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County sees surge in reported flu cases

Now is time to get flu vaccine

More than 2,250 Galveston County residents were diagnosed with the flu in October, up significantly compared to previous years.

“Getting your flu vaccine is incredibly important this year,” said Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston County Health District CEO and Galveston County local health authority. “Flu is already here. That is clear. Do not wait to get vaccinated.”

People 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the vaccination process sooner as the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. Vaccination is especially important for certain high-risk groups including those age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu.

Vaccination is also important for health care workers and others who live with or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading the flu to them. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body.

It is especially important this year to protect those at higher risk for flu and COVID-19 complications.

“It is likely we’re going to see flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading this fall and winter,” Keiser said. “There are thousands of Galveston County residents who are eligible to receive the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster dose who haven’t done so yet. We’re concerned we’re going to see an increase in COVID-19 cases while also facing what we expect to be an active season.”

Flu vaccine is available now at doctor offices, local pharmacies and at the GCHD immunization clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City.  Clinic hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 409.949.3459. 

Galveston Area Ambulance Authority celebrated National First Responders Day on Oct. 28.

Thank you to the men and women of GAAA for your commitment and tireless service to help your neighbor. We are safer and healthier because of YOU! Check out our First Responders Day video featuring our GAAA team.

Complete your Community Health Needs Assessment survey!

GCHD, CHW host Japanese Ministry of Health

Enroll now for affordable health insurance

Open Enrollment for 2023 Health Insurance Marketplace coverage is open!

If you don't have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage.

All offered plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions and preventive services including maternity care, mammograms and other preventive care services. You cannot be denied health coverage for having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The certified application counselors at Coastal Health & Wellness stand ready to assist Galveston County residents apply for coverage in the 2023 Marketplace. Give us a call at 409.949.3439 for assistance.

Learn more about Open Enrollment for 2023 Marketplace.

Smoking is largest preventable cause of death

Nov. 17 marks the Great American Smokeout, an annual event to encourage those who smoke to stop. Quitting smoking isn't easy. It takes a plan, time and hard work. But, it can be done. You don't have to stop smoking in one day, but choosing a date to stop is key to your success.

Thinking of quitting?

• 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop
• 12 hours after quitting, carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal
• 1-9 months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decreases
• 1-5 years after quitting, your risk for  heart attack drops dramatically and risk of cancer is cut in half
• 10 years after quitting, risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person still smoking

Healthy lifestyle changes can lower chances of prediabetes

More than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 96 million have prediabetes,  a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Many with prediabetes don't even know it.

There is good news.  Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications from the disease. Manage your diabetes by working with your health care team. Making small lifestyle changes can have a big impact - adopt a healthy diet, be physically active and work to lose weight.

Take control and learn more during National Diabetes Awareness Month.

HEAL Cooking Corner: Better Mashed Potatoes

The potato is the star of this comfort-food side dish, but a nonstarchy vegetable plays a surprising supporting role. The result is light and luscious.

ARC to host low-cost vaccine clinic Nov. 10

The Galveston County Animal Resource Center will host a low-cost pet vaccination clinic on Thursday, Nov. 10. 

The clinic is open to residents of any city and includes pet microchipping and county registration. Low-cost vaccinations, flea control and heartworm testing and treatment services are also available. The clinic will take place at the ARC, 3412 25th Avenue North (Loop 197 North) in Texas City.

For more information, call 409.948.2485.

Diabetes 101: Join us for type 2 discussion

Galveston County Health District is excited to bring back its type 2 diabetes community education class with the next class set for Nov. 14.

Join us and hear from our public health nurses as they talk about diabetes, including tips for managing and living with diabetes, why monitoring your blood glucose levels is important, laboratory monitoring and feelings you may have after a recent diabetes diagnosis.

Classes are held 5-6 p.m. at the health district, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, WIC classroom, in Texas City. The next class is scheduled for Dec. 12. No registration is required.