Every year in the United States, 33,700 women and men are diagnosed with cancer caused by HPV infection. The good news? The HPV vaccination can help prevent these diseases with a success rate as high as 90% in some cases.
“The age recommended for children to get their HPV vaccine has been getting younger and younger,” said SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Carisa Elmore (pictured) “With its incredible success rate of preventing such awful diseases, it’s really a must for any child.”
Learn more about the HPV vaccine and how it affects your children here.
If you have any more questions about the HPV vaccine, schedule an appointment with an expert SouthCoast Health Pediatrician by calling us at 912-691-3600.
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Nearly all cases of cervical cancer — as well as other cancers including those of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus — are caused by HPV.
But HPV is highly preventable.
Similar to vaccines for many other viruses, the vaccine for HPV renders the virus ineffective by training the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to it as soon as it enters your body.
Anyone between the ages of 9 to 45 can receive the HPV vaccine to protect against the cancer-causing virus. Though this may seem an uncomfortable topic for protective parents or guardians, including HPV vaccination as part of a 10-12 year-old’s regular health check-up can ensure they’re fully safeguarded well before they become sexually active.
Those who have already started having sex can also still benefit. “If you haven’t yet contracted the virus,” assures SouthCoast Health pediatrician, Dr. Blaine Crosland (pictured) “it’s never too late to shield against it.”
For the 17.1 million children in the United States estimated to have a mental illness, back-to-school season can be a time full of anxiety and worries.
“Mental illness still has a lot of stigma surrounding it, especially when it comes to children,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam (pictured) stated. “And yet, that number of children with a mental illness is more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It’s time we stop being hesitant to talk about mental illnesses that are potentially harming our children.”
If the school season is full of worries with how your child will balance their mental illness, you are not alone.
Despite the fact that mental health disorders are one of the most common diseases among children, the idea of mental health advocacy for our children is still pretty rare.
Read here how Dr. Keith Seibert and his wife, Dr. Heather Seibert, both pediatric advocates at SouthCoast Health in Richmond Hill, helped one 11-year-old girl who was struggling with mental illness including anxiety and ADHD.
SouthCoast HealthPediatricians in Richmond Hill, Savannah
SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. William Webb explains here reasons to be aware of the negative side effects chronic technology use can have on developing bodies and minds.
“Technology has changed how most of us live, but it’s especially clear that it’s changing how children grow and interact with the world,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. William Webb said. “Some apps are fantastic for instructing our children in ways we cannot, however, there is also a clear place where children aren’t learning and growing as they use to due to the distraction of their devices.”
Negative effects of smart devices on kids include: rise in childhood obesity; trouble with bed time; negative impact a child’s cognitive development and ability to focus.
If you have additional questions or concerns about how technology is affecting your child, call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600 to schedule an appointment to meet or speak with a member of the pediatrics team.
SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Amanda Hendricks and Dietitian Rebekah Laurance (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.
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 into the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule for every age here.
SouthCoast Health makes vaccinations hassle-free. Find out more about their family medicine services here or schedule an appointment by calling 912-691-3600.
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At these appointments counselor will typically discuss the basics of breastfeed, the importance of staying on a regular schedule to maintain a supply of breast milk, and give guidance on positioning, latching techniques, and ways to increase comfort for the mother.
“We have seen many new mothers on the verge of giving up breastfeeding,” said SouthCoast Health lactation specialist Alisha Bennett (pictured). “ But with the support of our breastfeeding specialists at SouthCoast Health, we are able to help the majority of these women successfully overcome the hurdles that come with breastfeeding.”
If you are a new mom looking for support or guidance on this issue, call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600 or request an appointment here.
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Running out of family-friendly summer activities? SouthCoast Health’s providers share some favorite summer activities and health tips:
“Get some cardio in with you and your family. Some options include participating in a 5k that the whole family can jog or walk, or getting outside and sweating it out on a hike. Your body, especially your heart, will thank you later. As always, follow your physician’s guidelines for your exercise regimen.”
-SouthCoast Health Cardiologist Akinniran Abisogun, MD.
“It’s always a blast to do a summer cook-out, but you can’t forget about the healthy options. Throw some vegetables on the grill, like corn or eggplant, for a delicious charred flavor, and consider some healthier meat options like turkey or veggie burgers.”
-SouthCoast Health Family Physician Leslie Sizemore, MD.
“Whether it’s a movie night, swimming in the pool, or going to the beach, the activities that are the most fun are with my whole family. That’s why it’s really important to communicate with your kids or partner to see what they want to do the most. Letting your kids pick your next summer adventure can yield lots of surprising results.”
-SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Jami Scanlon, DO.
“We love to go to the neighborhood pool. But, don’t forget to protect your kid’s feet in you’re going to a public place like that. Wearing water shoes at places like the pool or the beach will protect everyone from bacteria or easy to avoid injuries.”
-SouthCoast Health Podiatrist Craig Skalla, DMP.
“Wherever we go, we always wear mineral-based sunscreen. SPF 50 is slathered all over us before we step out the door. Sunburns aren’t pleasant, especially for the little ones, and it protects us from major dermatology issues later down the road like skin cancer.”
