One in three children in Chatham County is considered obese. Studies show that overweight kids are more likely to become overweight and obese adults. If obesity among kids continues to increase at this rate, our current generation could become the first in history to live shorter and sicker lives than their parents

To aid in curbing this growing epidemic of childhood obesity, the Junior League of Savannah will be hosting their second annual Fit Kids Fest on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Optimist Field in Daffin Park.

Fit Kids Fest is a free community event, focused on increasing awareness and prevention of childhood obesity by providing children and their parents with resources and tools to help them make more educated choices and live more active, healthy lifestyles.

Junior League members will be offering tips on making healthy meals and snacks, and providing several opportunities for children to engage in physical activity demonstrations.

Thanks to generous partners at the Savannah Sand Gnats minor league baseball team, the first 250 children who attend Fit Kids Fest will also receive a free ticket to the Sand Gnats baseball game at Historic Grayson Stadium later on that same evening.

Please invite children and their parents to attend Fit Kids Fest this spring.

By turning education into action, we can all play a part in the fight against childhood obesity and improve the lives of children in our community.

For more information Contact: Jessi Horne Junior League of Savannah, Fit Kids Fest Chair ejhorne04@gmail.com

Beginning March 1 2014: Stroller Strides Fit4Mom of Savannah is proud to introduce their latest program, L.E.A.N. Mommy!

Lead by their instructor and licensed psychotherapist Blythe Wyatt Conway, MA LPC, this 8 week counseling program is designed to bring mommies together in a home environment to learn how to get off the diet band wagon for good.

Utilizing behavior and cognitive modification tools, proven stress reduction techniques and nutrition education, L.E.A.N. Mommy will teach you how to bring the balance back into your whole being, mind body and soul.

Current Fit4Mom members receive a special introductory rate of $125* Non-members rate of $250*
*All prices include educational materials. Non-members price includes 3 Stroller Strides classes per week for the 8 week program.

Any questions? Email blythewyatt@fit4mom.com

For more information contact: Natalia Lucero at natalialucero@strollerstrides.net , visit www.strollerstrides.com or facebook Stroller Strides of Savannah at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerStridesOfSavannah. Stroller Strides of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a way to lose that baby weight without having to put your baby in childcare? Check out Stroller Strides of Savannah/FIT4MOM Savannah from in MOTION media on Vimeo.

FIT4MOM Savannah is a fitness program for moms offering pre and post-natal fitness classes for every stage of motherhood.

Classes & events in Pooler Tom Triplett Park, Richmond Hill, Savannah Mall.

Stroller Strides/Fit4MOM is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. Classes include running/ power walking and intervals of strength training. Please visit http://savannah.fit4mom.com/  for a complete listing of classes & pricing, (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@fit4mom.com , Stroller Strides is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Stroller Strong Moms in Savannah is adding YOGA to their schedule for classes in Savannah, Richmond Hill & Pooler!

Grand Opening of their Yoga classes will be February 5. Don’t miss out.

Yoga will continue to be on their schedule twice a month.

Stroller Strong Moms are super excited to announce their new yoga instructor is Lindsay Platky.

Come on and SLAM with Stroller Strong Moms and Stretch Like A Mother.

Newcomers are welcome.

For more information, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller  Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy LLC - a pediatric therapy clinic serving the Savannah and Pooler – offers speech, occupational and physical therapy services for children in the Savannah/Pooler area. Chatterbox Pediatric’s therapists are dedicated to providing children, families and physicians with the highest quality services available.

The therapists at Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy have a true appreciation for the demanding schedules that parents of all children face day-to-day, especially those with special needs. The clinic aims to be as flexible and accommodating to parents as possible when scheduling therapy. Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy, LLC is a Medicaid Provider and makes every effort to assist families in getting the financial assistance that they need.

Stay connected with Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy by liking their Facebook page here.

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy, www.chatterboxpeds.com, 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115 Pooler, Ga  31322 912-988-1526, email info@chatterboxpeds.com Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Dr. Ranicki’s Creating Wellness Center would like to invite all Gulfstream Employees and their family members to an Appreciation Day on Wednesday Feb. 5th from 4:30-6:30.

RSVP at 912-376-1506.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/658333747546398/

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com  Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Free Monthly Support Group for New & Expectant Parents @ Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street, Savannah, 31405.

This event takes place the first Tuesday of every month and is always free.

time: 10am to 11:30am
date: March 4th, 2014
phone: 912-544-6387
email: support@erigosavannah.com
web site: http://erigosavannah.com

Come and meet fellow parents and kids. Discuss and learn different ways to enjoy parenthood. Cate Glyn-Jones, registered nurse, midwife, and lactation consultant, will be on hand to answer all of your questions. This is a free event with refreshments served and takes place the first Tuesday of every month.

