Savannah Magazine has announced its annual “Best of Savannah” winners and runner-ups for this year. SouthCoast Health was honored in 12 categories related to the healthcare/ medical field and was featured in Savannah Magazine’s September/October 2023 issue.
Savannah Magazine conducts a yearly poll to name the city’s most influential people and ideas. The magazine emphasizes that “only reader votes” determine the winners and that votes are limited to one per person.
SouthCoast Health winners and runner-ups were recognized in the following categories:
Congratulations to SouthCoast Health 2023 “Best of Savannah” honorees! From pediatrics to geriatrics, from sore throats to surgery, from well visits to urgent care, and everything in between, SouthCoast Health is your partner for better living.
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Teachers and staff members from Richmond Hill Primary School, Richmond Hill Elementary School, Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary, McAllister Elementary School, Frances Meeks Elementary, Richmond Hill Middle School, and Richmond Hill High School are sharing a selection of their own artwork during the reception this Sat. Sept. 16 2023, 4-5 PM.
The Frances Meeks Elementary School Choir will also perform.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
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Spine health experts @ SouthCoast Health in Savannah remind parents that your child could be doing more harm than good by improperly wearing their backpack.
Above are some “dos” and “don’ts” to help ensure your little one’s spine isn’t experiencing any damage this school year.
Find SouthCoast Health safety tips for all things summer & July 4th related: fireworks, grilling, swimming & more here.
“We want all community members to have fun and make the most out of this holiday,” said SouthCoast Health Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Michelle Wilson. “But we also want to stress the importance of keeping in mind safety and health precautions as well. On any big holiday with parties and events, there are always elevated risks to be aware of.”
If you have questions about keeping you and your family safe this summer, or if you would like to talk to a medical expert about anything health and safety related, make an appointment with SouthCoast Health here.
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Annual wellness exams are critical in maintaining the health and happiness of your child, and knocking these out at the beginning of the summer versus at the end avoids many potential problems.
“Our offices become so hectic at the end of the summer when school is about to begin again. Because of this we always encourage parents to bring their kids in at the beginning of the summer to avoid the back-to-school rush,” SouthCoast Health pediatrician Dr. David Mozer said. “This also ensures the child and parent have more quality time with their pediatrician and gives parents peace of mind through summer months usually filled with lots of travel.”
Ophthalmologist Stephanie Croll, M.D., along with Optometrist Edward Sammons, of SouthCoast Health’s Eye Care Department share here how diabetes can affect your eye health health.
If you are unsure about your need for a regular eye exam, talk with your primary care physician. Learn more about the SouthCoast Health Diabetic Self-Management Training program and Eye Care department here.
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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.
From birth, people in the United States are fortunate to have vaccines against more than 20 other life-threatening illnesses available, which allow them to build immunity.
SouthCoast Health provides a closer look here into the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule for every age.
See the guide to recommended vaccines for children here.
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SouthCoast Health experts share here four tips to help your graduate navigate the unavoidable stress that commences with commencement — and keep it from impacting your health.
“It’s understandably tempting to let busy schedules and demands get in the way of healthy sleep and eating, especially when you know the season of stressors may be temporary,” said SouthCoast Nurse Practioner Amanda Jones, FNP-BC. “But that’s often when you need them most.”
SouthCoast Health team includes more than 120 healthcare professionals encompassing more than 20 specialties and services. Find one that meets your needs online here, or call 912-691-3600 to schedule an appointment.
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To commemorate World Autism month, SouthCoast Health pediatrician, L. Nelson Elam, M.D., FAAP shares an essay written a couple years ago by his eldest son, Simon, that captures his family’s unique journey with an autistic family member.
“The essay describes my son’s experience as an older brother and our family’s journey,” explains Dr. Elam, whose younger son has autism. “Although our experience may be different than most, it is still important to tell. The saying ‘If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism’ is certainly true. Every autistic individual you meet is unique.”
Read the full essay, Life with Lucas, here. Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
If you suspect or are concerned your child may have autism, SouthCoast Health pediatricians are here to assist you and your family. A specialist at SouthCoast Health can provide you with the guidance and support you need. To make an appointment click here, or call 912-691-3600 to learn more.
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One tip: identify harmful products with “Mr. Yuk” stickers, (see above) created in 1971 by the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
For immediate assistance and information regarding poisonous substances, contact the Poison Health Line at 1-888-222-1222. For non-emergency concerns, you can also connect online or call (912) 691-3600 for further guidance, or to set up an appointment.
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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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