WITH THE START OF SUMMER, WE THOUGHT SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM SHOULD REPOST THIS POPULAR & INFORMATIVE GUEST POST ABOUT OUR AREA’S JELLYFISH.

Below is a guest post published on SouthernMamas.com in 2011 by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson. Dr. Richardson leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors. Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here. To book a family, scout, school and tour group beach walk call (912) 596-5362 or email joe@ceasurf.com . For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.

Cannonball Jellyfish are very abundant right now on our beaches, and they are harmless.

The large flat Moon jellyfish will become more common as summer comes, but their sting is mild.

Jellyfish: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

It’s not unusual to find jellyfish on our beaches, but most of the time the ones we see are harmless and will not sting you. In mid May, the most abundant jellyfish on the beach is the Cannonball Jelly. They are ball-shaped (as opposed to flat), relatively firm, and have a broad reddish-brown band wrapping around an otherwise cloudy white body. The thick structure extending out from under the bell is a system of multiple mouths. Cannonball Jellies do not have stinging tentacles hanging from the bell, so as long as you handle them on the outside of the bell or mouths, there is nothing to sting you. Only if you stick your fingers way up inside the bell could you contact any tiny tentacles, and even then they would give you only a slight tingle. So, don’t mind the Cannonball Jellies – they aren’t going to sting you.

Our common winter-time jellyfish, the Lion’s Mane Jelly, has pretty much finished its season for this year. I haven’t seen any Lion’s Mane Jellies in a few weeks now that the water has warmed up. They are round and fairly flat, and they often have some pink color. Their tentacles are fairly short and form a “hairy-looking” circle of tentacles hanging from the underside of the flat

The Lion’s Mane jellyfish is our winter-time jelly and have pretty much disappeared from our beaches now

The Sea Wasp Jellyfish will become a problem in mid July through mid August, and their sting is intense.

jellyfish. This thick circle of short tentacles supposedly resembles the hairy mane around the neck of a male lion. Lion’s Mane Jellies produce a very mild sting; and I personally don’t consider it a “sting” but more of an irritation.

As the water warms into the summer, we will start seeing Moon Jellies. They are very flat, round and clear, and usually have 4 horseshoe shaped structures visible near the center. Moon Jellies have a fringe of short tentacles extending from the very outer edge of their flat body. I’ve seen Moon Jellies on Tybee Island as large as a dinner plate. Moon Jelly tentacles produce a mild sting. It is not really painful, but you know that you have been stung; but it’s not likely going to cause you much discomfort.

It’s during late July and the first couple of weeks of August, on average, that we reach the peak of the Sea Wasp season on Tybee. The Sea Wasp jellyfish are our “bad guys” around here. (We rarely have trouble from floating, blue Portugese Man of War on Tybee, especially compared to some beaches in Florida). But the Sea Wasp jellyfish in late summer do cause us problems. They are clear, and we can’t see them in the water. Although their body is fairly small (2-3 inches), they produce a number of long thin tentacles that extend from 4 hand-like structures that hang from the bottom of their box-shaped body. Even when they are dead and washed up on the beach, Sea Wasp tentacles can still sting. Their sting is an instant intense burning sting, and these stings will make you want to get out of the water and seek some relief. Although the intense pain subsides after a few minutes, the stung area will still hurt a while, and usually some red marks will appear where the tentacles contacted your skin. For me, the stung areas itch for a few days later also.

The above is a guest post by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, who leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors.

This summer, GameTruck Hilton Head Island is rolling out an interactive summer program – GameTruck’s Summer of STEAM program – designed to help classrooms, day camps, and city events get kids more involved and provide educational entertainment.

GameTruck Hilton Head  – which serves Savannah, Pooler, Hilton Head Is. & the surrounding area  – has two distinct Summer of STEAM programs, Space and Plants & Animals, both geared towards ages 6-12.

These programs are flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. GameTruck is also a great student reward and fundraising option. Contact GameTruck if you have any questions or would like to schedule a demo presentation: 888-602-GAME (4263) 843-619-7FUN (7386) More info here.

GameTruck Hilton Head is locally owned & operated.

Book Now: GameTruck brings the excitement right to your door 888-602-GAME (4263) 843-619-7FUN (7386)

Gametruck Hilton Head, (843) 619-7386, email jason.stockwell@gametruckparty.com , www.gametruckparty.com/HiltonHead On Facebook here. GameTruck is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Pottery camp at Savannah’s Clay Spot are underway and limited spots still available so register now at www.savannahsclayspot.com

Each week young students will learn a variety of ceramic techniques. Children will create on the potter’s wheel and use several hand building methods as they unleash their imaginations as they create wonderful works of art. Each camp will have an inspirational theme and will be different each week, giving the opportunity for children to be involved in multiple camps.

Click here to register

Camp Schedule
Each weekly camp will be held Monday-Friday 9am-12noon
$150 includes all supplies

Week 3- June 16- June 20, Ages 8-15
Week 4- June 23- June 27, Ages 6-10,
Week 5- July 7- July 11, Ages 6-10
Week 6- July 14-July 18, Ages 8-15
Week 7- July 21- July 25, Ages 6-10
Week 8- July 28- August 1, Ages 6-10
Week 9- August 4 -August 8, Ages 8-15
Week 10- August 11- August 15, Ages 6-10
Week 11- August 18-22, Preschool week Ages 3,4,5

Enjoy a week at Scribble Art Studio’s Summer camp and keep creating with us for a week of pottery camp and receive 20% off (see registration form for details on discounts)

Pottery Camp sizes are limited to 7-12 children so register early. Payment with registration will secure your child’s spot.There is a $50 cancellation fee for all camps
Click here to register

Savannah’s Clay Spot is at 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401. The studio sits on the SW corner of Barnard and Henry Street with the front door facing Henry St. There is parking right in front of the studio facing Henry Street. Look for the fun red fence.

For all information either call Lisa Bradley at 912-509-4647 or e-mail lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

“Like” Savannah’s Clay Spot on Facebook here to stay connected.

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com, 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401, tel. 912-509-4647 or e-mail lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

You’re invited to Free Family Day: Nov. 1, 1–4 pm, Jepson Center, 207 W. York. St., Savannah

This program is free and open to the public. Funded by Georgia Power and AGL Resources.
*Major funding by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.

November Family Day:
Nov. 1
Deep River
Jepson Center
Families are invited to explore Whitfield Lovell’s earthy installations, participate in storytelling, create drawings on objects in the museum studios, and see demonstrations by local artists who incorporate historical themes in their work.

December Family Day
Dec. 6
Make Your Mark
Jepson Center
This program includes art-making activities for families and a demonstration by longtime I Have Marks to Make artist and teacher Kenneth Martin.

Register with Kip Bradley at bradleyk@telfair.org.

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Bring your kids to The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is., a museum that  offers quality educational and family-oriented play centers and programs. The Sandbox provides a stimulating, progressive setting for children and their caregivers to play and learn together.

Regular weekly event: Imagination Hour. Enjoy  an hour of fun story time every Thursday followed by a craft project. Program is included with cost of admission to museum. First-come, first-serve, so sign up when checking in at front desk. 10:30am-11:30am. More info by clicking here. 

Summer Hours:
Mon-Sat.: 10-5 April, June thru August.

Click here for more details about The Sandbox’s summer events.

Admission rates & deals

Day Rates: Adults: $6; Seniors (65+): $5; Active Military: $5; Groups of 10 plus*: $5; Children (1+): $6
(0-12 Months): Free; Members: Free

Saturday Stimulus for Locals: Locals can come play on Saturdays at The Sandbox for only $5 per person (under 1 free). A driver’s license with a “299” zip code must be presented when registering.

Membership benefits: $75 Membership Includes: 20% discount on birthday parties. Discounts on Parent’s Night Out, and our signature events. Refer a member and receive a $10 gift certificate at The Sandbox gift shop.

Stay connected by liking The Sandbox on Facebook here.

The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, www.thesandbox.org, 18A Pope Ave. (located behind St. Andrew’s By the Sea Methodist Church), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Tel: 843-842-7645 email:crinehart@thesandbox.org

The May 2014 sale on Melissa & Doug “Sunny Patch” items at Barnett Educational Supplies, Savannah has been extended to June 16!

Buy 2 and Get One FREE during the month of May 2014.

Store Hours:
M-F 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sun Closed during April, May and June

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Wilmington Is. is offering Summer 2014 mini-camps for ages 4-8 years old.

Call 912-268-6003 or email val@coachvals.com.

Registration is now open for Summer mini-camps at Coach Val’s Tumblegym, Wilmington Is.

For ages 4-8 years old. Time: 9 AM-noon or 9 AM-1 PM, Mon-Fri. Click here for more info.

The mini-summer camps are in a safe, air conditioned, bug-free environment!

Tumblegym’s experienced staff will keep your little one moving while having a great time.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym provides fun, imaginative exercise programs for children walking through 10 yr olds.

Their curriculum integrates physical skill acquisition with social and cognitive learning concepts.

Basic gymnastics and tumbling, ball handling skills, strength, balance, and all around coordination activities part of every class.

Please “like” Coach Val’s Tumblegym on Facebook here to keep up with latest news and specials.

Gift Certificates available: What great way for grandparents and family members to give child gift that invests in child’s future and development.

See website here for schedule and rates. Registration online available by clicking here.

SUMMER CAMPS DISCOUNTS

SouthernMamas discount: Mention you saw Coach Val’s Tumblegym on SouthernMamas.com site to receive 50% off annual registration fee.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym, 310 Johnny Mercer Blvd in the Wilmington Island Shopping Center (with Dollar Tree, Ace Hardware, and Goodwill) Tel: 912-268-6003, www.coachvals.com, On Facebook here. Coach Val’s Tumblegym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE SAVANNAH SUMMER CAMPS 2014, CLICK HERE.

Coach Val’s Tumblegym also has spaces still available in many of their summer classes. New students can join at any time provided space available.

Visit schedule and rates page for updated information. Mention you saw Coach Val’s Tumblegym on SouthernMamas.com site to receive 50% off annual registration fee. Various classes offered including:

Wiggle Worms 30 mins/week walkers – 2 yrs accompanied by adult GrassHoppers 45 mins/wk 2 to 3 yrs accompanied by adult Bumble Bees 60 mins/week 3 to 4 yrs FireFlies 60 mins/week 4 to 6 yrs DragonFlies 60 mins/week 6 to 8 yrs

Call 912-268-6003 or email val@coachvals.com.

Classes are in a safe, air conditioned, bug-free environment! Tumblegym’s experienced staff will keep your little one moving while having a great time.

Bring your kids to this free event this Sat. June 7, 12-3 PM to make some fabulous garden art @ Scribble Art Studio, 1115 Canal St., Pooler., 31322. All ages welcome. Create playful & whimsical art for the Y’s Community Garden. Live music & refreshments provided.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

To learn more about Scribble’s art classes & children’s birthdays in Pooler & Savannah, click here or call 912-713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Get those blackberry cobbler recipes ready!

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah u-pick blackberry fields are open for picking.

Blackberries are $3/lb. Containers are provided.

Call ahead to make sure the fields are open! (912) 921-5460

U-Pick Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry Fields: Mon. – Thur. 9 am to 12 noon, Sat. 9 am to 12 noon
CLOSED Fridays and Sundays

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419, (912) 921-5460, www.coastalgeorgiabg.org

Don’t spend a fortune this summer entertaining the kids in Savannah & the Lowcountry.

Click here to check out the $1 & $4 summer kids morning movies series 2014 at three theaters in Savannah & two Pooler. Movies are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings start June 3 & run through July. See the movies that are playing & showtimes here.

For more free & almost free kids’ summer Savannah & Lowcountry events, click here

Are Headaches, Earaches, and Jaw Pain Impacting Your Life? TMJ May Be to Blame

Do you suffer from regular headaches? Do you have earaches, stuffiness, ringing in the ears, or vertigo? Does your jaw hurt, stick, or make sounds? If you suffer regularly from these symptoms, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder, called either TMJ or TMD. Perhaps 90% of people seeking treatment for this condition are women like you in the prime of life.

Treatment of your TMJ can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, without drugs and without surgery, allowing you to spend more time doing the things you love with the people you love.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ is when one or both joints that connect the jaw to the skull are not functioning properly. This may be because the cushioning disc in the joint is displaced or damaged. There may be inflammation of the ligaments or muscles in the joint. It may be that the joints, muscles, bones, and teeth aren’t working harmoniously together, which can lead to muscle fatigue and spasms, worn teeth, and other effects.

The most characteristic symptom of TMJ is jaw sounds. If your jaw makes a popping or snapping sound during motion, especially if it’s accompanied by irregular jaw movement, you likely have TMJ. If your jaw makes a grinding sound when it moves, you likely have advanced TMJ in which the cushioning disc has degraded, allowing bones to rub against one another.

Several Types of Jaw Pain

TMJ can cause many complex symptoms, and this includes jaw pain. You may suffer pain in the jaw joint itself. This may accompany irregular motion and jaw sounds.

You may also experience muscle pain and soreness in your jaw. This is more likely to occur after you eat or spend a long time talking, but it may also seem spontaneous. It may come and go with stressful times that cause you to clench your teeth. If you clench your teeth overnight, you may wake with this pain.

Sometimes you may get a sharp, stinging pain in your jaw. These sudden, electric pains are caused when TMJ leads to pressure on a nerve.

If you clench or grind your teeth, you may also suffer pain in your teeth and bones. This dull ache is the result of the intense pressure your clenching is putting on the teeth and jaws.

Tension Headaches and Migraines

TMJ can also lead to recurring headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. They’re caused by tense, spasming muscles that put pressure on the skull and nerves. TMJ can lead to tension headaches because none of our muscles work alone. The muscles in your jaw partner with muscles in the face, head, and neck. When your jaw muscles are overworked and tense, they share their load with these other muscles, passing on tension to your head and neck, which can cause tension headaches.

