How to teach your kids to practice gratitude

Below is a guest post by Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander @ Coastal Care Partners’ new Concierge Pediatric Clinic 

Practicing gratitude is a great way to bring joy into our lives! With the busyness and craziness of the world around us, it is helpful to look to find the things we are most grateful for each day. David Steindl-Rast, a Jesuit Priest, once said, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” Even after Thanksgiving season passes, here are ways your family can practice gratitude!

Keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journals are an easy and inexpensive way to remind ourselves of everything we have to be grateful for. Writing down 1-3 things each day is a quick positive way to start or end each day. Even kids can do it! If they aren’t able to write, try having them draw what they are thankful for. 

In my personal life, I have two gratitude routines I practice with my own children. First, in the car on the way to school, I ask them to say one thing they are grateful for that morning. Oftentimes, I have to cut them off at about three things so that everyone can have a turn. But it’s often simple things like, “I am grateful for the sunshine… the rain… for momma taking me to school…for soccer…Friday dance parties at school.”

The second routine I use to introduce gratitude into my kids’ daily routine is during dinner. At dinner every night, everyone takes turns saying the following:

1. Best part of their day

2. Worst part of their day

3. Funniest part of their day

4. What they are thankful for

My kids will often use the worst part of their day to tell on each other, for example, “when so and so hit me,” but getting it out in the open makes it less of a big deal and also normalizes that everyone has bad parts of their day. Talking about what we are thankful for at the end helps to redirect the focus.

Another great way to put gratitude into action is to talk about random acts of kindness that kids can do during the day like saying “Hello!” to someone new, opening the door for someone, or getting involved in the community. One of my favorite kid-friendly ways to get involved in the community is P.A.C.K. (People of Action Caring for Kids).

P.A.C.K. is a local organization that helps to feed children in Savannah, and kids can volunteer to help pack food and toiletry bags, or make homemade cards for children. 

I hope that as this season of thankfulness passes you will continue to find ways to encourage gratitude in your family’s daily lives. By making a routine of it, it will become easier to do and be a source of joy throughout the day.

Coastal Care Partners, 4B Skidaway Village Walk, Savannah, GA 31411, 912.598.6312. Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

SouthCoast Health Dietetic Counselor Rebekah Laurance

SouthCoast Health Dietetic Counselor Rebekah Laurance shares her favorite healthy holiday recipes.

Recipes include Salad with vinaigrette dressing; salad; healthier collard greens; whipped sweet potatoes with crumbly pecan topping.

Find SouthCoast Health dietician’s favorite holiday recipes here.

_________________________________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Coastal Care Partners’ new concierge pediatric practice

Wanting to learn more about Coastal Care Partners’ new Concierge Pediatric Clinic in the Village on Skidaway Is., Savannah and how Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander  can serve your family’s healthcare needs?

Visit their website here There, you can also sign up to become a member of the concierge pediatric practice and easily book any of your child’s future appointments online.

Check it out here.

_______________________

Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

www.coastalcarepartners.com/service/concierge-pediatrics/

Congratulations Pediatric Associates of Savannah on receiving the Quality Achievement Award from CareSource leadership.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah are one of only four practices across Georgia to receive this distinction. It’s based on preventive care measurements showing how staff @ Pediatric Associates of Savannah keeps patients healthy, reducing chances they get sick.

(Pictured above are some Pediatric Associates of Savannah providers and their amazing Practice Administrator Persephene Sams and Clinical Manager Lisa Torbert Piper .

__________________

Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler.

Now offering convenient telemedicine appointments in addition to in-person visits.

Learn more here.

Pediatrics Associates of Savannah locations

Pediatric Associates in Savannah
4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100,
Savannah 31404
912.355.2462

Pediatric Associates of Savannah in Pooler
110 Medical Park Drive
Pooler 31322
912.330.5010

Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Whitemarsh Is.
1001 Memorial Dr
Savannah 31410
912.898.9800

______________________

Pediatric Associates is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Benefits of Concierge Pediatric Care

Finding a new pediatrician may seem like a daunting task for some, but it doesn’t have to be that way! By blending the devotion of traditional medicine with modern-day conveniences, Dr. Kelsey Alexander’s concierge pediatric practice offers services in Savannah and surrounding areas that help parents save time, money, and worry.

Here are the top three ways her Savannah concierge pediatric clinic is changing the way our community experiences healthcare.

For busy parents with little extra time: Take control of your schedule and your little one right from your phone! With concierge pediatric care, as soon as your child starts showing symptoms, you can easily book an appointment online. No call is required. You can plan ahead and make sure your child is seen—and treated—quickly. With same or next-day appointments, you can ensure minimal time is missed from your schedule.

Would you like an option to avoid waiting rooms with other patients? At Dr. Alexander’s practice, you’ll walk right into your warm and inviting patient room for a 30 to 60 minute appointment. The clinic doesn’t even have a waiting room because their schedule provides ample availability as a concierge clinic with limited patients. During your appointment, you’ll have plenty of time to ask every question on your list. If you think of more after you leave, just call or text Dr. Alexander and speak with her directly. You can follow up at no additional cost.

Do you find yourself Googling healthcare-related questions after hours? Coastal Care Partners allows patients direct access to Dr. Alexander on weekends and after hours. Patients can text, call, send photos, and send videos. By providing continuity of care, you can avoid unnecessary visits, trips to urgent care, and trips to the ER, ultimately saving you time and money.

If this sounds like the type of pediatrician you’re looking for, Coastal Care Partners may be the right choice for you! Located on Skidaway Island and locally owned, the concierge pediatric clinic at Coastal Care Partners has been providing exemplary care for local families since its opening. Dr. Kelsey Alexander_, a board-certified pediatric physician with more than 12 years of pediatric experience, is dedicated to prioritizing the patient-physician relationship.

By keeping a limited number of patients in the practice, Dr. Alexander can give your family the time and attention they deserve. Give the office a call at 912-598-6312 or visit their website here to learn more or to enroll for membership.

Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop #BreastCancer during their lifetime.

In additoin to an annual mammogram, you should be doing monthly self-examinations. 

SouthCoast Health experts share here how to check yourself for breast cancer

In honor of #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, SouthCoast Health’s Imaging Department will offer Saturday hours for patients to receive their screening mammograms. Contact the Imaging Center at (912) 691-4200 for more information.

_______________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Speech/Language Activities for children

A house full of toys but not quite sure how to use them to boost your child’s language development?

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire experts totally understand and are happy to help!

The therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire are trained to maximize play to help support a client’s functional language skills. They can provide strategies and activity ideas to try at home. The more often you engage with your child, the quicker their progress!

To make an appointment, please contact their office: 912 712 3999

CURRENTLY NO WAITLIST

___________________________

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

The overall death rate from #BreastCancer has decreased since 2013, likely because of treatment advances and earlier detection through screening.

This #BreastCancerAwareness Month, call (912) 691-4200 to schedule your mammogram.

SouthCoast Health shares here what you can expect at your yearly mammogram.

SouthCoast Health simple steps for an easy procedure include:

Keep Your Underarms Au Natural

Avoid Scheduling During Your Period

Tips for a Quick Appointment

Manage Your Fears

Results

Regular screenings are one of the best ways to combat cancer — especially breast cancer. SouthCoast Health experienced technicians will do everything possible to keep you comfortable. Schedule your next (or first!) mammogram with by calling 912-691-4200.

_________________________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Schedule your mammogram as soon as possible

Watch the SouthCoast Health video above for more information on the importance of why your physician encourages you to make a mammogram appointment as soon as possible.

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SouthCoast Health’s Imaging Department will offer Saturday hours for patients to receive their screening mammograms. Contact the Imaging Center at 912.691.4200 for more information.

_________________________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Debunking Breast Cancer Myths

SouthCoast Health experts break down a few common myths about breast cancer here.

Are there other breast cancer myths you’re concerned about? Or further questions you’d like answered? Find the nearest physician or specialist who can provide the care you need by calling 912-691-3600.

____________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Pediatrician searching? The team at  Coastal Pediatrics  does so much more than your regular office visit. They’re there for you to make sure you’ve got all the answers.

Coastal Pediatrics has offices in Savannah & Pooler.

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 

Coastal Care Partners’ Concierge Pediatric Clinic will provide flu shots to children in the Savannah area on Thurs. Oct 20

Coastal Care Partners’ Concierge Pediatric Clinic will provide flu shots to children in Savannah and surrounding areas on Thurs. Oct. 20, 3-5PM at 4B Skidaway Village Walk.

Appointments are requested in advance and may be scheduled online @ https://phreesia.me/KAMDLFluVaccine.

“We know that this is a very busy time of year for parents, and our offering this flu shot clinic is an excellent way to make getting the vaccine easier,” Dr. Kelsey Alexander said. A board-certified pediatric physician, Dr. Alexander heads the Concierge Pediatric Clinic at Coastal Care Partners and recommends that everyone age six months and older get a flu shot.

“The October 20^th flu shot clinic is open to anyone that wants to come,” Dr. Alexander said. “While the children are here for their vaccination, the parents can also get their flu shots. We do request that you schedule an appointment in advance.”

Find additional information about Concierge Pediatrics and Dr. Alexander, or enroll for services, here.

Learn more about Coastal Care Partners here.

_______________________

Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Benefits of Concierge Pediatric Care

At Coastal Care Partners’ new Concierge Pediatric Clinic in the Village on Skidaway Is., Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander wants all of her patients to feel as comfortable as possible.

That’s why they’ve taken the time to create a welcoming, calm atmosphere in patient rooms.As an added plus, the practice also has no waiting rooms! Instead, you’ll be able to walk into the clinic and head straight into your appointment with Dr. Alexander!

With unrushed visits lasting from 30-60 minutes, you’ll leave the practice assured that all of your concerns and questions were properly addressed and that your child was given the care and attention they deserve.

Learn more about Dr. Alexander’s services or enroll for membership today here.

_______________________

Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Amazing Team of Speech Therapists @ The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire has an amazing team at the Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire! Their therapists are all nationally certified and state licensed, with experience working with children of all ages. They all truly enjoy getting to know their clients and their families, knowing that a trusting relationship is the best foundation for therapy progress. Come meet the team @ The Speech Clinic!

To make an appointment, please contact the office- 912 712 3999.

The Speech Clinic has two convenient locations: Midtown Savannah (130 Stephenson Ave) and Wilmington Island (315 Johnny Mercer Blvd), and they are also happy to work with your child at your child’s preschool/daycare setting.

***CURRENTLY NO WAITLIST***

___________________________

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

Speech Therapy at the Office or Your Child’s Daycare/Preschool

Do you have concerns about your child’s speech/language development, but have a busy schedule?

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire can help! The therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire are happy to provide services at your child’s daycare or preschool. They also have a very flexible schedule at their offices on Wilmington Island and Midtown Savannah.

 The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire can work with your family’s schedule!

To make an appointment, please contact the office- 912 712 3999

***CURRENTLY NO WAITLIST***

___________________________

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

Savannah pediatricians: Helping Your Child with Mental Illness

For the 17.1 million children in the United States estimated to have a mental illness, back-to-school season can be a time full of anxiety and worries.

“Mental illness still has a lot of stigma surrounding it, especially when it comes to children,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam (pictured) stated. “And yet, that number of children with a mental illness is more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It’s time we stop being hesitant to talk about mental illnesses that are potentially harming our children.”

If the school season is full of worries with how your child will balance their mental illness, you are not alone.

SouthCoast pediatricians are offer these mental health tips to help both you and your family manage this school season and beyond, help give your children a positive and fulfilling life.

Learn more here. 

_____________________

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

____________________________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

See you Sat. Oct. 15 2-4PM for the inaugural Emily’s Trick or Treat to Cure Crohn’s & Colitis Savannah at Memorial Health, Dwaine & Cynthis Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah!

Come to this family-friendly Halloween event to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and celebrate the life of Emily Moore.

Trick or treating, games, costume contest, arts & crafts, face painting, music, raffle, and friends.

This is event is free to attend. Donations are being collected.

Learn more here.

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is an In-Network speech therapy provider for most insurance companies, including:

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

The Speech Clinic staff would be happy to look into your therapy coverage.

The Speech Clinic has two convenient locations: Midtown Savannah (130 Stephenson Ave) and Wilmington Island (315 Johnny Mercer Blvd), and they are also happy to work with your child at your child’s preschool/daycare setting.

Please contact the office: 912 712 3999

***CURRENTLY NO WAITLIST***

___________________________

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

One-on-One Services @ The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire, Savannah

It can be hard to focus on new skills in a group setting, so let the amazing therapists at The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire help!

Our speech therapy sessions are always one-on-one, to allow focus on our client’s individualized therapy goals. Our therapists can choose strategies and activities that do the most for each client, maximizing their progress.

To make an appointment, please contact the office: 912-712-3999

***CURRENTLY NO WAITLIST***

The Speech Clinic has two convenient locations: Midtown Savannah (130 Stephenson Ave) and Wilmington Island (315 Johnny Mercer Blvd), and they are also happy to work with your child at your child’s preschool/daycare setting.

___________________________

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

Focus on your health, especially as you reach your 40s and 50s.

All too often, we focus more on the health of those around us. But we need to remember to take care of ourselves as well.

To help the women in our community refocus on their own health, SouthCoast Health is sharing five key health reminders to keep you on the path towards total wellness. See them here. 

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Benefits of Concierge Pediatric Care

Are you looking for a more personalized touch when it comes to your child’s health care? Concierge pediatric care may be the right choice for you!

Dr. Kelsey Alexander, a board-certified pediatric Savannah physician with more than 12 years of pediatric experience, recently joined Coastal Care Partners to open a new concierge pediatric care clinic on Skidaway Island! 

Here are just two of the many major benefits of concierge pediatric care you can experience as a member of Dr. Alexander’s practice! 

Greater Accessibility 

Do you ever wish that you could just text your child’s pediatrician with any questions or concerns you may have? With concierge pediatric care, you can! As a member, you can enjoy direct access to Dr. Alexander via text, call, or FaceTime from 8AM- 8PM! With extended and more direct access to your pediatrician, you can help avoid the costs of unnecessary emergency room or urgent care visits. As an added plus, all messages are sent through an easy and secure messaging system to protect your privacy. 

Longer, Unrushed Visits 

Tired of waiting for hours for just a few minutes with your pediatrician? By keeping a limited number of patients, Dr. Alexander is able to minimize wait times and offer families longer and unrushed visits. Instead of spending just 10-15 minutes with her patients, Dr. Alexander’s appointments last 30 to 60 minutes! You’ll have plenty of time to address any and all of your concerns, and you can rest assured that your child is getting the time and personalized attention they deserve.

These are just a few of the many benefits you’ll experience as a member of Coastal Care Partners’ new concierge pediatric practice! Other modern-day conveniences you will enjoy include online appointment scheduling, FaceTiming with Dr. Alexander, same-day and next-day appointments, and more.

Learn more about Dr. Alexander’s services or enroll for membership today here.

_______________________

Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

_________________________________________________

Forsyth Farmers Market
9 AM-1 PM Saturdays
Located at the South End of Forsyth Park, Savannah
Email: forsythfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Details here.

________________________________________

Islands Farmers Market
401 Quarterman Drive
Savannah, GA 31410
Now open for Saturdays through Dec. 17 2022
9AM-Noon Saturdays
Local food & craft vendors. Honey, eggs, meat, bread, donuts, poultry, soaps, jewelry, candles, wreathes and more.

_____________________________________

Richmond Hill Farmers Market

Every Saturday 3-6:30PM at the Richmond Hill History Museum

11460 Ford Avenue
Richmond Hill, GA 31324. Details here.

________________________________________

Farmers Market of Bluffton 
Noon-5PM Thursdays
Open air community farmers market, live music, chef demos, kids activities
71 Green Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-415-2447
manager@farmersmarketbluffton.org
Details here.

__________________________________

Hilton Head Island Farmers Market
9 AM-1 PM Tuesdays
@ the Coastal Discovery Museum (Honey Horn)
Fresh local produce, pasture-raised chicken, free-range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, cookies, breads, she crab soup.
Free admission and parking.
Details hhifarmersmarket.com.

________________________________

FIND MORE FREE LOCAL EVENTS HERE. 

SouthCoast Health on treating children with mental illness

Despite the fact that mental health disorders are one of the most common diseases among children, the idea of mental health advocacy for our children is still pretty rare.

Read here  how Dr. Keith Seibert and his wife, Dr. Heather Seibert, both pediatric advocates at SouthCoast Health in Richmond Hill, helped one 11-year-old girl who was struggling with mental illness including anxiety and ADHD. 

Learn more here. 

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

______________________

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

YMCA of Coastal Georgia is hiring; benefits of working for the Y include free membership

YMCA of Coastal Georgia is in need of YBASE before- and after-school care group leaders and site directors across Chatham and Effingham counties.

They are also hiring swim instructors at the Islands and Liberty branches and plenty of other positions across the association.

Find more YMCA of Coastal Georgia jobs here.

______________________________

YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser