DeKalb County Board of Health
The DeKalb County Board of Health's Office of Emergency Preparedness will host a mass novel H1N1 vaccination clinic on Saturday, Nov., 21,2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DeVry University (former campus), 250 North Arcadia Road, Decatur, GA 30030. A vaccine supply of 2,500 injectable novel H1N1 doses will be administered to people in priority risk groups. The priority groups are:
* Pregnant women,
* Healthcare and emergency medical staff with direct patient care,
* People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months,
* Anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age and
* Anyone from 25 to 64 years who has a medical condition.
For people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes getting both your seasonal and novel H1N1 vaccine is critical. People with chronic illness my have greater health complications if they get the flu. Persons in priority groups will be served on a first come, first served basis. There is no fee for the novel H1N1 vaccine. However, an administrative fee may be charged to Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Please bring your card at the time of service. Also, please bring your child's immunization record. For more information, call (404) 508-7880 or visit http://www.dekalbhealth.net/.
Live Healthy DeKalb is a group of DeKalb County organizations and residents working together to create a healthier DeKalb County. The mission of Live Healthy DeKalb (LHD) is to build a community network through collaboration and partnership to improve the health of those who live, work and play in DeKalb County. Live Healthy DeKalb's vision is "Healthy people living in healthy communities". Join a committee and make a difference!! For more information, call 404.508.7985.
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) created the H1N1Influenza Vaccine Provider Locator to inform Georgia residents abou twhich health care providers will provide the H1N1 vaccine as supplies become available.
The allocations the state has received thus far have been small in comparison to the number of providers registered to administer the vaccine. This is why it is so important for anyone wishing to receive the vaccine to contact his or her family doctor's office or health care provider before making an appointment or traveling to the provider's office.
For the DeKalb County Board of Health, you can check the Seasonal/Novel
H1N1 Flu Hotline number at (404) 508-7880 or visit http://www.dekalbhealth.net/ for the most up-to-date information regarding vaccine availability and priority groups being served.
Currently, there is only a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine. The DeKalb County Board of Health has administered more than 12,500 doses of seasonal flu. Currently, there is only about 900 to 1,000 doses of live nasal spray novel H1N1 for persons ages 2 to 24 years old. Please contact the nearest health center. You can call (404) 294-3700 for health center information. All the health care providers listed on the
DeKalb Safe Communities Reminds Residents to Drive Focused, Drive Smart, and Get Home Safely
We pride ourselves on the ability to multi-task, but practicing this skill while driving poses too much of a risk. A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that distracted drivers cause 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes. The fact that there is a traffic-related injury every 10 seconds and a roadway death every 12 minutes is staggering enough to force us all to take heed of the following traffic safety and greener, more efficient driving tips endorsed by this year's Drive Safely Work Week campaign. Let's all strive to arrive home safely to our loved ones.
* Look at the big picture. Making or receiving a phone call while driving makes you four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Before choosing to divert your attention, take a moment to focus on those awaiting your safe arrival home.
* Ease the pressure. If expecting an important call, program yourphone with a special ring tone for that number alerting you when to pull over to take the call.
* Buckle it up. Secure all cargo you may be transporting including pets, and most importantly, buckle yourself in on every trip.
* Increase your following distance. A 4-second following distance increases visibility and provides more reaction time.
* Texting and driving don't mix. There is no way to safely drive while texting. Even if you think you are expert enough that you don't need to take your eyes off the road, your mind is off the road and your hands are off the wheel.
* Watch your speed. For every 10 mph you travel over 60 mph, your fuel economy drops by approximately four miles per gallon.
* Have a flight plan. Don't wait until you are driving to plan your route.
* Give your tunes a tune-up. Digital music devices (iPods, mp3 players) can pose a major distraction. Pre-set a driving playlist to provide continuous tunes without the need for adjustments.
* Accelerate gently. Quick starts and sudden braking can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33 percent.
* Know when to use your A/C. At 40 mph and above, using your A/C is more efficient because it doesn't disrupt the vehicle's aerodynamics. Below 40 mph, open windows offer better efficiency.
* Lighten the load. Avoid keeping unnecessary cargo in your vehicle. An additional 100 pounds reduces your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent.
* Close the cap. Make sure your gas cap is always properly secured. You could save up to 30 gallons per year in evaporated fuel.
* Time for a change. Change your oil regularly, around the 3000-mile interval, depending on how you drive your vehicle. You'll keep your vehicle running efficiently and possibly reduce the amount of waste oil.
In an effort to help residents drive safer and smarter, Safe Communities has enlisted the assistance of students at one of DeKalb's high schools to provide basic vehicle maintenance checks. Automotive service students from DeKalb High School of Technology South will be conducting the inspections that will include oil level, tire pressure and tread as well as the condition of the air filter on vehicles. A vehicle that is properly maintained is significantly more fuel-efficient than a vehicle that is neglected. Look out for upcoming dates and locations.
Please take a moment to complete the attached survey to assess your own risk of becoming a distracted driver. You do not have to share the results. They are for your eyes only, so be honest. It could help to change behaviors that could possibly save your life.
For additional traffic safety information, contact Astrid Wilkie-McKellar at 404 294-3758 or awmckellar@dhr.state.ga.us.
FREE GA Tobacco Quit Line materials available for distribution
Driven by the highest-ever federal tax increase on tobacco products, GA smokers are trying to quit smoking in droves. Based on this incentive to kick the habit, now is a great time to advertise the GA Tobacco Quit Line at worksites, churches, schools, etc. To receive brochures to advertise this FREE service available to all Georgians, contact Eryn Marchiolo at emmarchiolo@dhr.state.ga.us.
DeKalb Medical offers free smoking cessation program
DeKalb Medical Center is offering a free program to help smokers kick the habit. Every Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., DeKalb Medical is hosting "Nicotine Anonymous", a 12-step program, for anyone who wants to quit smoking. The program is being held a the hospital's main campus,
2701 North Decatur Road. No registration is required. For more information, call 404.244.8444 or 404.501.WELL.
St. Joseph's, Perimeter Mall team up for free blood pressure screenings
Saint Joseph's Hospital is offering free blood pressure screenings every first and third Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the lower level of Perimeter Mall. The hospital is offering the screenings to help combat high blood pressure, often called "the silent killer" because symptoms may not be present or recognized, until a medical condition occurs. Nearly 63 million Americans have high blood pressure, but an estimated 46 percent do not know they have it. Perimeter Mall is located at 440 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE. For more information call 678.843.5112.
Do you want to get the word out about your event or topic of interest? Forward your chronic disease prevention and health related events/news you would like to share with.
Avian Wynn
Secretary II
DeKalb County Board of Health
Health Assessment & Promotion
Office of Chronic Disease Prevention
445 Winn Way--P.O. Box 987
Decatur GA 30031
404.294.3803 Phone
404.294.3842 Fax
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