Paulette was faithful to get yearly health screenings, including mammograms, despite her lack of health insurance. Working for a small Dalton-based company, Paulette doesn't have access to affordable health insurance. Yet, not to be deterred from seeking basic healthcare, Paulette gets physicals each year at the Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic (MAC).*
It was there during her physical last October that the abnormality was detected.
"The MAC nurse felt a very small knot," said Paulette, "so small, it's no wonder I didn't notice it myself when doing my monthly self breast exams."
Beth Spivey, RN, BSN of the Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic and breast cancer survivor Paulette White discuss monthly self breast exams. "Ms. White's breast cancer was detected early," said Spivey, "The chance of a woman having breast cancer sometime during her life is one in eight and early detection is key in the treatment of it."MAC staff assisted Paulette in getting a mammogram and diagnostic evaluation through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).**
When it was confirmed she had cancer and she needed surgery, the staff helped her apply for assistance through the Women's Health Medicaid Program.***
"I was reeling from the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer and wondering 'What do I do next?'," Paulette recalled. "But the health department staff was there for me, connecting me to resources I needed."
Now, she feels like her old self again.
"I never thought I would get cancer," said Paulette, "but, because I didn't let circumstances keep me from getting yearly check-ups and from seeking help when breast cancer was detected, I'm here to enjoy life with my grandchildren."
______________
*Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic (MAC) - http://nghd.org/Whitfield-County-Health- Department/macservices.html
**Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bccp/index.asp
***Women's Health Medicaid Program - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/womensmedicaid/index.asp
Paulette White of Dalton is a breast cancer survivor due to early detectionBut it did happen.
And now, Paulette is a breast cancer survivor because she maintained regular check-ups.
Paulette was faithful to get yearly health screenings, including mammograms, despite her lack of health insurance. Working for a small Dalton-based company, Paulette doesn't have access to affordable health insurance. Yet, not to be deterred from seeking basic healthcare, Paulette gets physicals each year at the Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic (MAC).*
It was there during her physical last October that the abnormality was detected.
"The MAC nurse felt a very small knot," said Paulette, "so small, it's no wonder I didn't notice it myself when doing my monthly self breast exams."
Beth Spivey, RN, BSN of the Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic and breast cancer survivor Paulette White discuss monthly self breast exams. "Ms. White's breast cancer was detected early," said Spivey, "The chance of a woman having breast cancer sometime during her life is one in eight and early detection is key in the treatment of it."MAC staff assisted Paulette in getting a mammogram and diagnostic evaluation through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).**When it was confirmed she had cancer and she needed surgery, the staff helped her apply for assistance through the Women's Health Medicaid Program.***
"I was reeling from the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer and wondering 'What do I do next?'," Paulette recalled. "But the health department staff was there for me, connecting me to resources I needed."
Now, she feels like her old self again.
"I never thought I would get cancer," said Paulette, "but, because I didn't let circumstances keep me from getting yearly check-ups and from seeking help when breast cancer was detected, I'm here to enjoy life with my grandchildren."
______________
*Whitfield County Health Department's Medical Access Clinic (MAC) - http://nghd.org/Whitfield-County-Health- Department/macservices.html
**Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bccp/index.asp
***Women's Health Medicaid Program - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/womensmedicaid/index.asp