Health

15 schools win grants to fight obesity

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Friday, January 17th, 2014, 11:15am

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Public Health has awarded SHAPE grants to 15 schools across Georgia.

The money, which is presented through the Governor's SHAPE Initiative, will be used to develop nutrition and physical activity plans for students.

"These grants will go a long way toward improving childhood fitness and nutrition," Georgia DPH commissioner Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald said in a statement. "We must teach our children the importance ot physical activity and the lifelong benefits of healthy eating, lessons they hopefully will carry with them throughout their lives."

Each school will receive $3,000. The recipients include:

View Comments | Post a Comment

Submitted by Associated Press

Monday, January 6th, 2014, 10:57am

Regents to discuss smoking ban at Ga. colleges

ATHENS, Ga. -- The board that governs Georgia's public colleges and universities is taking a close look at banning tobacco from campuses statewide.

The Board of Regents is scheduled to discuss the proposed tobacco ban at its meeting Wednesday in Atlanta. The ban would prohibit faculty, students, staff and even spectators at sporting events from smoking or using smokeless tobacco in both indoor and outdoor parts of college campuses.

The policy would tighten anti-smoking policies at campuses such as the University of Georgia, which since 2011 has prohibited lighting up within 35 feet of building entrances.

If adopted by the Board of Regents, the tobacco ban would affect all 31 campuses in the University System of Georgia.

View Comments | Post a Comment

The Biggest Loser's DOLVETTE

Submitted by ConnTV on Monday, November 18th, 1:43 pm

He calls Atlanta home, Dolvette of NBC's The Biggest Loser, stopped by Conn TV Studios to talk about his new lifestyle book about balance, not diet! You don't want to miss what he says about emotion, details, health and much much more.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Submitted by GA Lottery

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 6:08pm

Get skin cancer screenings for free with Kaiser Permanente

ATLANTA -- Kaiser Permanente of Georgia is offering free skin cancer screenings at a couple of locations near Atlanta.

A spokeswoman for Kaiser Permanente said the screenings are here for those spending more time outdoors this spring, and early detection is important to stay protected. All residents are invited.

Further, sun exposure continues to be the leading cause of skin cancer, making the spring and summer months more risky. Kaiser Permanente reminds everyone who plans to be in the sun to always wear sunscreen to protect their skin.

The screenings are being held Wednesday at the Kaiser Permanente Crescent Medical Center in Tucker and at the Kaiser Permanente Cumberland Medical Center on Cumberland Parkway.

Screenings will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Hours are 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Submitted by Michael H. King, Digital Executive Producer

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 6:15pm

More than 150 absent from Carroll Co. school for illnesses

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. -- An unusually high number of students and teachers have been reported absent from one Carroll County school for a second day.

Central Elementary School had more than 151 students and 10 teachers out sick on Tuesday. On Wednesday, 159 students and 5 teachers were absent due to a variety of illnesses.

Kindergarten classes are the hardest hit.

David Gurrero's 1st grader had the flu for a week.

"When he came back, his teacher was sick," said Gurrero. "Other teachers were sick. It concerns me."

A district spokesperson says the students are sick from a variety of illnesses including the flu, strep throat, and stomach ailments.

School system officials said they are cleaning the school building with extra disinfectant.

Vivian Nance works in the school cafeteria.

"We're keeping things sanitized," said Nance. "We're keeping the food checked and doing everything we're supposed to do."

View Comments | Post a Comment

Bremen BRIDGE Festival to benefit Health of West Ga.

Submitted by Rob Kremer on Friday, March 15th, 9:25 am

BREMEN, Ga. – West Georgians are encouraged to make a difference in their community through their voices and feet on Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. The BRIDGE Fest is celebrating its sixth anniversary with “The Sing-off” competition and a 5K Race. Hosted for the second year at Mill Town Music Hall (1031 Alabama Ave.), the series of events will benefit BRIDGE, a local campaign designed to fight drugs in West Georgia. BRIDGE (Build Recovery in Drug Gripped Environments) provides assistance and education to pre-teens and teens in finding the right path to a drug-free life. In addition, the campaign exposes adults to treatment options and support available to families affected by this epidemic in West Georgia.

This annual family celebration will hold activities throughout the weekend that the whole family can enjoy:

View Comments | Post a Comment

Submitted by Jaye Watson, 11Alive Reporter

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013, 2:39pm

ATLANTA -- Eight year old Ava Bullard is playing with her sisters, riding their bikes on their long country driveway. It is a simple act that defies those who said she would never talk, those who said she wouldn't function in the real world.

Ava was not a typical baby, or toddler.

Her mother Anna says, "You couldn't interact with her."

MORE | Complete coverage of The Autism Gap

Ava did not play with toys. Did not speak. Could not dress herself. Did not interact with her parents or sisters. Slept two hours a night. She was in her own world.

Anna says, "It's like she looked straight through me. She would just...it's like you weren't there, if you were in the room with her."

Anna Bullard took Ava from doctor to doctor for months. One doctor told the family Ava was 'just weird.'

View Comments | Post a Comment