- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 7, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Super Bowl LIX is right around the corner, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to kick off their celebrations with healthy alternatives at the table on game day. Super Bowl gatherings often prompt people to indulge in chicken wings, pizza, and various beverages. While tasty, many of these foods are high in fat, sugar, salt…, said Kate Gerweck, Director of DPH’s Section of Public Health Nutrition Practice and SNAP Education, . You can find healthy game day recipes in the Eating Healthy in a SNAP Cookbook on the DPH website. DPH recommends the following healthy tips for game day:, Start with some exercise, Before you settle in for the game, get moving! A 30-minute walk or jog in the morning will get your body ready for the day. Or try a quick online workout video to warm up your muscles. It’s a great way to start your tradition with some healthy energy!, Load up on fruits and veggies , Instead of chips and other high-fat snacks, try using fresh fruits and veggies for dipping. They're low in calories but still tasty. If you're hosting, provide healthy options for your guests to balance out the heavy snacks. It's an easy way to add nutrients while still enjoying tasty treats!, Watch your portion sizes, It’s easy to eat more than you planned, especially with so many tasty snacks around. To avoid overindulging, make a plate and step away from the table. You don’t need to go back for seconds if you're already satisfied., Snack ideas:, Instead of bowls of chips or pretzels, serve individual snack bags or small bowls to control portions., Don’t forget about your drinks, What you drink is just as important as what you eat! Avoid sugary drinks like soda or sweet tea, which add extra calories., Drink ideas:, Water, of course! Add slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for some flavor. Fruit-infused water: Try mixing berries, mint, and citrus for a refreshing twist. If you have diabetes and are drinking alcohol, remember that alcohol intake can lead to low blood sugar. Stick to one drink for women and two for men to stay within healthy limits., Drink water and eat slowly, Before diving into your first plate of food, have a big glass of water. It helps you feel full and supports digestion. Also, take your time while eating. Slow down and savor each bite—you'll feel more satisfied and less likely to overeat. By drinking water and eating mindfully, you can feel fuller with less food, making it easier to stick to healthier portions., Never drink and drive , Plan to travel with a sober friend, use a taxi or rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation. If you’re the designated driver, it’s important to take the role seriously and don’t consume alcohol or use other drugs. If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home. With these simple tips and snack ideas, you can enjoy the big game without going off…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Mar. 7, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day , the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will offer free STD/HIV testing at most local health departments on Tuesday, March 11. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on women and show support for women and girls with HIV. It is also…, said Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist, . “In conjunction with National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, DPH encourages all South Carolinians to get tested to learn their status and take action to protect themselves.” As of Dec. 31, 2023, there are more than 20,000 South Carolina residents living with diagnosed HIV infection, including AIDS. For the two-year period of 2022-2023, approximately 1,500 people were newly diagnosed…, here . “It’s important that women know that PrEP is something for them and not just men,”, said Tia Robinson, DPH PrEP Program Manager, . “PrEP is a highly effective way to prevent HIV in both men and women. In recognition of this observance, we encourage women to get tested and ask their provider about PrEP for preventing HIV.” There was a slight increase in the rate of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS among women in 2023 (6.82 per 100,000) compared to the rate in 2014 (5.83 per 100,000). As of Dec. 31, 2023, among women living with HIV…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 12, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Oak Branch Drive and Open Range Lane in Greenville, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. Two cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The bat was…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook. Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when: They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent; A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended; or…, said McCollister, . You cannot tell if a bat, or any other animal, has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 18, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Hiwassee Run and Three Runs Plantation Drive in Aiken, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The bat was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.” Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when: They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent; A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended;…, McCollister said, . You cannot tell if a bat, or any other animal, has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The EMS Advisory Council Committee will meet Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. at the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Conference Room A108, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, July 24, 2025 meeting event page . ###, *A previous version of this news release named the committee incorrectly. Revision: Dec. 10, 2025
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 23, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Health Planning Committee will meet Wednesday, March 25, at 1 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room E169, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: , Apr. 7, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council will meet Thursday, Apr. 9, at 10 a.m., virtually. The agenda and link to view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 8, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee will meet Friday, Apr. 10, at 9 a.m., virtually. The agenda and Microsoft Teams link are available on the South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force Meeting - Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- … HIV/AIDS, STDs, & Viral Hepatitis Insect and Vector-Borne Diseases (Mosquitoes, Ticks, etc.) Measles Monkeypox (MPOX) Scabies Tuberculosis Viruses Zika Virus …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 20, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The SC Health Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room E171, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 meeting event page . ###