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.
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.
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.
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.
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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SouthCoast Health dietetic counseling services aim to simplify healthy eating with meal plans tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Schedule counseling with one of SouthCoast Health dieticians by requesting an appointment online or by calling 912.691.3600.
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Did you know that Moon River Pediatrics in Savannah offers pediatric CPR courses? This class is available to anyone in the community as well as current patients and families.
Taught by Moon River Pediatrics’ amazing MA, Shelly Fields, who has over 20 years of experience as a paramedic, these classes are perfect for parents, grandparents, babysitters, and anyone interested in learning more about this life saving skill.
Call or text Moon River Pediatrics today to learn more and schedule a class: 912-513-5787
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Check out this review about Coastal Pediatrics , which has locations in Savannah and Pooler.
“We love Coastal Peds! From the front office staff (Megan and Amber) to nurses (Rebecca, Kathleen, and Lydia) to the Doctors Staff (Jessica and Dr. Williams). We are so lucky to have them caring for our girls. I have all the faith in them that they are always going to do what is best for my girls.”
Call Coastal Pediatrics at (912) 353-7744 to schedule a visit and tour their office.
Children are using technology more and more each year. While these devices offer educational content and entertainment, excessive use can lead to chronic negative side effects on their developing bodies and minds.
SouthCoast Health experts weigh in here with tips on how to balance screen time and American Academy of Pediatrics media use recommendations by age.
“Technology has transformed the way we live, and this impact is especially evident in how children grow and interact with the world,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician, Dr. William Webb explained. “While some apps are excellent tools for educating our children in ways that we cannot, there’s also a downside. The distraction from devices can hinder children’s learning and development compared to past generations.”
If you have additional questions or concerns about how technology is affecting your child, give us a call at 912-691-3600 or visit SouthCoast Health online to schedule an appointment to meet with a member of SouthCoast pediatrics team.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
SouthCoast Health pediatrician, Dr. Blaine Crosland offers insight on the importance of getting the HPV vaccine; truths about the vaccine; who should be vaccinated and when.
Dr. Kelsey Alexander, MD & the Moon River Pediatrics staff understand that parenting comes with a whole host of unexpected questions and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with everyday parenting queries or a sick child at home, their team is ready to assist you.
And if an office visit is necessary, Moon River staff prioritize getting you and your child seen promptly.
With Moon River Pediatrics, expert care and peace of mind are just a text away!
AboutMoon River Pediatrics, Savannah
Moon River Pediatrics – located @ 7001 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Suite 1 Savannah – is a centrally-located practice offering a model of healthcare that feels completely different from a traditional practice.
Moon River Pediatrics offers: limited practice size, longer visits, minimal-to-no wait times, direct access, quality care, convenience, continuity of care, lactation support.
Visit Dr. Kelsey Alexander, MD & the staff @ Moon River Pediatrics to learn more.
Call the office to schedule a meet & greet: 912-531-5787
Because young students may not recognize the signs of vision issues in themselves, you can help by watching for certain indicators in your child. For instance, you may notice signs of eye strain such as squinting. Here are a few other reasons to schedule an eye exam for your child:
Sensitivity to light
Sitting too close to the TV
Holding books or devices near their face
Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
Turning their head to the side to see things
Chronic redness
Aside from these symptoms, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for any school-related changes that could point to vision issues. For example, if your student is struggling with reading or seems to have a shorter-than-usual attention span, these are potential signs of eye issues that could go overlooked.
Whether your child is showing signs of vision impairment or they’re due for a routine eye exam, the eye care specialists at SouthCoast Health are here for your family. SouthCoast Health optometrists can test your child’s vision using state-of-the-art equipment and can offer a range of corrective options if needed. See providers and their locations here, or schedule an appointment by calling 912.691.3600.
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Moon River Pediatrics – located @ 7001 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Suite 1 Savannah – is a centrally-located practice offering a model of healthcare that feels completely different from a traditional practice.
Moon River Pediatrics offers: limited practice size, longer visits, minimal-to-no wait times, direct access, quality care, convenience, continuity of care, lactation support.
Visit Dr. Alexander, MD & the exceptional staff @ Moon River Pediatrics to learn more.
Call the office to schedule a meet & greet: 912-531-5787
Flu season, also known as influenza season, starts in the fall and continues into spring every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over the age of 6 months to get a yearly flu shot to prevent influenza or experience less severe flu symptoms.
It’s important to get a flu vaccination for protection while COVID-19 continues to spread. Less people with the flu will help reduce the burden on our local health care providers during the coronavirus pandemic and influenza season.
Many SouthCoast Health locations are offering flu shots. To schedule at your provider’s office, call the office to make an appointment for the flu vaccination. Patients can also save time by clicking on the link below to schedule a flu shot online at our main Savannah campus. (Walk-ins and new patients are accepted.)
Richmond Hill Flu Clinic: Sat. Oct. 19, 3-5PM
Savannah Flu Clinic: Sat. Oct. 26, 9AM – noon
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Why get your ears pierced by a medical provider? Unlike the mall or other non-medical offices, Moon River Pediatrics uses sterile medical grade titanium and plastic only. This avoids allergic reactions and minimizes the risk of infection. We can also provide numbing cream upon request.
What age is best? Moon River Pediatrics recommend patients are at least 3 months old and have received their first round of vaccines. After 9 months of age, Moon River Pediatrics recommend waiting until the child can “ask” to get their ears pierced.
What is the cost? The ear piercing fee is $125 for non-members and $100 for members of Moon River Pediatrics. This includes the cost of earrings.
What else should I know? The pierced stud should be left in for 6 weeks before changing out the earring. Ideally an earring should be worn at all times during the first 12 months to prevent the hole from closing up. Swimming is not recommended for the first two weeks after piercing.
How to schedule
Please call HERE or text Moon River Pediatrics at (912) 513-5787 for more information or to schedule your visit. This service is open to the public. You do not need to be a Moon River Pediatrics patient.
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About Moon River Pediatrics
Moon River Pediatrics was created in 2022 to offer families in Savannah and surrounding areas a model of healthcare that feels completely different from a traditional practice and just makes sense!
Moon River Pediatrics want to know each child and family to provide personalized high-quality care.
They remove barriers to access and communication to improve patient care and make the most efficient use of your time. Moon River Pediatrics keeps their patient panel small so they can know each patient and care for them both inside and outside the office.
So they’re excited to announce that Moon River Pediatrics is partnering with Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics to provide patients and their parents the opportunity to schedule convenient in office or telehealth visits with Dr. Kristen Hembree of SBP.
Dr. Hembree will assist Moon River Pediatrics patients and families with a variety of topics including sleep training, potty training, and behavioral health advice. Dr. Hembree will be available every Tuesday morning for appointments in Moon River Pediatrics office or via telehealth providing her expert guidance and support.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to benefit from Dr. Hembree’s extensive knowledge and compassionate care!
Contact Moon River Pediatrics to find out more: 912-513-5787 or email office@moonriverpeds.com
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