Parents are invited to attend this free Savannah event to explore the benefits of healthy eating & wellness in children
Join Greenbriar Children’s Center to explore the benefits of healthy eating and wellness in children, from birth to age five. This fun-filled morning takes place inside Savannah Tech’s Eckburg Auditorium on Sat. Sept. 9, 9AM-12PM
Highlights of the day include a panel discussion from a variety of nutritional and health experts, Q&A session, vital health assessment, kid’s play area, and the chance to speak individually with panelists. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of healthy snack options, as well as visit with various wellness-related vendors.
RSVP is not required but encouraged. RSVP here. Partners for the event include Forsyth Farmer’s Market, Georgia Department of Early Care & Learning, Healthy Savannah, and others.
FREE & open to the public.
Where: Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31405
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that results in a rapid buildup of your skin cells, causing frustrating and disruptive irritation. It can occur in various forms, and on different areas of your body. Fortunately, there are psoriasis treatments available, and your health care provider can help.
“Breastfeeding is a natural thing, but it doesn’t come natural to everyone,” Dickerson explained. “I can even speak from personal experience. I didn’t breastfeed my first child, because I had no experience in doing so. But when I became a nurse practitioner with SouthCoast Health and started working with our lactation consultants, I was able to successfully breastfeed my second child. The same can happen for any mom who has the right guidance.”
To help guide mothers who are considering breastfeeding, Dickerson answers questions commonly asked in her practice. See the Q&A here.
If you have any other questions about breastfeeding or if you’d like to meet with one of SouthCoast Health’s talented and qualified lactation specialties, call SouthCoast Health’s Richmond Hill pediatric office today at 912-527-5352.
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SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
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Below is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Kathryn Drury Wagner with the nonprofit BeSMART
When preparing for playdates and sleepovers for the kids, you’ve prepped for these with conversations like, “should he bring a sleeping bag?” or “please have her bring a swimsuit.” There’s another important topic to consider—talking about secure firearm storage. That’s because firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. But these tragedies are preventable, and it’s more important than ever for families to talk about secure firearm storage.
I get it. It can feel super uncomfortable to talk about this. But hey, your kids’ safety is your business. Just like you’d ask about other safety stuff—like whether a family has a cat (pack that Claritin!) or if an adult will be home during a teen’s party—you can and should ask about how guns are stored. (The gold standard for secure storage is to keep all guns unloaded, locked up, and separate from ammunition.)
So how do we talk about this without feeling weird? Alot of moms find that texting makes this conversation so much less awkward. Here are some examples of what you could say:
“Before I drop my son off, I just wanted to check to see if you have pets? And also ask if you have firearms in your house and confirm how they are stored. I want to make sure he knows your safety rules.”
Or,
“I know my daughter hasn’t been to your home before and I do like to ask a few safety questions. She is skittish around dogs, do you have any? Also, do you own any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? She doesn’t have any allergies. Thanks so much.”
If you own a firearm, you could say:
“Hi! We just got a new puppy—I wanted to flag in case there were any allergies. Also, I wanted to let you know that we hunt in the fall, but our guns are stored securely, unloaded, locked, with the ammunition stored separately. Can’t wait to see you!”
If your child is a teen:
“Hey, excited the kids are getting together. I know that they’ve hung out a lot, but my daughter has never been over to your house so I want to confirm a couple of things: Will an adult be at the house the whole time? I heard a story on the news that made me realize I should always ask this—do you have any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? Also, do you need me to pick her up or can you give her a ride home?”
For teenage babysitters:
Ask your teen if they would like to take the lead on asking, or if they would like you to ask on their behalf. Sample texts could be:
[From a teen] “I’m confirming 7 p.m. on Saturday. Let me know if the kids want me to bring some games? Also, my parents wanted me to ask if there are any unsecured guns in the home? Thanks!”
[Or from you] “We’re excited to have Harper babysit your twins on Saturday. I heard a story on the news that made me realize I should always ask this—do you have any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? Also, do you need me to pick her up or can you give her a ride home?”
Safer kids, safer communities
After you text a few of these conversations, it becomes much more natural. And it’s so worth it, because we can never make assumptions when a child’s safety is at stake.
Want more resources? Check out the nonprofit BeSMART.
Spine health experts @ SouthCoast Health in Savannah remind parents that your child could be doing more harm than good by improperly wearing their backpack.
Above are some “dos” and “don’ts” to help ensure your little one’s spine isn’t experiencing any damage this school year.
Does your child need an eye exam, and if so, when should they have one? Here’s everything parents should know about eye care for children.
SouthCoast Health provides info here on everything parents should know about eye care for children.
Eye care experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that children receive their first screening at birth, and then again at six months to check that their eyes are developing normally. Thereafter, it’s a good idea to bring your child for an exam annually.
“Eye exams are more than just a way to determine whether your child may need glasses,” says SouthCoast Health optometrist, Edward D. Sammons, O.D (pictured) in Savannah. “They’re also a form of ongoing, preventive care.”
Learn about vision screenings at schools and what to expect at pediatric eye exams here.
If you have a six years old or older child due for an eye exam, schedule an appointment with one of SouthCoast Health’s eye care providers by calling 912-691-3600. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including eye care for children and adults. See SouthCoast Health’s full list of primary care and specialty services online.
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Find SouthCoast Health safety tips for all things summer & July 4th related: fireworks, grilling, swimming & more here.
“We want all community members to have fun and make the most out of this holiday,” said SouthCoast Health Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Michelle Wilson. “But we also want to stress the importance of keeping in mind safety and health precautions as well. On any big holiday with parties and events, there are always elevated risks to be aware of.”
If you have questions about keeping you and your family safe this summer, or if you would like to talk to a medical expert about anything health and safety related, make an appointment with SouthCoast Health here.
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Getting your child ready for back-to-school involves a lot.
But remember to prioritize your child’s health amid all that back-to-school business.
“I’m a parent myself, so I understand how busy the start of school season can be,” said SouthCoast Health pediatrician and mom Dr. Jami Scanlon (pictured) “But in the hustle-and-bustle it’s crucial to put health-related check-ups at the top of the to-do list, as it will set the tone for your child’s entire school year.”
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While many ticks are harmless, certain species – including wood and deer ticks – can carry germs that cause illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Recently, a new tick-related concern has emerged: alpha-gal syndrome.
SouthCoast Health Department of Allergy and Immunology is made up of experienced specialists and offers up-to-date treatment for allergic diseases. Schedule an appointment: 912-527-5335.
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According to Coastal Care Partners Pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander: “It’s smart for all parents to know in emergency situations. That’s why we consider this such an incredibly important service to offer to our community.”
The Pediatric CPR classes are 30-minute classes offered once a week at 11:45AM on Thursdays at Coastal Care Partners’ office, located at 4B Skidaway Village Walk.
These classes offer one-on-one instruction with Shelley Fields, who serves as Medical Assistant for Coastal Care Partners’ pediatric clinic and has 24 years of experience as a paramedic.
“These 30-minute classes are a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and babysitters to learn practical tips and ask questions in a comforting environment,” said Dr. Alexander.
These classes – which are open to the public – are not certification courses.
Pre-registration is required, and interested participants are able to sign up by calling the Coastal Care Partners office @ 912.598.6312 or register online here.
Cost: $55 for members of Coastal Care Partners’ Pediatric and/or Adult Primary Care practices, and $65 for nonmembers.
“About 27 percent of visits to the emergency are in the summer months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Karen Reed said.
Top summer emergencies include: heat stroke, dehydration, bug and snake bites, serious falls.
SouthCoast Health provides an Urgent Care clinic to the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire area of Georgia.
Find more information about summertime emergencies or SouthCoast Health’s urgent care here.
SouthCoast Health Pediatric Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics
Savannah (Pediatrics)
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16 Saturday, 9AM to Noon Sunday, 9AM to Noon
Walk-Ins Only
Richmond Hill (Pediatrics)
89 Interchange Dr, Ste B Saturday, 9AM to Noon
Walk-Ins Only
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If you’re due for a doctor’s visit to prevent lapses in medication refills, turn to SouthCoast Health. With an extensive network of more than 120 providers, SouthCoast Health offers compassionate, comprehensive care for the whole family. Browse through SouthCoast Health list of physicians online or schedule an appointment by calling 912.691.3600.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah has been the local baby experts since 1971. They offer three convenient locations in Savannah to ensure your baby’s health needs are always met 365 days a year.
Pediatric Associates has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler.
School’s out, and with the warm, sunny days ahead, boat rides and trips to the beach or pool are likely in your future! As you plan for your family’s summer fun, it’s important to keep water safety in mind.
As the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 years old and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14, drowning accidents affect nearly 1,000 children per year, mostly between the months of May and August. So this summer, stay prepared with the below water safety tips!
Start Swim Lessons Early
Swimming is a life-saving skill that we need to teach our children and it is never too early to start. Children can start ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) swim lessons as early as six months old to learn how to float on their backs. Standard classes usually start at 18 months and teach small children how to swim to a pool ledge or short distances. Older children should learn different swim strokes to equip them for situations like fighting currents.
We do not recommend using swim floaties to teach children to swim properly. Floaties hold a child upright, encouraging them to bob up and down instead of swimming horizontally. However, families with multiple children or children that have no fear may need to use swim floaties for certain children. If your child wears swim floaties, make sure they do not take them off the entire time you are in the gated area of the pool and continue to keep them within arm’s reach.
Never Swim Alone
When kids are around water, make sure they are never left alone, including during bath time. Adults should know how to swim themselves and should never be less than an arm’s length away from kids who are not strong swimmers. For older children, make sure they always have a swimming partner. If your child is attending a camp with a pool, ensure the area is fenced and that life jackets will be provided for open water activities. While lifeguards on duty are a wonderful resource, do not rely on lifeguards alone to watch your children.
Know the Signs of Drowning & How to React
It is smart for all parents and kids to know what to do in emergency situations. Teach your children that if another child pulls them under water, even if that child cannot swim, they need to
kick that child off of them and yell for help from an adult. Limit distractions while watching your child swim because drowning is silent as opposed to what you see in the movies where kids make noise and flail their arms. Most start with their head bobbing above water, but their mouth and nose are underwater. We recommend that all parents take a CPR course in the event of an emergency, and we offer 30-minute one-on-one instruction in our office for anyone who is interested. Call 912-598-6312 for more information!
Pool Tips
If you have children or grandchildren that are not strong swimmers, it is incredibly important to install a fence around all four sides of your backyard pool. If one side of the fence is open to the house, it is just as dangerous as not having a fence. The fence should be at least four-feet high and non-climbable with a self-closing, self-locking gate. Until you can install a fence, we recommend installing locks at the top of the door and utilizing door alarms so that children cannot access the pool. When hosting families with children that are not strong swimmers, the pool should be fully enclosed, locked, and/or monitored even if children are not ‘supposed’ to be swimming. If hosting a pool party, consider hiring a lifeguard or designating “Water Watchers” to watch the pool for 15-minute increments, and avoid using large floats in the pool to improve visibility.
Open Water Tips
Open water is unpredictable and susceptible to several dangers like currents, rip tides, limited visibility, depth, and uneven surfaces. If your backyard leads to open water, consider fencing off access. Children should have Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all boat rides and recreational activities on the water. Teach children best practices, like only swimming in designated areas, always entering feet first, and avoiding cold water that can cause shock.
Protect yourself from the heat while still enjoying the perks of life in Savannah.
“When it comes to extreme summer weather, it’s important to know how and why you are vulnerable,” said SouthCoast Health primary care physician Dr. Adam Novack. “If you are aware of those vulnerabilities, like dehydration, sun burn, and fatigue, you can take steps to prevent them while still being able to spend time outdoors.”
Four tips from SouthCoast Health to help you and your family to beat the heat:
If you have any questions about health-related issues this summer, call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600 for help. Make an appointment with SouthCoast Health throug primary care services and ensure you and your family have a happy, healthy summer.
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Latch helps those who are looking to find success with pumping when returning to work, exclusively pump, or those who just want to occasionally feed their baby pumped milk for whatever the reason!
