From birth, people in the United States are fortunate to have vaccines against more than 20 other life-threatening illnesses available, which allow them to build immunity.
SouthCoast Health provides a closer look here into the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule for every age.
See the guide to recommended vaccines for children here.
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Like adults, young children should be receiving regular eye exams.
“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. “They’re also a form of ongoing, preventive care.”
Some early eye problems, if left undetected and untreated, have the potential to affect vision for a child’s lifetime. Diagnosing and addressing an issue early on could prevent it from becoming a condition that’s more difficult to treat.
Learn when your child should have an eye exam 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.
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One of the best ways to productively spend downtime during summer is by scheduling a pediatrics appointment to complete a yearly check-up, SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. David Mozer said.
SouthCoast Health pediatricians say annual wellness exams are critical in maintaining the health and happiness of your child, and knocking these out during summer avoids many potential problems.
Low Country Counseling experts share 3 everyday ways here to help provide emotional support so boys feel safe and learn to express their full range of feelings.
Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone! Call 912-503-5744 or send a message here.
Measles is more than just a rash. It can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or even death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
SouthCoast Health experts share how you can help prevent measles here as well as some of the most concerning complications associated with measles including:
About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization.
In rare but tragic cases, 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 infected children may die.
Measles can weaken the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to other infections like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder that can appear years after recovery.
Learn all about Perinatal Mental Health: the signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
Postpartum concerns happen to many of us, you are never alone in this!
Help is available.
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Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone! Call 912-503-5744 or send a message here.
Location: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics – 89 Interchange Dr., Richmond Hill
Cost: $30
Note: A parent or guardian must accompany the patient.
If this date doesn’t work for your family, don’t worry! Sports physicals can often be included in your child’s annual Well-Child Visit, which is usually 100% covered by insurance. Just let your provider know you need a sports clearance, and they’ll handle both during the same appointment.
Low Country Counseling in Savannah now also offers therapy services in Statesboro for children, teens and adults (ages 5+) to address concerns for you or a loved one.
No more commute to Savannah for specialized care! Low Country Counseling offers help for recovery services for adults experiencing addiction and eating concerns, couples therapy, and family counseling!
Meet the Statesboro Counseling Team
Kristen Dickens PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC
Kristen Dickens offers therapy for individuals, families, and couples. She has focused her career on helping others find ways to empower themselves. She has extensive training in marriage and family therapy and enjoys working with couples or the family unit as a whole. Children of any age can join the family unit for therapy.
Kristen treats eating disorders and works to build a safe connection with food and body. She has genuine compassion for anyone open to change but feels unsure where to begin. She provides help for anxiety, mood disorders, high risk behaviors, and tension within relationships.
Alison Barker LAPC
Alison Barker has focused her career on trauma work and helping those of any age struggling with hurtful experiences. She offers mental health therapy for children and teens (ages 5+) for anxiety, mood/emotions, ADHD, parent/child bonding, and social skills.
Alison works with adults experiencing present day concerns stemming from unresolved trauma. Her practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, decreasing stress, and improving self-esteem. She employs an open approach to help anyone seeking help begin where they are most comfortable. Her belief in the person-centered approach optimizes the road to healing.
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Help is available. You are not alone!
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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.
SouthCoast Health medical experts share details here about the symptoms and treatment for Lyme disease as well as how to reduce your risk for such tick-related illnesses.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System will partner with Hazel Health, a pediatric telehealth provider for K-12 schools, to offer students access to mental health care services at no cost. Hazel uses therapeutic processes delivered by licensed therapists. Through Hazel Health, students will be able to access virtual Mental Health and Wellness support. This service is an extension of in-person services offered through our Wellness Center and is provided at no cost to SCCPSS students and families.
Teletherapy appointments at home will be available for all district students, especially when students are unable to access the SCCPSS Wellness Center.
