by Greg Hambrick | Douglasville Patch |

See what health inspectors in Douglas County had to say about area restaurants and food service establishments.

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Douglas County and nearby by Cobb Douglas Public Health.

Note: Click on the establishment’s name or inspection date to see more info.

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.

Click the name of the restaurant to see the inspection, including the deductions. See more recent inspections.

Blue Agave Mexican Bar and Grill

• 3000 Chapel Hill RD STE 105
• Last Inspection Date: 02/12/2016
• Grade: 84

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza

• 230 Thornton RD
• Last Inspection Date: 02/17/2016
• Grade: 96

Smokey Joe’s Hot Wings

• 5009 Hwy 5
• Last Inspection Date: 02/12/2016
• Grade: 79

Wendy’s #555

• 599 THORNTON RD
• Last Inspection Date: 02/17/2016
• Grade: 95

The post Restaurant Inspections: Blue Agave, Smokey Joe’s Hot Wings, Wendy’s and More appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Marietta Daily Journal reports the Health Inspection scores of 31 restaurants inspected between February 6 – 12.

The following are results of inspections done by the Environmental Health Division of the Cobb County Health Department the week of February 6 – 12.

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 – February 6 – 12 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Emergency Preparedness & Response (EP&R) team at Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) recommends all residents prepare a Go-Kit for their vehicles, not just for winter weather emergencies, but for any hazardous situation they might encounter when traveling.

“Vehicle Go-Kit” Essentials

Many of these items are easy to find, and a few might already be scattered around the house. Take a few moments to prepare your Go-Kit and have peace of mind during travel in emergency situations:

• Water – at least 1 gallon per person, for drinking and hygiene
• Food – a supply of non-perishable food and snacks
• Cell phone car charger – for cell phone use
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket – for each person
• Complete change of clothing – include a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and personal hygiene items – deodorant, mouthwash, feminine supplies (travel size)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties – for personal hygiene
• Local maps
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers – for babies and children
• Cash or change
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
• Rain poncho or umbrella – if you have to walk
• Cat litter, windshield ice scraper – for cold weather climates
• Multipurpose utility tool – this can be something like a Leatherman Tool or Swiss Army knife

For more information, visit www.ready.ga.gov

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Urges Residents to Prepare a “Vehicle Go-Kit” for Emergency Situations appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• 3 Amigos Mexican Bar & Grill, 1000 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 91/A

• Blue Sky Café, 600 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 89/B

• Brazilian Bakery, 1260 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. 73/C

• Mezza Luna Pasta & Seafood, 1669 Spring Road, Smyrna. 95/A

• Miyako Hibachi, 1025 East West Connector, Austell. 95/A

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

by Greg Hambrick | Douglasville Patch |

See what health inspectors in Douglas County had to say about area restaurants and food service establishments.

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Restaurant and food service inspections conducted in Douglas County and nearby by Cobb Douglas Public Health.

Note: Click on the establishment’s name or inspection date to see more info.

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.

Click the name of the restaurant to see the inspection, including the deductions. See more recent inspections.

Burke’s Grill

4040 Chapel Hill RD STE G
Last Inspection Date: 02/18/2016
Rating: 100

Chinese Pagoda Restaurant

9423 Highway 5 Douglas Corner Shopping Ctr
Last Inspection Date: 02/24/2016
Rating: 90

DARUMA Japanese Steakhouse

9300 The Landing DR
Last Inspection Date: 02/18/2016
Rating: 96

The post Restaurant Inspections: Burke’s Grill, La Fiesta, Daruma Japanese and More appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Alison Broderick | East Cobber |

The East Cobber reported that Cobb & Douglas Public Health’s Safe Kids Cobb County is offering free car seat inspections, available at the permanent Child Safety Seat Inspection Station located at the Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA  30008. The Inspection Station is open Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by appointment only.  We also check seats on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., and the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Free car seat inspections offered appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Staff | The Marietta Daily Journal |

The Marietta Daily Journal reports the Health Inspection scores of 31 restaurants inspected between February 13 – 19.

The following are results of inspections done by the Environmental Health Division of the Cobb County Health Department the week of February 13 – 19..

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 – February 13 – 19 appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Laura Berrios | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

Cobb County

• Doc Green’s, 3220 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta. 100/A

• Dolly’s Farmhouse Restaurant, 4971 Austell Road, Austell. 97/A

• Okinawa Restaurant, 3718 Dallas Highway, Marietta. 91/A

• Paco’s Mexican Restaurant, 5015 Floyd Road, Mableton. 93/A

• Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q, 1425 Roswell Road, Marietta. 96/A

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

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to consider more healthful choices by trying some of the following nutrition tips:

• Make your calories count. Nutritious foods are usually whole foods and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, lean meats, fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens like kale.
• Remember deliberate change comes slowly. Most people won’t change their diets overnight, but if you start small, it can have a big impact later. Trying to modify the foods you eat all at once can be overwhelming, so make changes that will be sustainable like drinking water when you go out to eat, adding an extra vegetable side with dinner, or making sure you eat breakfast every morning. Soon enough it will turn into a habit and you can add more later!
• Know what you’re putting into your body. Food is fuel for our bodies, and just like cars, what we put into them will affect the distance we go. Learning what we’re eating can drastically improve how we eat. Reading food and drink labels is a great place to start, and knowing the kinds of vitamins your body needs will help you determine if what’s on the label is right for you. Talking to your doctor, nutrition blogs and other online resources like www.eatright.org can help point you in the right direction.
• Savor the flavor! Don’t think nutrition has to be boring. Let your imagination run wild and be adventurous with your food. Try something new at each meal and explore flavors you haven’t tried before. You’ll be surprised with all the tasty combinations you can discover!

Always keep in mind that nutrition plays a big part in your overall health. Don’t be discouraged, and remember that small changes can go a long way to improving your health.

For more information about nutrition and improving your health, visit www.eatright.org, www.dph.georgia.gov/nutrition-program or www.choosemyplate.gov.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Encourages Residents to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!’ appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Marietta Patch |

March is National Nutrition Month. Try these tips to get the most out of your nutrition!

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to consider more healthful choices by trying some of the following nutrition tips:

· Make your calories count. Nutritious foods are usually whole foods and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, lean meats, fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens like kale.

· Remember deliberate change comes slowly. Most people won’t change their diets overnight, but if you start small, it can have a big impact later. Trying to modify the foods you eat all at once can be overwhelming, so make changes that will be sustainable like drinking water when you go out to eat, adding an extra vegetable side with dinner, or making sure you eat breakfast every morning. Soon enough it will turn into a habit and you can add more later!

· Know what you’re putting into your body. Food is fuel for our bodies, and just like cars, what we put into them will affect the distance we go. Learning what we’re eating can drastically improve how we eat. Reading food and drink labels is a great place to start, and knowing the kinds of vitamins your body needs will help you determine if what’s on the label is right for you. Talking to your doctor, nutrition blogs and other online resources like www.eatright.org can help point you in the right direction.

· Savor the flavor!Don’t think nutrition has to be boring. Let your imagination run wild and be adventurous with your food. Try something new at each meal and explore flavors you haven’t tried before. You’ll be surprised with all the tasty combinations you can discover!

Always keep in mind that nutrition plays a big part in your overall health. Don’t be discouraged, and remember that small changes can go a long way to improving your health.

For more information about nutrition and improving your health, visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Encourages Residents to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!’ appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Smyrna-Vinings Patch |

March is National Nutrition Month. Try these tips to get the most out of your nutrition!

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to consider more healthful choices by trying some of the following nutrition tips:

· Make your calories count. Nutritious foods are usually whole foods and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, lean meats, fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens like kale.

· Remember deliberate change comes slowly. Most people won’t change their diets overnight, but if you start small, it can have a big impact later. Trying to modify the foods you eat all at once can be overwhelming, so make changes that will be sustainable like drinking water when you go out to eat, adding an extra vegetable side with dinner, or making sure you eat breakfast every morning. Soon enough it will turn into a habit and you can add more later!

· Know what you’re putting into your body. Food is fuel for our bodies, and just like cars, what we put into them will affect the distance we go. Learning what we’re eating can drastically improve how we eat. Reading food and drink labels is a great place to start, and knowing the kinds of vitamins your body needs will help you determine if what’s on the label is right for you. Talking to your doctor, nutrition blogs and other online resources like www.eatright.org can help point you in the right direction.

· Savor the flavor!Don’t think nutrition has to be boring. Let your imagination run wild and be adventurous with your food. Try something new at each meal and explore flavors you haven’t tried before. You’ll be surprised with all the tasty combinations you can discover!

Always keep in mind that nutrition plays a big part in your overall health. Don’t be discouraged, and remember that small changes can go a long way to improving your health.

For more information about nutrition and improving your health, visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Encourages Residents to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!’ appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Kennesaw Patch |

March is National Nutrition Month. Try these tips to get the most out of your nutrition!

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to consider more healthful choices by trying some of the following nutrition tips:

· Make your calories count. Nutritious foods are usually whole foods and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, lean meats, fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens like kale.

· Remember deliberate change comes slowly. Most people won’t change their diets overnight, but if you start small, it can have a big impact later. Trying to modify the foods you eat all at once can be overwhelming, so make changes that will be sustainable like drinking water when you go out to eat, adding an extra vegetable side with dinner, or making sure you eat breakfast every morning. Soon enough it will turn into a habit and you can add more later!

· Know what you’re putting into your body. Food is fuel for our bodies, and just like cars, what we put into them will affect the distance we go. Learning what we’re eating can drastically improve how we eat. Reading food and drink labels is a great place to start, and knowing the kinds of vitamins your body needs will help you determine if what’s on the label is right for you. Talking to your doctor, nutrition blogs and other online resources like www.eatright.org can help point you in the right direction.

· Savor the flavor!Don’t think nutrition has to be boring. Let your imagination run wild and be adventurous with your food. Try something new at each meal and explore flavors you haven’t tried before. You’ll be surprised with all the tasty combinations you can discover!

Always keep in mind that nutrition plays a big part in your overall health. Don’t be discouraged, and remember that small changes can go a long way to improving your health.

For more information about nutrition and improving your health, visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Encourages Residents to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!’ appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Douglasville Patch |

March is National Nutrition Month. Try these tips to get the most out of your nutrition!

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to consider more healthful choices by trying some of the following nutrition tips:

· Make your calories count. Nutritious foods are usually whole foods and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, lean meats, fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and leafy greens like kale.

· Remember deliberate change comes slowly. Most people won’t change their diets overnight, but if you start small, it can have a big impact later. Trying to modify the foods you eat all at once can be overwhelming, so make changes that will be sustainable like drinking water when you go out to eat, adding an extra vegetable side with dinner, or making sure you eat breakfast every morning. Soon enough it will turn into a habit and you can add more later!

· Know what you’re putting into your body. Food is fuel for our bodies, and just like cars, what we put into them will affect the distance we go. Learning what we’re eating can drastically improve how we eat. Reading food and drink labels is a great place to start, and knowing the kinds of vitamins your body needs will help you determine if what’s on the label is right for you. Talking to your doctor, nutrition blogs and other online resources like www.eatright.org can help point you in the right direction.

· Savor the flavor!Don’t think nutrition has to be boring. Let your imagination run wild and be adventurous with your food. Try something new at each meal and explore flavors you haven’t tried before. You’ll be surprised with all the tasty combinations you can discover!

Always keep in mind that nutrition plays a big part in your overall health. Don’t be discouraged, and remember that small changes can go a long way to improving your health.

For more information about nutrition and improving your health, visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.

