Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah

The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

Imagine if your shoulder and arm muscles were weak and you couldn’t lift or hold your child. You would do something about that, right?

Now, what if weak muscles caused you to leak urine when you run, laugh, cough or sneeze? This could mean you need to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which are a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus. Just like your other muscles, you need to work on getting them stronger. As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, I can assess your pelvic floor muscles and make sure you are firing them correctly.

At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.

At Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, our goal is to provide a comfortable environment with individualized treatment programs to make sure you receive the most from each of your visits.

Now is the time to address your urinary incontinence because, unfortunately, this problem can get worse. As we age, our ligaments, tendons, and muscles get weaker.

If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, please feel free to contact me directly: Stacey McKenzie, , (912) 644-5333.

Stacey McKenzie is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Vaught Orthodontics has teamed up with the Savannah Bananas as the Official Smile of the Bananas!

Check  Vaught Orthodontics out in the outfield. You can’t miss it!

Vaught Orthodontics is always excited to welcome new smiles to the Fin Grin Family.

Call for a complimentary consultation in the Savannah or Richmond Hill Office.

Savannah Location
7650 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31406
912-200-3452

Richmond Hill Location
2701 Highway 17, 2B
Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
912-756-2309

See photos of Vaught Orthodontics patients & offices on Facebook here & on Instagram here. 

Vaught Orthodontics in Savannah & Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Uncompromising care to create incredible smiles is only where we begin at Vaught Orthodontics.

Dr. Bob Vaught is certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and has practiced in Savannah and Richmond Hill for over twenty-five years.

Vaught Orthodontics’ experienced team provides leading edge orthodontic care for patients of all ages with traditional braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen in an atmosphere that is family friendly and focused on service.

Vaught Orthodontics offers a complimentary initial consultation, affordable treatment options with flexible no interest payment programs, and accept direct payment for most insurance plans.

Two locations allow Vaught Orthodontics to better accommodate your family’s busy schedule.

Savannah location
7650 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31406
912-200-3452

Richmond Hill location
2701 Highway 17, 2B
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
912-756-2309

Call Vaught Orthodontics to schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation.

See photos of Vaught Orthodontics patients & offices on Facebook here & on Instagram here. 

Vaught Orthodontics in Savannah & Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The Chatham County Health Department has scheduled two back-to-school clinics in July. Free eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screenings will be available at both events.

Parents are encouraged to get whatever screenings and immunizations their children need well in advance of the first day of school to avoid longer wait times.

Chatham County Health Department (Eisenhower Drive location only).
Free vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screening for Chatham County school students. No appointment necessary. (Normally a $30 fee applies when getting the screening at the health department).
WHEN: 8:30AM-4PM, Thurs. July 19
8:30AM-4PM, Thurs. July 26
WHERE: Chatham County Health Department, 1395 Eisenhower Drive
WHY: The Chatham County Health Department wants to help parents beat the back-to-school rush by offering free vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screenings on two separate days this summer at the Eisenhower health department location. Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Immunization services will also be available at regular cost.

Students entering a Georgia school for the first time – no matter what the grade level – must have a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition screening form. “First time” means never enrolled in a Georgia school before at any time in their lives. In addition, children born on or after January 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade and new entrants into Georgia schools in grades 8 through 12 must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine. (“New entrant” means any child entering any school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year).

For additional information, call the Chatham County Health Department at 356-2441.

MORE SCREENINGS

All health departments offer eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screens as well as immunizations all year round including:

Camden County Health Department*
1501 Georgia Avenue, Woodbine
1-4PM, Tues. July 24

Camden County Health Department*
905 Dilworth Street, St. Marys
1-4PM, Thurs. July 26
*(Free Eye, Ear, Dental & Nutrition Screens)

Chatham County Health Department*
1395 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah
8:30AM – 4PM, Thurs., July 19
8:30AM – 4PM, Thurs., July 26
*(Free Eye, Ear, Dental & Nutrition Screens)

Liberty County Health Department
1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville
8:30AM-6PM, Thurs., July 19
8:30AM-6PM, Thurs., July 26
8:30AM-4PM, Mon., July 30

Long County Health Department
8AM–7PM, Thurs. July 19
584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
(Closed for lunch from noon-1PM)

McIntosh County Health Department
1335 GA Hwy. 57, Townsend
8AM-6:30PM, Tues. July 17
McIntosh County Health Department

Dr. Krista @ Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry in Savannah reminds you to schedule your child’s appointment during summer break while the kids are out of school.

The goal is for children age 1 to 18 to visit the dentist every six months.

At Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, patients receive Dogwood chapsticks, sunglasses and calendar magnets that are free to take on their appointment day.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry accepts most insurance including the following insurance: Amerigroup, CareSource, PeachState and Well Care (these are all Georgia Medicaid) The other main ones accepted @ Dogwood are United Concordia/Tricare (military), Ameritas, MetLife and Cigna.

New patients being accepted.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry
4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101
Savannah, GA 31405
912-298-KIDS (5437)

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, www.dogwoodsmiles.com, 4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101, Savannah 31405, 912-298-KIDS (5437), email admin@dogwoodsmiles.com. Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Summer Speech Therapy

Summer is a great time for private speech therapy services!

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island is happy to help continue your child’s therapy progress through the school summer break. They are flexible with their time slots, making therapy convenient to busy families.

To make an appointment, please contact The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire: 912 235 2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

A new speech therapist is joining the team @ The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island in Savannah.

The team at the Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is growing. They are so happy to introduce their new speech pathologist, Abby Stuckey CCC-SLP.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire therapists are all nationally certified and state licensed with experience working with children of all ages. Abby is very excited to get started at TSCCE.

To make an appointment, please contact  The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire @ 912 235 2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Attention expectant parents.

Pediatrics Associates of Savannah invites you to a free “Baby Basics” class at 6PM on the first Thursday of each month.

This class is FREE to expectant families (but reservations requested).

Come join Dr Brandy Gheesling (pictured here). Held after office hours the first Thursday of each month, at the Waters Ave location. Space will be limited, so to register or for more information about the class please email BabyBasics@pedsav.com or call  (912) 355-2462.

Classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm at Pediatrics Associates of Savannah main office (4600 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA).

New Pediatric Associates Web site

Pediatric Associates of Savannah has a brand new and improved Web site! Check it out at pedsav.com.

New to the area & in need of a pediatrician? Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler. Learn more here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, by ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.comOn Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

What’s better than a free workout on Saturday morning?

A FREE Workout + Tacos!

It’s Cinco de Mayo AND First Saturday Friend Fest at Crossfit Hyperformance Athletics in Savannah.

Join Crossfit Hyperformance Athletics, Savannah this Saturday at 9AM for the classic First Saturday Friend Fest workout. Bring a friend or come make a new one. Then stay for taco salad bar and a viewing of the movie Redeemed and Dominant (a Crossfit Games documentary).

If you stay for the movie, make sure to bring a lawn chair or something comfy to sit in.

CrossFit Hyperformance​, 904 E. 70th St.Savannah, 31405
email crossfithp@gmail.com, tel: 912-335-3615, CrossFit Hyperformance is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Summer Services

Summer is a great time for private speech therapy services.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island in Savannah is happy to help continue your child’s therapy progress through the school summer break. They are flexible with their time slots, making therapy convenient to busy families.

To make an appointment, please contact their office: 912 235 2166.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The next prenatal yoga @ Memorial Health’s FitnessOne in Savannah begins May 7 2018.

The six-week course meets Mondays*, from 5:45-6:45PM at FitnessOne in the Memorial Outpatient & Wellness Center. Cost: $75.

A yoga instructor specially certified in prenatal yoga leads the class, which is designed to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and keep you fit for childbirth. Prenatal yoga improves strength and flexibility, aids in digestion and mood, and exercises the spine. The practice of yoga enhances the mind-body connection, leading to a sense of wellness and more restful sleep.

No previous yoga experience is required.

Call FitnessOne at 912-350-4030 to register or go to: women.memorialhealth.com

Gift certificates are available.

* No class on Memorial Day, May 28.

Memorial Outpatient & Wellness Center
Third Floor
4700 Waters Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404

_______________________________

Memorial Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry in Savannah is doing even more to help put your child at ease when visiting the dentist.

The practice is building a sensory quiet room for those with special needs and for younger ones, age 1-3.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry accepts most insurance including the following insurance: Amerigroup, CareSource, PeachState and Well Care (these are all Georgia Medicaid) The other main ones accepted @ Dogwood are United Concordia/Tricare (military), Ameritas, MetLife and Cigna.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry in Savannah is accepting new patients and you can request an appointment online by visiting their Web site here.  

SPECIAL NEEDS PATIENTS

If you’re the parent or guardian of a child with disabilities, you’ll appreciate the support, skill and compassion found with Dr. Krista and our office.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry can help put your child on the path of good oral health with a preventative dental care plan customized to fit your child’s needs.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry
4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101
Savannah, GA 31405
912-298-KIDS (5437)

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, www.dogwoodsmiles.com, 4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101, Savannah 31405, 912-298-KIDS (5437), email admin@dogwoodsmiles.com. Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Feeding Issues

Is your child a picky eater? Are mealtimes stressful?

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire in Savannah can help! Their therapists can evaluate your child’s oral motor abilities and determine if there are any sensitivities.

To make an appointment, please contact their office: 912-235-2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island is now accepting new referrals.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Uncompromising care to create incredible smiles is only where we begin at Vaught Orthodontics.

Dr. Bob Vaught is certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and has practiced in Savannah and Richmond Hill for over twenty-five years.

Vaught Orthodontics’ experienced team provides leading edge orthodontic care for patients of all ages with traditional braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen in an atmosphere that is family friendly and focused on service.

Vaught Orthodontics offers a complimentary initial consultation, affordable treatment options with flexible no interest payment programs, and accept direct payment for most insurance plans.

Two locations allow Vaught Orthodontics to better accommodate your family’s busy schedule.

Savannah location
7650 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31406
912-200-3452

Richmond Hill location
2701 Highway 17, 2B
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
912-756-2309

Call Vaught Orthodontics to schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation.

See photos of Vaught Orthodontics patients & offices on Facebook here & on Instagram here. 

Vaught Orthodontics in Savannah & Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire in Savannah is In-Network for most insurance, including:

Medicaid, Amerigroup, Peach State, Care Source, Aetna, Cigna, BC/BS, Tricare, etc.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire in Savannah would be happy to look into your therapy coverage.

Please contact their office: 912 235 2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island is now accepting new referrals.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Convenient Service Locations

Speech therapy on Wilmington Island! No need to drive across town for speech therapy services.

The therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire in Savannah are available to provide treatment at their office location on Wilmington Island, or at daycares/private preschools. The goal is to make speech therapy services more convenient for families with busy schedules.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island is now accepting new referrals. Please contact their office at 912 235 2166.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There’s a new autism resource in Savannah that provides clinic, school, and in-home ABA and speech therapy services to families.

Learn more about CABS autism & ABA services in Savannah at an open house, Sat. April 7, 10AM-1PM @ 107 Southern Blvd., Savannah 31405 (at 16 & Chatham Parkway).

CABS provides individualized consultation and therapy services to children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Communication Disorders, Behavior Disorders & Learning Disabilities.

Come learn about the services offered; meet the team; get answers to your insurance questions & more.

About CABS

CABS provides individualized consultation and therapy services to children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Services are provided in the home, school, community, and clinic settings.

Using the guiding principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the CABS team works closely with you and your child to determine a treatment approach that will best meet your child and family’s needs.

Learn more here. 

CABS is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Impact of Hearing Issues/Ear Infections

Do you have concerns about your child’s hearing? Do they have a history or ear infections?

Your child may not be hearing well if they are: not following directions well, often ask for repetition of what you said, respond slowly or don’t respond when spoken to, or having trouble paying attention.

Persistent ear infections can have major impacts on your child hearing due to fluid in the middle ear.

Imagine if you were trying to hear something underwater- That is what it might sound like to your child. This can affect their acquisition of speech and language.

Once the ear infections are treated, the therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island in Savannah can help assess and treat any speech/language delays.

To schedule an evaluation, please contact The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire at 912 235 2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Articulation 

Is it difficult to understand your child’s speech? Are there certain sounds that your child struggle with?

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Is. in Savannah can help!

The Speech Clinic’s therapists can complete a full articulation evaluation, assessing each speech sound, and the results will help determine if therapy is needed. The Speech Clinic’s therapists are equipped with strategies to work on any erred speech sound.