“Don’t forget that allergies exist during the summer too. If you have someone in your family who has the sniffles or a bad head cold, see if there’s something in the air that is bothering them. Common summer allergens are pollen, mold, and insects”
-SouthCoast Health Allergist Wasil Khan, MD
“I really try to limit screen time during the summer holiday. As good as some games or activities can be on my kid’s devices, I find that nothing beats doing something together, whether it’s going to the park or sitting around the family table completing a puzzle.”
-SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner, Alisha Bennett, FNP.
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Getting your child ready for back-to-school involves a lot.
But remember to prioritize your child’s health amid all that back-to-school business.
“I’m a parent myself, so I understand how busy the start of school season can be,” said SouthCoast Health pediatrician and mom Dr. Jami Scanlon (pictured) “But in the hustle-and-bustle it’s crucial to put health-related check-ups at the top of the to-do list, as it will set the tone for your child’s entire school year.”
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.
Half of parents say their preschoolers are afraid of doctors’ visits, and one-fifth of parents say they struggle to speak with providers because their children get so upset.
SouthCoast Health medical experts offer tips here on how to help including: explain what to expect: validate your child’s feelings; use make-believe play: and lead by example.
If there are any important matters you’d like to discuss with the doctor, consider bringing another parent or support person along, so you can speak alone with the doctor in private before or after your child is seen.
SouthCoast Health pediatricians treat children of all ages, from newborns to age 21. Evening and weekend hours available, as well as urgent care walk-in visits. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-691-3600 or online.
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If you need more tips on navigating school online or tips on how to stay safe during this time, you can book an appointment or call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600.
For the 17.1 million children in the United States estimated to have a mental illness, back-to-school season can be a time full of anxiety and worries.
“Mental illness still has a lot of stigma surrounding it, especially when it comes to children,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam stated. “And yet, that number of children with a mental illness is more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It’s time we stop being hesitant to talk about mental illnesses that are potentially harming our children.”
If the school season is full of worries with how your child will balance their mental illness, you are not alone.
With our region’s recent back-to-school season in full gear, WTOC reported how it brought an increased number of COVID-19 cases for kids. SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam shared how his team is working to accommodate the rise in sick pediatric patients during this back-to-school COVID surge, such as adding new appointments, evening hours, and rescheduling well checks for children who are not sick.
Along with talking Dr. Elam, WTOC interviewed a parent about her stress of finding the time off of work for testing and the worry of her child being sick after a COVID exposure.
Dr. Blaine Crosland, a pediatrician with SouthCoast Health, recently spoke with WSAV television about protection methods to help cut down the spread of COVID-19 among students this back-to-school season.
Dr. Crosland shared that children can easily carry and spread the virus quickly, which is a reversal of what health officials thought earlier in the pandemic. However, returning to in-person learning remains a top priority for pediatricians. She also shared the best way to keep students healthy at school is to wear a mask.
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.
Rebekah Laurance, a dietician with SouthCoast Health in Savannah, recently spoke with WSAV television about the prevalence of food allergies in children.
Laurance explained how to spot food allergy sensitivities and shared tips on what to do if a child has an allergic reaction. Additionally, she suggested introducing children to a wide variety of foods while they’re young in an effort to keep allergies from developing.
If you are interested in having your child (within this age range) vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine at that location, please CLICK HERE to add your child to SouthCoast’s waitlist. This waitlist will be used to contact patients to schedule a vaccination.
Vaccinations are by appointment only.
Completing the form is not a guarantee of an appointment as vaccine supplies could be limited.
You will be contacted by text to schedule when an appointment is available for your child. If you sign up on the waitlist with a landline, you will receive a phone call to schedule.
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“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 during Autism Awareness Month, find the basics of autism here including what is autism; what does ‘On the spectrum’ mean; signs of autism; diagnosis of autism; and what happens after diagnosis.
Congratulations to SouthCoast Health’s Dr. Keith M. Seibert who won “Best Pediatrician” in the Bryan County News 2021 annual competition, “Bryan’s Favorites.” Dr. Seibert is part of the SouthCoast Health Pediatrics team in Richmond Hill.
“It’s a great privilege to be trusted by the families of my patients for the care of their children,” says Dr. Seibert. “I am honored to be recognized for our commitment to high-quality care for the children of our community.”
Readers of the publication vote to determine the winners. SouthCoast Health was also acknowledged as the runner-up for the Best Medical group. The SouthCoast Health Pediatrics team in Richmond Hill has been honored with Bryan’s Favorites Awards since 2015 and consider it an honor to be acknowledged again in 2021.
SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Blaine Crossland answers that question and shares some facts to consider when deciding whether to reach for hand sanitizer or if you should wash your hands with warm water and soap.
“People love hand sanitizer, because it’s a convenient option to keep in a purse, backpack, or car when you do not have access to soap and water,” said SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Blaine Crossland in Richmond Hill. “It’s great for kids too, because sometimes it’s hard to wrangle them to hold still long enough to wash their hands properly.”
SouthCoast Health, a medical leader across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, welcomes Dr. Misal Patel to its ever-growing roster medical experts.
Dr. Patel is now seeing patients at the newly-expanded Pooler location (Godley Station Professional Park, 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Building 1200, Pooler). A Savannah native, Dr. Patel specializes in a variety of primary care services, and specializes in preventive care and management of chronic diseases.
