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Wet winter could mean more West Nile cases
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Winter’s heavy rains likely will increase the mosquito population in Liberty County, according to county mosquito control department officials. Although the region is not currently experiencing a mosquito-borne disease threat, cases of west Nile virus have been reported in other parts of Georgia.
Mosquitoes can carry west Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. Both WNV and EEE are transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause serious illness.
The Liberty County Health Department urges residents to take precautions now and throughout the summer to minimize mosquitoes around property.
There are several easy ways to reduce mosquito breeding including removing water-holding containers, changing water frequently in pet dishes, changing bird bath water at least twice a week and avoiding using saucers under outdoor potted plants. In addition, consider organizing or participating in clean-up activities to pick up garbage from parks and other public spaces. By limiting potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, every resident can help to stop the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
The Liberty County Health Department encourages residents to follow the five “Ds” of prevention:
• Dusk: Mosquitoes carrying west Nile virus usually bite at dusk and dawn.
• Dawn: Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
• Dress: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
• DEET: Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
• Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

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Fit Kids Fest set for Saturday, focuses on childhood obesity
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SAVANNAH — Childhood obesity is a growing concern across the nation.

Georgia is not immune to this epidemic. Nearly 40 percent of the state’s children classified as overweight or obese, which is the second-highest child-obesity rate in the U.S.

The Junior League of Savannah is working to draw awareness to the issue here in the Coastal Empire by hosting the Fit Kids Fest from 2-5 p.m. Aug. 25 at Daffin Park’s Optimist Stadium.

The event is free and open to kids in grades k-6 as well as their parents.

The event will include interactive stations focused around the Choose My Plate and Let’s Move! initiatives. Station themes include a build a jump rope, an obstacle course and Let’s Move! dance instruction. There will also be a snack-food demonstration that incorporates the Association of Junior League International’s Kids in the Kitchen program.

Parents will have an opportunity to participate through health screenings provided by Memorial University Medical Center and a cooking demonstration utilizing locally sourced ingredients by celebrity chef Michele Jemison.

Nonprofit organizations also will be available on site with information about various area programs and services.

“At the very heart of the mission of the Junior League is ‘improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.’ We certainly see Fit Kids Fest as an opportunity to educate the public on how to fight childhood obesity,” league President Lisa Pinyan said.

The Savannah Sand Gnats will award free tickets to their 6 p.m. game following the Fest to the first 250 youth participants and are offering discounted tickets ($6 each) for the rest of the family.

For more information, call 912-790-1002.

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