Author: Kristin Patten

  • Early Detection Saves Lives

    South Health District recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month VALDOSTA – Each year, approximately 245,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from it. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Public Health Officials are committed to educating women about the importance of breast cancer screenings, early detection and healthy living.…

  • Outbreak of Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette Use or Vaping

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed nearly 400 cases of lung illness reported from 36 states. Six deaths have been linked to the illness. All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping. Most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC. Many patients have reported using…

  • Gwen Huerta: Getting healthy for herself, her family

    After a health scare in July 2018 Gwen Huerta, administrative support supervisor for the Irwin County Health Department, made the decision to get healthy. “I wound up in the ER and they weren’t able to get my blood pressure down. It was very, very high, almost to the point they wanted to put me in…

  • Hurricane Dorian: SHD will operate as normal at this time

    South Health District is continuing to monitor Hurricane Dorian. At this time we plan to operate all health departments, clinics and offices as normal this week. We are working closely with our local EMAs and at this time are not expecting to open evacuee shelters in our area. If anything changes, local impacts are predicted…

  • Echols County Rule IIIA (Minimum Lot Sizes)

    To provide for the orderly and safe development of subdivisions utilizing on-site sewage management systems, minimum lot sizes have been established. These lot sizes permit flexibility to suit soil conditions, topography and ground or surface water limitations. The following shows the minimum lot sizes based on the grouping listed in Table CT-2. Larger lot sizes…

  • Understanding Hepatitis A

    Hepatitis A outbreaks are on the rise across the southeast and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District wants to make sure our communities understand the virus and how it spreads. While South Health District, which includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner Counties, has only seen…

  • Protect your future, get immunized this August

    Public Health advocates getting vaccinated during National Immunization Awareness Month VALDOSTA – The month of August is about bringing awareness to immunizations, and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants Georgians to think ahead and get the required school vaccinations. Each week of NIAM focuses on a different stage of the lifespan: Pregnant women…

  • Back-to-School Shots Reminder: Only Days of Summer Remaining

    Summer vacation is winding down and school will commence soon, but is your child completely ready to start school? Local public health officials encourage you to beat the rush and get vaccinations required for school age children now. “Immunizations are the best way to fight vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Reomona Thomas, RN, Immunization Program Coordinator. “Our…

  • Staying safe in extreme summer heat

    The summer heat is blazing across South Georgia. With the heat comes health risks and South Health District wants to encourage residents to take the proper precautions to avoid heat related illnesses. There are two types of heat related illness: heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate…

  • Protect yourself and others from “Crypto” this summer

    Summer break means swimming! While it might not be fun to think about, it is important to remember that swimming might be a fun way to relax on a hot day but it also means you are encountering other people’s germs. One of the most dangerous germs you can encounter while swimming is Crypto. Crypto,…