To schedule an evaluation, please contact our office: 912-235-2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire
315 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Suite D
Wilmington Island
Savannah, GA 31410
912.235.2166
email: TSCCoastalEmpire@gmail.com

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Attention Pooler parents. Coastal Pediatrics is now open in Pooler in addition to their Savannah location.

The practice is located on Towne Center Boulevard near another Pooler parents’ favorite – Pooler Pediatric Dentistry.

About Coastal Pediatrics 

Dr. Dudley Stone, Dr. Melissa Behm, Dr. Kelsey Alexander, Dr. Matt Wilson, Jessica Glover, FNP, and Kathryn Campbell, CPNP appreciate the opportunity to provide your child with the highest quality pediatric care.

From their child-friendly exam rooms to their helpful and courteous reception staff, the crew at Coastal Pediatrics tried to think of every detail to make your visit to their office as pleasant as possible!

Additionally, they promise to offer superior and professional customer service. Coastal Pediatrics is confident that you will find the staff courteous, friendly and willing to help in every way possible.

Their themed exam rooms, bubble-blowing nurses, and treasure chest for shot visits help make a trip to the doctor as fun as possible! They’re excited to welcome you to the Coastal Pediatrics family!

Coastal Pediatrics has offices in Savannah and Pooler. Call 353-7744 to schedule an appointment.

Coastal Pediatrics would also love to meet you for a free prenatal consult.

Learn more here.

Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler Street
Savannah, GA 31405

Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler, GA 31322

Coastal Pediatrics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Searching for a pediatric dentists in Pooler?

Check out the reviews on the Pooler Pediatric Dentistry Web site here. 

The office at Pooler Pediatric Dentistry  is specially designed with children in mind with video games and ceiling-mounted TVs and a friendly staff who enjoy working with younger patients! They even offer sedation for those children that are too young or nervous to otherwise complete treatment.

Let Pooler Pediatric Dentistry show your child how fun a trip to the dentist can be!

Dr. Carla G. Stappenbeck is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with degrees from Harvard University and the University of Maryland and a certificate from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She is excited to be serving Chatham and the surrounding counties.

Pooler Pediatric Dentistry
120 Towne Center Drive, Suite 500
Pooler, GA 31322
912-376-9296
Email: frontdesk@poolerpd.com

Learn more here.

See more reviews about Pooler Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook here. 

Pooler Pediatric Dentistry, poolerpd.com, 120 Towne Center Drive, Suite 500 Pooler, 31322, 912-376-9296, email frontdesk@poolerpd.com, On Facebook here.     Pooler Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Pragmatic Language Delays/Autism

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. The therapists @ The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island in Savannah can help assess and treat many of these developmental areas.

The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. It is important that each person receives an in-depth evaluation and personalized therapy goals to receive the most success. The Speech Clinic’s therapists have experience with children at all levels on the spectrum and take pride in making therapy as functional for the family as possible.

To schedule an evaluation, please call 912 235 2166.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire
315 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Suite D
Wilmington Island
Savannah, GA 31410
912.235.2166
email: TSCCoastalEmpire@gmail.com

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Preparing for your child’s first dentist visit?

Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond Hill offers tips to help lessen any anxiety & prepare your child for their first dental visit here. 

Surfside Kids’ tips include: Tell your child that he/she is going to the dentist and the dentist is going to count their teeth, probably take some pictures (x-rays) of their teeth, and clean their teeth with a special toothbrush.

See more ways to prepare your child here.

Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry has two convenient locations:

*256 Scranton Connector, STE 110 Brunswick,GA 31525
*135 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry; 912.715.SURF; www.surfsidekids.com Follow on Instagram here & on Facebook here. 
Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Developmental Delays

Do you have concerns about your child’s expressive language? Are they talking as much as they should? Do they understand simple directions? Is it hard to understand your child’s speech?

Children develop speech and language skills at different rates and it can be challenging to determine if they are on the right track. The therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire on Wilmington Island in Savannah can help! Therapists complete in-depth evaluations and assess all aspects of communication.

If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation, please contact The Speech Clinic office: 912 235 2166

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire
315 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Suite D
Wilmington Island
Savannah, GA 31410
912.235.2166
email: TSCCoastalEmpire@gmail.com

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser