August 2007
Updated recommendations for physical activity
August 17, 2007 – Earlier this month, a revised recommendation for the amount of physical activity most adults should be getting every day was announced by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. To maintain good health adults need to participate in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days each week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days each week.
Toys tainted with lead recalled
August 10, 2007 – Parents who recently purchased painted toys from Fisher-Price, the toy company owned by Mattel, are being advised to keep any toys they think may be tainted away from children. Toys containing lead in excess of permissible levels are being recalled including Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's toys. The toys, manufactured in China, were sold at retail stores throughout the United States from May 2007 through August 3, 2007 for between $5 and $40 Children often chew on toys getting lead paint directly into their system, or lead paint can r elease chalky dust that can get on children’s hands and be easily swallowed getting into a child’s circulatory system.
Tick-related disease potential problem
August 8, 2007 – When outdoors this summer or fall it is important to be on the look out for ticks, those small pests that continue to cause disease around the world. Some ticks can cause serious illness, and the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) wants you to know which ones can harm you, how to avoid them, and what to do if they bite.
Synar Program important to youth tobacco prevention
August 6, 2007 – The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) announces that Brenda Rowe, PhD, director of DHR’s Prevention Services and Programs Branch along with Howard Tyler of the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), director of the Alcohol and Tobacco Division have been invited to present a workshop at the National Synar program’s Region I Meeting in Indianapolis later this month.
Southwestern Hospital to hold hiring fair
August 2, 2007 – Southwestern State Hospital will be conducting a hiring fair Saturday, August 11 th, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Therapies Building Atrium at 400 S. Pinetree Boulevard, Thomasville, GA. Current vacancies include: Psychiatrist, Physician, Dental Director, Physical Therapist, in addition to Registered and Licensed Professional Nurses, Patient Care Technicians, Food Service, Laundry, and Housekeeping.
Residents urged to stay in the cool as temperatures heat up
August 10, 2007 – Each year heat causes about 400 deaths across the nation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serious heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be prevented by taking precautionary measures when outside temperatures begin to climb the scale. Chronic conditions such as asthma and other upper respiratory illnesses are also affected by extreme heat conditions and can be managed with appropriate medical care. With temperatures in Georgia predicted to reach 100 degrees and higher during August, the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health encourages individuals to brace themselves and take preventive actions as the weather heats up.
Regular vision checks important for children
August 20, 2007 – Back to school rituals and getting children prepared for the school year provides a good time for the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health to remind parents that children's eyes need to be examined regularly. The health of eyes and good vision are important to the development of healthy children. Your child could be having eye problems, or may not be able to see well. Without treatment, vision problems can affect a child’s ability to learn.
OCSS is staying current with today’s technology by offering payments in the form of debit cards
August 10, 2007 – In July of 2004, the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) eliminated the usage of paper checks in order to provide a more efficient means of distributing monthly payments. Since that time, custodial parents have received the option of receiving payments via electronic debit card or direct deposit. Debit cards are of no cost to the state or custodial parents. Electronic debit cards provide a more efficient means of paying OCSS clients.
OCSS collects over five thousand in “Back to School” campaign
August 10, 2007 – In its "Back to School" campaign, the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) in Camilla, Georgia collected over $5000.00 in child support supplements from non custodial parents. These supplements were in addition to any regularly scheduled monthly payments. The office sponsored the campaign in order to acquire funds to assist families with school supplies, accessories and clothing. During this campaign, noncustodial parents were encouraged to make an additional payment of $250.00 which would be applied to child support obligations.
OCSS collects nearly 700 thousand through passport denials
August 15, 2007 – The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) has turned the new passport rules into an opportunity to maximize parental responsibility for individuals delinquent in payments. As a result, $661,727.38 has been collected over the past fiscal year from parents seeking to obtain passports or renew them. OCSS made the most of this year's busiest travel season by intercepting, travelers who have started planning and taking precautions for their upcoming vacations, which includes renewing or registering for passports.
Number one killer in Georgia: Cardiovascular disease
August 21, 2007 – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Georgia, accounting for one-third of deaths in the state. The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) wants you to know about ways you can lessen the affects of this disease. CVD includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels including heart disease caused by reduced blood supply to the heart; stroke; congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs; hypertension or high blood pressure; and atherosclerosis or hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
New changes at West Central Hospital
August 10, 2007 – West Central Regional Hospital has significantly improved staffing and created new services in an effort to improve consumer care and safety. Over the past few months, more than 70 new staff have been hired at all levels of administrative, clinical and support services. Additionally, the hospital has opened the first crisis stabilization program in the Muscogee County area since 2000, and established a 23-hour observation unit to properly screen hospital admissions. The Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) also recently created an on-line family satisfaction survey encouraging feedback on how West Central, and all other state hospitals, can continue to improve.
National Adult Protective Services practitioners and business leaders to meet in Atlanta for 18th Annual NAPSA Conference
August 31, 2007 – Business leaders and practitioners who share the common goal of protecting older adults and persons with disabilities who are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation will meet for the 18th annual National Adult Protection Services Association (NAPSA) Conference September 4-7, 2007, in the International Tower at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. There will be more than 35 workshops, two plenary sessions, and an opening pre-conference event.
Mentally ill among those at risk during summer heat
August 10, 2007 – People with mental illness are among those at risk during Georgia’s heat wave. Certain psychiatric medications such as Lithium, Haldol and Thorazine can cause dehydration, lower blood pressure and cause sun sensitivity, which is why individuals should keep their appointments and share concerns with their doctors. Additionally, for those who are confined to homes without air, or the homeless mentally ill who often wear layers of clothing, the affects of 90 - 100 degree weather can be unsafe.
Governor Perdue meets with mental health advocates
August 20, 2007 – Today, Governor Sonny Perdue, along with leaders of the Georgia Department of Human Resources, met with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other mental health stakeholders for feedback regarding NAMI’s national scorecard and the kinds of improvements that could have an immediate impact on Georgia’s score. NAMI issues a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of mental health care systems, scoring every state on 39 specific criteria that focuses on funding, availability of community-based services and the quality of treatment.
Get ready! Get set! It's back to school time
August 6, 2007 – While new clothes, pencils, paper and book bags are important to children as they return to school, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health reminds parents that healthy habits are also essential to a child’s academic success. As the start of the 2007-2008 school year quickly approaches, the Division of Public Health encourages parents to make sure their children get vaccines needed for school registration, participate in physical activities and adopt healthier eating habits.
GeorgiaCares SHIP program encourages Medicare beneficiaries to contact them with their health insurance questions
August 7, 2007 – With the Medicare Part D open enrollment period around the corner, the Division of Aging Services (DAS) GeorgiaCares program is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) before making any changes to their prescription drug plan or health care insurance. SHIP can provide information about all options available to help them make the most informed decision, including answering such questions as "How much is my Medicare Part B premium? What is Medicare Part A? What do I do to make sure I have full Medicare coverage? Which pays first: Medicare or my retirement plan? I am retiring and I am not going to have coverage from my company, what do I need to do?"
Georgia obesity and mental illness linked
August 31, 2007 - With Georgia’s recent ranking as one of the most obese states in the country, it is likely that a significant number of Georgians may also suffer from a mental illness. Nearly one out of four cases of obesity is associated with major depression, bipolar and panic disorders according to a 2006 report published by the Archives of General Psychiatry. In the general population, one in five is affected by mental illness. It is estimated that more than 60% of Georgians are obese - individuals who can way weigh 20 to 100% above their ideal body weight.
Georgia Division of Public Health confirms cases of West Nile Virus
August 1, 2007 - The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health confirmed the first two cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year in the state. The cases involve a 57-year-old resident of Gwinnett County and a 52-year-old resident of Johnson County.
Georgia Division of Public Health unveils new website for volunteers
August 22, 2007 – Georgia residents who would like to volunteer their skills and professional experience during a Public Health Emergency can now register in advance at a new Web site administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health. The State Electronic Registry of Volunteers (SERVGA) http://www.servga.gov is an online registry that allows medical and non-medical professionals to volunteer to help in advance of a disaster so that when an emergency arises, they can be notified to participate in the response efforts.
Division of Aging Services provides tips to older Georgians on preventing dehydration this summer
August 17, 2007 – During hot summer days like the ones we are having in Georgia, it is easy to become dehydrated, especially when you are an older adult. The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services’ (DAS) Live Healthy Georgia Seniors Taking Charge program is offering tips to help older individuals avoid becoming dehydrated.
