H1N1 Virus Count Rises in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health announced today that the number of confirmed human cases of novel H1N1 virus in the state has increased to 27 with the addition of two cases that were tested in North Carolina.

The new samples belong to two Henry County residents. The samples were tested by a private lab at the beginning of the month and later sent to the North Carolina State Lab. Both cases have recovered and neither required hospitalization.

The novel H1N1 influenza illness has been confirmed in 27 persons in Georgia. The symptoms associated with this virus appear to be very similar to those caused by seasonal influenza virus, and can be prevented in the same ways:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent spread of germs.
Ill persons should stay home.

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Hundreds of Uninsured Georgia School Children to Receive Free Eye Exams and Glasses

/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) and OneSight, a Luxottica Group Foundation, have partnered to bring the OneSight Vision Van, "SeeMore" to Georgia from January 21 to 23. Henry County Schools pre-selected more than 300 students from kindergarten through high school based on their financial and vision needs to receive free vision care, including full vision exams and new eyewear. Held at the Luxottica Retail Distribution Center (100 Greenwood Industrial Pkwy, McDonough, GA 30253), local doctors, community partners, BCBSGa associates and brokers, as well as employees from LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Target Optical will provide care and assistance during clinic hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily).

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-aged children has visual disabilities that affect their ability to learn. Approximately 80 percent of all learning during a child's first 12 years is obtained through the eyes; yet 86 percent of children do not receive a vision exam during that time.

"This collaborative effort to bring the Vision Van to the greater Atlanta area will help make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who might not otherwise have had their vision needs met," says Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGa. "Our hope is that this service will provide these children with improved self-esteem and a better opportunity to live life to the fullest."

"OneSight provides important opportunities that help children succeed in school and, ultimately, in life," said Jane Walters, OneSight Captain. "We have seen many cases where a pair of glasses has made the difference in helping a child accomplish greater scholastic success or simply see clearly for the first time. Watching a child's face light up as the world comes into focus is something I will never forget."

OneSight (formerly known as Give the Gift of Sight Foundation), a Luxottica Group Foundation, is a family of charitable programs dedicated to improving vision for those in need worldwide through outreach, research and education. OneSight has been serving the McDonough, GA area since 2003 and during the past six years approximately 400 Henry County children have received free eye care and nearly 95 percent of these local children required and received free prescription eyewear.

"An eye exam is one of the best forms of preventative medicine today. Good vision health is connected to overall health and well-being. Supporting the Vision Van helps these children to more clearly experience the world around them," said Stuart Watts, regional vice president of BCBSGa's Specialty Sales, which includes the Vision business.

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