- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
Don't Wait. Vaccinate.
Your Child is Depending on YOU!
Could your child be missing a vaccination? It is vital that children are kept current on their immunizations. A child’s immune system is more vulnerable than that of most adults, and without vaccinations, many children would suffer or even die from the severe effects of diseases such as measles, pertussis and influenza. Plus, the new school year will soon begin and it is a state requirement that children are current on their vaccinations to enter. Contact your local health department or private physician to find out which vaccinations your child may need. Also, many local health care providers and county health departments send follow-up immunization reminders to parents… Make sure your child’s health care provider has your current contact information so you will receive these timely reminders! For more information about immunization schedules, log onto the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website at dph.georgia.gov/immunization-schedules.
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- Written by Nancy Nydam, Media Relations Manager, Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
Georgia Department of Public Health Warns:
Heat Exhaustion, Hot Cars and Overexposure to Sun Pose Significant Threats
ATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the mid 90’s throughout the state for the next several days, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses.
“Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, even death,” said DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “It’s important to stay cool and hydrated in extreme temperatures to avoid serious health effects like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Heat stroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heat stroke can be rapid; serious symptoms can occur within minutes. Treatment involves the rapid lowering of body temperature using a cool bath or wet towels. Keep victims of heat stroke in a cool area and immediately call 911.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
Dalton (GA) – The North Georgia Health District office will soon move. After more than thirty years in Bry-man’s Plaza North, the health district staff will relocate to new offices, beginning Wednesday, June 24 through Friday, June 26.
The North Georgia Health District, one of 18 districts under the Georgia Department of Public Health, provides administrative support to public health 
departments and environmental health offices in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties, and it oversees the public health services and programs offered in these six counties.
North Georgia Health District office employees and district level services will occupy three office buildings near the North Dalton Bypass.
The main district administrative office address will be 1710 Whitehouse Court in Dalton, and the main office phone number will be (706) 529-5757.
While all health district staff and programs will share the main mailing address, some district level programs and departments will be housed in separate buildings, nearby.
District level Women’s, Infant and Children (WIC) will move to 1620 Hickory Street, and the district WIC phone number will be (706) 529-5742.
The district’s Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness departments will also relocate to1620 Hickory Street, but both departments may be reached by dialing the main district number at (706) 529-5757.
District Children with Special Needs programs, including Children 1st, Babies Can’t Wait and Children’s Medical Services, will be housed at 1622 Hickory Street, and that phone number will be (706) 529-5763.
The North Georgia Health District’s mission focuses on improving the quality of people’s lives through disease prevention, healthy lifestyle education and emergency preparedness.
For more information about the North Georgia Health District, log on here to our home page at www.nghd.org or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/N.GA.Health.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
GET THE FACTS. GET TESTED. GET INVOLVED.
Honoring National HIV Testing Day
Dalton (GA) – Free HIV Testing will be offered by the North Georgia Health District at the Living Bridge Center in Dalton on Thursday, June 25 from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. The Living Bridge Center is located in the Whitfield County Health Department at 800 Professional Boulevard in Dalton.
The 20 minute rapid test called Clearview will be used, and incentives for returning for test results will be available to participants.
This free testing is being provided in honor of National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27.
National HIV Testing Day is a reminder to get the facts, get tested and get involved in taking care of yourself and your partners.
According to the CDC, an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and that number grows by almost 50,000 every year. One in seven people who have HIV don't know it. That means they are not getting the medical care they need to stay healthy and avoid passing HIV to others.
Get more details about Free HIV testing on June 25 in Dalton by calling the Living Bridge Center at (706) 281-2360.
For more information about National HIV Testing Day, log onto the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/features/hivtesting/.
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