DHR reminds parents to immunize their children
August 20, 2007 – Health experts consider immunizations to be the most successful and cost-effective public health tools parents can utilize to help protect their children against vaccine preventable diseases. Before the age of two, the 11,000 infants born in the United States daily will need to be immunized against 14 diseases. Yet, each year thousands of infants across the nation fail to get immunized for vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and rubella. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, observed in August, the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health reminds parents about the benefits of following the state’s newly approved immunization schedule and having their children vaccinated accordingly.
DHR receives a $200,000 grant to expand 'one-stop shopping' resource connections in Georgia
August 29, 2007 – It will soon be even easier for more aging parents of children with developmental disabilities to access services, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging (AoA) received by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) to help expand its Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) network.
DHR is encouraging older adults to take steps to avoid developing cataracts during Cataract Awareness Month in August
August 22, 2007 – The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) is encouraging older Georgians to take steps to avoid developing cataracts during Cataract Awareness Month this August. About 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have a cataract. By the time they reach 80, more than half of all Americans develop cataracts, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives.
DHR finds “forever families” for more than 1,000 children
August 17, 2007 – In Georgia you don’t need to have a lot of money and you don’t have to travel far to adopt a child. You just need to be the kind of caring, responsible person who wants to give a child a home and a family. Last year, from July 2006 – June 2007, the Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services assisted such individuals and families in adopting more than 1,200 children who were in permanent custody of the state.
DHR announces new website for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
August 7, 2007 – Georgia has more than 92,000 grandparents raising their grandchildren, and to make it easier for them to find services to help them, the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) has launched a website dedicated to assisting them at http://dhr.georgia.gov/grg. The website offers information on community support services, financial s ervices, health and wellness, legal services, subsidized childcare and accessing Vital Records.
DHR announces new Fulton County DFCS chief
August 1, 2007 - The Division of Family and Children Services has named Dannette Smith the new director of Fulton County DFCS. Smith will join Commissioner BJ Walker and Mary Dean Harvey, director of the Division of Family and Children Services, at a news conference Wednesday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. at 2 Peachtree Street, on the 29th Floor. Smith, who takes the helm September 10, will be responsible for directing the child welfare services of the state’s largest DFCS office, including managing a staff of more than 1,300.
DHR announces child care services to more families and children
August 17, 2007 – More than 2,000 families currently on waiting lists for Georgia’s subsidized daycare services program won’t have to wait much longer. The Department of Human Resources Division of Children and Family Services announced today that it will set new policies and fee structure for Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. This move is will generate more than $7 million annually, providing the opportunity to serve more low-income families, many of whom have been on statewide waiting list for a year or more.
DHR Board to meet August 15, 2007 in Atlanta
August 10, 2007 – The Board of Human Resources will hold its official monthly meeting at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, in room 29.250, Two Peachtree Street N.W. in Atlanta, immediately following a review of the morning committee meetings.
Children in foster care meet prospective adoptive families
August 13, 2007 – Approximately 20 children, each with the hope of finding a permanent family, will have the opportunity to get acquainted with prospective adoptive parents at an "adoption party" and videoconference Saturday, August 25, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Macon State College, 100 College Station Drive.
Cancer survivorship growing
August 14, 2007 – Because of advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer, more and more people are living many years after a cancer diagnosis. Approximately 65 percent of people diagnosed with cancer are expected to live at least five years after diagnoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Georgia, 34,500 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in every classroom
August 31, 2007 – On average, at least one child in every classroom in the country needs help to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to reports by the National Institute of Mental Health. But, there is help. A variety of behavior-changing ther apies, educational options and medications are available to help people with ADHD focus their attention, build self-esteem, and function in new ways. The disorder affects as many as 2 million children; two to three times more boys than girls are affected.
Adoption Expo at Stonecrest Mall
August 10, 2007 - The Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Mall at Stonecrest and Crossroads News have come together to put on the largest adoption resource fair in the region. "Adoptions Expo 2007" takes place Saturday, August 18, from noon – 5:00 p.m. at the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia. The event is open to the public.
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