Health Trends in Atlanta!

Abby Larson

I interviewed with Dr. Michele Marcus, MPH, Ph.D, of Rollins School of Public Health at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia. She has interest in Reproductive and Women’s health, and has specific knowledge on the health demographics in the Atlanta area.

Breast Cancer is a common threat in Georgia – it is the 2^nd most common reason for cancer death among women. In Atlanta the number of cases is closely associated with the nation’s average. The rates in Georgia are highest in the urban population – mainly in Atlanta. There are many controllable factors to preventing late-onset Breast Cancer. Early screening is promoted, and they have seen it lower the numbers over the past few years.

Obesity is a major problem – especially among certain populations. People are exercising less, eating unhealthy foods and they don’t understand the severity of the problem. In the state of Georgia they have campaigns that are focused on getting the state more active. One of them is Michelle Obama’s “Let’s move” program. This program, along with many others, is trying to implement a more active community.

Focus on Nutrition during pregnancy. Dr. Marcus discussed the prevalence of overweight or obese women who contract gestational diabetes, hypertension, and have difficult deliveries due to poor nutrition during pre-pregnancy or pregnancy. However, a little less than a quarter of women in Georgia don’t gain an adequate amount of weight during pregnancy as well. At the state and local levels there are classes to help women take better care of their health during pregnancy and reduce their risk of these complications. There has also been an initiative to make sure women have the proper pre-natal treatment – especially vitamins in relation to nutrition.

HIV/AIDS remains an important public health problem in Georgia. There were about 2,000 new cases in 2010 alone. Although about 75% of the cases are among males (mostly homosexual activity), a struggle is with women transferring HIV because of pregnancy. There has been an increased initiative and programs among the Health Department that help women get treatment to prevent transmission. Spread to infants has resulted in deaths because of lack of education. In schools they are starting a greater HIV/AIDS education initiative – especially among middle school-aged children.

This time of year especially, a popular trend is towards influenza vaccinations! There are many campaigns - “Reason Enough to Get Vaccinated” and other visual posters are put up all over local health departments, schools and doctor’s offices. The pressure, she said, to get all of Georgia vaccinated is especially prevalent due to the CDC’s location and influence. Due to her expertise, she explained the importance of pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine as well. In Georgia many of the cases of Influenza are among the very young and old – as well pregnant women.