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.

stop-smoking patches offered free in Long

The Long County Health Department is giving stop-smoking patches to residents who are struggling to quit smoking.

DCH encourages Georgians to 'roll up sleeves'

ATLANTA - Dr. Rhonda Medows, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health, recently announced the launch of the "Roll Up Your Sleeve" campaign. The campaign aims to educate Georgians about the seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) and encourage citizens in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

AARP hopes to fill gap in Medicare drug plan

ATLANTA - By the end of this summer, more than one million Americans will have fallen into the "doughnut hole" - a coverage gap in Medicare's prescription drug program that leaves individuals on the hook for all of their drug costs while still paying premiums.

Health care reform debate also dominates state budget discussion

Health care reform took front seat at another town hall meeting this week.

Swine flu vaccine costs to be subsidized

Everyone may soon be getting a shot in the arm for protection against swine flu as health insurance providers and public health officials prepare for a national vaccine program.

Red Cross puts out call for blood

SAVANNAH -The American Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood as soon as possible. The current blood supply has dropped critically low throughout the Southeast.

Health reform foes dominate Kingston's Jesup meeting

JESUP - "Now, you can see what the intensity level is about this… and I welcome all points of view," U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, said before hundreds of people at Wednesday's town hall meeting here on health care reform.

Voice your opinion about health care reform

The country's health care system stands on the brink of a possible overhaul, which could save lives or cost lives, or save tax money or cost more, depending on who's talking about the various plans being advanced.

Health officials limiting flu reporting

The public may not be hearing a lot about the latest confirmed cases of swine flu, but the pandemic remains a threat.

Class on safety for dementia patients

Sixty-Seven percent of people with dementia will wander. It is the most common and dangerous behavior associated with Alzheimer's/dementia. A class regarding your loved one, dementia and safety has been set for Savannah.

River pollution didn't cause flesh-eating disease

A Bryan County man remains in critical condition at St. Joseph's Candler after reportedly fishing near Dasher's Landing on the Ogeechee River last week and contracting a bacterial infection commonly known as the flesh eating disease.

Ga. Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer house calls to retirees

ATLANTA - Contrary to popular belief, house calls are not a thing of the past. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, on behalf of State Health Benefit Plan, will offer house calls to all SHBP members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with the help of a contracted vendor, Matrix Medical Network.

Sleep-management center renews national accreditation status

BRUNSWICK - The sleep management center at the Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick campus recently earned a five-year reaccreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, validating the center's commitment to providing quality care.

Local health system CEO receives Scouts’ Golden Eagle Award

The Coastal Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America recently recognized Southeast Georgia Health System President and CEO Gary R. Colberg for his commitment and dedication to young people.

Wayne Memorial, St. Joseph’s bring cardiologist to the area

JESUP - Wayne/St. Joseph's/Candler Medical Group recently secured the services of cardiologist Dr. Gary Stern for the Jesup and Southeast Georgia areas.

Boo-boo bunnies made by local students benefit young patients

JESUP - Student leaders at Wayne County High School recently educated their peers on the importance of injury prevention and shared data related to young children's emergency-room visits.

Georgia residents save nearly $5M on prescriptions

ATLANTA - The Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Coast2CoastRx program save residents $4.6 million on their prescriptions with the Coast2Coast Rx card, a free discount prescription initiative.

Serendipity, hard work made changes possible

Two years ago, I woke up knowing it was the day of my dreaded annual health checkup. I got my son Corey up for school.

Local paramedics take pride in workload

The Liberty Regional Emergency Medical Services crew works unpredictable shifts, watches the sun set and rise in one shift and witnesses horrible things while working, yet these paramedics and EMTs still love their jobs.

Health system auxiliaries recognize campus volunteers of the quarter

BRUNSWICK - The Southeast Georgia Health System Auxiliaries recently named Elena "Lea" Taylor and Pearl Sophia Stephen as the volunteers of the quarter at the Brunswick and Camden campuses, respectively, during their quarterly auxiliary luncheons.