~CoachWayne! Gymnastics in Savannah Mall offers world-class gymnastics, tumbling, martial arts and ballet classes.  Classes are offered for children ages 18 months to teen. More information here.

Looking for a little gym for your toddler? ~Coach Wayne! Gymnastics offers preschool classes including Parent & Child classes for children as young as 18-30 months old. Attention working parents: these parent & child classes are even offered on WEEKENDS (including Sundays!) as well as Fridays. Details here.

Other class options include:

Preschool tumbling starting at 18 months to 5 years old (offered seven days a week). Click here.

Gymnastics for ages 6 & older (offered seven days a week). Click here.

Ballet classes including Mommy & Me; beginner; intermediate; advanced (including Sunday classes) Click here.  

Martial Arts for ages 5 & older. Click here

Stay connected with ~Coach Wayne! Gymnastics on Facebook  here.

~Coach Wayne! Gymnastics,  Savannah Mall (upstairs near Dillards), 14045 Abercorn St. Suite 2506, Savannah, 31419, (888) 548-4545, email info@coachwayne.com  On Facebook here, www.coachwayne.com ~Coach Wayne! Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Yoga for adults & art classes for kids AT THE SAME TIME in Pooler!

Scribble Art Studio & Savannah Yoga in Pooler are syncing up classes for your convenience. Drop the kids of at Scribble in Pooler while you enjoy some yoga.

For questions, visit www.savannahyoga.com or www.thescribbleartstudio.com.

Stay tuned for class days & times.

Email info@scribbleartstudio.com or call 912-713-7376.

Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St Savannah, 31401, (912) 713-7376 email info@thescribbleartstudio.com , www.TheScribbleArtStudio.com , Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE Kids BootCamp
Lake Mayer Pavilion
Monday and Thursdays at 4 pm
For school aged children

No registration, just show up and join in the fun. Sponsored by COPE and Nonstop Fitness – 912.349.4902

Nonstop Fitness & Childhood Obesity Prevention & Education (COPE) sponsor this FREE kids boot camp, at 4 PM every Monday & Thursday at Lake Mayer in Savannah. Bring your kids.

COPE also has begun a free program called Project 10 Kids for children ages 10-17 who need to lose weight and get healthier.  Absolutely free and all needs are provided for participation.  Any adult interested in this for their child should contact Sandy Baker at 912.247.2086 or sbaker@copeforchange.org for more information to get started. This program begins NOW, in January and runs 60-90 days.

Stroller Strong Moms Get Fit for 2014 starts Monday at Forsyth, Tuesday at JF Gregory and Thursday at Tom Triplett!

The challenge is for EVERYONE…whether you just had a baby or you consider yourself the most fit mom on earth, GFF2014 is for you! Hold yourself accountable for 10 weeks and see what happens! Only $20!! All entry fees go towards giftcard prizes to the winners.

Newcomers are welcome. JUST SHOW UP!

Click here to sign up.

For more information, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller  Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Stroller Strong Moms will have a Grand Opening in our new Pooler location this Thursday, January 9th! Don’t miss it!

Pooler moms will have a chance to enter Get Fit for 2013 which will begin with fitness and body composition assessments on January 16th at Tom Triplett Park in Pooler.

For more information, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller  Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You are cordially invited to the Nonstop Fitness in Savannah Resolution Rally THIS Saturday, January 4 at 9:30am. No matter your resolution, come be inspired!

Weight loss, runners, couch potatoes, weight lifters, triathletes, bikers
ANYONE with a goal! Are YOU up for the challenge?

Gym Membership NOT required.

Nonstop Fitness, 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406,  www.nonstopfitnesssav.com, 912.349.4902, email thenonstopfitness@gmail.com On Facebook here.  

Call today to set up your child’s assessment for MindSpring Center’s January Social Skills Groups. The January Social Skills Groups will begin the second week of January. For more information on what Social Skills Group Therapy is click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com  Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Nonstop Fitness in Savannah has Countdown to Christmas daily specials – everything from gifts to stocking stuffers. Promos are posted daily on their Facebook page here.

Every day from now until Christmas, Nonstop Fitness in Savannah  will discount something. It started at 15 days out, which means $15 $aving. The next day was $14 savings, and so on. Are you ready to see what’s on sale today? Click here.

Nonstop Fitness, 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406,  www.nonstopfitnesssav.com, 912.349.4902, email thenonstopfitness@gmail.com On Facebook here.  

For more local holiday gift ideas, visit our Holidays Gift Guide 2013 by clicking here.

Join the national “First Day Hikes” movement and start off 2014 with a healthy hike in Georgia’s State Parks.

More than 40 walks cover history, geology, fitness and even a Black Bear Plunge. Find a ranger-led trek near you at http://www.georgiastateparks.org/firstdayhikes

Some nearby ones on the list include:

First Day Hike at Skidaway Island / 2 PM
Skidaway IslandSkidaway Isalnd State Park – Savannah, GA
Take a guided tour of the marsh through our Sandpiper Trail with a park ranger. Plan for about an hour on this one mile hike, where you will learn about life in a Georgia marsh. Please dress in comfortable clothing. $5 parking. 912-598-2300

First Day Hike at Fort McAllister, Richmond Hill
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Come take a leisurely stroll through the woods with us on our 3 mile loop trail as we walk and talk about the winter wildlife in the maritime forests and marshlands of the Georgia Coast. From the chirping in the trees to the rustles in the woods, we’ll explore the wild side of Fort McAllister State Historic Park with a focus on the birds of winter. $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Crooked River’s First Day Hike
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
Meet at the Nature Center for a walk on the Bay Boardwalk trail. Vistas include wetland habitats plus our unique longleaf pine/saw palmetto ecosystem. Enjoy the great outdoors, camaraderie on the trail plus party hats. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

First Day Hike at Gordonia-Alatamaha / 8 AM to 4 PM
Gordonia-AlatamahaGordonia-Alatamaha State Park – Reidsville, GA
Start your New Year off right by getting outdoors and taking a guided hike. Our Nature Trail is a 1 mile loop that is moderate in duration. $5 parking. 912-557-7744

And lots of other first-day hikes in Georgia here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Almost a year has passed since 20 first graders and six teachers and administrators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

On the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook anniversary,  members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and their families will gather for about 50 “No More Silence” events nationwide including in Savannah. Click here for details about the Savannah event. Moms Demand Action was founded one day after the mass shooting in Newtown and now has more than 125,000 members with a chapter in every state.

Events will be co-sponsored by Mayors Against Illegal Guns and will culminate in a communal bell ringing to honor the victims killed in Newtown and to show that American mothers will not be silent about gun violence.

The Savannah event will be at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 in Daffin Park.

People are invited to gather for a short program, both to remember the victims and show strength to continue speaking out until meaningful action is taken to make America safer. This is meant to be a solemn event not a political rally.

For more information on No More Silence events marking the anniversary of the Newtown shooting, go to http://momsdemandaction.org/no-more-silence/ or   www.facebook.com/events/510837589037022/

IF YOU GO

What: No More Silence: A Call for Remembrance and Resolve

When: 9:30 a.m., Dec. 14

Where: Daffin Park

Info: http://momsdemandaction.org/no-more-silence/ or on Facebook here.

Note: This is a simple and solemn event; not a political rally. If you have a bell at home, please bring it.

Read our newspaper column about this event & Savannah’s gun violence program by clicking here.

Dr. Ranicki’s Creating Wellness Center has a new client special for booking with the massage therapist. Receive an hour massage for $39.  Wellness Center staff members are looking forward to seeing you soon for you to enjoy your next great massage!

For more information, click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com  Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah has a FREE way for you to prevent that looming holiday weight gain: a free trial week of the popular stroller workout for moms.

Come join Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah for a free week Dec. 2-6 2013. Newcomers are welcome.

Stroller Strong Moms offers 9:30 AM classes Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays in Forsyth Park in Savannah & on Tuesdays & Thursdays in JF Gregory Park in Richmond

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller  Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Welcome our newest advertiser, Kidz Korner Dentistry in Pooler, the unique dental practice of Dr. Shana Herring.

Kidz Korner Dentistry provides quality dentistry to children and adolescents.

We’re excited to tell you more about Kidz Korner Dentistry & Dr. Herring in the near future. More details here.

Kidz Korner, 143 Canal St., Suite 400, Pooler 31322, 912.748.2303, www.kidzkornerinpooler.com

You are invited Bright Life Chiropractic’s First Annual Harvest Dinner with the Doctors.

This is an amazing opportunity for you, a family member, co-worker or loved one to learn more about the benefits of Principled Specific, Scientific Chiropractic Care.

Come join Bright Life Chiropractic or share this with someone who would like to meet or exceed their health goals!

Monday, November 18th at 7:00-8:30pm at Ken and Candi’s BBQ |4395 Ogeechee Rd. #100 Savannah, GA 31405|. RSVP by Friday, November 15th by calling 912.777.3717 to make your reservations!

Bright Life Chiropractic, 2 Park of Commerce Blvd. Suite D, Savannah 31405, 912.777.3717, info@brightlifechiropractic.com , www.BrightLifeChiropractic.com Bright Life Chiropractic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

RANICKI CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER PRESENTS “STOMACH PROBLEMS: HOW TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE YOUR SYMPTOMS” on November 13, 6:30PM.

Seating is limited to 25 attendees and cost is $10 per person. At this event Dr. Stephen Ranicki will provide you with information that will assist you as you make big changes to help revolutionize your health. Call 912.376.1506 to reserve your seat.

