Below is a guest post published on SouthernMamas.com in 2011 by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson. We are republishing it again this spring because it was so popular and helpful. Dr. Richardson leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors. Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here. To book a family, scout, school and tour group beach walk call (912) 596-5362 or email joe@ceasurf.com . For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.

Cannonball Jellyfish are very abundant right now on our beaches, and they are harmless.

The large flat Moon jellyfish will become more common as summer comes, but their sting is mild.

Jellyfish: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

It’s not unusual to find jellyfish on our beaches, but most of the time the ones we see are harmless and will not sting you. Right now (mid May) the most abundant jellyfish on the beach is the Cannonball Jelly. They are ball-shaped (as opposed to flat), relatively firm, and have a broad reddish-brown band wrapping around an otherwise cloudy white body. The thick structure extending out from under the bell is a system of multiple mouths. Cannonball Jellies do not have stinging tentacles hanging from the bell, so as long as you handle them on the outside of the bell or mouths, there is nothing to sting you. Only if you stick your fingers way up inside the bell could you contact any tiny tentacles, and even then they would give you only a slight tingle. So, don’t mind the Cannonball Jellies – they aren’t going to sting you.

Our common winter-time jellyfish, the Lion’s Mane Jelly, has pretty much finished its season for this year. I haven’t seen any Lion’s Mane Jellies in a few weeks now that the water has warmed up. They are round and fairly flat, and they often have some pink color. Their tentacles are fairly short and form a “hairy-looking” circle of tentacles hanging from the underside of the flat

The Lion's Mane jellyfish is our winter-time jelly and have pretty much disappeared from our beaches now

The Sea Wasp Jellyfish will become a problem in mid July through mid August, and their sting is intense.

jellyfish. This thick circle of short tentacles supposedly resembles the hairy mane around the neck of a male lion. Lion’s Mane Jellies produce a very mild sting; and I personally don’t consider it a “sting” but more of an irritation.

As the water warms into the summer, we will start seeing Moon Jellies. They are very flat, round and clear, and usually have 4 horseshoe shaped structures visible near the center. Moon Jellies have a fringe of short tentacles extending from the very outer edge of their flat body. I’ve seen Moon Jellies on Tybee Island as large as a dinner plate. Moon Jelly tentacles produce a mild sting. It is not really painful, but you know that you have been stung; but it’s not likely going to cause you much discomfort.

It’s during late July and the first couple of weeks of August, on average, that we reach the peak of the Sea Wasp season on Tybee. The Sea Wasp jellyfish are our “bad guys” around here. (We rarely have trouble from floating, blue Portugese Man of War on Tybee, especially compared to some beaches in Florida). But the Sea Wasp jellyfish in late summer do cause us problems. They are clear, and we can’t see them in the water. Although their body is fairly small (2-3 inches), they produce a number of long thin tentacles that extend from 4 hand-like structures that hang from the bottom of their box-shaped body. Even when they are dead and washed up on the beach, Sea Wasp tentacles can still sting. Their sting is an instant intense burning sting, and these stings will make you want to get out of the water and seek some relief. Although the intense pain subsides after a few minutes, the stung area will still hurt a while, and usually some red marks will appear where the tentacles contacted your skin. For me, the stung areas itch for a few days later also.

The above is a guest post by Tybee Island marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, who leads Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trips . These beach walks are an excellent way to educate your kids and entertain your visitors.

We are so jazzed to learn that Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah will host a FREE screening of the documentary film “The Business of Being Born”, 6 to 8 PM Wed. April 4, 2012.

The award-winning film will be followed by a discussion with local health professionals. (Fingers-crossed that among the childbirth issues discussed will be the lack of local OBs who will do VBACs)

The screening will be at University Hall, Room 156, Armstrong Campus, 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah.

“The Business of Being Born”  is about the implications of the medicalization of childbirth and the ways in which many women are turning away from invasive medical models of delivery. It examines modern models of child delivery in America and what some women are doing to take back their rights to birth.

This event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Center for Public Health Media and Research , the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health & the Armstrong Master of Public Health program. Contact Leigh Rich at leigh.rich@armstrong.edu  for more information.

Below is today’s Savannah Morning News column:

Dear Whole Foods,

Word on the street is you, a multinational “supernatural” grocer, are considering opening a store in Savannah.

I am not sure I am strong enough to handle it.

Especially since the proposed location — in the old pink Backus Cadillac site on Victory Drive — is just an organic pomegranate seed throw from my house and a spot I drive by regularly. As a faithful Kroger-card holder (who can pass up those gas-discount points in this economy?), if you move into town, I’d be tempted to “cheat” multiple times a day by your endless rows and endless abundance of alluringly displayed, healthy, sustainably-raised food.

The developers won’t name the grocery store eyeing the site, but all indications are that it will be you, the Austin-based market that’s been dubbed America’s healthiest grocery store. Foodies and arugula-o-philes call you mecca. People like me who love you but are on a Family Dollar budget, call you Whole Paycheck.

I’ve been to Whole Foods in other cities. This is what happens when I enter your wonderfully haute-crunchy stores….
Read the rest of the Savannah Morning News column here.

Below is a guest post by Nicole Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Maid Service, a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

What’s Behind Your Refrigerator
Do you ever wonder what is lurking behind and underneath those dark corners? The mysterious areas which are underneath the bed and behind the couch? How about the refrigerator? EEWWW! Well, if you ever, ever have some spare time and have absolutely nothing to do and the Housewives of New Jersey isn’t on yet, why don’t you tackle one of those mysterious dark places?

Cleaning behind the refrigerator will, in fact, assist in it running efficiently. If you are able, pull your unit away from the wall. Sometimes they are tucked in snugly and have to be shimmied out of their position. Be careful not to pull too hard and too far or your water line might come out of the wall.

When removed, what you see may frighten you (dead roaches) – – or excite you if, you find that thingy you were looking for. In my years of cleaning, I have found some strange things behind refrigerators, the strangest being tampons (still in their packaging, thank goodness!). But if what you see frightens you then it’s time to clean!
Start with…

To read the entire guest post, click here.

Hubbard’s Maid Service, 912.961.9131, www.hubbardsmaidservice.com Hubbard’s Maid Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

For National Children’s Health Month, please come join Simply Children’s Dentistry on Feb. 24, 2012 from 9am to 11 AM for a healthy snack and a free tooth brush. Staff at Simply Children’s Dentistry look forward to seeing you then. The practice is at 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201 Savannah 31405. (912)353-9993.

Dr. Kamiti Harden at Simply Children’s Dentistry regularly hosts such children’s dental health awareness events that are open to the public.

Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah 31405; www.simplychildrens.com , email: businessassistant@simplychildrens.com , (912) 353-9993. Simply Children’s Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Restaurant food is generally served in large portions and typically high in calories, sodium & fat, contributing to childhood obesity.

We’re all looking for tools to help make smarter dining out choices for our children. The National Restaurant Association launched Kids LiveWell, a website providing nutritional information for healthier meal options for restaurant dining.

You’re invited to a Twitter party hosted by @resourcefulmom this Thurs. Feb. 9 from 2-3 PM to celebrate the growth of Kids LiveWell. A registered dietitian will answer participants’ questions about eating well on-the-go, and will share info about new restaurant partners, and the mobile site.

Twitter party attendees using the hashtag #kidslivewell are eligible to win gift cards from participating restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, Au Bon Pain, and IHop.

Visit http://m.healthydiningfinder.com/ –Kids-LiveWell to find a Kids LiveWell meal
http://resourcefulmommy.com/category/twitter-parties/  to RSVP or learn more about the Twitter party

Crossfit Hyperformance wants to help you provide your kids with a life of Wellness. Their Crossfit Kids program is designed to create a lifelong love of Health and Fitness.

Crossfit Kids Pairs Fitness with FUN! Crossfit believes kids should be exposed to potent, effective, and functional movement with appropriate coaching and cueing. However, Crossfit’s ultimate goal is linking fitness with fun.

February Focus: THE DEADLIFT!!

Each month,  Crossfit Kids focuses on a different skill or movement. During the duration of February,  Crossfit Kids will focus on the safe and proper technique of the Deadlift!! The deadlift is a functional movement. This means the deadlift is the proper and safe way to pick up any object in the gym and throughout everyday life!

 You and your child can practice the deadlift along with us at home while picking up toys, playing outside, or as part of a game! Use these proper and safe techniques to turn everyday activities into opportunities to exercise and learn!

 The Set-up:

1) Have Child stand over object. Can be a weightless ball, toy, or a light weight or Kettlebell.

2) Tell Child to bend over and grab the object. The object should remain on the floor.

3) Tell Child to get an “angry gorilla” back. In this position lower back will be protected as shoulders will be rolled back, chest will remain up so you can see the front of your childs t-shirt, and hips will naturally push back so knees bend… Thus, simulating a very angry gorilla. Encourage your child to mimic how an angry gorilla might sound!

 The Lift:

4) Tell your Child to “Stand-up”!

 The Finish/ Reset:

5) Tell your child to keep an “angry gorilla back” and set the object down.

 Ages:
CF Hyperformance offers progressive classes for: elementry school (ages 6-10), middle school (ages 11 – 14), and teens (14-17). Kids classes last 30-45 minutes. Research has found there is optimal learning capacity of the brain for 20-40 minutes after exercise. Crossfit strongly encourages athletes to use the time directly after class for study sessions.

Class Schedule:
Crossfit Kids/ Teens: Tue/ Thr: 4:30pm-5:15 pm
Saturday: 10:00-10:45 AM

Cost:
The cost for the program is $75 per month. The monthly rate includes access to 3 classes per week (2 weekday plus Saturday). You may drop-in to any Saturday class for $6.
DISCOUNT: 10% discount on the registration fee if you mention you read about the classes on SouthernMamas.com.

Saturday Drop-ins: Kids (6 or older) can come to on Saturdays for $6!

Questions? Please Call or E-mail Crossfit. Coach Eileen: 630-624-0613
To register and to make a reservation, call 912-335-3615.
Crossfit Hyperformance: 904 East 70th St. Savannah Ga

Crossfit Kids,www.crossfithyperformance.com/p/kids.html, Crossfit Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Below is a guest post from Nicole Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Maid Service, a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. The post will make you want to sterilize your sheets immediately!

Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Dust Mites
By Nicole Hubbard, owner, Hubbard’s Maid Service

Dust Mites are some gross critters that you never can see but they can pack a punch in your home on the annoyance scale. The old style cleaning of taking rugs and household furnishings outside to smack with a broom are actually quite effective in reducing dust mites. Think of all those microscopic carcasses, feces, hair, and dead skin floating through the atmosphere, away from where you live!

“Frequent vacuuming is the key to reducing dust mites,” states local Oreck Store manager, Steve Bussius. “You can’t totally get rid of them, but vacuuming behind the headboard of beds, behind furniture, and between the mattress and bedsprings is a good way to reduce dust mites.” Steve also recommends using Oreck vacuum cleaners and their green HEPA filter vacuum bags as well as mattress & pillow protection covers, all of which Oreck sells. Steve also noted that typically when you purchase a brand new mattress, 5 years later it is 30% heavier due to the carcass and feces residue that dust mites leave behind. Yummy!

The feces of dust mites is what causes allergic reactions in human beings…To read the entire guest post, click here

Hubbard’s Maid Service, 912.961.9131, www.hubbardsmaidservice.com Hubbard’s Maid Service is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The pink Backus site at Victory Drive & Truman Parkway in Midtown Savannah will be undergoing renovations. We hope the high-end grocery store that is supposed to be housed in the former Cadillac dealership spot will be Whole Foods, as rumored.

The prospective buyers of the Backus property, Atlanta-area development firms Knightwood and S.J. Collins Enterprises, plan to convert the Victory Drive frontage to parking and construct three new buildings to house retail on the site.

The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission approved the redevelopment plan last week. The largest building planned for the site will measure 35,000 square feet. The developers have been in negotiations with a “high-end retail grocer” to lease the spot.

Word on the street that high-end grocer is Whole Foods. Keep those fingers crossed. Stay tuned here for updates.

Congratulations Dr. Cara DeLeon, DMD Pediatric Dentist in Savannah. Dr. DeLeon recently completed her certification examinations and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry!

Dr. DeLeon’s practice, Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah  is at 310 Eisenhower Drive No. 6. Tel: 912-349-4021. It’s an honor to have become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry so early in her career.

The Mission of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is to verify to the public and to the health professionals that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed both an advanced educational program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and a voluntary examination process designed to validate the knowledge, application and performance requisite to the delivery of exceptional care in pediatric dentistry. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is the only certifying Board recognized by the American Dental Association for the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah, 310 Eisenhower Dr. Building #6 Savannah, 31406 tel: 912-349-4021 email: Drcara@pds-kids.com , www.pediatricdentistryofsavannah.com Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

This holiday season give your children the gift of Wellness by creating a lifelong love of Health and Fitness with Crossfit Kids.

Crossfit Kids Pairs Fitness with FUN! Crossfit believes kids should be exposed to potent, effective, and functional movement with appropriate coaching and cueing. However, Crossfit’s ultimate goal is linking fitness with fun.

About the Program.
Crossfit Kids (CFK) is for children in elementary school, middle, and high school. It combines gymnastics, body weight calisthenics, and weightlifting elements to develop a broad capacity across ten general physical skills:
Cardiorespiratory endurance
Power
Strength
Stamina
Speed
Agility
Flexibility
Balance
Accuracy
Coordination

Additional elements that encourage bone density development, cross body movements, and the vestibular balance system are also incorporated. Children and teens have a greater opportunity (relative to adults) to maximize their physical skills when exposed to this stimulus during years of peak development. The elements are combined to keep children engaged and entertained, while teaching them proper movement technique and creating a broad athletic foundation. Nutrition is also discussed as the basis of athletic performance and health within a supportive community. For CFK, it is imperative to pair fitness and fun, to create a lifelong love of health and fitness for our children.

Ages:
CF Hyperformance offers progressive classes for: elementry school (ages 5-10), middle school (ages 11 – 14), and teens (14-17). Kids classes last 30-45 minutes. Research has found there is optimal learning capacity of the brain for 20-40 minutes after exercise. Crossfit strongly encourages athletes to use the time directly after class for study sessions.
Class Schedule:
Crossfit Kids/ Teens: Tue/ Thr: 4:30pm-5:15 pm
Saturday: 10:00-10:45 AM
*New Class Times Start Jan 1st, 2012.*

Cost:
The cost for the program is $75 per month. The monthly rate includes access to 3 classes per week (2 weekday plus Saturday). You may drop-in to any Saturday class for $6.
DISCOUNT: 10% discount on the registration fee if you mention you read about the classes on SouthernMamas.com.

Saturday Drop-ins: Kids (6 or older) can come to on Saturdays for $6!

Questions? Please Call or E-mail Crossfit. Coach Eileen: 630-624-0613
To register and to make a reservation, call 912-335-3615.
Crossfit Hyperformance: 904 East 70th St. Savannah Ga

Crossfit Kids,www.crossfithyperformance.com/p/kids.html, Crossfit Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to take part in new Zumba classes being offered at Hull Park at noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays in November.

Classes start today Wed. Nov. 9 2011. The classes are open to the public and all ages.  Donations are welcome.

Hull Park is at 504 E. 54th St., near E. 55th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Savannah, 31405.

No more excuses. Now you can get in shape while you have your baby with you! Stroller Fitness Boot Camp begins this upcoming week of Nov. 7.

Monday & Wednesday starting Nov. 7
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Forsyth Park
(across from Brighter Day Natural Foods Market
1-5 Classes = $15 Per
5-10 Classes = $12 Per
10+ Classes = $10 Per

Instructor: Katy Schubert
IFTA Certified Personal Trainer & proud Mother of Two
RSVP: 912-660-4507 / info@trainme247.com

What is Stroller Fitness?
Stroller Fitness is a mobile way for you to get a full body work out and still be able to attend to your baby’s needs. Each class includes intervals of power walking, functional strength training and cardio drills followed by postnatal-specific core work and flexibility. Our mobile intervals are ideal for babies who like to be on the move. Come out and meet other moms in your community!
Women should be 4+ weeks postpartum (6 weeks for caesareans). All fitness levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. You do not need a jogging stroller. For safety reasons, mobile babies & tots should remain in their strollers/carriers/mom’s arms until core work is performed.

We’re all looking for resources to help our children with speech and language development.

A new Web site called Little Stories helps us do just that.

Little Stories is a community created by Savannah-area speech-language pathologist Kim Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP to offer information and support to families interested in early speech and language development. Little Stories has something for everyone, whether your child is having difficulty learning language or is learning language easily.

Little Stories wants to help you hear your child’s story!

Little Stories will be posting new information weekly, so be sure to subscribe to the blog or like Little Stories on Facebook here to get updates. You can follow Little Stories via Twitter @lilSTORIESblog.

Kids can get cash, prevent cavities & support our troops at Simply Children’s Dentistry’s Candy Buy-Back Program in Savannah.

In an effort to promote healthy teeth and raise a cavity-free generation, Dr. Kamiti Harden at Simply Children’s Dentistry holds this Halloween candy buy-back program each year.

Staff will weigh the candy & pay your child $1 per pound of candy up to 5 pounds. In addition, each child will receive a new toothbrush. All the candy will be mailed overseas to the troops.

The candy buy-back will be 9 AM-2 PM Sat. Nov. 12 (giving kids plenty of time to enjoy some of their candy without going overboard) at Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah GA 31405. For more info, call: (912) 353-9993. Open to all kids up to age 16.

Simply Children’s Dentistry, 613 Stephenson Ave Suite 201, Savannah 31405; www.simplychildrens.com , email: businessassistant@simplychildrens.com , (912) 353-9993. Simply Children’s Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

UPDATE: Winner is Angie Mohr! Congratulations!

Update: If you want a FRESH organic and/or free range turkey for Thanksgiving you can order & reserve yours now at Brighter Day Natural Foods Market in Savannah. Frozen will also be available, but this year the price of fresh will actually be lower than frozen. Call 912.236.4703. Pls. say SouthernMamas.com sent you!

This week’s SouthernMamas.com giveaway is good for you!

Win a $25 gift certificate to Brighter Day Natural Foods Market at 1102 Bull St., Savannah 31401. To enter to win, visit Brighter Day on Facebook by clicking here. “Like” the Brighter Day FB page. Then on their wall, share your tip for keeping kids healthy though the winter. (handwashing long enough to sing Happy Birthday twice, favorite vitamins etc?).

Not into Facebook? You can also enter to win by answering the above question by commenting on this post. Just click on Comments below.

Deadline to enter is 7 PM Sun. Oct. 30. We’ll pick a winner and announce the winner here and on SouthernMamas.com Facebook.

Check out these great kid-friendly products available at Brighter Day:

Blue Bonnet’s new children’s line sweetened with Xylitol. Check it out here. Introductory prices right now. Details on health benefits of xylitol here.

Nature’s Way just introduced 2 children’s vitamins: one is a gummy (sweetened with tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice) and one is a chewable. The vitamins contain 26+ fruits and vegetables along with the usual vitamins & minerals. Introductory prices at 30% off beginning Nov. 1, 2011.

Hylands reformulated children’s cough syrup. It used to contain honey, which meant children younger than 1 year could not take it. Now the honey is removed so it’s avaiable for children 6 months and older. Brighter Day expects to have this product coming in this week of Oct. 24.

Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, 1102 Bull St., Savannah, 31401  912.236.4703  www.brighterdayfoods.com, Mon – Sat: 10 AM-7 PM, Sun 12:30 PM-5:30 PM. On Facebook here.

You want your child’s dental visits to be as stress-free and positive as possible.

Which is why you need to check out the new pediatric dental practice in town: Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah at 310 Eisenhower Drive.

Dr. Cara DeLeon, DMD Pediatric Dentist, is now welcoming new patients. She is known for providing the highest level of care for both healthy and special needs children.

Dr. Cara recommends taking your baby to the dentist by their first birthday.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association all recommend scheduling an appointment once your child’s first tooth has come in, which is usually between 6 and 12 months.

As an introductory meeting, this first friendly visit gives Dr. Cara a chance to check for signs of early decay, as well as talk to you about cavity prevention and proper teeth-cleaning techniques.

In the event of a tooth injury or emergency, you will have already established a dental home at Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah just in case.

Dr. Cara is committed to preserving the treasure of your child’s smile by helping your children establish a positive attitude toward dental care and a strong foundation for the best possible oral health.

Now that’s really something to smile about.

Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah, 310 Eisenhower Dr. Building #6 Savannah, 31406 tel: 912-349-4021 email: Drcara@pds-kids.com , www.pediatricdentistryofsavannah.com Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

About 5 percent to 20 percent of people in the U.S. will get the flu this year according to the CDC. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness—and can even lead to death.

Join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Fri. Oct. 7 from 12-1 p.m. for a live chat on Twitter. Children’s Healthcare will answer your questions on ways to protect yourself and your family. Ask questions via the Children’s Twitter account, @ChildrensATL, and follow the conversation using the hashtag, #CHOAchat. For more information, visit www.choa.org/flu .

If your child has lots of ear infections, chances are your pediatrician has mentioned ear tubes as a possible solution.

You can find out all about ear tubes surgery Friday via a live surgery on Twitter.

More than 80 percent of children will have an ear infection before the age of 3.

If children are having recurrent ear infections or have fluid behind the ear drum that won’t go away, a doctor may recommend ear tubes.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta performs thousands of ear tube procedures each year. With a surgical team dedicated to treating pediatric patients, Children’s specializes in kids. From the size of the equipment to the anesthesia (sleep medicine) to the pediatric-trained staff, Children’s is tailored to meet the specific needs of children.

Follow an ear tube surgery via the Children’s Twitter account, @ChildrensATL, Friday, Sept. 30 beginning at 7:30 a.m. and see the experiences – from anesthesia to recovery – a 1-year-old and her mom have during the procedure. For more information about ear tubes, visit www.choa.org/eartubes .

Parents of teething babies rejoice!

Hyland’s Teething Tablets are now available again at Brighter Day Natural Foods Market in Savannah. This homeopathic combination of natural substances has been a mainstay for kids going through teething pain, irritability, slight fevers, etc.

Think peaceful nights & pain-free days.

The small 1 grain tablets melt instantly on the tongue, are gentle on even the youngest baby’s system, quick and effective on cutting pain. No side effects, just restful nights and pain-free days. Mothers have trusted Hyland’s for over 85 years to relieve teething pain naturally. Check out Hyland’s Website which includes FAQ & instructions on using the tablets. Be sure to ask your doctor before giving the tablets to your child.

The reason Brighter Day hasn’t has the popular teething tablets is because Hyland’s has been out of stock for
over six months.

Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, 1102 Bull St. Savannah, 31401,. 912.236.4703, email: brighterdayfoods@comcast.net , www.brighterdayfoods.com , Open 7 days a week. Brighter Day is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India! JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS FRIDAY SEPT. 30 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on Oct. 3 – Nov. 28
The class offered will be Monday morning at 9:30 am located at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA.

Cost: for the 9 weeks is only $65 (JumpBunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage JumpBunch is building confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports JumpBunch offers are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

http://jumpbunch.com/Enroll Online Now! Check JumpBunch out on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah. “Like” the page to stay connected about upcoming classes.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Plan to attend 90 Day Challenge Body by Vi Party, 6:30 PM Aug. 25 at Parkway Church – 4360 Ogeechee Road

For more information, visit www.bodybyvi.com/KaylaJohnson  or contact Kayla Johnson at 912.508.1858 or via email at KaylaJohnson@myvi.net Body by Vi is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Here’s great news for parents looking for a fun indoor place where you can get fit or stay fit with your child:

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness just opened in Richmond Hill.

The brand new venue at 2552 US Highway 17 offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more!

Classes begin Mon. Aug. 1. Limited slots remaining. Enroll online here or call 912.756.2828.

For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness also hosts a FREE storytime every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Lifetime Membership Fee waived for those that register on-line July 23-July 30. Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts also offered.

Stay connected and learn more about upcoming events by liking Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook by clicking here.  

SouthernMamas.com often hears from moms who say they wish our area had more indoor play spots, so please support this new kid-and-parent friendly business. Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is also open Saturdays, ideal for work-outside-the-home parents looking for parent-child weekend activities.

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The public is invited to help grieving families who suffer the loss of an infant by attending the second annual summer fund raiser for The Zoe Foundation.

The family-friendly benefit will be at Lovin Spoons Froyo (Savannah Location) 10 AM-2 PM July 1, 2011. Live music, clown, yogurt and more. A portion of the proceeds from all yogurt sold between those hours will be donated to The Zoe Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, to continue offering financial and emotional support to families who have endured the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, chromosomal disorders, SIDS, accidents or other causes.