National HIV Testing Day

West Nile Virus starts early in Georgia

Via Southwest Public Health District-- Georgia has already seen its first human case of West Nile Virus in Clayton County. This comes two months earlier than expected, and may be a sign that this year's mosquito season may be heavier than seasons prior.

West Nile is a mosquito-borne illness that is potentially dangerous. While 80 percent of those infected with West Nile show no symptoms, 20 percent have symptoms that include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomitting, swollen lymph glands, and/or rash," Dr. Jacqueline Grant told the Southwest Health District.

Grant is the health director for the Southwest District.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. The best protection is to avoid getting bitten said Grant.

You can reduce your risk of mosquito bites by taking several steps

• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk- when mosquitos are most active
• Use insect repellent
• Drain standing water
• Repair screens in windows and doors
• Cover exposed skin if you must be outside

More information about West Nile Virus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

Mortality rates for preterm babies drops

Via @MarchofDimesGA-- Georgia and 34 other states have seen a two-year decline in preterm birth rates. The National Center for Health Statistics report found that, between 2006 and 2008, the preterm birth rate declined five percent among both non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black mothers. Mothers of Hispanic descent also experienced a decline. You can find more information about the federal report here.

Three groups of women are at greatest risk for premature birth: women who have had a previous premature birth, women who are pregnant with twins, triplets or more, and women with certain uterine or cervical abnormalities.

A number of complications are more likely in premature babies including respiratory distress syndrome, anemia, apnea, or chronic lung disease.

There are several things that women can do to reduce the risk of a premature birth.  You can find more information here.

National 'Choose You' day

via @ACSChooseYou -- Today the American Cancer Society celebrates "Choose You" day.

Choose You is a movement created by the American Cancer Society that encourages women to make healthier choices and get routine health checks.

You can find out more information about "Choose You Day" here.

Romaine lettuce recalled

via @CNNhealth--  Romaine lettuce are being recalled nationwide among an investigation into an outbreak that has already sickened 19 people.

Vaughan Foods of Moore, Oklahoma, is recalling romaine lettuces with "use by" dates of May 9 and May 10. Their recall comes a week after, Ohio-based, Freshway Foods recalled their romaine lettuce last week. The lettuce are possibly connected to an outbreak of food-borne disease linked to E. coli O145.

Investigators have confirmed that the outbreak has affected 10 people in Michigan, seven in Ohio, and two in New York.

E. coli O145 can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Most healthy adults recover within a week, but young children and the elderly are most at risk for developing severe symptoms.

Freshway Foods has said that it sold the recalled lettuce to businesses in Alabama, Conneticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Customers are being urged not to eat "grab and go" salads sold from salad bars and delis at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles, and Marsh stores. The recall does not affect romaine lettuce from other producers.

Gwinnett Medical Center to host Healthcare Innovations event

via @GwinnettMedical-- The Gwinnett Medical Center and Partnership Gwinnett will host the second of their quarterly health council series on Thursday, May 13, from 7:30-9 a.m., at Georgia Gwinnett College.

The event will focus on how Gwinnett Medical Center is delivering the latest technological advancements and cutting-edge treatments.

The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Teen pregnancy prevention month

May is teen pregnancy prevention month for residents in Northwest Georgia. The district is encouraging teens in Bartow County, Floyd County, and Walker County to take a 'Prevent Teen Pregnancy' test and find out how they score.

The quiz challenges teens to think carefully about what they would do in a number of risky sexual situations. Teens can access the quiz at www.stayteen.org/quiz.