When the bioterrorism and molecular biology manager joined DPH's Holiday Survivor Challenge, it wasn't about fitting into a pair of skinny jeans. It was about preparing herself to start a family.  

"I have had unexplained infertility for more than six years," said Santiago-Alvarado "We are getting ready to start a major fertility treatment that requires me to be in the best shape possible due to the possibility of multiples. Carrying multiples has more risks associated with premature delivery. By being overweight this increases drastically."

Santiago-Alvarado said her doctor recommended she drop at least 20 pounds before beginning treatment.

           
 

Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens recently signed an order finalizing new rules that require all insurance companies who sell individual health policies in Georgia to also offer child-only individual health coverage.

"Georgia consumers who want to provide healthcare coverage for their children can begin the process during the open enrollment period of January 1-31," Hudgens said. "To guarantee that children get the quality medical care they need, I encourage parents and guardians with uninsured children to consider purchasing this coverage. "

A child-only plan is a type of policy that can be purchased by parents who are uninsured, whose employers do not offer health coverage to dependents, or who have had a qualifying event such as loss of coverage due to job change. A legal guardian can also purchase this type of policy if they are insured by Medicare.

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) will be looking for the next crop of public health professionals at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health spring career fair. The fair is set for Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.

DPH recruiters and department representatives will be on hand to discuss opportunities for employment and internships with students and alumni of the school, which ranked sixth in the nation among schools of public health by U.S. News and World Report in 2011.

"We protect lives. Therefore, DPH seeks highly qualified candidates who meet the required education and skill requirements, have a heart to serve, and a passion for maintaining a healthy and safe Georgia," said Dwana Prince, DPH employee relations and staffing manager. "The Rollins School of Public Health is preparing students to use their knowledge to improve human well-being, and that is what DPH is all about."

Currently, DPH has more than a dozen full-time positions open across the department. Prince said the department benefits enormously from connecting with students and alumni at events like this one.