November 2006
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by eating less and moving more
November 1, 2006 – Thousands of Georgians are at risk for type 2 diabetes, a serious and costly disease that is becoming increasingly common throughout the state. The good news, according to health officials at the Georgia Department of Resources (DHR), is that it can be prevented.
State takes new direction in treating one of the most difficult mental health problems: co-occuring disorders
November 16, 2006 – Because 50-75% of people with severe mental illnesses also have a substance abuse problem, Georgia’s behavioral health care system now requires every core service provider to have expertise in offering treatment for both illnesses.
Screven County to host a public hearing November 28th on changes to the Aging Service Area Boundaries
November 22, 2006-The Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) will host a public hearing Tuesday, November 28, 2006, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Screven County Senior Center
New Food Service Rules and Regulations presented to the DHR Board
November 14, 2006 - DHR will address the primary revisions and changes that were made to the regulations and why they were made; how the rules will be enforced; and, what the changes mean for the public and for the food service industry.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
November 27, 2006 – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health is reminding Georgians that it is not too late to get vaccinated to protect against seasonal influenza, or "flu."
Like clock work, seasonal depression right on time yet usually misdiagnosed
November 2, 2006 – Beginning around October, many Georgians can expect less daylight and more days of depression. This type of depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), usually begins in the fall and ends in April, as the days lengthen. In Georgia, about eight in 100 meet the criteria for SAD, yet an estimated 80% are incorrectly diagnosed.
Great American Smokeout, catalyst for kicking the habit, slated for November 16
November 8, 2006 – Tobacco use claims the lives of more than 10,000 Georgians each year, and is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in the United States and in Georgia. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line celebrates this year’s observance of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout November 16, along with the fifth anniversary of the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line.
Good oral health among children in Georgia largely dependent upon family income level
November 3, 2006 – Twenty-six percent of Georgia’s 3rd grade children need either early (22%) or urgent (4%) dental care, according to the 2005 Georgia Third Grade Oral Health Survey conducted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Oral Health Program.
GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol warns seniors of collect call scams
November 20, 2006 -- The GeorgiaCares Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is issuing a warning to seniors to beware of collect call scams. A report has come in from the Athens area regarding scammers making collect calls to seniors claiming they are from Medicare or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
GeorgiaCares Program helps Medicare beneficiaries understand Part D Drug Plan Options for 2007
November 14, 2006 – Medicare beneficiaries can change or renew their Medicare Part D Drug Plan Options for 2007 starting in November and the GeorgiaCares program is offering to help. The Medicare Open Enrollment period begins November 15, 2006 and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services’ (DAS) GeorgiaCares program are advising people who wish to make a change to do so by December 8 to ensure that their coverage will be available on January 1, 2007.
Flu officially arrives in Georgia
November 20, 2006 – The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, is reporting the first confirmed cases of influenza (flu) of the 2006-2007 flu season. The cases, which were confirmed by the state Public Health Laboratory last week, were from Bartow and Cobb counties.
DHR encourages Georgians to document their end-of-life decisions during Georgia Health Care Decisions Month
November 20, 2006 -- November is Georgia Health Care Decisions Month, an opportunity for Georgians to think about their own end-of-life health care decisions, write them down and share them with others. The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is encouraging Georgians to consider documenting their end-of-life decisions during this month and to talk about these decisions with their family members during the Thanksgiving Holiday.
DHR Board to meet November 15, 2006 in Atlanta
November 13, 2006 – The Board of Human Resources will hold its official monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 15, in room 29.250, Two Peachtree Street N.W. in Atlanta, immediately following a review of the morning committee meetings that will begin at 1:15 p.m.
Columbus hosts public hearing November 16 on the State Plan for Aging
November 13, 2006 – Columbus area residents will have an opportunity to attend a public hearing to give their input on the Division of Aging Services (DAS) 2007 State Plan renewal Thursday, November 16 , 2006, at 9:45 a.m. at the Gallops Senior Center, 1212 15th Street in Columbus.
Carrollton Office of Child Support Services hosts "Settlement Days"
November 13, 2006 – The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) in Carrollton, Georgia is giving noncustodial parents the opportunity to put their "Children First," setting aside 2 days in November and 2 days in December as "Settlement Day".
Bullying among Georgia students a problem but state prevention efforts are working
November 2, 2006 – Although bullying is considered a problem in Georgia schools, prevention efforts across the state are seeing reductions of up to 50% as a result of model programs that engage school-age children as young as 6- years-old.. According to state surveys, 1 in 10 Georgia students report being bullied by class mates, and many experience significant psychological consequences.
Kenny A. report shows significant progress in child welfare system
November 3, 2006 – The state-run child welfare systems in Fulton and DeKalb Counties have demonstrated significant improvement in the past year, according to a report by court-appointed monitors. As part of a settlement reached last year between the Department of Human Resources’ Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and plaintiffs in the Kenny A. v. Perdue lawsuit, both sides agreed to specific goals and benchmarks for measuring the quality of child welfare services in those counties. The report, covering the period between October 27, 2005, and June 30, 2006, is the first from independent agents monitoring those results. Of the seven measures they looked at, the State achieved or exceeded four and made significant progress on the remaining three.
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