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.
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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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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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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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.
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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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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SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Jenna Sirmans shared tips on a Savannah TV station on keeping youth athletes safe, including the importance of hydration and recognizing the signs of concussion.
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Posted in Pediatricians, SouthCoast Health | Comments Off on (Savannah pediatricians) SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Jenna Sirmans discusses youth sports safety
SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Amanda Hendricks and Dietitian Meredith Bird (pictured) are answering some of the most common and pressing questions about the childhood obesity epidemic.
Nearly one in three children ages two through 12 in the United States are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems.
Questions answered include: how does obesity negatively affect children?; What are the most important things kids need to be eating? What are the worst things?; What are tips for packing healthy school lunches for kids?; What are your top tips for parents to prevent childhood obesity?
Read the SouthCoast experts’ answers to those questions and more here.
If you have any more questions or would like advice from a SouthCoast Health dietitian or pediatrician to make sure your child is living the healthiest lifestyle possible, schedule an appointment today.
How we age is often a result of the choices we make earlier in life.
Health experts weigh in here what you can start doing now to support your long-term health.
“Most diseases are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors,” says SouthCoast Health Family Medicine Physician, Dr. William B. Knight.
If you’re seeking a partner to help you maintain total wellness for life, turn to SouthCoast Health. SouthCoast Health providers offer personalized care for your entire family through a highly integrated system that supports all of your wellness needs.
Breast milk is up to 90 percent water, so getting enough fluids will keep both you and your baby well-hydrated.
When you’re lactating, you may need up to 16 cups of water per day. Try to drink a cup of water every time you breastfeed.
As for coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages, keep in mind that small amounts of the stimulant can pass through your milk to your baby. Limiting your intake to 300 milligrams per day may help to avoid fussiness.
Find more tips from SouthCoast Health on what to eat and drink while breastfeeding here.
Your diet is an important component of overall wellness at every stage of life. For questions, concerns, and personalized recommendations, schedule an appointment to talk to one of SouthCoast Health primary care physicians about healthy eating by calling 912.691.3600, or find a provider online.
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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.
More people to encounter stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants during warm weather months.
For people who have an allergy to insect venom, stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
SouthCoast Health Allergist Dr. Wasil Khan shares signs that indicate the presence of a dangerous insect sting allergy & sting avoidance measures here.
If you suspect you may have a dangerous sting allergy, contact SouthCoast Allergy / Immunology for an appointment to see Dr. Wasil Khan.
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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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