Teletherapy appointments will be available at home and at school at the campuses listed below:
Butler Elementary School
Garden City Elementary School
Gould Elementary School
May Howard Elementary School
Pooler Elementary School
Southwest Elementary School
West Chatham Elementary School
White Bluff Elementary School
Windsor Forest Elementary School
Godley Station K-8 School
Hesse K-8 School
New Hampstead K-8 School
Pulaski K-8 School
Rice Creek K-8 School
Southwest Middle School
West Chatham Middle School
H.V. Jenkins High School
Sol C. Johnson High School
New Hampstead High School
Windsor Forest High School
A parent/guardian may refer their student. Students must have parent permission to enroll for services unless they are 18 or older.
Posted in Counseling, Health/Safety, Healthcare, Therapy | Comments Off on (Savannah Schools) SCCPSS partners with Hazel Health to provide mental health services to students at no cost
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites families to join in the celebration of Healthy Kids Day®, a free, annual event aimed at promoting health and wellness among children and families. Ten of our branches across Coastal Georgia will either host or celebrate the event, generally taking place from 10am to 2pm. Each branch will offer unique activities tailored to the community it serves.
Please click here to find out branch-specific offerings.
As part of the festivities, the YMCA will kick off the summer season and provide families with more information about summer camp and aquatics programming. Come enjoy interactive games, educational workshops, and classes during Healthy Kids Day!®
Event Details:
What: The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites families to celebrate Healthy Kids Day®, a free, annual event featuring a day of fun-filled activities to celebrate kids being kids.
When: Saturday, April 26, generally from 10am to 2pm, depending on the branch. (Find details here.)
Where: Across YMCA branches throughout Coastal Georgia. Please click here for specific branch activities.
YMCA of Coastal Georgia operates 11 units, in Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, McIntosh and Glynn Counties including:
Effingham YMCA Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA Habersham YMCA Islands YMCA Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA Richmond Hill YMCA Tybee Island YMCA West Chatham YMCA
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The best way to teach our kids about emotions…and what to do with them..is to have a good understanding of the basic feelings that we all experience.
Find a breakdown of emotions to help enhance our understanding here.
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Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone! Call 912-503-5744 or send a message here.
One in 59 American children have autism, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Unfortunately, many still view autism negatively and those with autism suffer from the biased opinions of others,” said SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam. “This is largely in part of lack of knowledge. Believe it or not, there’s a lot to learn about autism and from those who may be on the spectrum. The biggest thing to understand is that autism is just another way of living and another perspective in this diverse world.”
To help spur positive conversation about autism, SouthCoast Health shares the basics of autism including the definition of autism; signs of autism; and the autism diagnosis process.
If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling in Savannah offers specialized therapy for individuals, moms, couples, families, children, and teens.
Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone! Call 912-503-5744 or send a message here.
This Tuesday, March 25, Healthy Savannah is inviting the public to meet up to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Healthy Walks.
Participants will gather at 7:30AM in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway Road at Bona Bella Ave. in Savannah.
Healthy Savannah’s Physical Activity Program Manager Devin Frails and Executive Director Armand Turner will lead a low-impact two-mile walk along a portion of the Tide To Town Urban Trail system known as the Truman Linear Park Trail, which is level and accessible, with wide, paved walkways and highly visible pedestrian crosswalks.
The walk will last about an hour and end back at the starting point.
Three Low Country Counseling therapists are proud Richmond Hill residents and are honored to provide therapeutic care for their hometown. Each therapist offers EMDR Therapy and have specialized training in several areas including Addiction, Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Perinatal Mental Health.
Meet Low Country Counseling Richmond Hill Team
Kristin Broderick, LPC, CEDS
Kristin Broderick offers individual therapy for adults (18+). She enjoys supporting young adults transitioning into college and adulthood. Kristin specializes in Substance Use issues, Eating Disorders, and Trauma. She has vast experience with Mental Health conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, and depression.
Her practice focuses on Recovery through sobriety and practicing skills to live a meaningful life. Eating Recovery relieves anxiety regarding food choices and body image. Recovery in both areas emphasizes the development of healthy coping skills and supportive relationships.
Kale Cooper, LCSW
Kale Cooper provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults (ages 14+). She offers support for those working toward Recovery from an addiction as well as Mental Health treatment for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Her practice addresses Codependency and boundary setting to support healthy relationships.
Kale’s passion is helping anyone who has experienced Trauma to work toward a place of healing. She helps individuals improve their self worth in an effort to move forward in life on their terms. She utilizes a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to therapy.
Danielle Van Wagenen, LCSW, PMH-C
Danielle Van Wagenen provides individual therapy for adolescents and adults (ages 14+). She specializes in Maternal Mental Health and loves providing much-needed support for Moms. She has a passion for helping couples and families develop healthy dynamics, foster nurturing bonds, and to enhance communication.
Danielle offers EMDR Therapy, skills training and guidance through the journey of parenting and navigating life transitions. Her practice addresses stressors, mood disorders and anxiety, as well as prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum support.
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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment.
Help is available. You are not alone!
Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Traditional talk therapy targets the recognition of feelings, behaviors, and patterns that cause distress.
If you continue feeling overwhelmed by past trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress, EMDR therapy may be a treatment for you to consider. But what is it exactly? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful, research-backed method for processing traumatic memories and improving mental well-being.
Here’s what you need to know about how EMDR works, and why it’s so effective.
EMDR therapy is a specialized treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories. This helps relieve anxiety, or negative beliefs that continue to affect their daily lives. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses eye movements, or other stimulation, to activate your brain’s natural healing process. Bilateral stimulation occurs when eye movements, alternating tapping or sounds help the two hemispheres of the brain “talk” to each other and process unresolved trauma.
See the step by step process of how EMDR Therapy works and the benefits of EMDR Therapy here.
If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact us for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment.
See the different topics Low Country Counseling therapists cover here.
Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment.
Help is available. You’re not alone.
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Farm Friday is a weekly program that happens at about 11:30AM Fridays @ Coastal Heritage Society’s Savannah Children’s Museum.
Visitors will have an opportunity to explore Frogtown Garden and learn from Savannah Children’s Museum Lead Educator Ms. Katrinka about a variety of fruits, vegetables, & herbs that are growing.
Be sure to ask for a sample of the Farm to Table snack of the day.
Summer 2025 Hours Update: Savannah Children’s Museum – Georgia’s only completely outdoors children’s museum – is open 9AM-2PM Monday-Saturday during summer school break, weather permitting. ____________________________
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Experts @ SouthCoast Health Pediatrics share here the importance of getting your kids vaccinated against the flu. The flu can be especially tough on kids, but the good news is that the flu vaccine is the best way to protect them—and it’s not too late to get it.
The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older.
Find the five facts about measles on Moon River Pediatrics’ Facebook page here.
“The resurgence of measles in the United States, particularly with new cases emerging in Georgia, highlights a pressing public health concern largely fueled by vaccine misinformation.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, can lead to severe health complications, yet it is entirely preventable through vaccination. Herd immunity, which requires at least 95% of the population to be vaccinated, is crucial in halting the spread of this virus.
Unfortunately, the vaccination rate among school-age children in Georgia has dropped to 88% for the 2023-2024 school year, well below the threshold needed for effective herd immunity.
Moon River Pediatrics’ goal is to provide a better understanding of the importance of vaccines and prevent the spread of preventable disease like measles.
Check out this review about Coastal Pediatrics , which has locations in Savannah and Pooler.
“When I say Dr Callan is a Godsend, I’ve never met a more caring doctor. He listens, shows empathy, compassion, and takes his time with you. I feel like he truly cares for my child, and what more can you ask for in a doctor. He’s highly recommended in my book! The whole staff is friendly from reception to the nurses.”
Call Coastal Pediatrics at (912) 353-7744 to schedule a visit and tour their office.
SouthCoast Health experts weigh in here on the symptoms and treatments for the two most common children’s thyroid issues: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism symptoms may include constipation, complaints of feeling cold, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, and slowed growth.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms include diarrhea, complaints of feeling hot, accelerated growth, muscle weakness, irritability, increased appetite, and tremors.
For a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist for your child, request an appointment online with one of SouthCoast Health’s pediatricians or by calling 912.691.3600.
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Ashley Lewis, PMHNP-BC is double board certified in Psychiatry and Pediatrics.
Psychiatric care works best in conjunction with counseling and can optimize coping skills, behavioral changes, and emotional work done in therapy sessions.
