Winn to get H1N1 vaccine in November

Winn Army Community Hospital announced recently the H1N1 vaccine would not be available to its beneficiaries until mid-November.

Communnity members discus celiac disease

Glenda Spetter wouldn't have known she could benefit from a diet without wheat if not for her son. To help manage the symptoms of his autism, Spetter began making meals without gluten, the protein commonly found in wheat, rye, barley and related grains.

Flu may be responsible for child's death

A Coastal Health District spokewoman confirmed Monday that a 4-year-old girl from Bryan County died of an "influenza-associated" illness Sunday in a Savannah hospital.

Flu apparently has claimed Bryan County child

A Coastal Health District spokeperson confirmed Monday that a 4-year-old girl from Bryan County died of an "influenza-related" illness Sunday in a Savannah Hospital.

October is physical therapy month in Hinesville

On Oct. 1, Mayor James Thomas proclaimed October physical therapy month in Hinesville. Spine and Sport spokeswoman Jodi Laird joined Thomas as he signed a proclamation and said she was grateful for the recognition.

Hospitals handling flu so far

According to Liberty Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Rene' Harwell, already this season there has been a significant increase in patients who have come to the hospital with the flu.

It's never too soon to talk to children about sex

October is the health department's "Let's talk" month, and the campaign encourages parents to talk to their children about sex and sexuality.

Health department has H1N1 vaccines

The Liberty County Health Department has received 400 of 3,200 doses of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine that were distributed Tuesday to eight coastal counties by the Coastal Health District.

Drive-through clinic practices for epidemic

On Wednesday and Thursday, Hinesville emergency authorities and health-care officials set up drive-through flu vaccination stations to help prepare local residents for the flu season and to practice for an emergency epidemic situation, which would require mass vaccinations.

School absentee rate stable despite flu

While some Georgia school systems are experiencing unusually high student absentee rates due to the abnormal flu season - some districts have reported double the normal rate - Liberty County School System administrators said rates in our schools are stable.

Drive-through flu shots planned

The Liberty County Health Department will hold drive-through immunization clinics from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at James A. Brown Park in Hinesville, and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Coastal EMC in Midway .

GPB special on chilhood obesity

Georgia Public Broadcasting will televise "Georgia Weighs In: A Childhood Obesity Special" at 8 p.m. Thursday. The broadcast is part of GPB's "Happy Healthy Kids" initiative in partnership with the Aetna Foundation. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity and provide resources for prevention.

Flu season arrives early

WASHINGTON - Influenza is circulating unusually early this year with cases in all 50 states - nearly all the swine flu variety, government health officials said Friday.

The highest concentration of flu cases is in the Southeast and a few other states, Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at a briefing.

Long County Health Dept. offers flu shots

The Long County Health Department has planned several seasonal flu vaccination clinics.

Schools, military take precautions against flu

Flu season is only weeks away, and with the addition of the H1N1 strain, area health officials are bracing for a busy fall.

Peanut allergy could be avoided by indulging early in life, study suggests

Mr. Peanut had better polish his monocle and shine his shoes. He has a whole new group of customers to entertain.

Infertility: navigating your 'disenchanted' grief

Infertility is complex, not just the medical side of treating infertility, but the emotional side of treating it. Essentially, infertility, whether it's the inability to conceive, frequent miscarriages or otherwise, is loss. Many couples are surprised by the intensity of their feelings related to infertility.

Health professionals call for action to address gun violence

Leaders from the nation's top health professional organizations have issued a call to action on gun violence, co-signing an article published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Consumption of sugar, red meat is up worldwide

Americans are not alone in craving salty, sweet and all-around unhealthy foods, according to a new study on global health trends.

15 signs that you're addicted to your Fitbit

Look around the room these days and you'll spot someone with a plastic bracelet tracking their steps, miles, etc. No, this isn't some kind of punishment or parole tracker. Most likely they opened a Fitbit on Christmas morning, Hanukkah or New Year's.

3 reasons why drinking too much water is bad for you

Most people have heard you should drink eight glasses of water a day. In fact, hydration is a basic component to healthy living. However multiple studies have found the contrary suggesting your body can’t handle excessive amounts of water.

'Too much of a good thing': When empathy is overwhelming

A long-held truth among psychologists that stress and sadness are contagious has been confirmed in a recent study from the Pew Research Center. The study brought research into the digital age, where people often read about friends' stressors on Facebook or Twitter, finding that struggles experienced by one person can be felt by others.

Natural scents promoted for health, happiness

At a recent seminar at Farmer's Natural Foods in Hinesville, Kaliana Schmidt shared her determination to spread more happiness in the world.

Cultivate spirit with simple practices

Sense of purpose is one of the integrative approaches to health in the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program. It is an essential ingredient in a healthy lifestyle, because it gives direction and meaning to our lives.

TRICARE raises pharmacy co-pays

New co-pays for prescription drugs covered by TRICARE began Feb. 1.

As heroin use rises, treatment experts reflect on their efforts

This is the third in a three-part series. Read part one: "The new face of heroin addiction." Read part two: "How families can work together to fight heroin addiction."

VA names Dublin medical center director

ATLANTA - The Department of Veterans Affairs recently appointed retired Navy Capt. Maryalice Morro, RN, MSN, as the new director of the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia.

Meditation is on the rise among stressed-out Americans

In the midst of their busy lives, Americans are learning how to keep calm and say "Ommmm." Meditation, alongside yoga and other mind and body practices, is becoming more popular as people link its practice to happier and healthier lives.

How families can work together to fight heroin addiction

This is the second in a three-part series. Read part one: "The new face of heroin addiction."

Columnist discovers that old people have lightning bolts in their eyes

When you get old, lightning bolts go around your eyes. They don’t shoot out at people; that would be cool. They just start flashing around in your eyeball like you are suddenly discovering that you are actually some sort of android that’s starting to short circuit in its old age.