- See more at: http://www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com/2016/03/cobb-douglas-public-health-encourages-residents-to-savor-the-flavor-of-eating-right-4/#sthash.s1FCCtYS.dpuf

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Encourages Residents to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!’ appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Lindsay Moscarello | Neighbor Newspapers |

The Cobb & Douglas Public Health Safe Kids Douglas program was featured in Neighbor Newspapers for their sponsoring of a twice-monthly car seat safety check program to ensure children are riding safely and properly. Safe Kids Douglas Coordinator, Lin Snowe, told Neighbor Newspapers that the Douglas branch completes about 300 car seat checks per year.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Safe Kids Douglas uses car seat checks as one method of educating about child safety appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Between busy after school activities, projects and homework, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) wants parents to be sure to make a date to vaccinate their preteens against the most common diseases that can slow them down.

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is March 13 – 19, 2016 and was established by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help remind parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against several vaccine-preventable diseases because a shot only lasts a second; a disease lasts much longer.

According to the Georgia  Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12^th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).

“Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. Additionally, vaccines help families avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis,” said Priti Kohle, District Immunization Director of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. Speak with your physician today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date and if not, make a date to vaccinate.

For more information, visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section. To make an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call 770-514-2300 or visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Reminds Parents to Make a Date to Vaccinate Their Preteens appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Smyrna-Vinings Patch |

Between busy after school activities, projects and homework, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) wants parents to be sure to make a date to vaccinate their preteens against the most common diseases that can slow them down.

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is March 13 – 19, 2016 and was established by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help remind parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against several vaccine-preventable diseases because a shot only lasts a second; a disease lasts much longer.

According to the Georgia  Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12^th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).

“Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. Additionally, vaccines help families avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis,” said Priti Kohle, District Immunization Director of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. Speak with your physician today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date and if not, make a date to vaccinate.

For more information, visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section. To make an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call 770-514-2300.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Reminds Parents to Make a Date to Vaccinate Their Preteens appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Kennesaw Patch |

Between busy after school activities, projects and homework, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) wants parents to be sure to make a date to vaccinate their preteens against the most common diseases that can slow them down.

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is March 13 – 19, 2016 and was established by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help remind parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against several vaccine-preventable diseases because a shot only lasts a second; a disease lasts much longer.

According to the Georgia  Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12^th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).

“Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. Additionally, vaccines help families avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis,” said Priti Kohle, District Immunization Director of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. Speak with your physician today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date and if not, make a date to vaccinate.

For more information, visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section. To make an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call 770-514-2300.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Reminds Parents to Make a Date to Vaccinate Their Preteens appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Douglasville Patch |

Between busy after school activities, projects and homework, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) wants parents to be sure to make a date to vaccinate their preteens against the most common diseases that can slow them down.

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is March 13 – 19, 2016 and was established by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help remind parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against several vaccine-preventable diseases because a shot only lasts a second; a disease lasts much longer.

According to the Georgia  Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12^th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).

“Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. Additionally, vaccines help families avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis,” said Priti Kohle, District Immunization Director of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. Speak with your physician today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date and if not, make a date to vaccinate.

For more information, visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section. To make an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call 770-514-2300.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Reminds Parents to Make a Date to Vaccinate Their Preteens appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Marietta Patch |

Between busy after school activities, projects and homework, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) wants parents to be sure to make a date to vaccinate their preteens against the most common diseases that can slow them down.

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is March 13 – 19, 2016 and was established by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to help remind parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against several vaccine-preventable diseases because a shot only lasts a second; a disease lasts much longer.

According to the Georgia  Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12^th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).

“Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. Additionally, vaccines help families avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis,” said Priti Kohle, District Immunization Director of Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. Speak with your physician today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date and if not, make a date to vaccinate.

For more information, visit http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section. To make an appointment for your child’s immunizations, please call 770-514-2300.

The post Cobb & Douglas Public Health Reminds Parents to Make a Date to Vaccinate Their Preteens appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

by Misty Williams | Atlanta Journal-Constitution |

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Cobb2020 – a community health coalition sponsored by Cobb & Douglas Health – has been successful in establishing the “Farm Fresh Markets” in areas of the community where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a challenge for residents.

Read more here.

Note: Subscription may be required to access articles.

The post Tackling the food desert dilemma in Cobb County appeared first on Cobb & Douglas Public Health.