For more information, click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Just in time for the holidays, Nonstop Fitness in Savannah is offering BOGO 50% off their loyalty card. (Reg. 10 passes for $50). Nonstop Fitness is located on 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406.

This is THE gym for real people! Nonstop Fitness Savannah offers more than just an average gym experience.  Personal training and supplements available with your 24 hour membership & tanning.

Nonstop Fitness, 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah,  31406,  www.nonstopfitnesssav.com, 912.349.4902, email thenonstopfitness@gmail.com On Facebook here.  

Stroller Strides/Fit4MOM is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. Classes include running/ power walking and intervals of strength training. Please visit http://savannah.fit4mom.com/  for a complete listing of classes & pricing, (910) 987-5943, email natalialucero@fit4mom.com , Stroller Strides is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

OCTOBER 26TH | DAFFIN PARK | 11 AM-5PM

The Savannah Food Day Festival  -  the large outdoor festival this Sat. 10/26  that is free and open to the public - will offer more than yummy, healthy, affordable & sustainable food.  Attendees are treated to a live concert, featuring many of Savannah’s top musicians, plus nearly 100 exhibitors and vendors and shopping at the Farmer’s Market.

We here @ SouthernMamas.com are excited to invite you to several special FREE Family Health & Nutrition workshops in the festival’s special parenting & pregnancy area. FREE workshops include:

Here’s the schedule for the Family Health & Nutrition workshops:
11:30 Thrive Obstetrics & Gynecology: Staying Fit & Well Fed During Pregnancy
12:30 Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah
1:30 Breastfeeding;
2:30 Erigo: Free food for babies
3:30 Childhood Obesity Prevention & Education, L.E.A.N. Expectations

There will also be Healthy Family exhibitors & a private, enclosed tent exclusively for nursing moms and diaper changes.

Look for this special Family Nutrition & Health section at the festival Saturday in Daffin Park!

What is Food Day?

Think of it as an Earth Day – for food!

Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement toward more healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. This is a national grassroots mobilization backed by some of the most prominent voices for energizing the food movement. Each year in October, people gather at events big and small and from coast to coast in homes, schools, colleges, churches, city halls, farmers’ markets, supermarkets, and elsewhere to raise awareness about food issues and advocate for change.

For more details, view Well FED Magazine here.

The 2013 Savannah Food Day Festival is brought to you by Well FED & Center for Science in the Public Interest.

This week Stroller Strong Moms  - a popular stroller workout group in Savannah & Richmond Hill - will show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink ALL WEEK!

On Wed. Oct. 23, wear your favorite PINK BRA to class. Stroller Strong Moms will collect any change you have stuffed in your bra throughout the week and will donate it all to Susan G. Komen.

We all know someone affected by Breast Cancer, so join Stroller Strong Mamas in saving the TaTa’s!

M,W,F at Forsyth Park in Savannah and T,Th at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill at 9:30AM.

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com , www.strollerstrongmoms.com Stroller  Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Don’t let a cold or flu get you down this fall!

Chiropractic care can help build your immune system so that you avoid colds, flu, and the other bugs going around. For more information click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Check out the GIRLS YOGA offered at Ganesha’s Place in Savannah. The eight-week Thursday class, 4-5 PM, is for girls ages 7-11 and starts Oct. 24 2013. Register online at www.ganeshasplace.com or by contacting Kate at 912.665.4199. Enrollment will be limited, so please register early.

Ganesha’s Place offers a variety of yoga classes as well as therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids, children with autism & restorative yoga for caretakers.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s a spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking for a pediatrician in Savannah, Pooler or Whitemarsh Island?

Pediatric Associates of Savannah has well-loved, trusted physicians in all three locations. New patients are welcome. Pediatric Associates main office in Savannah is open 365 days a year.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah’s doctors
Joseph Morrison Jr, MD, FAAP
Gustave Kreh, MD, FAAP
Robert Shelley, MD, FAAP
Michael DeMauro, MD, FAAP
Diane Savage-Pedigo, MD, FAAP
Paul Nave, MD, FAAP
Ben Spitalnick, MD, FAAP
J. Steven Hobby, MD, FAAP
Adria Wilkes, MD, FAAP
Mark Wilson, MD
Giselle Rosinia, MD, FAAP

More info here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘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.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser  

Pregnancy has many physical challenges that can be eased and even eliminated with the use of Chiropractic Care.

If you are experiencing sciatica, SI joint pain and instability, pubic join pain, low back pain, rib/breathing problems, or upper back and shoulder pain, then Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center can help.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center offers all SouthernMamas.com readers a complimentary consultation and chiropractic evaluation to help you enjoy your pregnancy. Give Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center a call at 912-376-1506 or click here for more information.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.