Emergency Preparedness Meets as "Above-Normal" Hurricane Season Looms

 

As forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monitored oceanic conditions in a predicted "above-normal" hurricane season, the Section of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) met along Georgia's coast in Savannah.  A wide range of preparedness plans were discussed at the statewide conference, but the devastating force of hurricanes was top of mind for nearly 200 EPR staff from across the state.

 

"It's not the approaching hurricane that keeps us up at night," said Annette Neu, the Director of EPR at the Coastal Health District.  "It's the angst of ensuring we're prepared to move people and save lives.  A lot of work has been done and I'm confident we're more prepared than ever."  Neu added that EPR staff has worked to strengthen partnerships recognized as vital by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

 

Social Media Impactful in LaGrange, District 4   

The majority of the public health districts have some form of social media account to connect with their citizens, media, and other public health professionals. While many districts are just getting their feet wet in the social media pond, District 4 (LaGrange) has been successful using social media since the beginning of the year. Social media tools were originally set up to communicate with staff members during "Snowpocalypse 2011." District 4 soon learned that Facebook and Twitter would be pivotal in communicating urgent news and public health awareness.

During the tornados this past spring, District 4 was able to use social media to disseminate contact information for those who wanted to volunteer during disaster relief efforts, coordinate items needed for donations, and provide information on the federal aide application process. Donation centers in Manchester and Barnesville were able to communicate their needs and share resources to help displaced residents all via Facebook.


 

Researchers: Obesity Rises Along With Food Costs  

According to a new survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket, the total average price for 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals is up $10.66 since 2005, a staggering 26 percent jump.

Take eggs for example.  Now priced at $1.65 a dozen, eggs were only 96 cents in 2005.  And milk is up 52 cents to $3.10.  The cumulative effect is alarming.

Consider lower income consumers who spend a larger share of their income on food.  Now consider their children.


 

CDC Campaign 'Testing Makes Us Stronger' Targets Black Gay, Bisexual Men 
With new numbers from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention showing a 48 percent increase in new HIV infections for young black gay and bisexual men between 2006-2009, activists and CDC officials are trying to find ways to halt the pandemic particularly within this community.

Today it was announced at the 2011 HIV Prevention Conference that the CDC is set to launch a "Testing Makes Us Stronger" campaign with black MSMs (men who have sex with men).

Featured in posters and in social media campaigns including Facebook and Twitter, the project will urge black gay and bisexual men to get tested and know their status. The campaign will also be advertised in black gay publications as well as mainstream black publications.


 

DPH Leads by Example, Offers Lactation Room        

When Dinisha Rogers returned to work after having her first child, she was dedicated to continue breastfeeding her baby.  Instead of being nervous about having the conversation with her supervisor, she was happy to know her workplace supported moms who pump breast milk while at work.
   
Rogers, who works as a Nutrition Manager for the Georgia WIC Program in District 3-4 (Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Counties) knew from the moment she was pregnant she was going to breastfeed her baby.  "Breastfeeding was going to be the best food for our family nutritionally, economically and environmentally, but I also knew I would be facing some challenges as a full-time working mother." 

 

Take Survey for "Let's Move!" Flash-mobs   

Love Beyonce? Want to end obesity?  Want to join the "Let's Move!" flash mob around the state? If we schemed to plan flash-mobs across Georgia to raise awareness, would you be in?

 

Click here to take our survey by August 26th!