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.
Congratulations to SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. Amanda H. Hendricks on being named “Best Pediatrician” in the 2025 Best of Effingham Readers’ Choice Awards by Effingham Magazine.
This honor highlights Dr. Hendricks’ outstanding commitment to compassionate, high-quality care for her pediatric patients and their families at our SouthCoast Health Pediatrics office in Rincon.
Say “BOO!” to the Flu with SouthCoast Health Pediatrics.
Bring your child to a fun and healthy celebration for the fall season!
Join SouthCoast Health on Saturday, October 25th, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at any SouthCoast Health Pediatrics location (Savannah, Richmond Hill, Rincon) for trick-or-treating and flu shots.
Kids are welcome to come in costume, and a parent or guardian must be present.
SouthCoast Health experts share tips here on how to keep kids healthy in the classroom
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22 million school days are lost each year thanks to the common cold, and approximately 38 million school days are lost due to influenza.
Get SouthCoast Health’s tips on keeping your kids healthy here.
“Switched to this practice a year ago for my twins. I wish we didn’t waste five previous years with a different practice. EVERYONE at the office is amazing. They get you in same day for sick visits. You spend a very short time to be seen. Dr. Callan has been amazing on finally trying to help get my sons Asthma under control, without keeping him on unnecessary medication. The two NP I have seen have been wonderful as well. Beyond grateful to find such a great practice for my children.”
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In the article, Dr. Sirmans – a cheerleader for mothers navigating this often emotional and challenging experience of breast feeding – highlighted the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants, from helping with postpartum recovery to lowering risks for certain illnesses.
SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. Micah Riegner and primary care physician Dr. Danielle Mankin joined WTOC to share their insights on this important stage of care.
They discussed factors such as patient comfort, readiness to talk about adult health concerns, and the benefits of continuity with a pediatrician until age 21. Savannah local Mason Riegner also offered his perspective as a young adult navigating this transition.
Children who do not drink enough water, especially when engaging in physical activities, could experience dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. I
“The name of the game is hydration,” says Dr. Jenna Sirmans, a pediatrician with SouthCoast Health. “Youth athletes should begin hydrating at least an hour or two before practices or games. If you start hydrating while you’re at your practice or game, you’re already playing catch up in terms of maintaining your hydration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends school-aged children drink four to eight ounces of water every 20 minutes, and for adolescents about nine to 10 ounces of water every 20 minutes while participating in athletics.”
Learn more about dehydration & youth sports including early signs of dehydration here.
Beginning Sept. 2, Dr. Riegner and the Savannah Pediatrics office will begin seeing patients at their new location at 815 East 68th Street, Suite B, Savannah, GA.
Dr. Riegner is expanding to see patients at the SouthCoast Pediatrics Richmond Hill location as well. Starting September, her new schedule is:
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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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.
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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