TMJ can increase the frequency and severity of migraines. Tension headaches caused by TMJ can trigger migraines, but TMJ can also irritate the trigeminal nerve, one of the trigger points for migraines.

Ear-Related Symptoms

The temporal bone is one of the bones in your skull. It’s not just where your jaw meets the skull, it’s also the home of the delicate structures of your ear.

TMJ can put pressure on this bone, interfering with the fine workings of the ear. The result can be a feeling of stuffiness or pain in the ear. This can progress to other symptoms, such as ringing in the ears, which may actually be your body misinterpreting pain signals from ear or may be the product of interference with the hearing system. Vertigo can result if pressure on the temporal bone interferes with the balance system in the vestibular canals.

Treating TMJ

The optimal treatment for TMJ depends on the severity of your condition.

For many people, home care works great. Take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and swelling. Apply heat to sore muscles. Try to use your jaw less by eating soft foods and cutting food into smaller pieces. Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress that can trigger TMJ.

However, if you don’t get good results from home care, a neuromuscular dentist can help. Trained in the proper function of your jaw, these dentists have many techniques that can help reduce or eliminate TMJ.

First, they might use TENS, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, a kind of electric massage, to relax muscles of your jaw. Sometimes this is all that’s necessary to keep your jaw system healthy and prevent symptoms. It may need to be repeated a few times or regularly to get optimal results.

If TENS isn’t enough to get your jaw in optimal position, a neuromuscular dentist may recommend an orthotic. This is a small appliance that you wear in your mouth to help your jaw stay in the proper position. You will normally wear this while you sleep, but you may also wear it during the day.

If the orthotic is working well, but you want to get the same results without using the appliance, you can talk to your dentist about building up your teeth. This may be especially helpful if you have teeth that have been worn down or damaged by clenching or grinding.

In rare cases, surgery on the jaw joint may be recommended. For most people, though, it’s possible to get TMJ relief without surgery.

That means fewer headaches, less jaw pain, and more days spent in the sun with your family.

Dr. Adam Hahn is a cosmetic and TMJ dentist who works with his father Paul Hahn at Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, South Carolina. Adam is a family man who enjoys the outdoors and being an active member of his community. His office can be reached at 803-223-7655.

Dr. Adam Hahn is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Two Sisters Travel – the Disney Deal experts – are giving away a $25 Disney Gift Card this week!

To enter to win, go to Two Sisters Travel Facebook page by clicking here. Then share what you love most about Disney in the COMMENTS of What Do You Love Most About Disney photo on Two Sisters Travel’s Facebook page.

The comment with the most likes by midnight on June 7th wins a $25 Disney Gift Card.

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel
843.284.3241
Become a Facebook fan here.

Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Check out Savannah Children’s Museum, next to Georgia State Railroad Museum. Starting Aug. 31, 2014, the museum offers daily kids’ activities Wed-Sun., weather permitting.

Beginning August 31st 2014, the hours at Savannah Children’s Museum will be as follows:
Sunday: 11am-4pm
Wednesday through Saturday: 10am-4pm
On Mondays that Savannah Chatham County Public Schools are not in session(including Labor Day), SCM will be open 10am-4pm.

(Summer Hours begin June 1 through Aug. 30 2014: Savannah Children’s Museum’s Summer Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Saturday: 9am-2pm)

Please call 912-651-6823 for details.

Savannah Children’s Museum is opening in 2 phases. Exploration Station is phase 1 and is a unique 1 acre, 2 level outdoor exhibit area set in the ruins of a Central of Georgia Railroad building.

ADMISSION COST:
$7.50 per person ages
1 and older or
Take the Leap and purchase a 1 year Family Membership! Membership info here.

Looking for a fun place to play & learn with the kids this week? Daily programming subject to change.

Mondays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Tuesdays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Super Science 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Wednesdays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Awesome Art: 11 AM
Water Wonders: 11:30-12:30

Regular Thursdays in Summer (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Regular Fridays in Summer Mondays (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Creative Crafts 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Regular Saturdays in Summer (9AM-2PM)
Story time: 10 AM & 1 PM
Awesome Art: 11 AM
Water Wonders 11:30-12:30

Program Descriptions:
Water Wonders: a free-play water based program in which children of all ages (this means adults too!) can cool off during the hot Savannah summer! Children may wear bathing suits during this program, but are required to put their clothes and shoes back on when the program is over.
Creative Crafts : a fun program designed to allow children to create something special to take home using their imaginations and creativity. This program is generally appropriate for ages 3-12.
Story Time: (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)
Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
Toddler Art ( program specifically geared to introduce toddler age children to new art-focused experiences that are highly sensory. This program is generally appropriate for ages 2-4.)

Stay connected with Savannah Children’s Museum by liking their Facebook page here.

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401, (912) 651-4292, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser