Savannah-Chatham public schools plan to start COVID testing in collaboration with COVID Testing Appointments, LLC.

COVID testing will be mandatory for students participating in athletics and other identified extra-curricular activities.

Weekly testing will begin Oct. 5, 2021. Registration will be required before testing can be offered.

Learn more here. 

There is no cost for students or staff associated with this service.

Testing will occur on designated days at school. Students will not be required to travel for testing. Results are typically returned within 24 hours.

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High School Vaccination Clinics

In addition to mandatory COVID testing for athletes, all Savannah-Chatham public high schools also will be offering SCCPSS vaccination clinics this fall. Students will be able to receive two shots on these vaccination days. These days will be in October and November 2021, depending on the school.

SCCPSS has teamed up with St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, the Coastal Georgia Department of Health, Hospice of Savannah, Savannah Fire Department, and Chatham Emergency Services to host vaccine clinics at area high schools for staff and students 12 years of age or older.

Schools have been divided into clusters with neighboring elementary and middle schools assigned to a high school. First shots, second shots and Pfizer boosters will be offered to those who meet the criteria. All sites will offer vaccinations from 1:30 – 4:30 on the specified dates.

Appointments are not required but participants will be asked to register prior to vaccination clinic date. Parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18. Register online here.

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Membership Promotions

FALL BACK INTO FITNESS WITH A FRIEND

During the month of September 2021, when members refer a friend to join the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, the friend can join with no joiner’s fee, and the member will receive a gift card pre-loaded with $50 in Y Cash good for any Y programming, beginning in October (like personal training, child care, etc.).

You can even apply it to your membership fee. Bring your buddy to the Y in September and you’ll both save.

Learn more here. 

Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches: 
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA

YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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Photo by Anthony Justin Lewis

Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury and brain injury.

You’re invited to come support this kid-friendly, nonprofit event – Caroline Cares! Wear a helmet! fundraiser, on Sat. Oct. 2, 4-7PM @ Coastal Beer Empire in Savannah.

This event will include games, root beer floats, food trucks, tap specials.

Come see:
Indian Motorcycle of Savannah
Wolfpack Club
McCall Honey

Location:
Coastal Beer Empire Co
79 Ross Road Savannah
Date: Sat. Oct. 2 2021, 4-7PM

2021 KiDS Rock Savannah is happening!

Online registration is now open for 2021 KiDS Rock Savannah 2:30PM Sun. Nov. 7 2021 @ Daffin Park in Savannah. Children ages 1-17 are invited to participate.

New this year: a toddler race for kids ages 1 year-3years. The race distance is 80ft for the toddlers. There will also be a 1/2 mile (ages 3-8) or one mile (ages 5-17).

Each participant gets a t-shirt, medal, bag and racing bib.

Running-1 Mile: KiDS ROCK Savannah 1 mile (ages 5-17). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Running-1/2 mile (ages 3-8). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Toddler Race 80 ft (ages 1-3): Cost $20. Register online here. 

Daffin Park
1301 E Victory Dr.
Savannah, GA 31404

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KiDS Rock Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

As COVID-19 cases continue in our area, some schools are transitioning from in-person learning to virtual learning.

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics experts know this can be a challenging time for your children and have outlined some tips to help them.

Learn more here. 

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.

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SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Summer is fading into Fall, but don’t let your guard down when it comes to protecting your skin.

Even during fall, excess sunlight (particularly its harmful UV rays) can still lead to skin cancer, the most common — and most preventable — form of cancer in the U.S.

SouthCoast Health experts share the three main types of skin cancer and their own unique characteristics, as well as the best ways ways to protect your and your children’s skin from the sun.

Learn more here. 

For more advice, or to schedule a post-summer checkup, visit SouthCoast Health website for an appointment or call 912-691-3600.

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SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Listening to Those Rejecting the Vaccine – Special Session, Mon. Sep. 27, 6:30PM
An online conversation to hear concerns about vaccine acceptance from Savannah area citizens who are not vaccinated.

Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia will hold a special virtual “Listening Session” on Monday, Sep. 27 to hear from those who are not accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. This effort, along with an initiative to train 65 community advocates beginning in October, is part of a focus on COVID-19 vaccine education, awareness and acceptance, particularly in Savannah’s Black and Hispanic communities.

Funded by a supplemental grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program is intended to broaden the initiatives of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant.

The online listening session will provide a “safe space” platform for those who are not accepting the vaccine to voice their thoughts, concerns and questions. The event is scheduled for 6:30PM Mon. Sept. 27. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to elsie@healthysavannah.org. A link will be sent to those who RSVP.

Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia team members are also hoping this virtual listening session, along with three held earlier in the summer, will help identify potential community advocates. Neighborhood leaders, church leaders and community organizers are encouraged to apply.

Virtual training sessions for the advocate program will begin October 2 with the ultimate goal of creating community-acceptable approaches for improving vaccination availability, accessibility, and confidence. Utilizing their background, experiences, interests and skillsets, the advocates will be trained to speak to and learn from the community by meeting with community and faith-based organizations as well as local business owners.

In addition to the $500 they’ll receive for completing the program, the advocates will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, learn about health advocacy, and add to their resumes.

Training in small groups of about 10 each will get underway beginning Oct. 2 with the ultimate goal of creating community-acceptable approaches for improving vaccination availability, accessibility, and confidence.

To register for the Sep. 27 listening and info session, apply to become a community advocate or learn more, please visit https://healthysavannah.org/community-advocate-program/ or email elsei@healthysavannah.org.

Kid’s Dentistree – What Do You Do If Your Child Has a Toothache?

In this guest post, Kid’s Dentistree – a pediatric dentist in Richmond Hill – is sharing tips on what to do if your child has a toothache.

Is your child complaining of tooth pain but unsure if the issue is serious enough for a visit to the dentist? Kid’s Dentistree has provided a few tips to help you identify the problem, ease your child’s pain, and help them get the care they need:

If you determine your child needs to be seen, you can easily make an appointment. Visit Kid’s Dentistree’s or call (912) 756-5437 to schedule your child’s visit today.

The Kid’s Dentistree office is located in the “Clock Tower” building, right next to The Suites at Station Exchange on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill.

Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

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Kid’s Dentistree in Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

2021 KiDS Rock Savannah is happening!

Online registration is now open for 2021 KiDS Rock Savannah 2:30PM Sun. Nov. 7 2021 @ Daffin Park in Savannah. Children ages 1-17 are invited to participate.

New this year: a toddler race for kids ages 1 year-3years. The race distance is 80ft for the toddlers. There will also be a 1/2 mile (ages 3-8) or one mile (ages 5-17).

Each participant gets a t-shirt, medal, bag and racing bib.

Running-1 Mile: KiDS ROCK Savannah 1 mile (ages 5-17). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Running-1/2 mile (ages 3-8). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Toddler Race 80 ft (ages 1-3): Cost $20. Register online here. 

Daffin Park
1301 E Victory Dr.
Savannah, GA 31404

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KiDS Rock Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah pediatricians: Helping Your Child with Mental Illness

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.

SouthCoast pediatricians are offer these mental health tips to help both you and your family manage this school season and beyond, help give your children a positive and fulfilling life.

Learn more here. 

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SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Developmental Checklist for Children Ages 1-6

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy medical experts know that it can be challenging to determine if your child is hitting age-appropriate milestone.

This is the exact reason they developed a developmental checklist, to help parents and caregivers. Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy sees the benefits of early intervention in our kids every day.

Have you tried it yet? ⬇️

chatterboxpeds.developmentchecklist.com/

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Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy in Pooler, Richmond Hill 

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy offers pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy services in Pooler and Richmond Hill, GA.

Chatterbox has an online developmental screening for children ages 1-6 years

Find the interactive child developmental checklist here.

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy strives to help children reach their full potential. As a part of that mission, Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is here to provide you with the tools you need to make sure your child is meeting critical developmental milestones. You may use this developmental screening questionnaire here to see if your child is on track and to identify potential areas for improvement.

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Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam

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.

Watch the interview here.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Pediatrician searching in the Savannah-Pooler area?

Coastal Pediatrics has offices in Savannah & Pooler.

If you would like to join the Coastal Pediatrics practice, but are unsure if they are participating providers with your insurance, check their list of accepted insurances here.

If you do not see your insurance on their list, please contact their office and check with the receptionist to see if they accept your insurance before making an appointment.

If you already know that Coastal Pediatrics accepts your insurance and you would like to make a new patient appointment, please call 912-353-7744 to schedule the appointment.

Learn more here.

Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler Street
Savannah, GA 31405

Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler, GA 31322

Coastal Pediatrics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy in Pooler, Richmond Hill 

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy offers pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy services in Pooler and Richmond Hill, GA.

Chatterbox has an online developmental screening for children ages 1-6 years

Find the interactive child developmental checklist here.

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy strives to help children reach their full potential. As a part of that mission, Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is here to provide you with the tools you need to make sure your child is meeting critical developmental milestones. You may use this developmental screening questionnaire here to see if your child is on track and to identify potential areas for improvement.

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Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Tiny Beet, Lifestyle Medicine Pediatrics, Savannah

The Tiny Beet – a general pediatric direct primary care (DPC) practice – is accepting new patients.

Call 917-777-6830 or visit tinybeet.com to get your appointment out.

Pediatrician Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill  accepts patients for a single visit But the benefits of membership are:
*direct communication with the doctor (with her personal number)
*short time to no waiting room delay
*Evaluation and Consultation of Medicine Lifestyle
*and more

Learn more here. 

ADDRESS
51 Johnny Mercer Blvd.
Building A-2 Suite A
Savannah, GA 31400

PHONE
(912) 777-6830

EMAIL
thedoctorbeet@gmail.com

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The Tiny Beet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Healthy Kids Running Series in Pooler is a small community focused non-profit that promotes active and healthy lifestyles for kids ages 2-14. It is a 5-week race series starting in September hosted at the Pooler Recreation on the following dates: 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, and 10/10.

Register online here.

For more info, email poolerga@healthykidsrs.org

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.

To learn more, watch the here.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

According to the American Academy Pediatrics Journal, while many mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 29 percent of babies are breastfed during their first 12 months.

Learn more here. 

Breastfeeding can be hard, especially for new mothers. Pair that with the fact that it can often be difficult to find trusted information and medical professionals to aid in the process, it’s no wonder many moms turn to formula.

SouthCoast Health’s Nurse Practitioner Lactation Specialist Haley Dickerson in Savannah wants to change that.

To help guide mothers who are considering breastfeeding, Dickerson answers a few commonly asked breastfeeding questions here.

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym, Bluffton, SC 

OPEN GYM for the week of Aug. 9

Open gym 9AM-5PM Mon through Friday. CLOSED Saturday for parties.
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Ignite the Senses Gym is a gym for ALL kids…

At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.

As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.

Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.

The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!

Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.

Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.

Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910

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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Amanda Hendricks

SouthCoast Health Dietitian Rebekah Laurance

The Childhood Obesity Epidemic: SouthCoast Health Pediatrician & Dietitian Answer Common Questions

SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Amanda Hendricks and Dietitian Rebekah Laurance answer some of the most common and pressing questions about child obesity here.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Giveaway from Savannah pediatrician Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill @ The Tiny Beet 

To celebrate back-to-school season, The Tiny Beet general pediatric direct primary care (DPC) practice in Savannah is having their very first giveaway!

PRIZE: free comprehensive back to school exam and lifestyle medicine consultation (a $200 value).
TO ENTER, visit The Tiny Beet’s Facebook page here 1)like this giveaway post, 2) leave the comment tinybeetgiveaway below that giveaway, and 3) make sure you are following The Tiny Beet on Instagram, too, @thedoctorbeet

Contest closes on 7/31 and winner will be announced 8/2.

The Tiny Beet is a general pediatric direct primary care (DPC) practice specializing in Lifestyle Medicine in order to focus on the root cause of patients’ health.

Dr. Caudill is on a mission to help her patients develop and maintain healthier lifestyles through general pediatrics and lifestyle medicine.

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The Tiny Beet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Tammie Walz

SouthCoast Health: Urgent Care vs. the ER: When to Go to Where

*If you are experiencing a true medical emergency that can result in your death, please forgo reading this article and call 911 instead.*

Knowing where to go when seeking care for a serious medical condition is very important.

While SouthCoast Health is proud to offer urgent care services, some urgent medical conditions require attention at an emergency room.

SouthCoast Health Nurse Practitioner Tammie Walz shares tips here on when to go to urgent care vs when to go to the ER.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Pooler MOPS Open House 2021, First Presbyterian Church of Pooler

Connect with other moms this school year.

If you’re pregnant or have a child in kindergarten or younger, Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) would love to have you join this year to journey through motherhood together and grow in faith.

If you’re familiar with MOPS and want to register, drop by between 9:30-11:30AM on Wed. Aug. 18 2021. If you want to learn more about MOPS, Pooler MOPS will have two informational sessions starting at 9:45 AM and 10:30 AM. The group will also have information about MOPS kids.

No childcare will be provided at open house, but snacks and activities will be available for the kids, as well as coffee and food for the mamas!

Can’t attend open house? Don’t worry! You can still register. Email poolermops@gmail.com.

If you’re interested in joining a community of fellow moms and meeting for brunch, conversation, crafts, speakers, and a little break from the kids, all while strengthening your relationship with Christ, Pooler MOPS might be just the right place for you.

Pooler MOPS Open House 2021
Wed. Aug. 18 2021
9:30-11:30AM
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, GA 31322

SouthCoast Health Radiology Technologist shares the story of her son’s bug bite that became  infected and had turned into an abscess.

Read this mom’s story here. 

If you’re worried about a bug bite on you or your child’s skin, click here to learn about SouthCoast Health’s urgent care services. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with any of our expert pediatricians to talk about your kid’s risk with bug bites, click here to schedule an appointment.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser