Everyone who consumes alcohol regularly should be on the lookout for signs of misuse. Your risk is indeed higher if you have a parent or grandparent who has or used to have Alcohol Use Disorder, but AUD can affect anyone who drinks, according to SouthCoast Health medical experts.
Like certain cancers, certain genes increase your risk of developing AUD.
Whether you have several of these risk factors or none at all, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol. There’s always the option to abstain altogether. But if you choose to continue drinking, find some tips here.
Knowing your family medical history is important for helping doctors establish a clear and comprehensive snapshot of your whole health. Whether you have a family history of AUD, are concerned about your consumption, or just need a check-up, SouthCoast Health providers are here to help you take care of yourself at every age.
To commemorate World Autism month, SouthCoast Health pediatrician, L. Nelson Elam, M.D., FAAP shares an essay written a couple years ago by his eldest son, Simon, that captures his family’s unique journey with an autistic family member.
“The essay describes my son’s experience as an older brother and our family’s journey,” explains Dr. Elam, whose younger son has autism. “Although our experience may be different than most, it is still important to tell. The saying ‘If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism’ is certainly true. Every autistic individual you meet is unique.”
Read the full essay, Life with Lucas, here. Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
If you suspect or are concerned your child may have autism, SouthCoast Health pediatricians are here to assist you and your family. A specialist at SouthCoast Health can provide you with the guidance and support you need. To make an appointment click here, or call 912-691-3600 to learn more.
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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.
One tip: identify harmful products with “Mr. Yuk” stickers, (see above) created in 1971 by the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
For immediate assistance and information regarding poisonous substances, contact the Poison Health Line at 1-888-222-1222. For non-emergency concerns, you can also connect online or call (912) 691-3600 for further guidance, or to set up an appointment.
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“Just like with many other medical conditions, there are things you can do to prevent issues and complications from season allergies,” SouthCoast Health Allergist Dr. Wasil Khan said. “Many patients think they should wait until their symptoms start to come see me, but it’s actually best to come in before the allergy season starts if you know you typically experience them during the spring months.”
When should you start looking for a pediatrician? It’s recommended to start in your last trimester.
Ask friends and family for recommendations to find one you’re comfortable with.
Scheduling a prenatal visit is a great way to get to know if you’ve found the right pediatrician.
Coastal Pediatrics staff in Savannah or Pooler would love to meet you and answer your questions! Call the office at (912) 353-7744 to schedule a free prenatal visit with any Coastal Pediatrics physicians and tour the office.
More than 110,000 men, women, and children are on the national transplant waiting list. Even worse, every ten minutes someone new is added.
Each year, the difference between the number of people waiting for organs versus the number of people willing to donate grows wider year after year. While 95% of US adults support organ donation, only about 54% are actually signed up to be donors. That means about 20 people die each day waiting for a transplant.
SouthCoast Health professionals in Savannah can answer all of your medical questions, and, since SouthCoast has a wide range of medical professionals and departments, they can handle most discussions about organ donation, no matter what body part your questions cover.
Learn more about organ donation and why you should become an organ donor here.
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Call and schedule a “meet the doctor” visit with Coastal Pediatrics: (912) 353-7744. They’d love to answer your questions and show you around their office.
Your baby was just diagnosed with a positional skull deformity. Now what?
Positional skull deformities can be caused by various reasons, such as conditions in the womb, prematurity, sleeping position or overuse of carriers. The great news is that there are treatment options available. After consulting with your pediatrician, you may be referred to a craniofacial specialist, such as the team at Pediatrix® Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah, which offers a cranial remolding orthosis (helmet therapy) program. The program includes Pediatrix clinicians who create custom-made cranial-remolding helmets using FDA-approved STARscannerTM and SmartSoc® technology. During the course of treatment, the helmets provide a comfortable fit for your baby while allowing the skull to grow and reshape.
Learn more about the Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah cranial remolding orthosis program, and schedule a consultation here.
Are you expecting a new baby or looking to change pediatricians?
Scheduling a “meet the doctor” visit is a great way to get to know if you’ve found the right pediatrician. Call and schedule a visit with Coastal Pediatrics: (912) 353-7744. They’d love to answer your questions and show you around their office.
Led by pediatric plastic and cranio-maxillofacial surgeon Anand R. Kumar, M.D., FACS, FAAP, in collaboration with registered occupational therapist Marly Fields, OTR, Pediatrix® Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah is the go-to team of specialists for infant positional skull deformities.
Their leading experts offer a comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s head shape using the most advanced technology, including FDA-approved STARscannerTM and SmartSoc® technology.
As your baby continues to grow and develop, you may notice your baby’s head has flat spots, unevenness or differences between sides.
Once consulting with your pediatrician, you may be referred to a craniofacial specialist to discuss treatments, such as cranial remolding orthosis, or helmet therapy.
Pediatrix® Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah is proud to offer a state-of-the-art cranial remolding orthosis program to families in the Savannah area! Using FDA-approved STARscannerTM and SmartSoc® technologies enables the quick, safe and easy capture of a 3D surface scan of your baby’s head to achieve the most desirable results.
The Pediatrix team remains steadfast in its mission to “Take great care of the patient, every day and in every wayTM.”
Learn more about the Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah cranial remolding orthosis program here.
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Does your baby need treatment for flat spots, unevenness or differences between sides?
Pediatrix® Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah offers a comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s head shape. The team will listen to your concerns and work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your baby’s unique needs.
Using FDA-approved STARscannerTM and SmartSoc® technologies enables us to quickly, safely and easily capture a 3D surface scan of your baby’s head. With your baby’s comfort in mind, we use STARband, the world’s most prescribed cranial-remodeling orthosis (helmet), and other advanced cranial-remolding products to achieve the most desirable results.
Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah’s custom-made cranial-remolding helmets gently conform to your baby’s head, providing a comfortable fit while allowing the skull to grow and reshape.
Learn more about the Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Savannah cranial remolding orthosis program here.
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Effects of dry, cold winter weather are even more pronounced in children, who have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults.
Find tips from SouthCoast Health here on how to keep your kids from having Itchy and irritated skin during winter.
Skin care is an important aspect of children’s wellness, but it’s only one part of comprehensive pediatric care.
For a provider who cares for your child in a welcoming environment, turn to SouthCoast Health. SouthCoast Health’s pediatric walk-in clinics conveniently offer urgent care for your little one when they need it most. Review SouthCoast Health’s full list of pediatric services, or call 912-691-3600 for appointments.
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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.)
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.
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.
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