- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
North Georgia - Due to smoky conditions that may occur in your area because of wildfire, public health officials of the North Georgia Health District urge residents to take precautions.
Smoke from a brushfire or wildfire is a mix of gases and particles from burning vegetation and other materials that can be harmful even to people who are healthy if there is enough smoke in the air. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke.
If possible, limit your exposure to smoke. Here are some tips to help you protect your health:
- When a brushfire or wildfire occurs in your area, watch for news or health warnings about smoke.
- If you are told to stay indoors, stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one - seek shelter elsewhere if you do not and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.
- Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
- Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation.
For more information about protecting against wildfires, log onto the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/.
- Hits: 12429
- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Fannin County Health Department staff wear pink to urge residents to learn what they can do for themselves and loved ones to prevent breast cancer or to find it early. Deaths from breast cancer have declined over time but is still the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. Early detection is key! Contact the Fannin County Health Department for more information at (706) 632-3023 or log onto www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
Thirty years ago this month Ronald Reagan signed into law landmark legislation, the Amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act (now known as IDEA), that created the Infants and Toddlers with disabilities Program. . . Click on the video below and help us celebrate! To learn more about public health Children's Medical Services, see the attached flyer, contact your local county health department (see above LOCATIONS tab) or call the North Georgia Health District at (706) 529-5757.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
Gilmer County Health Department will host Free Walk-In Clinical Breast Exams for qualified patients on Wednesday, October 26th from 8 AM to 11 AM. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it's time to remind the public that the key to breast cancer survival is early detection! Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. . . but the good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Regular screening for breast cancer can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Contact the Gilmer County Health Department at (706) 635-4363 to learn more about free clinical breast exams offered on the 26th or just come by the health department that day at 28 Southside Church Street in Ellijay. Learn more about cancer and its prevention at www.cdc.gov/cancer.
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