The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new clinical trial to determine whether semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity, could also help Veterans struggling with alcohol use disorder.
With the dog days of August bringing continued heat to Northwest Georgia, public health officials are reminding residents to take precautions outdoors while also beginning to prepare for the upcoming fall respiratory illness season.
Dr. Gary Voccio, Health Director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, recommends scheduling outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening whenever possible rather than during the hottest part of the day.
Residents are also encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and avoid heavy foods during periods of high heat.
At the same time, health officials are looking ahead to fall and flu season. Voccio says this is a good time to consider vaccinations against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, particularly for older adults and young children.
With a new school year getting underway, parents are also encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on recommended vaccinations.
Additional information about immunizations and vaccinations is available through the Northwest Health District.
Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause prolonged watery diarrhea.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is urging residents to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.
Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.
May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Floyd physician Dr. Michael Gonsalves is reminding residents that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives.
Health officials are raising concerns as new data shows tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade.
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Floyd are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are encouraging people to take steps now to stay comfortable.
Doctors say seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is often caused by tree pollen as spring approaches. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, an itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
Health experts note that allergy symptoms can become worse on dry, windy days, when pollen levels tend to be at their highest. Residents who struggle with spring allergies are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and manage symptoms.
Atrium Health Floyd has lifted the temporary masking and visitor restrictions that had been in place since December, citing a steady decline in respiratory illness cases among patients and staff.
Flu activity across the United States is beginning to decline, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but emergency room visits among school-aged children are increasing.