Please bring your child's shot records with you. We won't be able to verify them with the Doctor's offices because they will be closed. Come take advantage of our Saturday immunization clinic!

Coastal Health District activities will include:

Liberty County
12 - 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 3
Liberty County Health Department WIC Clinic, 1183 W. Bultman Ave. Hinesville

Chatham County
12 - 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 4
Thomas Park (next to Bull Street Library), Savannah

Glynn County
11a.m - 1 p.m., Thursday, August 5
Glynn County Health Department, 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick

The purpose of World Breastfeeding Week is to raise breastfeeding awareness by providing education on the benefits of breastfeeding and help make breastfeeding the normal choice for women. Children who breastfeed receive important nutrients and antibodies that help protect them from a host of diseases. In addition, breastfeeding has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), childhood diabetes, and colic.

Those who want to take advantage of the program must enroll in the multiple call program provided by the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line, a free service that provides counseling, support, and referral services for tobacco users. The NRT program will allow participants to receive a free four-week supply of either nicotine gum or the nicotine patch.

Participants will receive their choice of nicotine replacement therapy within a week. Pregnant women who want to take part must have a medical override. The nicotine replacement therapy will be provided on a first come, first served basis and the program will last until supplies are depleted.

The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line number is 1-877-270-7867. Spanish-speaking callers may call 1-877-266-3863.

"There are a lot of people who really want to quit smoking but don't have the resources," said Coastal Health District Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Cristina Gibson. "This free service is a great way for those people to get the support they need to help them quit."

The NRT program is being offered in five of Georgia's 18 public health districts, including the Coastal Health District. Counties identified for the project have high tobacco use. The program is part of a statewide initiative to reduce the use of tobacco and the burden it causes from related illness.

Free local smoking cessation classes are also available. Anyone interested in hosting or attending a smoking cessation class should call 912-644-5209.

The event will include free dance classes, healthy snacks, blood pressure screenings, Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements, blood glucose testing and bone density scans. In addition, participants will have the chance to win an iPod Shuffle/iTunes gift card gift pack and a set of FitDeck cards.

"Dancing is a fun way to get the daily exercise you need to stay in shape," said Coastal Health District Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. "Whether it's ballroom or Zumba, dancing is a great way to get fit."

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.

"There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing heart disease including getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day," said Gibson. "Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to put in those 30 minutes but when you're dancing, it hardly seems like exercise at all."

Let's Dance, Savannah! 2010 is sponsored by The Heart Truth Campaign, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, VIP Mobile Entertainment, Community Cardiovascular Council, CVS, and Armstrong Atlantic State University Health Sciences Department.

For more information, please call 484-1885. Click here for a lineup of dance demostrations Let's Dance Savannah!.pdf

"This is an opportunity to come together as a community and talk about the problems we face and how we can solve them," said Effingham County Health Department Nurse Manager, Cindy Grovenstein. "This project is a great thing for our county, but we need public input to make it successful."

Light refreshments will be provided. To RSVP for the July 12 meeting, please call the Effingham County Health Department at 754-6850.

"We want to make it as convenient as possible for parents to bring their children in to get vaccinated," said Kathy Rowell, Long County Health Department Nurse Manager. "It won't be long before school starts back and getting children vaccinated now means being able to avoid the back-to-school rush."

The Long County Health Department can help parents determine what immunizations their children need before going back to school. For more information, please call the Health Department at 545-2107.

Visit the site at www.HealthCare.gov.

All Coastal Health District Health Departments maintain a Special Needs Registry which consists of residents who may require medical assistance during emergency situations. Those on the Special Needs Registry may need specially trained health care providers, special facilities equipped to meet their needs, and specialized vehicles and equipment for transport.

The Registry information is provided to local Emergency Management Agencies. The Registry is truly a last resort, but if a hurricane is threatening our area, it is important that Emergency Management Agencies and Health Department officials know where the most vulnerable residents are located so that evacuation assistance can be provided to them.

To register, call your local health department or click here to download the form Special Needs Form.doc

Mail the completed documents to the following address in your county of residence:

Bryan County Health Dept.
ATTN: Joanne Burnsed
P. O. Box 9
Pembroke, GA 31321-0009

Effingham County Health Dept.
ATTN: Cindy Grovenstein
P.O. Box 350
Springfield, GA 31329

Camden County Health Dept.
ATTN: Debbie Melton
600 North Charles Gilman Jr. Ave.
Kingsland, GA 31548

Chatham County Health Dept.
ATTN: Cathy Schmid
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406

Glynn County Health Dept.
ATTN: Karen Mikell
2747 4th Street
Brunswick, GA 31520

Liberty County Health Dept.
ATTN: Annie Washington
P.O. Box 231
Hinesville, GA 31310

Long County Health Dept.
ATTN: Kathy Rowell
P.O. Box 279
Ludowici, GA 31316

McIntosh County Health Dept.
ATTN: Betty Dixon
24 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd.
Savannah, GA 31406

It is important to note that people living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes aren't eligible for the Special Needs Registry and must follow their facility's emergency plan.

How the Special Needs Registry Works
Special needs persons are categorized into five levels. If you meet the criteria for levels one or two, you are not eligible for the Special Needs Registry. If you meet the criteria for levels three, four, or five, your name will be entered into the Special Needs Registry.

Special Needs Definitions

Levels one and two: Not eligible for the registry
Level one and level two clients are not eligible for the Special Needs Registry. The definition for level one and level two clients is: "Persons who are independent and capable of self-care requiring only minimal support for minor illnesses and injuries, and persons with conditions requiring observation or minor supportive assistance in activities of daily living (i.e. independent with some family/caretaker support).

Levels three, four, and five: Eligible for the registry
Level three, four, and five clients are eligible for the Special Needs Registry.

The definition of level three residents is: "Persons with conditions requiring some level of privacy or separation but do not require skilled or continuous health care support from facility staff."

Some examples of level three residents include those with moderate Alzheimer's or dementia; those requiring assistance from a family member or caretaker for activities of daily living; those with portable oxygen; and dialysis patients.

The definition of level four residents is: "Persons requiring frequent or continuous surveillance for potentially life-threatening conditions or require bedding or bathroom facilities not available in the (public) shelter."

Some examples of level four residents include those requiring assistance with toileting; those with limited mobility who cannot sleep on a cot or transfer; brittle diabetics or epileptics; oxygen dependent persons; and those with severe dementia or psychiatric conditions.

The definition of level five residents is: "Those requiring skilled care, continuous observation, or special equipment and services usually found in a hospital."

Some examples of level five residents include those needing IV feeding or medication; those completely bedfast requiring total care; those with uncontrolled chronic or acute physical or mental conditions; women in active labor; and those with significant injuries, difficulty breathing, or prolonged pain.

If you are not accepted into the Special Needs Program, you will be immediately called by the Health Department and advised to make other arrangements for evacuation and sheltering.

Persons registered in the special needs database will be contacted twice a year to verify their medical condition and update their information. When a storm is about three days (72 hours) from your county, you will be called and told:

• That an evacuation is possible.
• To prepare your essential items' kit that includes medications and important documents.
• To be prepared to evacuate within one hour of the next call.

You will be picked up and taken to a Special Needs Center or local hospital where you will be given a document pouch for use during transportation to your destination. Your registration form, medical history, allergies record and medications list will be placed in the document pouch.

Your name will be placed on a special needs tracking form and you will be given an identification number. This number, along with your name and destination, will be placed on a bracelet that you will wear to your destination during the evacuation.

When reentry is authorized, the evacuation process will be reversed and you will be returned to your home.

Pets will only be allowed at the Special Needs Center if they are in a carrier and you have your pet's current immunization records; or if they are service animals assisting disabled persons (these animals must remain with their owner at all times.

All may be quiet in the Atlantic Basic and Gulf of Mexico now, but that could change quickly. So if you qualify for the Special Needs Registry, don't wait to register. Being prepared is the best way to ensure your safety during a disaster.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer. The sun's UVA and UVB rays are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing skin cancer such as melanoma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 53,919 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in 2006, and 8,441 people died from it.

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure.

Unlike some cancers however, skin cancer is often preventable and there are easy steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun. The American Cancer Society recommends the following:

Cover Up
While outside, wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Lightweight and comfortable clothes are recommended. And remember, if you can see through the fabric, UV rays can get through, too.

Use Sunscreen
Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply at least every two hours (or more if you are swimming or sweating).

Wear a Hat
Wearing a hat with a 2 to 3 inch brim that goes all the way around will help protect several areas that are often exposed to the sun.

Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses that help block UV rays will help protect your eyes from sun damage. Sunglasses that protect 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays are recommended. Remember, darker glasses are not necessarily better. Be sure to read the label to try and find out how much protection the sunglasses actually offer.

Limit Exposure
Try to limit the hours you spend in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those are peak hours for intense UV rays. Also, if you plan to be outside, check the UV index before you go.

Adults aren't the only ones at risk for skin cancer. According to the CDC, a few severe sunburns can increase a child's risk for skin cancer later in life.

To download the CDC brochure, "Play it Safe in the Sun: A Guide for Parents," click here: CYCParentsBrochure.pdf

Becoming infected with the rabies virus is something that can be avoided. By taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and your pets, you can minimize the risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease.

Rabies can be transmitted through the bite, scratch, or saliva of an infected animal. The disease attacks the central nervous system and is often fatal. Rabies is carried by raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and other mammals. Because family pets may encounter wild animals carrying the disease, it is extremely important to get pets vaccinated annually.

Getting your pet vaccinated is easy, inexpensive, and the best way to protect your pets from this disease and it's the law.

Coastal Health District officials offer these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out overnight.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.

• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn.

• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It's the law and it's an important protection for you and your pets.

Call your local county Animal Control office to report any animals showing suspicious behavior. Animal Control will work with the health department in your county to investigate possible cases of rabies. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediate

That's why it's important to take proper precautions against rabies. Rabies is a deadly virus that can be passed from animal to animal or from animal to human and raccoons are one of the primary carriers of the disease. Rabies is almost always fatal if an infected person isn't treated immediately. In addition, if a pet has not been vaccinated against rabies and is exposed to the rabies virus, the pet must either be euthanized or put under strict, six-month isolation.

Becoming infected with the rabies virus is something that can absolutely be avoided. By taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and your pets, you can minimize the risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease.

Rabies can be transmitted through the bite, scratch, or saliva of an infected animal. The disease attacks the central nervous system and is often fatal. Rabies is carried by raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and other mammals. Because family pets may encounter wild animals carrying the disease, it is extremely important to get pets vaccinated annually.

Getting your pet vaccinated is easy, inexpensive, and the best way to protect your pets from this disease and it's the law.
These tips can help protect you and your family from rabies:

• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out overnight.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It's the law and it's an important protection for you and your pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.

Call your local County Animal Control office to report any animals showing suspicious behavior. Animal Control will work with your County Health Department to investigate possible cases of rabies. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately.

These foods can be stored and used when you cannot cook usual meals:

Beverages:
Water (gallon or individual bottles)
100% Juice (Capri Sun, Juicy Juice, Motts, Welch's)
Milk (UHT low fat individual boxes, Powdered milk, Evaporated milk, UHT soy milk)

Protein:
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken (single serving)
Soup (bean, stews, chili, spaghetti) single serving soups
Peanut butter
Nuts (trail mix, individual packages peanuts, almonds, mixed nuts, sunflower seeds)

Fruit:
Canned (individual packed in own juice) fruit cocktail, peaches, pears, applesauce
Dried (raisins, cranberries, plums, mixed)

Vegetables:
Canned green beans/corn/ dried beans

Cereal:
Whole grain cereals (individual packages)

Bread:
Whole grain crackers, granola bars, graham crackers, rice cakes, pretzels,
Low-fat chips

Download a fact sheet

• Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.
• Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin.
• Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol in it.
• Avoid tetanus and other infections by getting medical attention for a dirty cut or deep puncture wound.

Clean Your Home and Stop Mold
• Take out items that have soaked up water and that cannot be cleaned and dried.
• Fix water leaks. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.
• To remove mold, mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry.
• Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.
• To clean hard surfaces that do not soak up water and that may have been in contact with floodwater, first wash with soap and clean water. Next disinfect with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Then allow to air dry.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Open windows and doors to get fresh air. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could kill you.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Do not use generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as garages, even with doors or windows open. Do not put these devices outside near an open door, window, or air vent. You could be poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas from burning fuel such as gasoline, charcoal, or propane.

Keep Drinking Water and Food Safe
• Listen to public announcements to find out if local tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Until the water is safe, use bottled water or boil or disinfect water.
• If a "boil water" advisory is in effect, do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless water has come to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute or is treated with unscented household chlorine bleach. To treat water, add 1/4 teaspoon (approximately 1.5 mL) bleach to 1 gallon of cloudy water or 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 0.75 mL) bleach to 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it.
• Do not eat food that smells bad, looks bad, or has touched floodwater. When in doubt, throw food out.

Prevent Electrical Injuries
• Do not touch fallen electrical wires. They may be live and could hurt or kill you.
• Turn off the electrical power at the main source if there is standing water. Do not turn on power or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

Avoid Contact with Animals and Insects
• Reduce mosquito bites. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during the evening and early morning, which are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Use an insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
• Stay away from wild or stray animals. Stray dogs may be hurt or afraid and may bite. Call local authorities to handle animals.
• Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

Drive Safely
• Stop and look both ways at all intersections. Drive slowly and keep space between you and other vehicles. Watch out for trash on the road.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Do not drive if you have been drinking.

Georgia Office of Homeland Security has information on Emergency Shelters.

Georgia Public Radio, in cooperation with GDOT, GEMA, GSP and the Georgia Public Broadcasting System, will provide updates on road and traffic conditions in the event of a Hurricane.
Severe Weather FM Radio Stations are:
Brunswick 88.9
Savannah 91.1

For the latest emergency information in Georgia, visit www.georgia911.org.

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Fill your automobile's gas tank.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Fill your clean water containers.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You are Ordered to Evacuate
Because of the destructive power of a hurricane, you should never ignore an evacuation order. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the storm. Be aware that most shelters and some hotels do not accept pets. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:
• Take only essential items with you.
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
• Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.
• Follow the designated evacuation routes--others may be blocked--and expect heavy traffic.

If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate
The great majority of injuries during a hurricane are cuts caused by flying glass or other debris. Other injuries include puncture wounds resulting from exposed nails, metal, or glass, and bone fractures.

To get through the storm in the safest possible manner:
• Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible.
• Stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over.
• Do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed--the calm "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume.
• Stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
• Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

Download General Preparedness guides in English and Spanish.