Scathing article targets state welfare system

Scathing article targets state welfare system

A single mother, 19, with no income and a 10-month-old baby, applies for monthly $235 welfare checks in DeKalb County. But because she has no child care for her daughter, Brianna Butler cannot satisfy the state requirements that she attend job-applicant classes. The Huffington Post’s Peter S. Goodman, in an article last week, spotlighted Butler’s…

Georgia’s secret weapon — the helmet

Georgia’s secret weapon — the helmet

The manager of a St. Augustine, Fla., motorcycle shop almost proudly recalled an accident he had a year ago. “I went down at 70 miles an hour,’’ said the man, who said he is known locally only by his nickname, “100 Proof.’’ He pointed to the damage on his body: a scar on the top…

A farmworker gets a dental exam at "Camp Las Vegas."

Caring for the people who pick Georgia’s crops

The caravan pulls out of a Moultrie hotel at 7 p.m., heading for a nearby farm. Inside the chain of vehicles are dozens of university students who are learning to be nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and pharmacists. They are joined by volunteers and faculty members who are veteran health care professionals. Sharon…

Insurance plan cuts waiting list for HIV drugs

Insurance plan cuts waiting list for HIV drugs

In January, Georgia had the longest waiting list in the nation for people with HIV to receive government drug assistance. At that time, the state had 1,348 people waiting to join the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Now, less than six months later, it’s only about one-third of that: 490. ADAP serves HIV-infected people who…

Signs of progress in a long, tough fight

Signs of progress in a long, tough fight

Optimism on obesity? Many of us know the basics of the problem: Two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Georgia has the second-highest childhood obesity rate in the nation. The associated health care costs are staggering, and they’re on the rise. It all sounds much more alarming than encouraging. But Dr. William Dietz, director of…

One problem with synthetic marijuana is that it can be reformulated to evade the law, one expert said.

Synthetic pot a growing menace to Georgia’s youth

About a year ago, Lora Duffey’s 14-year-old son went into a convenience store and purchased a form of synthetic marijuana. He got it without an ID because it’s marketed as herbal incense. The Walton County teen took it home and smoked it in his family’s basement. He then went to bed, leaving the pipe out…

Sex still taboo in Ga. teen health survey

Sex still taboo in Ga. teen health survey

Hundreds of Georgia high school students answered questions about risky behavior in a 2011 CDC-sponsored survey. They answered questions on carrying a weapon, wearing a seat belt, being bullied and using tobacco. They replied to queries on having symptoms of depression, on contemplating suicide, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, and whether they have been taught…

The benefits of a green patch of ground

The benefits of a green patch of ground

The combination of land deals, developers and Gwinnett County politicians has a way of making news, often in a bad way. Last week, a Gwinnett commissioner admitted to teaming up with her son to sell her vote on a proposed pawn shop development. The resignation and guilty plea of Shirley Lasseter come about two years…

Running clubs help promote student fitness

Running clubs help promote student fitness

When fifth-grader Trevor Nelson arrives at school, he doesn’t linger in the halls or go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Every other morning, he heads for the gym. “I just love to run,” said Trevor, “so I figured I’d do this.” From 7:15 to 7:45 a.m., members of Yargo Elementary School’s fifth-grade running club sprint,…

Local farms and schools — partners in sound nutrition

Lucia Pawloski’s son Lucas is known as the Nutritionist. At 5 years old, Lucas tells his family which vitamins are in fruits and vegetables. Lucas and his brother understand that “eating nutritious meals will help their body, mind and development,” said Pawloski, who is on the Decatur Farm to School Committee. Her family is just…