by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

To further its mission to keep the residents of Cobb and Douglas counties informed on immediate health concerns, such as children’s health issues, infectious/chronic diseases and access to quality healthcare, Cobb & Douglas Public Health has implemented a new and extensive Speakers Bureau program.

The CDPH Speakers Bureau has been formed to provide expert speakers on over 20 different health-related topics to local organizations, schools, civic groups and businesses, at generally no cost to the organization. Topics include subjects like the dangers of cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity, understanding infant health, how to give babies the best start in life and preventing childhood injuries. A complete list of topics and a detailed abstract for each can be found at cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org/newsroom/speakers-bureau.

Speakers will include CDPH District Health Director Dr. Jack Kennedy; CDPH Deputy Director Lisa Crossman; Director of Epidemiology and Health Assessment Rachel Franklin; Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response Leticia Mathis; Director of Immunizations Priti Kolhe; Director of Family Health Laurie Ross; and other qualified CDPH subject matter experts.

“We have a tremendous amount of important information to share with the residents of Cobb and Douglas Counties,” said Valerie Crow, director of Communications at CDPH. “We want organizations and businesses to know that we are the “go to” resource for public health information and that we have made the process for scheduling speakers as easy as possible.”

Since 1920, CDPH has promoted and protected the health and safety of the residents of Cobb and Douglas counties.

For more information or to schedule a speaker, visit the CDPH website.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health to have new Speakers Bureau program appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• Jammin Pie, 4200 Wade Green Road, Kennesaw. 96/A

• Mexico Lindo, 848 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton. 97/A

• Paco’s, 5015 Floyd Road, Mableton. 84/B

• Red Curry Thai, 4724 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. 83/B

• Reid’s Deli, 1338 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton. 100/A

The post Cobb County restaurant inspection scores appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Marietta Daily Journal reports the Health Inspection scores of 87 restaurants inspected between August 1 – 21.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

The following are results of inspections done by the Environmental Health Division of the Cobb County Health Department the week of August 1 – 21.

Grading Scale: A=100-90, B=89-80, C=79-70, U=69 or less. A grade of New is for new restaurants or in case of a change of ownership.

The post Restaurant Health Inspections – August 1-21 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Justin Ove | Kennesaw Patch |

Here are the latest health inspection scores from Cobb and Douglas Public Health.

Each item on an inspection form has a point value ranging from 1 to 9 points, with violations deducting points from a best possible score of 100.Higher points are taken for items with higher risk to cause illness, while repeat violations take even more points. Letter grades assigned are A for totals of 100 to 90 points, B for 89 to 80, C for 79 to 70, and U for less than 70.

The post Kennesaw Restaurant Inspection Scores: Food Not Stored Covered, Unclean Food-Contact Surfaces, Food Not Labelled Properly appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Justin Ove | East Cobb Patch |

Here are the latest health inspection scores from Cobb and Douglas Public Health.

Each item on an inspection form has a point value ranging from 1 to 9 points, with violations deducting points from a best possible score of 100.Higher points are taken for items with higher risk to cause illness, while repeat violations take even more points. Letter grades assigned are A for totals of 100 to 90 points, B for 89 to 80, C for 79 to 70, and U for less than 70.

The post East Cobb Restaurant Inspection Scores: Food Improperly Labeled, Food-Contact Surfaces Not Clean, Toxic Substance Violations appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• El Solecito Mexican Grill, 511 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton. 82/B

• Flatbread Bistro food truck, 1797 Spring Road, Smyrna. 92/A

• J. Christopher’s, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 100/A

• Lucky Dragon, 3750 Austell Road, Marietta. 96/A

• Olive Garden, 2467 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna. 91/A

The post Cobb County restaurant inspection scores appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Cobb Health Futures Foundation (CHFF) Board hosted Cobb County officials and local business leaders Thursday morning for their first-ever breakfast event focused on promoting awareness of the Foundation and its mission to provide financial, fundraising, and advocacy support for critical Cobb Public Health programs.

The theme for CHFF’s first fundraising breakfast was “Improving Our Futures through Public Health,” and highlighted the impact that support from local business partners, community leaders and for-profit health organizations can have on access to crucial healthcare for under-served populations in Cobb County. Partnership remarks from presenting sponsor MetroAtlanta Ambulance President Pete Quinones demonstrated the mutual benefits of strong local partnerships in public health, and the effect those efforts have on communities at large.

