Summer sun brings skin cancer risk

Clouds will eventually roll away and as the mercury rises, so may the risk of skin cancer.

Spine & Sport welcomes therapists

Spine & Sport has welcomed physical therapist Dr. Victoria Rath and physical therapist assistant Matthew Roberts to the Hinesville office.

Swine flu cases now 27 in state

ATLANTA - Georgia health officials say 27 cases of swine flu have now been confirmed in the state, up from 25 last week.

The state Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health said Wednesday the two latest patients are Henry County residents. Health oficials say both patients have recovered, and neither required hospitalization.

Guard still up for flu

The beginning of the swine flu outbreak had Liberty County Health Department Administrator Deidre Howell giving up shaking hands and going to fist bumps, popularized by President Obama.

Regional medical transit system in works

Local resident Shvonna Hearn is pushing for public transit to serve the county's most needy.

No flu found in local schools

Although the Liberty County High School soccer team played a team from Henry County, near the Eagle's Landing school that closed earlier in the week due to a confirmed case of swine flu, officials say they don't suspect any local students are infected by the virus.

Swine flu targeting young people

ATLANTA - There were more signs Wednesday that those hardest-hit by swine flu are the young.

U.S. health officials said the median age for confirmed hospital cases in the United States is 15. And in Mexico, new figures showed that almost half of the 42 confirmed swine flu deaths were of people 29 and younger.

Swine flue cases pass 100 in U.S.

WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities are pledging to eventually produce enough swine flu vaccine for everyone but the shots couldn't begin until fall at the earliest.

Worries about the spread of the virus mounted Thursday as the nation's swine flu caseload passed 100, and nearly 300 schools closed in communities across the country. Federal officials had to spend much of the day reassuring the public it's still safe to fly and ride public transportation after Vice President Joe Biden said he wouldn't recommend it to his family.

Swine flu no more deadly than common strain

AUGUSTA - With today's up-to-the minute information access, you may find yourself inundated recently with swine flu alerts.

Cases of swine flu showing up worldwide

MEXICO CITY - Mexico is urging citizens to stay home for five days and shutting down nonessential government services in hopes of containing the swine flu outbreak, which the World Health Organization warns is on the brink of becoming a global epidemic.

In Washington, President Barack Obama told Americans the government was "taking the utmost precautions and preparations" to stop the virus and urged people to wash their hands, cover their coughs and stay home when they feel sick.

Feds against closing border with Mexico

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration stood solidly against closing the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, with Vice President Joe Biden calling it "a monumental undertaking" with a marginal likelihood of controlling the swine flu virus.

Biden and Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reinforced the government's stance on a border amid confirmation that the virus now has penetrated 11 states and there have been roughly a hundred school system closings.

State, local officials keep eye on flu

Swine flu has apparently not charged into Georgia yet, but local and regional health agencies are on the ready and continue to track federal updates.

Feds say 'passive surveillance' enough for now

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Tuesday staunchly defended its "passive surveillance" policy on the emerging swine flu threat, saying that its measured, cautious border monitoring makes sense.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano declared that more draconian enforcement steps are not yet necessary, even as she acknowledged that officials "anticipate confirmed cases in more states." She reiterated President Barack Obama's stance that people are justifiably concerned but need not be alarmed by it.

U.S. starts border monitoring for flu

WASHINGTON - Amid surging worries about a global pandemic, the United States launched border screening for swine flu exposure Monday and a top federal health official said people should brace for more severe cases, "and possibly deaths."

Richard Besser, acting head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that American authorities were undertaking "passive screening" at its borders and reiterated the Obama administration's call for people to remain calm. Besser said that U.S. officials at border checkpoints were "asking people about fever and illness, looking for people who are ill."

Mental health center launches campaign

The Fraser Counseling Center provides courage for those who are afraid and strength for the weak.

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.