Coastal Pediatrics in Savannah & Pooler is one of the first pediatricians offices in our area to have the flu shot available this flu season.

Coastal Pediatrics first flu clinic of the 2018-2019 flu season is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22 2018 and only flu shots will be provided. No FluMist will be available at all this season.

If you cannot make it to the flu clinic on Sept. 22, there will have another flu clinic on Sat. Oct. 27 and additional weekday options available in the future, but those have yet to be determined. Flu shots also available @ regularly scheduled well and sick appointments.

Please use the online scheduler and avoid calling the office to schedule flu appointments, if possible.

Children must be 6 months old or older to receive the flu shot. Click here to schedule your child or children’s appointment(s) for this flu vaccine. Flu shots are also available to parents who would like to receive them for $40. The flu clinics are only open to Coastal Pediatrics patients and their caregivers.  Please arrive a few minutes prior to your appointment to complete your required forms.

If you are attending the Saturday flu clinic, there will be raffles for gift cards and giveaways, as well as snacks and trips to the treasure chest, so don’t miss out.

▪ Important: Your child CANNOT receive the flu shot if they have a severe allergy to eggs or a serious adverse/allergic reaction to a previous flu shot. Please click here for more information regarding the flu shot.

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Learn more about Coastal Pediatrics 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 

Navigating life alone can be scary; counseling can be a positive step in the right direction!

As a third year graduate student with Wake Forest University, Hunter G. Ray is excited to be completing her internship experience with C. Williams & Associates located in downtown Savannah. As a counselor-in-training, Ray is offering free counseling services to the uninsured population as well as individuals insured with Medicare and Medicaid.

Ray would love the opportunity to create a unique counseling experience for you!

If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please send a confidential email to hunter@cwilliamsandassociates.com or call (912) 447-5530.

We appreciate the Keep Your Child Safe this School season post on the SouthCoast Health Web site here as we know school safety is prevalent on the minds of parents at the start of the school season. Topics covered include how to deal with bullying.

SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. William Webb

“Education is incredibly important for children,” explains SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. William Webb. “But equally as important is establishing a feeling of safety, especially in their school environment. Not feeling safe can seriously impact a child’s ability to learn, develop, and grow.”

Help your student feel comfortable and secure at school by following these tips 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

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

As part of SouthernMamas.com “Ask Me Anything” series with pediatricians @ Pediatric Associates of Savannah, PC, SouthernMamas.com readers submitted questions for an exclusive Q&A with Savannah pediatrician Dr. Chintak B. Patel.

Great questions. Great responses by Dr. Patel. Thanks everyone for participating.

See the video of Dr. Patel answering questions submitted by SouthernMamas.com readers here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

See more of these guest posts here.

Do you notice…
frequent urination day or night?
difficulty emptying your bladder?
a “falling out” feeling in your pelvis?
trouble with constipation?
difficulty controlling bowel movements?

Do you have…
painful urination?
painful bowel movements?
painful intercourse?
pain in your genitals?
pain when you squat and/or stand?

Do you ever leak urine…
when you cough or sneeze?
on the way to the bathroom?
when you stand up?
during exercise?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, these symptoms could be related to your pelvic floor muscles, which are basically a bowl-shaped set of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus.

The good news is that physical therapy could be the answer. Yes, that’s right. There are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor and I’m proud to be one.

At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options. There’s significant and exciting research out there about treatments for urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Beloved Savannah pediatrician Dr. Ben Spitalnik @ Pediatric Associates of Savannah shares everything you need to know about the upcoming flu vaccine season here. 

Find out here who should get the flu vaccine; when the best time is for your child to get the flu vaccine; the flu shot vs. nasal flu spray vaccine; how effective the vaccine is; when the flu season typically spikes in the Savannah area.

Pediatrics Associates of Savannah locations

Pediatric Associates in Savannah
4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100,
Savannah 31404
912.355.2462

Pediatric Associates of Savannah in Pooler
110 Medical Park Drive
Pooler 31322
912.330.5010

Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Whitemarsh Is.
1001 Memorial Dr
Savannah 31410
912.898.9800

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

See more of these guest posts here.

