PHWEEK 12-16-2013: First Confirmed Flu-Related Deaths in Georgia Follow Us! First Confirmed Flu-Related Deaths in Georgia Submit your story suggestions, ideas, comments or a story of your own! In This Issue First Confirmed Flu-Related Deaths in Georgia Missed Some Shots? 'Tis the Season to Respond Want to Get Students Moving? Take the Pledge Give the Gift of Public Health PHEVENTS The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has lab confirmation of two flu-related deaths in the state. These are the first confirmed flurelated deaths in Georgia this flu season. Both of the deceased were adults. While the flu level is still considered minimal in Georgia, DPH is reporting increases in flu activity statewide, including hospitalizations. Symptoms of the flu include cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. One of the most pronounced flu symptoms is an overall feeling of achiness and malaise that comes on quickly. "The single most effective way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine. Every healthy individual over the age of 6 months should get a flu vaccine, unless there are underlying medical conditions. In those cases, patients should consult their physician," said J. Patrick O'Neal, M.D., director of health protection, Georgia Department of Public Health. Missed Some Shots? Tools Help You Catch Up Looking for DPH events? When it comes Visit the Events Schedule on our to vaccinations, website. timing is everything. PHTRAINING Children, teens and adults need to get Two for Tuesdays Two for Tuesdays and Introduction to Public Health courses will resume in 2014. vaccinations in the right doses at the right times for optimal protection from diseases. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just 9 percent of U.S. children received all of their recommended vaccinations at the recommended times. For adolescents and adults, the rates are even worse. Excel Formulas and Functions Thurs., Dec. 19 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To stay protected from preventable diseases, those missed shots have to be made up, a process that also requires perfect timing to be effective. Excel Data Management and Pivot Tables But the rules that determine that timing are confusing and convoluted, even for the physicians charged with deciding when and what catch-up Thurs., Dec. 19 doses to give. 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the CDC have made Excel Formulas and Functions it easier for physicians, individuals and parents to keep up with missed Fri., Dec. 20 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. shots: computerized tools that create a customized schedule for catching up on vaccines. For employees not at 2 Peachtree, classes can be attended remotely -- however, remote attendees must be registered 48 hours prior to class. Register for all classes through 'Tis the Season to Respond SABA (2 Peachtree attendees register for "Instructor-Led" and Georgia saw a new wave of enthusiasm remote attendees register for "Virtual" classes). Contact Lisa Miller if you have questions. and a new way of thinking about volunteering this year with the creation of Georgia Responds, the organization Free Online Courses Available from Lynda.com DPH has purchased a limited representing the state's health and medical volunteer programs (www.GeorgiaResponds.org). number of licenses for Lynda.com, an online library of high-quality, Department of Public Health Volunteer easy-to-use instructional videos on the latest software, creative and business skills. Licenses are available for check out on a first Program Director LaKieva Williams would like to see the program continue to ride that wave into 2014. come, first served basis. To check out a license, simply email Lisa "The more volunteers we have, the Miller from your public health email better prepared we are," Williams said. account. Georgia Responds was established to Submit Calendar Entries to communications@dhr.state.ga.us provide an easy way to connect volunteer health care professionals to the people and projects that need them the most. PHNEWS FDA Restricts Antibiotics Use for Livestock Exercise Linked to Lower Breast Want to Get Students Moving? Take the Pledge Cancer Risk in Black Women Kids' Movies Deliver Mixed Messages on Eating, Obesity Officials in the Decatur County School District in southwest Meningitis B vaccinations top 3K at Georgia knew life for Princeton many of their students and families wasn't as healthy as it should be. PHRECIPE In the 2013 County Health Rankings, published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin, Decatur County was listed at Students at Decatur County elementary schools will be among the first in the state to move more with Power Up for 30. 140 out of Georgia's 159 counties for health outcomes - the length and quality of life - and 152 for health factors, including health behaviors, social factors and the physical environment. Melissa's Slow Cooker Stuffing Serves 16 Debbie Purcell, the district's school nutrition director, said the low rankings served as a wake-up call for school staff. Click Here for Full Recipe "Decatur County Schools saw the importance of instilling in our students the knowledge and desire to live healthy lives. It is very important for our families and community that we come together and address these issues to improve life outcomes," she said. PHWEEK Director of Communications Ryan Deal Editor Carrie Gann Their steps toward healthy change began by adding more movement to the school day.This year, Decatur County Schools became one of the first districts to sign a participation pledge for Power Up for 30, Georgia SHAPE's statewide initiative encouraging schools to add 30 extra minutes of physical activity to students' schedules before, during or after school. Give the Gift of Public Health Content Coordinator Connie F. Smith Sr. Graphic Designer Ginny Jacobs Web Developer Jimmy Clanton, Jr. Editorial & Design Team Tammy Beasley Eric Jens Nancy Nydam Sandra Roberts Still shopping? Maybe you're struggling to find a gift for the person who has everything or looking to start a new holiday tradition with a friend or loved one. Instead of grabbing a last-minute gift card or picking out yet another sweater, you can give meaningful gifts this year that support public health worldwide. Of course, there are many worthy organizations in need of financial support, but here are just a few organizations that offer holiday gifts for the greater public-health good. Georgia Public Health Observances | December 2013 Forward email This email was sent to gadocs@uga.edu by communications@dhr.state.ga.us | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribeTM | Privacy Policy. Georgia Department of Public Health | 2 Peachtree Street, NW | Atlanta | GA | 30303