“Access to healthcare is often the first barrier to receiving care for families and individuals in our community who are underinsured, in need or otherwise vulnerable. The willingness of our partners to dedicate resources to programs like Babies Can’t Wait, Perinatal Case Management and Children’s Medical Services strengthen the bonds of our community and provide access to services that help all of our residents lead safe, healthy and productive lives,” said Pam Riley, Chief Finance Officer at PointeNorth Insurance Group and Cobb Health Futures Foundation Board Chair.

The breakfast featured speakers such as MetroAtlanta Ambulance President Pete Quinones and Cobb & Douglas Public Health District Director Dr. Jack Kennedy, with a stirring call-to-action from Superintendent of Marietta City Schools Dr. Emily Lembeck. The event featured a video, “Improving Our Futures through Public Health,” produced by Cobb County Communications/CobbTV and offered the audience a view into the role CHFF programs play in the lives of Cobb County residents.

To support the Cobb Health Futures Foundation, visit www.cobbhealthfutures.org/how-to-give or call (770) 514-2325.

The post Cobb Health Futures Foundation Hosts Inaugural Breakfast, Highlights Public Health appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• Cinco Mexican Cantina, 2851 Akers Mill Road, Atlanta.88/B

• Great Wall Restaurant, 3315 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. 96/A

• Ibiza Bites food truck, 733 Lambert Drive, Atlanta. 82/B

• Island Spice, 2535 Hickory Grove Road, Acworth. 96/A

• New Han’s, 4875 Floyd Road, Mableton. 88/B

The post Cobb County restaurant inspection scores appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

The Cobb Health Futures Foundation Board hosted Cobb County officials and local business leaders on Sept. 10 for their first-ever breakfast event focused on promoting awareness of the foundation and its mission to provide financial, fundraising and advocacy support for critical Cobb public health programs.

The theme for CHFF’s first fundraising breakfast was “Improving Our Futures through Public Health,” and highlighted the impact that support from local business partners, community leaders and for-profit health organizations can have on access to crucial healthcare for under-served populations in Cobb County. Partnership remarks from presenting sponsor MetroAtlanta Ambulance president Pete Quinones demonstrated the mutual benefits of strong local partnerships in public health, and the effect those efforts have on communities at large.

“Access to health care is often the first barrier to receiving care for families and individuals in our community who are underinsured, in need or otherwise vulnerable. The willingness of our partners to dedicate resources to programs like Babies Can’t Wait, Perinatal Case Management and Children’s Medical Services strengthen the bonds of our community and provide access to services that help all of our residents lead safe, healthy and productive lives,” said Pam Riley, chief finance officer at PointeNorth Insurance Group and CHFF Board Chair.

The breakfast also featured Cobb and Douglas Public Health District director Dr. Jack Kennedy and a stirring call-to-action from Marietta City Schools superintendent Dr. Emily Lembeck.

The event featured a video, “Improving Our Futures through Public Health,” produced by Cobb County Communications/CobbTV and offered the audience a view into the role CHFF programs play in the lives of Cobb County residents.

For more information, call (770) 514-2325 or visit www.cobbhealthfutures.org/how-to-give.

The post Cobb Health Futures Foundation hosts inaugural breakfast appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Marietta Daily Journal reports the Health Inspection scores of 54 restaurants inspected between August 22 – September 4.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

The following are results of inspections done by the Environmental Health Division of the Cobb County Health Department the week of August 22 – September 4.

Grading Scale: A=100-90, B=89-80, C=79-70, U=69 or less. A grade of New is for new restaurants or in case of a change of ownership.

The post Restaurant Health Inspections – August 22-September 4 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and Cobb & Douglas Public Health wants to help families in the community live better and help prevent childhood obesity.  By making a few changes to daily routines, residents can see big improvements on overall health and wellness.

According to Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (COAM), during the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than fourfold among children ages six to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers (1 in 3) ages two to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.

The following tips will not only help families live healthier, but they may also help prevent childhood obesity:

Encourage healthy eating habits.
There’s no great secret to healthy eating. To help your children and family develop healthy eating habits:

• Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products
• Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products
• Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans for protein
• Serve reasonably sized portions
• Encourage your family to drink lots of water
• Limit sweetened beverages
• Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat

Remember that small changes every day can lead to a recipe for success!

Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier.
Regularly prepared recipes and favorite family meals can be made healthier and just as satisfying with a few changes such as:

• Replacing fruit juice with water
• Using whole-grains in place of white rice or potatoes
• Swapping starchy sides for additional vegetables
• Baking with natural sugar substitutes like applesauce or stevia 
• Snacking on nuts, fruits, and veggies instead of chips, gummies, or cookies
• Controlling portion sizes and eating three moderately sized meals per day with two small snacks between

Help kids stay active.
Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Remember that children imitate adults. Start adding physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you.

Some examples of moderate intensity physical activity include:

• Brisk walking
• Playing tag
• Jumping rope
• Playing team sports
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Riding a bike

Reduce sedentary time.
In addition to encouraging physical activity, help children avoid too much sedentary time. Although quiet time for reading and homework is fine, limit the time your children watch television, play video games or surf the web to no more than two hours per day. Instead of sitting, encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members or on their own that simply involve more activity. Small choices can make a big impact, such as using the stairs instead of riding the elevator, or walking the dog around the neighborhood instead of letting it roam in the yard on its own.

For more information on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, contact Cobb & Douglas Public Health’s Healthy Behaviors program at 770-432-7937 or visit: www.COAM-month.org.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Advocates Healthier Choices for Childhood Obesity Month appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

On Monday, September 28, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) will provide free, rapid HIV testing & counseling at the CDPH Marietta Public Health Center Boardroom from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Marietta Public Health Center is located at 1650 County Services Parkway in Marietta.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV at the end of 2010, the most recent year this information was available. Of those people, about 16% do not know they are infected. In particular, three of four infected individuals living with HIV are men, and African-American men have the highest rates of new infection among all men. In total, men accounted for 80 percent of all new HIV infections.

“We continue to provide testing, counseling and awareness events focused on HIV prevention so that we can reach those most in need of our services and link them with the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives in Cobb and Douglas counties,” said Rachel Franklin, Director of Epidemiology at Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “It’s critical to understand who is most affected by diseases and infections, but everyone is welcome to get tested, know their status and receive the support and understanding of how they can live happy, healthy lives – even if they’re experiencing a health challenge like HIV.”

This free event is open to everyone. All testing results are confidential and are available in 20 minutes. No blood or needles are required for testing.

For more information, please call 770-514-2432

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Offers Free HIV Testing on September 28 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

Cobb & Douglas Public Health will provide free, rapid HIV testing and counseling from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the CDPH Marietta Public Health Center Boardroom, 1650 County Services Parkway in Marietta.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV at the end of 2010, the most recent year information was available. Of those people, about 16 percent do not know they are infected. In particular, three of four infected individuals living with HIV are men and African-American men have the highest rates of new infection among all men. In total, men accounted for 80 percent of all new HIV infections.

“We continue to provide testing, counseling and awareness events focused on HIV prevention so that we can reach those most in need of our services and link them with the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives in Cobb and Douglas counties,” said Rachel Franklin, director of Epidemiology at CDPH. “It’s critical to understand who is most affected by diseases and infections, but everyone is welcome to get tested, know their status and receive the support and understanding of how they can live happy, healthy lives — even if they’re experiencing a health challenge like HIV.”

The free event is open to everyone. All testing results are confidential and are available in 20 minutes. No blood or needles are required for testing.

For more information, call (770) 514-2432.

The post Free HIV testing offered Sept. 28 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Marietta Daily Journal reports the Health Inspection scores of 20 restaurants inspected between September 6 – 11.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

The following are results of inspections done by the Environmental Health Division of the Cobb County Health Department the week of September 6 – 11.

Grading Scale: A=100-90, B=89-80, C=79-70, U=69 or less. A grade of New is for new restaurants or in case of a change of ownership.

The post Restaurant Health Inspections – September 6-11 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Staff | Douglas County Sentinel |

Heroes Day of the 13th annual September Saturdays Festival is Saturday, September 26th, and will feature the community’s salute to our everyday heroes on the grounds of the Douglas County Courthouse at 8700 Hospital Drive. Public Safety, military, veterans, and law enforcement agencies have been invited to have a presence at the festival, and salutes will be scheduled throughout the day. The popular Touch-a-Truck Experience with vehicles and equipment from these agencies will be featured.

The September Saturdays Festival features the Community Marketplace with over 100 vendors and exhibitors, a Food Court, free train ride, free carnival ride, free children’s play area with inflatable games, free concerts and programs every 30 minutes on the Courthouse steps, free computerized child ID program, free confidential and painless HIV testing, free outdoor movie under the stars, free rock climbing wall, and lots more!

Admission, parking, and Festival features are all free, thanks to the generous support of community-minded businesses. September Saturdays is the largest annual community festival in Douglas County.

Heroes Day programs and concerts on the Courthouse Stage are:

11:55 a.m. Drill Team Demonstration by Alexander High School Army JROTC

12 noon National Anthem led by the Dorsett Shoals Elementary School Chorus, followed by a concert by the Chorus

12:30 p.m. Annette Winn Elementary School Chorus

1:00 p.m. New Manchester Elementary School Chorus

1:30 p.m. Douglas County High School Chorus

2:00 p.m. Teachers of the Year Recognition – Douglas County School System,

2:30 p.m. Chestnut Log Middle School Chorus

3:00 p.m. Brighten Academy Chorus

3:30 p.m. Eastside Elementary School Chorus + Spirit Dancers

4:00 p.m. Mason Creek Middle School Chorus

4:30 p.m. Mason Creek Elementary School Chorus

5:00 p.m. Alexander High School Chorus

5:30 p.m. Douglas County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit Demonstration.

The Festival goes from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the Movie Under the Stars at 8 p.m. which is Disney’s “Big Hero 6”. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

The Community Marketplace includes businesses, arts and crafts, churches, service organizations, colleges, sales, professional services, and much more – a great cross-section of Douglas County. The Food Court offers 10 delicious samplings of everything from pizza to popcorn, funnel cakes to ice cream, hot dogs to BBQ, and a lot more to tempt your taste buds. The Flint Hill Masonic Lodge will offer free computerized child ID services inside the Courthouse Atrium on the first floor, and Cobb and Douglas Public Health will conduct free and painless (cheek swab, no needles) HIV testing with results in 20 minutes in the Courthouse Atrium on the third floor. The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy will be holding a Used Book Sale next to the Eternal Flame. The Douglas County Animal Shelter will have on-site pet adoptions. The Friends of the Douglas County Library will also have a Used Book Sale in Citizen’s Hall inside the Courthouse.

Parking will be available in lots surrounding the Courthouse, and continuous free shuttle service will be provided from the Woodie Fite Senior Center and Transportation Center parking lots.

September Saturdays is a program of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Department of Communications and Community Relations with the sole purpose of creating, supporting and sustaining a sense of community. The Festival’s Presenting Sponsor is Georgia’s Own Credit Union. Gold Sponsors are Google, John Thornton Chevrolet, West Georgia Technical College, SunTrust Banks, T-Mobile, and Coca-Cola. Silver Sponsors are Kaiser Permanente, Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes and Crematory, Resurgens Orthopaedics, GreyStone Power Corporation, BioLife, and Dentistry for Children/Family Orthodontics.

The post Heroes Day features the Touch-a-Truck Experience and Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit demonstration appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Neighbor Newspapers reported on Cobb & Douglas Public Health’s attendance at the September Saturdays Festival in Douglas County to conduct free, rapid HIV testing without a use of needles.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Heroes Day at September Saturdays festival to feature school choruses, big trucks appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health Director of Administration Virgil Moon discussed the acquisition of a new building for the Smyrna Public Health Center that will be renovated and updated to provide better access to the Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) that serves about 3,500 residents annually. The Marietta Daily Journal cited that the county is required by law to furnish the Smryna clinic with a facility, and the decision to relocate the current location is based on ease of access for patients who regularly have to cross five lanes of traffic when arriving to the Smyrna Public Health Center facility by bus.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Smyrna clinic gears up for big move appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Smyrna-Vinings Patch reported that Cobb & Douglas Public Health will be using $1.1 million in SPLOST funds to buy and renovate a new building for the Smyrna Public Health Center, noting that the new facility will be more accessible for residents who arrive at the facility by bus as it will be on the same side of the road as the bus stop.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Smyrna Health Clinic Looking to Upgrade appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Cobb & Douglas Public Health will be purchasing a new building to renovate, and will relocate the Smyrna Public Health Center when it is complete. The decision was made to purchase a new building and relocate rather than renovate the current Smyrna location so that residents could have better access to the facility’s services.

The post Smyrna Health Clinic Will be moving appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• La Bamba Mexican, 3509 Baker Road, Acworth. 96/A

• Pacific Buffet, 2475 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Marietta. 85/B

• Smashburger, 440 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw. 83/B

• Varners Tavern, 725 Concord Road, Smyrna. 83/B

• Vittles Restaurant, 2579 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. 78/C

The post Cobb County restaurant inspection scores appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.