Are you having low back or pelvic pain and are pregnant? With an increase in the hormone relaxin making our joints and ligaments have more laxity and the increase in weight and size of our abdomens, pregnancy puts great demand on our bodies.

The good news is that physical therapy could be the answer. Yes, that’s right. There are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor and I’m proud to be one.

At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.

Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help strengthen your core and hips as your baby and belly are growing! We can also teach you safer ways to move to protect the spine. If needed, we can even try some taping techniques or instruct in braces that may help to take some load off of your spine or to help stabilize your pelvis. Pregnancy should be an exciting time in your life. Don’t let pain take that away from you.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Finishing a marathon is child’s play with KiDS ROCK Savannah – a one-mile fun run for children in grades K – 7. This non-competitive, non-timed event is all about having fun & making it to the finish line. Kindergarten distance is a half mile run.

Kids Rock 2018
1-3PM Sun. Nov. 4
Daffin Park in Savannah, GA
For race time, click here.
Run with your friends. Team Registration available. Read more here.

Registration Information

Register here.

Participants can become full marathon finishers by completing a 25.2-mile training program prior to race day or they can just run, walk or jog the one-mile course on race day. Every child is a winner & will be rewarded with an official race number, T-shirt, goodie bag & medal.

Associated with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon, 1/2 Marathon

We appreciate the Safe Sleep post by Savannah pediatrician Dr Brandy Gheesling on the Pediatric Associates of Savannah web site here.

Dr. Gheesling writes: “As I prepare for the arrival of my third child, I have been busy getting everything together for the nursery. There are so many different gadgets and sleeping devices available, so I thought it would be a good time to review what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends for safe sleep. “

“Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby less than 1 year of age that usually occurs while they are sleeping.  Sadly, per the AAP Policy Statement on SIDS published in 2016, “Approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the US from sleep related deaths, including SIDS and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.”   

Dr. Gheesling reminds us that parents’ behaviors and health can also affect our baby’s SIDS risk.

“Parents should avoid smoke exposure, alcohol, and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.Pregnant women should obtain regular and early prenatal care. Breastfeeding is recommended and has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50% if the baby is exclusively breastfed for the first month of life,” writes Dr. Gheesling.

Read Dr. Gheesling’s Safe Sleep post in its entirety here.

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Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Below is a guest post from CrossFit Hyperformance in Savannah:

What’s your Sleep Routine?

This month at Hyperformance Kids we’re showing off our sleep routines! We’re talking about the benefits of a good night sleep and how having a routine can help. The better you sleep the better you feel.

Sleep is also imperative to maximize learning. Our brains processes both new physical tasks (like coordination) and information during sleep. Your body’s recovery processes and growth hormone release are heightened during deeper stages of sleep.

Here are some tips to try:

1.) Cut off overhead lights at dusk. As it gets darker outside, cut back on the brightness inside too. It signals their bodies to start winding down. My boys love lighting candles and dimming the lights.

2.) Cut off devices and screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime. In the summertime I like to take a walk outside in the natural changing light with my boys. They are also less tempted to go back to the screen.

3.) Reflect. Our family has “couch time”. Each person gets a minute to talk about the best part of their day. It forces us to stop what we are doing and just be together for a couple of precious minutes.

4.) Prep the next day. Not just laying out clothes and making lunch, but ask your kids what they are looking forward to the next day. They will start to connect the things they want to do with a desire to feel ready and well-rested for it.

Of course, lots of exercise and time outdoors during the day helps too! And nothing is wrong with a little power nap from time to time either.

CrossFit Hyperformance​, 904 E. 70th St.Savannah, 31405
email crossfithp@gmail.com, tel: 912-335-3615, CrossFit Hyperformance is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Looking for a pediatrician in the Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill area?

Below is some help. (Need a pediatric dentist? Find that list here.)

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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Coastal Pediatrics locations

Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler St.
Savannah 31405
912.353.7744

Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler 31322
912.353.7744

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Pediatrics Associates of Savannah locations

Pediatric Associates in Savannah
4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100,
Savannah 31404
912.355.2462

Pediatric Associates of Savannah in Pooler
110 Medical Park Drive
Pooler 31322
912.330.5010

Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Whitemarsh Is.
1001 Memorial Dr
Savannah 31410
912.898.9800

SouthCoast Health, Coastal Pediatrics & Pediatrics Associates of Savannah are SouthernMamas.com advertisers 

The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

See more of these guest posts here.

Have you ever done Kegel exercises? Kegels are exercises that target the pelvic floor, which are basically a bowl-shaped set of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus.

But even if you regularly do Kegels, you could still suffer from urinary incontinence or pelvic pain or overactive bladder. The reason could be that you’re not firing your pelvic floor muscles properly. As many as 1 out of 2 women do not properly activate their pelvic floor muscles.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit!

At Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, our goal is to provide a comfortable environment with individualized treatment programs to make sure you receive the most from each of your visits.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

See more of these guest posts here.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You asked and baby expert Dr. Brandy Gheesling has answered!

Thank you for submitting your questions to our Pediatric Associates of Savannah Q&A.

Here’s the video of Dr. Gheesling answering questions submitted by SouthernMamas.com readers.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

Your pelvic floor muscles are very important.  They support your internal organs, give you urinary and fecal continence, and help to stabilize your core.  So why don’t we hear about exercise programs for the pelvic floor? Just like your other muscles, you need to work on getting them stronger.

Let’s use our bicep muscle as an example.  When you bend your arm, your bicep muscle has to contract (or shorten) and this will lift your arm.  If you couldn’t lift your arm or you had pain, you’d be very concerned, right?

Can your pelvic floor muscles contract through their full range of motion?  Are you leaking urine or having pain in your pelvic region? It could mean your pelvic floor muscles might not be strong enough or you might not be firing them properly.  As a pelvic floor therapist, I can examine you and teach you the proper way to fire your pelvic floor muscles.

Besides being able to contract a muscle, you also have to be able to relax it.  Going back to the bicep muscle example, for you to be able to straighten your elbow all of the way, the bicep muscle has to relax.  If there are any tight parts in the bicep muscle, it may hurt to straighten your arm or it may feel tight. These restrictions can lead to pain, altered movement, and further dysfunction.   

Your pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in your body.  They have to be able to fully contract and fully relax. The overall tone and mobility of the muscles cannot be hindered or this could lead to dysfunction (i.e. urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, etc.).

At your first visit to Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The team is growing @ Pediatric Associates of Savannah.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah is proud to welcome Dr. Christopher Rogers to their practice.

Learn more about Dr. Rogers here. 

New to the area & in need of a pediatrician? Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler. Learn more here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, by ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.comOn Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah

The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Coastal Pediatrics in Savannah & Pooler welcomes a new pediatrician to their team: Dr. Richard S. Callan, Jr.

Don’t forget to schedule your child’s back to school check-up. This would be a great opportunity to meet Dr. Callan!

Coastal Pediatrics has offices in Savannah and Pooler. Call 353-7744 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Callan received his undergraduate degree in 2009 from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Biology, graduating Cum Laude. In 2015, he graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine and received his M.D. There, he was elected into the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism Honor Society. He completed his pediatric residency in 2018 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, where he was awarded Intern of the Year as well as the Deborah Sims Fulmer, M.D. Resident Excellence in Teaching award.

Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Dr. Callan and his wife, Katherine, have lived in Savannah for the past 7 years. They look forward to raising their young daughter, Caroline, near the coast.

Learn more about Coastal Pediatrics 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 

Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah

The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

Imagine if your shoulder and arm muscles were weak and you couldn’t lift or hold your child. You would do something about that, right?

Now, what if weak muscles caused you to leak urine when you run, laugh, cough or sneeze? This could mean you need to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which are a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus. Just like your other muscles, you need to work on getting them stronger. As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, I can assess your pelvic floor muscles and make sure you are firing them correctly.

At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.

At Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, our goal is to provide a comfortable environment with individualized treatment programs to make sure you receive the most from each of your visits.

Now is the time to address your urinary incontinence because, unfortunately, this problem can get worse. As we age, our ligaments, tendons, and muscles get weaker.

If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, please feel free to contact me directly: Stacey McKenzie, , (912) 644-5333.

Stacey McKenzie is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Vaught Orthodontics has teamed up with the Savannah Bananas as the Official Smile of the Bananas!

Check  Vaught Orthodontics out in the outfield. You can’t miss it!

Vaught Orthodontics is always excited to welcome new smiles to the Fin Grin Family.

Call for a complimentary consultation in the Savannah or Richmond Hill Office.

Savannah Location
7650 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31406
912-200-3452

Richmond Hill Location
2701 Highway 17, 2B
Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
912-756-2309

See photos of Vaught Orthodontics patients & offices on Facebook here & on Instagram here. 

Vaught Orthodontics in Savannah & Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Uncompromising care to create incredible smiles is only where we begin at Vaught Orthodontics.

Dr. Bob Vaught is certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and has practiced in Savannah and Richmond Hill for over twenty-five years.

Vaught Orthodontics’ experienced team provides leading edge orthodontic care for patients of all ages with traditional braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen in an atmosphere that is family friendly and focused on service.

Vaught Orthodontics offers a complimentary initial consultation, affordable treatment options with flexible no interest payment programs, and accept direct payment for most insurance plans.

Two locations allow Vaught Orthodontics to better accommodate your family’s busy schedule.

Savannah location
7650 Waters Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31406
912-200-3452

Richmond Hill location
2701 Highway 17, 2B
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
912-756-2309

Call Vaught Orthodontics to schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation.

See photos of Vaught Orthodontics patients & offices on Facebook here & on Instagram here. 

Vaught Orthodontics in Savannah & Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

The Chatham County Health Department has scheduled two back-to-school clinics in July. Free eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screenings will be available at both events.

Parents are encouraged to get whatever screenings and immunizations their children need well in advance of the first day of school to avoid longer wait times.

Chatham County Health Department (Eisenhower Drive location only).
Free vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screening for Chatham County school students. No appointment necessary. (Normally a $30 fee applies when getting the screening at the health department).
WHEN: 8:30AM-4PM, Thurs. July 19
8:30AM-4PM, Thurs. July 26
WHERE: Chatham County Health Department, 1395 Eisenhower Drive
WHY: The Chatham County Health Department wants to help parents beat the back-to-school rush by offering free vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screenings on two separate days this summer at the Eisenhower health department location. Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Immunization services will also be available at regular cost.

Students entering a Georgia school for the first time – no matter what the grade level – must have a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition screening form. “First time” means never enrolled in a Georgia school before at any time in their lives. In addition, children born on or after January 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade and new entrants into Georgia schools in grades 8 through 12 must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine. (“New entrant” means any child entering any school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year).

For additional information, call the Chatham County Health Department at 356-2441.

MORE SCREENINGS

All health departments offer eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screens as well as immunizations all year round including:

Camden County Health Department*
1501 Georgia Avenue, Woodbine
1-4PM, Tues. July 24

Camden County Health Department*
905 Dilworth Street, St. Marys
1-4PM, Thurs. July 26
*(Free Eye, Ear, Dental & Nutrition Screens)

Chatham County Health Department*
1395 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah
8:30AM – 4PM, Thurs., July 19
8:30AM – 4PM, Thurs., July 26
*(Free Eye, Ear, Dental & Nutrition Screens)

Liberty County Health Department
1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville
8:30AM-6PM, Thurs., July 19
8:30AM-6PM, Thurs., July 26
8:30AM-4PM, Mon., July 30

Long County Health Department
8AM–7PM, Thurs. July 19
584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
(Closed for lunch from noon-1PM)

McIntosh County Health Department
1335 GA Hwy. 57, Townsend
8AM-6:30PM, Tues. July 17
McIntosh County Health Department

Dr. Krista @ Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry in Savannah reminds you to schedule your child’s appointment during summer break while the kids are out of school.

The goal is for children age 1 to 18 to visit the dentist every six months.

At Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, patients receive Dogwood chapsticks, sunglasses and calendar magnets that are free to take on their appointment day.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry accepts most insurance including the following insurance: Amerigroup, CareSource, PeachState and Well Care (these are all Georgia Medicaid) The other main ones accepted @ Dogwood are United Concordia/Tricare (military), Ameritas, MetLife and Cigna.

New patients being accepted.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry
4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101
Savannah, GA 31405
912-298-KIDS (5437)

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, www.dogwoodsmiles.com, 4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101, Savannah 31405, 912-298-KIDS (5437), email admin@dogwoodsmiles.com. Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser