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TA B L E O F CONTENTS In this Issue s6
Editor's letter/Contributors
Trending s9 s10
New in 912 Breath of Life
Coronavirus s13
Hiding in Plain Sight
s14
Health Food
s16
Kid Stuff
s18
What's Up, Doc?
s20 On the Frontline s22
On Demand
s30
The People's Doctor
Live Well s33
One Small Step
s34
Easy on the Eyes
s36
Body Armor
s38
Back on Track
s40 Go All Out s42
Wave Riders
s70
Sea Well
Special Advertising Sections s45
Meet the Doctors
s59
Meet the Medical Professionals
s62
Meet the Dentists
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Savannah Health
I FIELD AND SEND a lot of emails in my line of work, and one thing I’ve noticed is a recent yet abiding sincerity surrounding salutations and closings. I’ve received emails from close colleagues and strangers alike inquiring about my family’s health and wellbeing in the course of otherwise-mundane work inquiries, ending with earnest, heartfelt instructions to “Take good care” and “Stay healthy.” Whereas in the past I might’ve fired off a quick email without so much as an introduction, finishing it with a simple, “Thanks,” I’ve begun to check in more carefully. This isn't a performative “Hope you’re doing well” — these days, I really mean it. I really hope you are doing well. Our health has always been important, but coronavirus has bolstered, bolded and underlined that fact. For the first time (and hopefully the last) this annual publication features a special section on coronavirus, including words of
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C ON TR I B U TI N G
L ETTER
MOLLY HAYDEN
E D I TOR' S
SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
W R I TE RS
wisdom on page s30 from retired Dr. Diane Weems, the former director of the Coastal Health District for the Georgia Department of Public Health who spent three decades protecting our region from formidable infectious diseases. Of course, good health takes many other forms, from the latest advances in cancer diagnostics (page s10) to the benefits of a vitamin-rich diet (page s36) to those small and subtle tweaks that keep us looking and feeling youthful (page s34 and page s42). We've delved into health at all ages, too: parents will appreciate practical coping strategies from pediatric psychologist Dr. Kristi HofstadterDuke on page s16, while adult children of senior parents will find our report on telehealth, page s22, of interest. The common thread among all these stories is the local health care community, comprised of whip smart, big-hearted professionals who often put patients first, before themselves and before their own families. Erin Mungo, an emergency room nurse at St. Joseph’s/Candler, perhaps illustrates this best in a candid interview on page s20. People like Erin are the reason we can sign off with a “Stay healthy” and rest assured, in Savannah, it’s possible.
Gracie Williams
“Hiding in Plain Sight” page s13
Andrea Goto
“On the Frontline” page s20 “Wave Riders” page s42
Rebecca Sandberg “Kid Stuff ” page s16
Jessica Leigh Lebos “The People's Doctor” page s30
Jay Lankau
“Body Armor” page s36
Stephen Alford
Sara Watson Editor
“Health Food” page s14 “On Demand” page s22 “One Small Step” page s33 “Back on Track” page s42
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SCAD students created morale-boosting chalk art at Candler Hospital.
Savannah College of Art and Design NEW students created colorful IN 912 chalk art as a thankyou to the health care professionals at Candler Hospital. The good vibes stretched for hundreds of miles: SCAD Atlanta also honored health care heroes with chalk masterpieces at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding Hospital. Less is more. A new CT scanner at Coastal ENT (322 Commercial Drive) reduces a patient’s exposure to unnecessary radiation. The 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT scanner is an advanced device offering one-seventh the amount of X-rays compared with a conventional CT scan during a standard, 18-second exposure.
3D Accuitomo 170 ENT Scanner
At St. Medtronic Joseph’s/ Micra Candler, cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Daniel Cobb is opting for leadless, or wireless, pacemakers called Medtronic Micra. These capsule-sized pacemakers don’t have any wire leads, eliminating the risk of leads breaking after surgery. The minimally invasive procedure also doesn’t require any chest incisions. “Patients recover quicker, and they don’t have the same restrictions post-surgery as traditional pacemakers,” Cobb shares.
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COU R TE S Y OF S T. J OS E PH ' S / CA N DLE R
COU R TESY OF SAVA N N A H COLLEG E OF A R T A N D DESIG N
TRENDING
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August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, and it’s so much more than a skin condition. “Psoriasis can cause depression and decreased quality of life,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology, who recommends talking to a dermatologist about biologic treatment options if topical creams aren’t working.
Dr. Jason McClune
Breath of Life COU R TESY OF SAVA N N A H VA SCU LA R IN STITU TE
Varicose veins disproportionately affect women — but not by much. Forty-five percent of those suffering from varicose veins are male, according to Savannah Vascular Institute (4750 Waters Ave. #500), whose non-surgical laser therapy treatment is gaining popularity among men. Find more about varicose vein treatment on page 46. Savannah-area seniors will soon have two new independent and assisted living facilities to choose from. Harmony at Savannah (9136 Old Montgomery Road) is now open, while Atlanta-based Thrive Senior Living’s Thrive on Skidaway (5 Lake St.), is slated for a full opening by late summer. —SARA WATSON
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COU R TESY OF M E M OR I A L HE A LT H
T R E NDING
A new technology detects early-stage lung cancer Written by SARA WATSON
THE STATISTICS ARE undeniably grim when it comes to late-stage lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer accounts for about 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses and is the leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States. But a new roboticassisted bronchoscopy procedure available at Memorial Health — the first hospital in the state to offer this technology — helps identify the disease in its early stages, vastly improving a patient’s odds of survival, says boardcertified interventional pulmonologist Dr. Jason McClune. “Stage 1 and 2 of lung cancer is considered curable, but when you get to advanced stage 3 or stage 4, it ends up being a fatal disease,” McClune says. “That’s why lung cancer screening is so important, and this new technology adds another layer to assisting with and improving early detection.”
McClune says the new roboticassisted bronchoscopy, called Monarch, is an upgrade from navigational bronchoscopy, a technique that has “been around for several years, but has many limitations,” he says. Navigational bronchoscopies allow physicians to collect biopsies from roughly the inner two-thirds of the lungs, but not the outer edges, McClune says. If preliminary imaging showed a patient had a lesion in this inaccessible, peripheral area, a physician would require surveillance scans (watching the area and repeating scans over a period of time), an invasive biopsy, or even open biopsies that would require thoracic surgeons, McClune says. Compare that with Monarch, where physicians use an instinctive controller, almost like a video-game controller, to navigate a flexible, robotic endoscope: “There’s basically no part of the lung that isn’t
reachable,” he says, noting that the minimally invasive endoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure where 95 percent of patients go home the same day. In addition to being significantly less invasive, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is also more effective. The reported diagnostic yield (biopsies that lead to a definitive diagnosis) is 97 percent with Monarch, compared with 70 to 80 percent with navigational bronchoscopy, McClune says. “That’s a considerable improvement, and getting a diagnosis early will hopefully lead to sending people for curative surgery,” he says. The cutting-edge tool illustrates the commitment to technology at Memorial Hospital, owned by HCA Healthcare. “We’re the only institution and the first in the state of Georgia to offer this technology,” McClune says. “Part of us having it first is because of our skillset, training and certification, but the other part is, it ties to our strategy of offering a multidisciplinary clinic to our community and surrounding counties,” he says. Instead of seeing multiple providers over a span of several weeks, patients can see multiple providers on the same day in the same clinic. “Our overall setup helps expedite diagnosis and treatment, and [robotic-assisted bronchoscopy] is another asset we felt we needed to bring the fight against lung cancer,” McClune says.
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Family Tides An abandoned Tybee Island bungalow is lovingly restored
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Hiding in Plain Sight Can a common heartburn drug help us fight coronavirus? Written by GRACIE WILLIAMS
WHILE THE WORLD is slowly opening back up from the coronavirus shutdown, medical professionals are hunkering down to try to find a treatment and vaccine. At the time of publication, many methods have been (and are still being) tested, but there seems to be a growing interest in an unlikely medication called famotidine, the key ingredient in certain heartburn medications, like Pepcid. The potential for famotidine as a viable coronavirus treatment emerged in Wuhan, China — ground-zero for the virus — earlier this year, when researchers made an interesting discovery. They found that the common denominator among patients hospitalized for coronavirus who were
experiencing better outcomes was the presence of famotidine in their systems as opposed to omeprazole, the active ingredient found in another heartburn drug, Prilosec. This data quickly spread to the U.S., where doctors decided to continue testing famotidine even further. Now, Northwell Medical, New York’s largest health care provider, is conducting clinical trials on patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 to see if famotidine has potential, according to a report in Science magazine. Locally, Dr. Gregory Borak of Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah believes it’s too soon to know how effective the drug is, but says he’s
open to the idea, as are the other medical professionals. “It’s a medicine we’re comfortable with, we’ve used it for a long time, and, as far as medicines go, it’s relatively safe,” Borak says. “Even at high doses, I would suspect that the benefits would outweigh the risks.” But what are the risks? In April, the Food and Drug Administration announced its request for all drugs with the main compound of ranitidine — yet another heartburn medication — to be taken off the shelves immediately because of its potential link to cancer. Ranitidine is most commonly found in the over-the-counter medication Zantac, and along with famotidine, is in
S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 2 0 2 0 - 2 1
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Savannah Health
a class of medications called H2 blockers. These blockers work by decreasing the amount of acid made by the cells in the lining of the stomach. The similarities between the two heartburn medications may seem troubling at first glance, but despite the similar effects of heartburn prevention the two medications share, the carcinogen in Zantac has not been found in Pepcid. What does elicit possible concern is not the drug itself, as of now, but the stockpile mentality that has recently swept the nation. If Pepcid were to be a possible promising player in coronavirus treatment, it could become more elusive than an eight-pack of Charmin. “There’s always a risk that people will abuse the right to get it, and stockpile it if medical researchers are too forthright about everything they’re looking at,” Borak says. The world got a glimpse into the dangers of stockpiling medication with the testing of the malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) as potential treatments. Because of widespread publicity, demand skyrocketed, and some doctors began prescribing Plaquenil on an off-label basis, according to the Lupus Research Alliance. This led to a shortage of the drug for patients who actually needed it, like those suffering from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a panel of experts convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases strongly recommends against taking the drugs because of its risk of heart rhythm problems, including increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The testing of Pepcid is still under the radar, but like just about everything else pertaining to coronavirus, it’s constantly evolving. While we wait patiently for a treatment or cure, Borak offers practical, professional advice. “Treat everyone like they are a potential carrier, and keep practicing safe measures and good hygiene,” he says. “Hopefully, COVID-19 will continue to reduce.”
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COU R TES Y OF M E A L S FOR M E DI C A L
C O R O NAV I RU S
Health Food Meals for Medical fuels frontline workers Written by STEVEN ALFORD
NOT ALL HEROES wear capes (lately, they wear scrubs). But all heroes need a good, hot meal. For the past several months, locally based Meals for Medical has made sure frontline medical workers have the food they need to keep fighting the coronavirus in our community. The group’s origin story began when Jennifer Green, a physician’s assistant turned full-time mom, saw a Facebook post of exhausted emergency room workers in New York grateful to receive a meal after caring for patients. “I thought, ‘You know what, that’s a really good idea. I’ll reach out to some folks in the emergency rooms in Savannah and see if anyone would appreciate that,’” she recalls. Green posted on her personal page in early March asking if anyone was interested in helping feed local health care workers. The idea took off. After the first few meals were delivered, Green created a Meals
for Medical Facebook group, and the generosity grew exponentially. The group now includes more than 3,200 local members, and Green estimates they’ve served more than 12,000 meals in April and May (the latest available data as of press time). They’ve provided food for nurses and doctors in all of the emergency rooms, intensive care units and isolation units at surrounding hospitals, and have also fed Chatham County Emergency Medical Services personnel and first responders. “It’s been awesome,” Green says. “It was better than I ever expected, and for me to not be a formal nonprofit, just an individual in the community with an idea — it’s amazing that people were so willing to give.” During a time of economic slowdown, Meals for Medical has actually served dual benefits. The group has kept hungry health care workers strong as they battle the
Finding out that it is 100 percent funded by donations from our community made us feel a sense of love and support,” Rice says. “There were days that were really trying. Coming out of a bad moment to see fresh and hot meals made us know that our community was behind us.” Many of the donations for meals have come from individuals in the community, though businesses and restaurants have stepped up to the plate to purchase or donate meals as well. As businesses reopen, Green and her Meals for Medical friends are looking for new ways to continue the spirit of giving. Green says she hopes to turn the informal Facebook group into a real nonprofit and look for new ways to give back to the health care workers who keep us safe. “It’s been a really big endeavor, and it shows that this community knows how
COUR TE SY OF M E A L S FOR M E DI C A L
virus while also keeping local restaurants churning out dozens of meals through donations from community members. “Working with Meals for Medical was both a blessing and a privilege for us,” says Leighton Maher of Café at City Market. “They provided a platform for the community to help struggling small businesses and the hard-working medical personnel.” As the virus first reared its head in the community, many medical heroes rushed in to do what they could, working long hours and often forgetting to take care of themselves. Meals for Medical has helped fill that gap and give health care staff the strength they need to keep going, says St. Joseph’s/Candler emergency room nurse Mary Rice. “When Meals for Medical started bringing in food it helped brighten our day.
to come together when things get tough,” Green says. To learn more about Meals for Medical, visit their Facebook page, or email Jennifer Green at jengreen28@gmail.com.
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Kid Stuff
Practical strategies help children foster a healthy state of mind Written by REBECCA SANDBERG
PARENTS CAN NOW receive behavioral health as a facet of their child’s pediatric primary care. This integrated approach, a collaboration between Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics and SouthCoast Health, is the first and only of its kind in the region — and the timing couldn’t be better. Over the last several months, daily routines have been turned upside down due to the coronavirus, and as people struggle to find stability, anxiety levels are collectively rising. Unfortunately, this isn’t limited to adults, says Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics owner and pediatric psychologist Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke. Using behavioral health methods, Hofstadter-Duke (along with her colleague Dr. Kristen Hembree, Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics’ director of integrated care) offers practical tools to help children find resiliency during unprecedented times. First, a bit of relief: “It is absolutely normal that we are seeing changes in the behavior of our children,” Hofstadter-Duke says, pointing to coronavirus guidelines that have dismantled children’s daily routines. Parents are finding that simple play dates or swim lessons are not as straightforward as they used to be. Now, children might need to wear a mask or have their temperature checked
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prior to doing an activity. “When we have significant changes in day-to-day life, we can see an increase in behavioral and emotional changes,” Hofstadter-Duke says. This trend is not new. It happens on a small scale during times of change — the shift from school routine to summer routine when a child seems “out of sorts,” for instance. But coronavirus presents parents with large-scale shifts that affect predictability, routine and connectedness. And for children, these are the very three elements that foster emotional stability and well-being. A parent or caregiver might see an increase in a child’s emotional anxiety or tantrums, or observe that a child who never had emotional issues before is now in a heightened state of anxiety. When children are distressed emotionally, adults need to pay attention, Hofstadter-Duke says. Because kids, particularly young children, often do not have the complex language to say or even know what they need, they act out to get the attention of someone who can help them make sense of the situation. “What’s critical for children is how adults respond,” she says. For older kids, Hofstadter-Duke recommends encouraging simple but purposeful actions, like hand-washing and mask-wearing. “Letting them
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know that they can actively take part and contribute to pushing things in the right direction is a major part of helping children feel like they have self-efficacy in a crisis situation.” No matter a child’s age or ability, Hofstadter-Duke has three tangible ways to support children emotionally while also providing strong roots of resiliency for their future. “One of the best things we can give children is our time,” Hofstadter-Duke says. Of course, with so many of us staying mostly at home, parents might think that they are spending more time with their kids than ever before. However, being around kids doesn’t necessarily equate to being with kids. Being with kids is characterized by engaging face-to-face, she says — and engagement doesn’t take as much effort or planning as one might think. HofstadterDuke says in most cases, a daily check-in will do the trick. “It communicates to a child, ‘I am here for you,’” she says. This is not a time for criticism or a conversation about what needs to improve, but rather an opportunity to ask questions, invite questions and listen. Next, while it seems almost impossible to establish during coronavirus, routine is essential to a child’s sense of wellbeing. This doesn’t mean planning out every minute of the day, Hofstadter-Duke says. Instead, “it’s a matter of finding the right balance between helping children be flexible while also providing routine. We need both.” In practice, that means creating a family calendar, or a list of things to count on for the week: This week we will call grandma and grandpa on Zoom, or this week we will work on an art project. When certain things don't work out or things change, a bit of routine lets children know that there is still a plan in place. Children also need social engagements — another necessity that feels increasingly difficult to achieve. Children rely on peers, grandparents, coaches and teachers to help them feel connected to something larger than themselves. But Hofstadter-Duke makes the distinction that social distance is not social isolation. Fostering and maintaining social relationships will require creativity, but these intentional moments of connection will go a long way in helping a child feel protected both physically and emotionally, she says. As rules for social interaction continue to change, it’s important to look for ways to adapt: think drive-by birthday parties, visiting with grandparents through a window, and taking walks six feet apart. Fundamentally, all of Hofstadter-Duke’s tips center on stepping up rather than zoning out. “The number-one thing that encourages resilience in children is the presence of a stable, consistent adult,” she says. Addressing children’s behavioral health head-on ultimately provides resiliency, an important coping skill for every age and epoch.
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What’s Up, Doc? PEOPLE WEIGHING the deci-
sion about whether to resume preventive care and elective appointments can rest easy. Medical and dental practices across Savannah are taking a number of specific precautions to keep patients safe. In general, offices are urging patients to stay in their vehicles and check in on the phone rather than using waiting rooms. Staff and patients are undergoing preliminary temperature checks and screenings; all rooms are being regularly disinfected; and personal protective equipment like masks is required for staff and patients. Here’s what else is newly normal: Coastal Pediatrics turned its two area locations into a separate well office (Pooler) and sick office (Savannah) and has removed communal toys and books. Find a wealth of information — including pictures of all providers in masks to ease kids’ nerves ahead of time — on their Facebook page. … Following a preliminary screening to enter the building, Chatham Orthopedic Associates is providing gloves for all patients to use their touch-screen computer check-in system. … Savannah Dental’s curbside check-in, which includes a temperature check, means patients won’t be exposed to one another.
Checkout happens before they leave the exam room via a portable credit card scanner. … Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery uses N95 masks for all procedures and separates appointments between non-elective patients and cosmetic patients. An online skincare ordering site and virtual consults further limit contact. … Southern Allergy urges patients wearing masks to bring their emergency inhalers, if applicable. Telemedicine appointments are also available. —SARA WATSON
CONCERNED PATIENTS CAN ALSO ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS BEFORE THEIR NEXT APPOINTMENT.
• Are all staff members being tested for COVID-19? • Do staff and patients wear masks at all times? • Is there a limit on how many people are allowed in a waiting room? • If I don’t drive, am I allowed to take public transit while maintaining social distancing and good hand hygiene?
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Tell me about the moment you realized the coronavirus was coming and, being nurses, you and your husband Andy would have to isolate from your children. (Four are Erin’s children from a previous marriage and three are Andy’s. Both share equal custody with their former spouses.)
SAVANNAH MAGAZINE:
A N G ELA HOPPER LEE
ERIN MUNGO: My husband’s former wife
On the Frontline
Discover the personal sacrifices of an ER nurse — and the unexpected blessings she found along the way Written by ANDREA GOTO
THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK showcases the tireless work and personal sacrifices made by our essential workers — especially the medical workers who put themselves in harm’s way to serve others. It’s hard enough to imagine the amount of stress on a nurse like Erin Mungo, s20
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who works in the emergency room at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Then add to the mix a spouse who is also an ER nurse and a blended family of seven children, ages ranging from 6 to 15, and what do you get? The answer might surprise you: A beautiful thing.
was the first person to voice a concern about the kids. It was right before St. Patrick’s Day, and we were winding down our week together, and the kids would return the following week as usual. We were just starting to see cases of COVID19 appearing in Georgia, but nothing significant in our area yet. It caught Andy and me off guard, because we hadn’t really wrapped our heads around how bad it could be. It took us about 12 hours to digest her concern and agree she might have a point, so we determined that it would be best for the kids to remain with their other parents for at least two weeks. We weren’t so much afraid for all of our children to get sick; we were afraid for them to get it from us and give it to others, especially Vivian, my 6-year-old. She was my primary concern because she has Type I diabetes, and it can be such a wildcard when you get any kind of viral illness. I told the kids, even if you think the virus won’t affect you, if you bring this home to your sister, you could kill her. I put it in very plain language. SM: But two weeks turned out to be optimistic. MUNGO: Right. We ended up being apart
for nearly 9 weeks. We’d FaceTime our kids, which is already typical for us when they’re with their other parents, and we’d see them from afar. Andy would go over to his former wife’s house and sit in the yard and talk to the kids through the window. I’d drop things off on my former husband’s front porch for the kids. I’d sit by my car, and they would stand on the second-floor balcony and we’d talk.
SM: I can’t imagine how difficult that must’ve been. MUNGO: One of the weirdest moments
for me was the first time that I dropped stuff off and I could see them, but I had to leave without touching them. I’m not even sure what words describe it best, but as a mother it was very unnatural. I was thinking, I’m their mom and I’m walking away. SM:
How did the kids handle it?
MUNGO: The younger kids had a harder
time when it came to missing us, but they didn’t question our decision as much as the older kids did. The hardest thing was trying to make them understand why we thought isolating from them was the best decision without them feeling like we were pushing them away. The kids’ other parents were really supportive — they carried the torch. They did all the homeschooling
and dealt with all the complaining and fighting. I really feel like I owe them. They kept everyone safe and let Andy and I focus on what we needed to do at work. SM:
Were there any silver linings?
MUNGO: Seeing patients go home is very
rewarding. That, and having the support and appreciation from the community because it makes our days so much better. Every single day, someone was bringing meals to us. I didn’t pack a lunch for two months. When you walk out at the end of the day and there are balloons all around the ambulance, you can’t help but smile and think, OK, we did something good today. SM: How did you decide it was the right time to have your kids come home?
MUNGO: There were so many unknowns
in the beginning, but as the weeks went by, we started to know a little bit more and get a better picture of the disease distribution and prevalence, and so we were willing to tolerate more risk and let the kids come back home. There’s never going to be a silver bullet. There’s not going to be a vaccine for a long time, and it’s not going away, so we’re going to have to figure out how to live with it and how much risk we’re willing to accept and tolerate. SM: What was that reunion like? MUNGO: When I pulled in her dad’s
driveway, my youngest came barreling down the stairs, and it erased all of those odd feelings that I’d had. I instantly felt so much better. I thought, this is my relationship with my children. This feels like home again.
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On Demand Telehealth keeps medicine moving Written by STEVEN ALFORD
A FEW YEARS AGO, hospitals around the country tried to roll out a new way for patients and their providers to interact virtually, but it was a hard sell to convince people why they should convene with their doctor through a video screen when they could visit them face-to-face instead. The coronavirus changed all of that. Lawmakers hurried to pass legislation in early March that broadened the scope of reimbursements for telehealth and expanded the kinds of virtual services providers could offer without violating HIPAA privacy rules. Social distancing is imperative in keeping patients and providers safe. By avoiding sitting in a crowded waiting room, patients can limit exposure to the highly infectious virus. Now, many area hospitals, private practices and wellness professionals are connecting with patients and clients virtually through telehealth video conferencing. It’s a welcome tool for people who are at risk or who simply prefer to stay home.
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MEMORIAL HEALTH Memorial Health began offering telehealth services in early April for nearly all of its practices and specialities. Doctor visits are now offered by Memorial providers from a patient’s smartphone or computer. Supported platforms for meetings include Apple FaceTime, Google Duo and WebEx Meetings, giving patients a range of options. “This gives our patients the ability to see their doctors from the comfort of their own homes,” says internal medicine physician Dr. Nicole Cohen. “We’re doing all we can to make sure our patients are still able to connect with their trusted medical providers.” Memorial Health’s pediatric department also began using telehealth appointments for children and their families to keep them out of crowded waiting rooms and safely at home. “We all have felt the changes in our daily lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the outpatient medical world is no exception, even in pediatrics,” says pediatrician Dr. Andrew Gunter.
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Though they encourage virtual meetings whenever possible, Memorial Health pediatricians are offering visits for sick patients in the morning and routine visits for well patients in the afternoons. The pediatric center is sanitized every 30 minutes, waiting room chairs are spaced six feet apart, and everyone entering the facility is screened at the door and given a mask. At Memorial, telehealth has been a great tool for providers to examine and diagnose a range of health issues and routine checkups for patients of all ages. “These visits have their limitations, but our feedback has been quite positive,” Gunter says. “We would hope to continue to offer this to our patients even after the pandemic subsides, as it has been a wonderful addition to patient care.” ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER St. Joseph’s/Candler quickly embraced telehealth and virtual exams as the coronavirus ramped up in the community. Doctors from a range of specialties can now meet with their patients virtually from their homes before deciding whether they need to come into an office for closer examination. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael Babcock, for example, can monitor a variety of health aspects of his patients remotely,
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thanks to blood pressure cuffs, remote stress tests and pacemaker monitors. “Telehealth has been really helpful because many of our patients don’t want to come in or leave home,” Babcock says. “My view on telehealth has changed dramatically. Now, people can stay in their own homes, have a conversation about their health, and make sure their chronic medical conditions are being addressed.” Babcock says many of his patients who once had to drive an hour or two for a doctor visit can now meet virtually with their provider from the comfort of home. However, there is a sense of personal connection that gets lost through a video screen, he says. Laying hands on patients is still the time-tested way to have the best sense of what is ailing them. Before hopping on a telehealth call with your provider, Babcock has a few tips for making the experience as rewarding as possible: Keep any medications on hand for reference during the call, know your blood pressure readings ahead of time and have any questions for your doctor ready to bring up. “Telehealth is another arrow in our quiver,” he says. “I’ve had some really positive feedback from patients. They don’t have to stop their life to see a doctor. Some people can do it on their lunch break from work. It’s definitely increased flexibility.”
“I’ve had some really positive feedback from patients. They don’t have to stop their life to see a doctor. Some people can do it on their lunch break from work. It’s definitely increased flexibility.” —DR. MICHAEL BABCOCK, INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST, ST. JOSEPH'S/CANDLER
EXPERCARE While large hospitals and health systems have embraced telehealth services for their patients, so too have local doctor’s offices and urgent cares. ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine C. Grant says the company’s use of telehealth ramped up this spring as patients needed immediate care but preferred to see a provider from the safety of home. “Convenience and access to a health care provider from anywhere with a reliable connection are the undeniable advantages to utilizing telemedicine,” Grant says. ExperCARE provides an initial evaluation for nearly all non-emergent patients through a telehealth platform, at which point providers determine whether it is best for the patient’s visit to be completed virtually or moved to an in-person visit, either curbside in the patient’s vehicle or inside the clinic. Telehealth has proven convenient for initial patient consultations and routine follow ups, but it’s not without limitations, Grant says, noting the inability to perform certain diagnostic testing, like urinalysis or X-rays, and the inability to provide certain treatments, like suturing or splinting.
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While virtual interactions can’t completely take the place of face-to-face interactions, Grant thinks telehealth will continue to play an important role in providing care to their patients moving past the pandemic and into the future. “Telemedicine is here to stay,” she says. “It can’t replace all aspects of the evaluation and delivery of health care, but there is no doubt that it can and will help optimize the overall delivery model.”
“The novel coronavirus changed the way we interact with one another. However, the continuity of care must carry on since there is no break in illness.” —DR. YULIANTY
INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH Internal medicine is one practice of health care in particular that benefits from the personal interaction of a physician and their patient, but Internal Medicine of Savannah has been able to pivot to offer telehealth visits nonetheless. “The novel coronavirus changed the way we interact with one another,” says internist Dr. Yulianty Kusuma, who along
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with her team specializes in the treatment of a range of conditions, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism and arthritis. “However, the continuity of care must carry on since there is no break in illness.” In internal medicine, certain conditions could be overlooked when not closely monitored in-person, Kusuma says. However, many signs of internal illness can now be examined remotely through telehealth as technology and awareness improves. KUSUMA “Some visible signs such as swelling and redness can be seen by camera,” Kusuma says, “and we are able to provide blood pressure and temperature checks if patients have the proper devices.” Drawbacks include the fact that many patients do not have the access to the appropriate technology, or knowledge of how to use it, but Kusuma hopes as telehealth is more widely embraced, the possibilities of what providers can do for their patients will expand.
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Savannah Health
“Our company is working hard to combat social isolation. We, in a safe way, engage our clients by making in-person visits and even taking them on outings.” —AMY PIERCE, PRESIDENT OF COASTAL CARE PARTNERS Scott and Amy Pierce
SHRINK PSYCHIATRY
situation developed and Georgia’s stay-at-home orders were announced, we quickly realized we had to embrace telehealth as our primary way to conduct business.” As people begin to become more comfortable with returning to in-person meetings, Brock says telehealth technology will find its place in a provider’s toolbox, though it’s not a replacement for face-to-face visits. “I don’t anticipate this being the future for mental health as it does not take the place of in-person dynamics and observations,” he says. “I do see it working for monthly visits where a highfunctioning patient may not necessarily have any concerns, but just needs to check-in.”
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C OU R T E S Y OF S HR I N K S AVA N N AH
Dr. Chad Brock, a board-certified psychiatrist who founded Shrink Savannah, has made use of telehealth and video conferencing to stay connected with patients during a lonely and trying time. Virtual visits allowed providers at Shrink Savannah to stay in touch with their patients, and telehealth came in particularly handy for patients in college, who returned home to other states and regions during the shutdown. “Initially, we thought we would only be doing appointments via telehealth for maybe a week or two,” Brock recalls. “As the
Chad Brock, MD
COU R TESY OF C OA STA L C A R E PA R T N E R S
C O R O NAV I RU S
COASTAL CARE PARTNERS Many of Coastal Care Partners’ clients are seniors who live at home and need help making sense of an often complicated health care regimen. Now, that also includes helping patients understand and utilize new advances like telehealth, which until just recently were not a routine part of care. “Telehealth has gone from somewhat of a novelty to a best practice for elderly patients during the pandemic,” says Amy Pierce, president of Coastal Care Partners. Coastal Care Partners team members help fill that gap between doctor and patient by taking diagnostics from the patient in real-time during the call. It’s an added layer of care for elderly patients who are at most risk of contracting the coronavirus from a crowded waiting room. They work with primary care physicians, pulmonologists, cardiologists, oncologists, orthopedics, surgery follow-ups, hospital discharge follow-ups and more. Coastal Care Partners nurses are able to give injections, perform blood draws, offer wound care, and other services for which elderly patients would otherwise need to visit a clinic.
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“We make sure the strategy the doctor has laid out is executed,” Pierce says. “We monitor and assist with medication management, and any other instructions that the doctor prescribes.” Though telehealth has served as a great way to keep patients safe, Pierce says their senior population still enjoys getting dressed up to visit their doctor, something many think of as a social event. “While some of that may have been lost, our company is working hard to combat social isolation,” Pierce adds. “We, in a safe way, engage our clients a good bit by making in-person visits and even taking them on outings where we monitor their distancing and ensure they are safe, but at the same time, maybe they can go for a walk or car ride to get outside and see the world.” NEW YOGA NOW Yoga can ease stress, relieve anxiety and may help decrease inflammation. Fortunately, devotees can glean these same proven benefits at home. Since the coronavirus outbreak, New Yoga Now is one of many area studios that has opened up classes online to keep customers and instructors safe, says co-founder Kendall Beene. The studio live-streams group classes, kids’ yoga classes, workshops and teacher training courses. “This pandemic has definitely opened our minds to the effectiveness of online yoga classes and especially online teacher training courses,” Beene says. “We have been absolutely delighted by the connections the trainees are making with each other and with themselves in the virtual format.” Virtual yoga has its pros: it allows New Yoga Now’s teachers to reach a broader audience than the yoga studio usually can hold, Beene says, and people are less shy about joining a yoga class when they don’t have to worry about being watched by others in the classroom. Still, Beene admits the virtual atmosphere creates a barrier to the community-building aspect of yoga that many participants enjoy. “There will always be folks who thrive on the group energy of in-person yoga, so we don’t see studio classes going anywhere as long as it is safe to gather,” Beene says.
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The People’s Doctor Public health is paramount for Dr. Diane Weems Written by JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS
THE DISRUPTIVE COURSE of the coronavirus pandemic took many of us by surprise, but Dr. Diane Weems saw it coming with eyes wide open. The former director of the Coastal Health District for the Georgia Department of Public Health spent three decades helping protect local communities from the threats of H1N1 (commonly called swine flu), Ebola virus, Zika virus and other infectious diseases, and she knew that a widespread epidemiological nightmare was not only possible, but inevitable. “This is the kind of virus we’d always worried about,” Weems tells me, sighing, over a video interview during the shutdown. “In these days of global travel, it was going to end up here,” she says. Though retired since 2016, Weems keeps up with scientific publications and preventative strategies, lauding the efforts of the medical community and others still working to contain the coronavirus spread and mitigate its impact. “I’m just a citizen now, but once you’re in public health, you stay interested,” says Weems, who moved to Savannah in 1987. “Public health always has economic consequences, and watching it in real time, you realize how difficult it is to balance safety with security. I think our local leadership has done an outstanding job.” While some public health professionals answer a clarion call to service, the Florida native didn’t declare an interest in medicine until she realized her original major wasn’t much of a life plan. “I had enrolled in the music program at the University of Florida, and my mother asked ‘What are you going to do with that?’” she recalls. “I saw that making a career of piano was not as enjoyable as just playing as a passion. I’d taken some chemistry classes and volunteered at a hospital, and when I landed a job at a medical library, I found that I was deeply interested in medicine.” She enrolled in UF’s medical school to train as a pediatrician alongside her husband-to-be, Dr. David Weems, who went on to become a radiation oncologist. When he accepted a position in Georgia, his wife decided that a regular schedule with the Department of Public Health served their young family better than the demands of a private practice and offered the opportunity to foster health for families in a different way. Over the decades, the couple earned the deep respect of the Savannah medical community, despite their unpopular football allegiance. “We are Gators for life, no apologies. Even my COVID mask is orange and blue!” says Weems, laughing. Weems reached the district’s top public medical position while raising two children, something she credits in part to her husband. “I was able to have the career I had because I had a great partner. He always supported and understood the value of my work,” she says.
C OU R T E SY OF DR . DI A N E WE E M S
Savannah Health
“To achieve the highest level of public health, we have to make sure that everyone has full access to health care services and education.” Such support and understanding became most clear during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, when during one of the busiest times in her career, Weems was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. “Although he was first and foremost my partner and husband, it was helpful he had the training he did,” Weems says. Fighting the disease also galvanized her commitment to public health. “After going through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, I became an even more ardent supporter for public health programs that assist women with routine screening and breast health education,” she says. Happily, Weems is cancer-free, and the former physician has remained occupied during pandemic life with yard work, making too many brownies, and cooing with her first grandchild over Zoom. “We still haven’t gotten to kiss him because they’re in
Texas, but we can wait,” says the new grandmother. “We’re all sacrificing right now, but it pales in comparison to what other people are going through.” This empathetic perspective encompasses Dr. Weems’ legacy, and she will be honored later this year with Planned Parenthood Southeast’s Howard Morrison Memorial Award, an accolade that recognizes a living person who has dedicated their life and work to improving health care for all. “Since early in my career, we’ve talked about health care and health disparity, and how that affects communities, not just individuals,” she says, circling back to the long-term impacts of coronavirus for folks living on the Georgia coast. “To achieve the highest level of public health, we have to make sure that everyone has full access to health care services and education.”
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LIVE WELL
Dr. Charles Hope performing outpatient knee surgery
One Small Step
Operation Walk USA provides life-changing orthopedic surgery — for free Written by STEVEN ALFORD
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY of local health care providers, four orthopedic patients are back on their feet after a lifechanging experience: receiving free hip and knee replacements at Optim Surgery Center in Savannah. It’s all part of Operation Walk USA, an independent medical charitable organization that provides free orthopedic care for uninsured patients. Founded in 2011, the group is dedicated to helping patients who require a hip or knee replacement surgery but are unable to afford the procedures. The group connects patients, physicians and hospitals to provide joint replacement surgery for those who otherwise would have no other option.
Optim Orthopedics surgeons Dr. Charles Hope and Dr. David Sedory donated their time, performing the procedures at no cost to the four patients, who suffered from arthritis, at Optim Surgery Center in December 2019. For patients enduring hip or knee pain, undergoing joint replacement surgery can offer a new beginning and a return to a pain-free life. Seeing the difference from before and after the surgeries is what makes it all worthwhile, Hope says. “It’s hard to adequately describe the pride and pleasure I experience when a patient previously crippled by arthritis walks into my office and thanks me for restoring their function and ameliorating their pain,” Hope says.
Chronic joint pain and arthritis are the leading causes of work disability among adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 50 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis or joint pain, with the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis expected to increase to an estimated 78.4 million adults by 2040. By contrast, only about 1 million joint replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. each year, the CDC reports. Unfortunately, many patients do not have the means or the insurance needed to pay for costly joint replacement procedures and return to an active lifestyle. Since its founding, Operation Walk USA has helped more than 800 joint
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More than 50 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis or joint pain. By contrast, only about 1 million joint replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. replacement patients in 21 states across the country, donating more than $20 million to make those procedures a reality. It’s a gift that has been changing lives right here in the Coastal Empire for the past several years at Optim Surgery Center. “Hearing patients describe walking stairs, playing sports or just living life with less pain for the first time in a decade makes all the years of study and hard work worthwhile,” Hope says. Jeffery Smith, 59, is one such patient who was at the end of his rope living with debilitating joint pain. After twisting his knee and damaging his joints, Smith knew it was finally time to do something after living with chronic pain for years following the injury. Smith found Operation Walk USA online and decided to take a chance and apply for a procedure. “I couldn’t believe it happened,” Smith says. “It’s like hitting the lottery for someone in my position, and I’m just grateful.” Under Dr. Hope’s care, Smith underwent right total knee replacement surgery and is now back on his feet and able to live a painfree life.
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“The recovery was extremely short,” Smith adds. “I was able to get up after a few hours and walk. They released me after a day with a whole new future.” None of this experience would have been possible without the coordination and teamwork between a range of providers and organizations: Optim Surgery Center, Optim Orthopedics surgeons, Operation Walk USA, Stryker medical devices, support staff, rehabilitation staff — it was a team effort to make a lasting difference. “There is no better feeling to know that you, whether as an individual or as part of a whole, have done something to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” says Ed Osterman, total joint/ spine coordinator for Optim Surgery Center. As the joint replacement team coordinator, Osterman worked closely alongside the patients and was able to see firsthand the kind of impact the procedures have made in turning their life around. It’s something he and the Optim Healthcare team are proud to be a part of, and will continue to make happen, he says.
Easy on the Eyes NON-MEDICAL PROTECTIVE face masks, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, create an instant, come-hither stare — and the time might be just right for some subtle eye enhancements. “People have always asked, way before masks, ‘What can I do for my eyes to make them look younger?’” says Savannah Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Luke Curtsinger. “If it’s wrinkling, you can smooth it with Botox and other neurotoxins, and if it’s missing volume, you can add filler.” Some cosmetic procedures, like an upper eyelid blepharoplasty to correct a droopy eyelid, help vision and aesthetic appearance alike, Curstinger says. “It’s a very rewarding procedure to do, because many people don’t realize how blind they were until they have it done.” But needles and knives aren’t the only options. Topical eye creams help soften and brighten the delicate eye area — a favorite of Curtsinger’s is the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream, which happens to be a bestseller at Glow Medical Spa (the team at Glow also suggests the Circle\Delete conditioning under-eye concealer from Jane Iredale). At Vitali Medspa, a resurfacing laser called CO2RE addresses under-eye wrinkles and pigmentation at once. Another way to emphasize the eyes? Boost your lashes and brows. The Sassy Chic Cosmetic Bar offers 100 percent vegan services for brows, including eyebrow henna and Instagram-worthy brow lamination, as well as lash lifts, which curl the lashes and last for up to 8 weeks. (Owner Mildred Paderewski notes she follows a strict sanitation protocol using medical-grade disinfectants, and also has a UV disinfectant air purifier.) Finally, wear sunscreen. Yes, even for your eyes. “In taking care of any part of the skin, including the skin around the eyes, sun protection is most important,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology. For best results, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide daily. —SARA WATSON
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Body Armor Can healthy foods help boost the immune system? Written by JAY LANKAU
MOST OF US can remember the food pyramid poster on the walls of our school cafeterias, and as we grew older, we came to understand that a balanced diet didn’t just keep us healthy in the short-term, it also helped stave off illnesses and chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Now, healthy foods are trendy: Lowcarb diets, vegan and gluten-free options, juice cleanses... we’ve come a long way from that old-school, apple-a-day poster. And in the time of coronavirus, when many are looking to bolster their immune systems, we’re increasingly turning to
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food as a remedy, a possible fix. But so-called “immune-boosting foods” — though popular on social media — are a bust. “You can eat healthy foods and get enough exercise to support the normal function of your immune system, but boosting is not possible,” says Rebekah Laurance, a registered dietitian at SouthCoast Health. While nutritious foods like fruits and non-starchy vegetables are good for the body, they can’t actually strengthen our immune systems. Moreover, stronger isn’t always better: an overactive immune system
can result in autoimmune disorders like asthma, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. The goal, says Laurance, is supporting rather than strengthening. “Your immune system can be supported by a general healthy diet that includes the antioxidant vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc,” Laurance says. If it’s the vitamins we need for immunity, can’t we just skip the careful selection of food and head to the pharmacy shelves? Not exactly. In fact, Laurance explains that most over-thecounter supplements should only be taken
“Your immune system can be supported by a general healthy diet that includes the antioxidant vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc.” —REBEKAH LAURANCE, REGISTERED DIETITIAN AT SOUTHCOAST HEALTH
if you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency. Healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction, and seeing a doctor regularly should be more than enough to maintain a strong immune system. Nutrients from all categories of foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, and even healthy fats and natural sugars, are what goes into keeping a body healthy. However, misinformation easily available online and people looking to get rich quick with promises that can’t deliver overcomplicates our collective relationship to food, Laurance says, pointing to the rise of social media, where “Instagram models” and “flat tummy” supplements are advertised in abundance. As a dietitian, Laurance says it’s this kind of social media influence that causes the most common misconceptions about nutrition. “There’s an assumption that thin people are healthy, or that because you are skinny, you are not at risk for chronic diseases,” she says. “Social media shows models promoting cleanses or supplements that claim to make you look like them, but in reality it may not be achievable for every person’s body type.” Not only is it not necessarily achievable, it’s often not healthy, Laurance says. Some diets follow the logic that sugar is bad, and therefore anything with sugar should be avoided. But our bodies need nutrients like sugars and carbohydrates — readily available in fresh fruits, for example — in order to fuel our cells with energy. Instead of turning to social media for potentially unsafe foods or ones with
false claims, Laurance offers some simple advice: “Every meal should be as healthy as you can make it,” she says. Small changes can happen slowly, such as adding an extra fruit or vegetable somewhere in your day, or drinking more water. A Mediterranean-style diet, full of whole grains, fish, fruits, and vegetables, has been shown to reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, while colorful fruits and vegetables come highly recommended — bright reds, greens, and blues signal high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Laurance says. It’s these kinds of vitamins and minerals that maintain an immune system, not supplements from the store. Laurance also notes that simply limiting fast food and sugary beverages can be enough to drastically improve one’s diet. So, now that we know what to eat, where do we get it? Savannah has a bounty of healthful options: Stock up on colorful fruits and vegetables while supporting local business at Forsyth Farmers Market; Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, 1102 Bull St., is just across the park, where you can find plenty of healthy snacks, fresh produce, and all-natural ingredients. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite or pick up something premade, Blend & Press Wellness Bar, 4505 Habersham St., offers a wide selection of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Foxy Loxy, The Coffee Fox, Henny Penny, and Fox & Fig all have primarily plant-based menus (the latter, at 321 Habersham St., is completely plant-based).
REFRESH & REPLENISH
WHILE LAURANCE recommends limiting supplements unless you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency, two local spots offer a novel way to receive nutrients. At The Corner Suite, 24 W. Henry St., IV infusion therapy sends hydration or vitamins directly into the bloodstream. Hydration therapy includes a simple mix of saline and electrolytes administered via IV drip. A typical vitamin infusion includes B-12, vitamin C, and magnesium and might be a better method for absorption compared with the digestive tract, which can strip down the benefits you’d get from oral vitamin supplement. “A lot of people feel immediate results [with hydration therapy], because most people walk around dehydrated and don’t even realize it,” says manager Miriam Howard. “For the vitamin infusions, most people see or feel something the next day.” Prices start at $80. The B12 shot at Glow Medical Spa, 415 Eisenhower Drive #6, has a similar effect to what you’d get with an IV treatment for $25. Some people get this procedure — a shot in the arm or hip — done about once a week, says Glow marketing director Lindsey Kuhns. “If you’re feeling down, or lethargic, or if you’ve had a long weekend and you need a boost for Monday, this will definitely help,” Kuhns says.
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C OU R T E SY OF L E DE SM A SP OR T S M E DI C I N E
Back on Track Written by STEVEN ALFORD
FOR PEOPLE LIVING with aches and pains or looking to get back on track after several months at home, physical therapy might be the right prescription — and the staff at Ledesma Sports Medicine is passionate about helping patients return to an active lifestyle. “When everyone was sheltering in place, there was so much disruption to everybody’s lifestyle,” says physical therapist Ernest Ledesma, who founded Ledesma Sports Medicine with his wife, physical therapist Kris Bartiromo, 10 years ago. “Thinking about your health could have been on the back burner, and any existing problems might’ve been sidetracked because you couldn’t go to the gym to work out,” he says. As coronavirus restrictions ease and people feel more comfortable taking up active routines, Ledesma said his team is ready to help Savannahians reach their fitness goals. Patients are seen by referral from a range of providers and insurance carriers, though the facility also treats selfpay patients. The physical therapy team, including five dedicated physical therapists, addresses a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological ailments, from
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The Alter-G treadmill
COU R TESY OF LEDESMA SPOR TS MEDICIN E
Ledesma Sports Medicine helps patients resume an active lifestyle
those recovering from hip and knee replacements, to patients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or who are recovering from a stroke. As an outpatient physical therapy clinic, Ledesma Sports Medicine’s licensed physical therapists specialize in the treatment of orthopedic, neurological, work and sports-related injuries, balance problems, and pre- and postsurgical conditions. The facility also offers specialized gym memberships for post-therapy, fitness training and weight-control management, and its state-of-the art equipment — including the area’s first anti-gravity Alter-G treadmill — maximizes recovery and physical training. (The Alter-G is a positive-air pressure machine designed to unload a patient’s body weight on the treadmill, decreasing the stress load on their body, allowing them to exercise more
“Seeing not only their physical changes but also their mental state improve is extremely rewarding.” —ERNEST LEDESMA, CO-FOUNDER, LEDESMA SPORTS MEDICINE
feely with less physical stress on an injury.) As the coronavirus concerns mounted, Ledesma Sports Medicine staff began utilizing telehealth technology to connect with patients virtually to continue their physical therapy safely from home. It’s a service Ledesma envisions utilizing for the near future, as some patients continue to socially distance. Whether providing therapy in person or remotely, Ledesma says the goal is to get patients active again. “You get people who are distraught about their physical situation, but what I love about this profession is being able to motivate them,” Ledesma says. “Seeing not only their physical changes but also their mental state improve is extremely rewarding.”
When it comes to your kids,
EXPERIENCE AND TRUST is nothing to kid about
Trust your children to the highly-skilled, experienced medical professionals at Savannah Pediatric ENT The Pediatric ENT practice at Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists has more pediatric experience in audiology than any other practice in the region. Dr. Michael Poole and Dr. Stephanie Ambrose are the only Fellowship Trained Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat specialists in the region. Dr. Poole treats more adenoid and tonsil patients than anyone combined in the region and has the lowest rate of complication and significantly lower recovery time based on patient response. Dr. Ambrose is the region’s only fellowship-trained pediatric ENT who performs cleft lip and cleft palate corrective surgery. From the most simple to the most highly complex pediatric ear, nose and throat procedures, Savannah Pediatric ENT at Georgia Ear, Nose and Throat is the perfect choice for putting a parent’s mind at ease.
SAVA NNAH PE DI ATR I C E NT M I CHAEL POOL E , MD, Ph D
912-356-1515
Dr. Dr. Michael Michael Poole Poole
Dr. Stephanie Stephanie Ambrose Dr. Ambrose
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your physician and make sure you have a clean bill of health before taking up a serious running regimen. “One of the biggest mistakes new people make is they get really overzealous and want to start off running five, six, seven days a week, and they end up getting injured,” Nadeau says. The old adage is true when it comes to running: It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. “If you’re starting off at week one, don’t do anything more than three or four days a week for a total of about 12 to 15 miles to ease yourself into it,” he says. Once you’re comfortable with your distance and daily average, Nadeau suggests adding an extra day per week to increase miles. Another key lesson for new runners is to properly stretch before and after a run to keep muscles limber and protected. “It’s amazing how many injuries happen because of overuse or poor stretching,” Nadeau says. Of course, getting serious about running means a serious pair of footwear, too. A quality pair of running shoes will cost about $130, Nadeau says, but it’s money well spent. “Without them, you run the risk of ankle issues and fatigue that can really hamper your running.”
Go All Out Get a leg up on alfresco exercise Written by STEVEN ALFORD
AS WE EMERGE from a strange hibernation, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Coastal Empire (while still practicing social distancing). Running and biking are particularly inviting — but don’t take on too much too quickly. Here, local health experts offer a few tips and products to help make the outdoor experience smart, safe and less likely to result in injury. s40
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RUN TIME Mike Nadeau, owner of Fleet Feet Savannah, knows all too well what it’s like to jump into a new fitness routine. After working in front of a desk in corporate America for years, he decided to get back in shape after his 40th birthday and take up running. Now, he averages 40 to 50 miles per week and has shed extra pounds. The first step, he says, is to check with
SPIN CITY With dedicated bike lanes and undeniably beautiful scenery, Savannah is a great town for cyclists, whether they hit the road for leisure, transportation or exercise. But a bike is an investment, says Perry Rubber Bike Shop general manager Edgemont Martin, and choosing the right one requires a little forethought. “Once you go shopping for a bike it gets pretty complicated. If you haven’t defined the parameters that you want, you could have a huge scope,” Martin says. There are bicycles designed just for riding on asphalt and pavement, and there are multi-use bicycles geared toward going on and off the trails. There are also high-impact bicycles tailored just for challenging trails and mountains.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
The first step, Martin says, is deciding on the turf and terrain you plan to ride on. “This will help simplify the process of picking something out,” he says. Next, go for a test ride: “Never buy a bike you haven’t ridden,” Martin says. In all categories, from competitive bikes to hybrids, or multi-use to mountain bikes, the starting price range for a good bicycle begins at about $500, Martin says. Popular brands at the shop include Specialized, Salsa, AllCity or Surly. These aren’t the bikes on the shelf at a big box store that break after a year; a real bicycle is meant to put in some miles. Cyclists also need a quality helmet. Martin says it’s important to find one that has a safety rating from an
independent safety organization. The Perry Rubber Bike Shop prefers helmets approved by Snell, which puts helmets through rigorous safety testing. After purchasing a new bike and helmet, Martin suggests starting off in a calm setting, like a back street or deserted trail. “Make sure your reflexes and body are used to controlling it before you are in a situation that might require you to think fast,” he says, noting to always practice road safety. For Martin, the love of cycling comes from being a child and heading out on a bike, full of independence. “When you reacquaint yourself with cycling as an adult, it brings back that vibrant feeling,” Martin says.
AS THE COMMUNITY gears up for summer activities, Dr. Brian Fallon, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Ankle & Foot Associates, encourages Savannahians to take it slow. “The coronavirus lockdown has many patients excited and anxious to get back outside and get active again,” Fallon says. “Unfortunately, a sudden increase in activity can be a recipe for injury.” Common overuse injuries of the feet and ankles include plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress fractures and shin splints, Fallon says, all of which can lead to significant pain and downtime. To keep feet and ankles injury-free, Fallon advises investing in a quality pair of running shoes, and checking for wear and tear often — a sign that certain portions of your feet might be experiencing more friction than others. “I tell my patients to perform the fold test on running shoes to check for proper support,” he says. “Try to fold the shoe with your hands from the heel to the toes: You want a shoe that is firm in the heel and through the middle, and only has flexibility up toward the toes where your foot should normally bend when walking.” If any pain pops up during a workout, pay attention, and don’t “write it off,” Fallon advises. “Pain is your body's way of telling you it doesn't like something you’re doing,” he says. “If pain occurs, you need to decrease or stop your activities. If pain persists, you need to see your doctor.”
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Wave Riders Radiofrequency fine tunes our bodies Written by ANDREA GOTO
IF YOU’VE EVER had an MRI take images of your body, you’ve experienced one medical application of radiofrequency energy. But considering radio waves have been used for many medical purposes for over a century, it’s likely that you’ve encountered them more than once under a doctor’s care without even realizing it. While it’s not a new s42
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technology, the medical and cosmetic industry has discovered novel ways to use radiofrequency to fine tune the body, head to toe. ABOUT FACE The elements, many of which we can’t avoid, are against us when it comes to skin. Gravity, pollution, sun exposure
and the simple passing of time all wreak havoc on skin, and it’s most noticeable on our faces. From Botox and chemical peels to microneedling and surgical facelifts, there are many ways to improve the overall look and condition of the skin, but radiofrequency holds a lot of promise in that it’s what everyone wants in a cosmetic procedure: it’s comfortable, effective, minimally invasive with little downtime, and the results are quick and lasting. Dr. Timothy Minton of Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery offers FaceTite by InMode, a facial contouring procedure that can spot-reduce fat and tighten the skin from the cheekbone to collarbone, though it’s very individualized based on each patient’s needs and desires. Minton
applies a numbing agent and makes a small puncture through which he deposits an anesthetic solution combined with saline. The FaceTite handpiece is made up of a tiny probe that goes under the skin and an attached electrode that is simultaneously pulled across the top of the skin to treat the area from the inside out. The probe under the skin uses radiofrequency to deliver carefully regulated electrothermal energy (heat) through the skin directly to the electrode receptor on the surface. One of the tricks to using radiofrequency effectively lies in harnessing and controlling its heat energy to get the desired effects. “That’s what I love about this device,” Minton says of the FaceTite handpiece. “It measures the internal and external temperature for you in real time. It's pretty foolproof.”
20 percent of all adults, and women more frequently than men. Many people look to treat these protruding, bluish veins because they are unsightly, but more important to Dr. Kristy Weibke, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph’s/Candler, is a patient’s health and wellbeing. At best, varicose veins can cause discomfort. “However, the worst outcome would be getting venous ulcers or stasis ulcers that are so hard to treat and painful,” she says. “Our job is to prevent you from getting to that point.” Weibke explains that there are a number of ways to treat varicose veins, one option being to “strip,” or remove, the vein. “But that’s not really treating the underlying problem, because the underlying problem is an incompetence of valves,” she says. In the venous system, in order to push blood back to the heart, the body has one-way valves preventing the blood from going backwards. If a valve isn’t functioning correctly, blood can pool, leading to varicose veins. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treats the leaky valve problem. A catheter provides access to the superficial vein, and radio waves are applied to cause the vein to clot and shut down. “It’s essentially turning off the leaky faucet in your leg,” Weibke says, noting that RFA has “really great outcomes” — within three months, most people see a significant reduction in their varicose veins. “Additionally, RFA has been around for decades, so we have a really good idea of complication rate and long-term outcomes,” Weibke adds. To understand how radiofrequency works, you have to know about things like electromagnetic fields, oscillation rates and gigahertz. Or, simply look for the proof in the proverbial pudding: the patients who benefit from radiofrequency’s cosmetic and medical applications.
Radiofrequency holds a lot of promise in that it’s what everyone wants in a cosmetic procedure: it’s comfortable, effective, minimally invasive with little downtime, and the results are quick and lasting.
BODY OF EVIDENCE Radiofrequency is also effective in treating the body — and its potential for cosmetic improvements can go more than skin deep. Evolve (also by InMode) offers three different modalities to achieve three different outcomes. “I like to consider Evolve as the trifecta of treatments,” says Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology. “One modality dissolves fat, another tightens skin, and the third tones the muscles. It’s: Trim, Tite, Tone.” Evolve’s Trim instrument consists of six transducers (rectangular cartridges placed directly on the area of the body being treated, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, back, etc.) held in place by an adjustable strap. The transducers use radiofrequency energy and suction for about 15 minutes to eliminate fat and cellulite. The Tite method requires the placement of eight transducers on the
body for 30 minutes where there is skin laxity, providing painless heating to both the skin and subdermal level. Finally, the Tone instruments consist of four larger cartridges placed on muscle areas, such as the glutes and abs, to stimulate involuntary muscle contractions and rapidly tone those muscles. All three modalities are noninvasive and require no downtime. And while I can vouch for involuntary contractions being an incredibly odd and slightly uncomfortable sensation, the suction used during Trim is mild, and the heat levels are no more intense than a heating pad. Whether you choose Evolve Trim, Tite or Tone — or a combination — Howington suggests six sessions per modality spaced one week apart to get the best results. Annual maintenance is also recommended because, well, aging doesn’t stop for anyone. NOT JUST VAIN According to the National Institute of Health, varicose veins afflict about
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MEET THE DOCTORS
DANA KUMJIAN, M.D.
ERIK D. BERNSTEIN, M.D.
REBECCA SENTMAN, M.D.
JAMES BAZEMORE, M.D.
JESSICA COLEMAN, M.D.
MIKHAIL NOVIKOV, M.D., PhD.
WILLIAM G. GRUBB, M.D.
BRYAN KRULL, D.O.
C. THOMAS TUCKER, M.D.
SAVANNAH
1115 Lexington Ave Savannah, GA 31404 912-354-4813
BLUFFTON
16 Okatie Center Blvd Suite 100 Okatie, SC 29909 843-706-9955
JORGE O. CHABRIER-ROSELLO, M.D.
BEAUFORT
16 Kemmerlin Lane Suite A Beaufort, SC 29907 843-524-2002
JESUP
111 Colonial Way Ste 2 Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-1919
THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM
RAFAEL DAVID RODRIQUEZ, M.D.
RINCON
604 Towne Park West Rincon, GA 31326 912-354-4813
BRUNSWICK
3025 Shrine Road Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133
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DOCTORS
Audiology and Hearing Aid Services...................................................................................... Page S48 Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat .................................................................................................... Page S53 Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Savannah PC ..................................................................... Page S55 ForSight Eye Care................................................................................................................... Page S52 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC...................................................................... Page S46 Internal Medicine of Savannah ............................................................................................... Page S45 Optimal Hearing ..................................................................................................................... Page S50 Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics LLC ....................................................................................... Page S51 Savannah Pain Management Inc. ........................................................................................... Page S47 Savannah Vascular Institute .................................................................................................... Page S58 Shrink Savannah ..................................................................................................................... Page S49 Southeast Lung Associates ...............................................................................................Pages S56-57 Vitali Medspa .......................................................................................................................... Page S54 Photography by KELLLI BOYD, CHRISTINE HALL, ANGELA HOPPER, KATIE IVES AND KATIE MCGEE
Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com WE FOCUS ON: adult medicine. We diagnose and treat diseases in adults and manage chronic diseases. Preventative care is also an important part of our practice – updating vaccines, doing annual wellness exams, recommending cancer screenings, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and working with patients to help control risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood sugars and high cholesterol.
We establish a partnership with our patients for lifelong health, working closely with them throughout the ups and downs of life to keep them in the best health. We strive to help patients improve their quality of life and achieve their wellness goals. MY MESSAGE OF WELLBEING IS: eat healthy, exercise routinely, stay positive and be kind to others.
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From left: Jordan T. Houston, PA; Gregory D. Borak, MD; Branden S. Hunter, MD; Christen F. Standiford, NP; Ansley S. Tharpe, MD; Travis F. Wiggins, MD; Sara L. Barrett, PA; Not Pictured: Kristen Rosales-Vasquez, PA-C
Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler, Memorial University Medical Center and Effingham Hospital and Care Center BOARD CERTIFICATION: Internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine ACCREDITATION: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.; Medicare Deemed status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
MAIN OFFICE: 519 Stephenson Ave. ENDOSCOPY CENTER: 519 Stephenson Avenue OTHER LOCATIONS IN: Savannah,
Richmond Hill, Pooler, Springfield and Bluffton 912.354.9447 | gastrosav.com s46
WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our areas of expertise include: TIF procedure for reflux (GERD) treatment, therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy, colon cancer screening, reflux disease, pancreatic and biliary diseases, radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, Crohn’s and colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopic ultrasound. WE ARE COMMITTED TO: providing patients from across the Coastal Empire with the highest quality and most
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compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease — and we have been doing so since 1978. Our highly qualified physicians are all board certified and have been trained in leading institutions across the country. Collectively, our diverse backgrounds and medical expertise of specialty procedures set our practice apart from our peers. WE STRIVE FOR: convenience and accessibility. We have several offices throughout the region that offer convenient and prompt appointments. Our Endoscopy Center is equipped with the latest
technology, including in-house pathology and a fully staffed team of anesthesia specialists. By using the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, we offer more convenient treatment and a faster recovery for our patients. WE RECOMMEND: men and women who are at an average risk for colon cancer should begin colon cancer screening at age age 45. A colonoscopy is the most effective method for screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection but prevention as well. Regular colonoscopy screening and removal of polyps reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90 percent.
Keith A. Kirby, MD Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine
SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. 8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340 SavannahPainManagement.com
I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle. MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities in which your pain prevents you from doing.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) joint problems, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT: nonsurgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and disc herniation of your neck and back. Ninety percent of those with a herniated disc will improve within six months after nonsurgical treatment.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: suffer from pain needlessly. If you suffer from pain that does not resolve itself in four to six weeks, ask your doctor to refer you to a physician who is board certified in pain medicine.
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Audiology and Hearing Aid Services 803 E. 68th St. | 912.351.3038 Other Locations: Pooler The Village on Skidaway Island | 912.598.0616 From left: Susan Timna, AuD CCC-A; Cori Palmer, AuD CCC-A; Sara King, Aud, CCC-A; Sarah Laws, AuD, CCC-A; Casey Allen, AuD, CCC-A; (not pictured) Katherine Neufeld, AuD, CCC-A
OUR MISSION IS: to improve a patient’s quality of life by improving their ability to communicate with friends and family. The entire world has learned the term “social distancing,” but social distancing is not social isolation. Social isolation is one of the risk factors of hearing loss that can lead to loneliness, depression, cognitive decline and depression. We encourage everyone who either suffers from hearing loss or has a family member who lives with hearing loss to stop living in isolation. WE UNDERSTAND: that hearing loss sneaks slowly
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into your life. First, with a feeling that people are mumbling at restaurants, then it takes more effort to hear and starts to cause conflict among family members. Eventually, you are declining invitations to socialize with friends to avoid possible embarrassment or the feeling that you cannot keep up with conversation. People with untreated hearing loss also experience an increase in falls, hospitalizations and even car accidents. WE ARE MOST EXCITED TO: explain the difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is the ability to
recognize that a sound has occurred; listening is the ability to recognize that a sound occurred and be able to act upon it. The most impactful way to improve a patient’s ability to listen is to decrease the volume of background noise relative to the volume of the speech. Hearing aids, which help decrease background noise, come in a variety of technology levels and price points. Our clinic provides specialized testing to determine exactly how much support our patients need to improve their ability to listen and overall communication.
Chad Brock, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Oklahoma RESIDENCY: Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina AFFILIATION: Board Certified in General Psychiatry
SHRINK SAVANNAH 1601 Abercorn St. 912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com
I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the advancements and acceptance of psychedelic medicine, such as ketamine therapy. Ketamine therapy is used for treatment-resistant depression and can be administered intravenously or nasally. I began offering ketamine infusion therapy in 2017 to patients who had become frustrated with their lack of improvement due to treatment resistance. Results have been overwhelming for many, with some experiencing a change within a matter of hours.
THIS MODERN APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH IS: so important. Individuals struggling with their mental health deserve to explore every opportunity for recovery without social stigmas getting in the way. Following a ketamine treatment, many people start to feel benefits within a few hours or the next morning. This is a game changer for those who have struggled with severe depression that does not respond to therapy and prescription medication.
KETAMINE IS SAFE: When ketamine is administered in a controlled medical setting by a properly trained physician using established methods, it is very safe. Ketamine is the only anesthetic that does not suppress the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR KETAMINE THERAPY?: Shrink Savannah schedules all potential candidates for an evaluation before scheduling ketamine therapy sessions. You’ll be able to meet with your provider, tour the treatment rooms and ask questions at that time.
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Gabriel Pitt, Au.D. DOCTORAL DEGREE: University of South Florida EXTERNSHIP: University of California San Francisco AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler Care Network, Memorial Health Partners
OPTIMAL HEARING 527 Stephenson Ave. A-3 912.352.8530 optimalhearing.com Other locations: Statesboro, Jesup, Brunswick, Dublin and Vidalia, Georgia, and Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo/balance assessment I’M MOST PROUD OF: being asked by my audiologist peers to serve as president of the Georgia Academy of Audiology. After my tenure on the board of GAA, I was then asked to sit on one of our profession’s national academy’s board as secretary. Giving back to the audiology profession has been an honor. MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: what can be done about dizziness and imbalance. The first step is to determine
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the underlying cause. Our clinic is able to run a full diagnostic assessment on the vestibular/balance system, which is housed in the ear and can cause dizziness and imbalance. There are simple in-office procedures we can do to treat certain types of dizziness. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WERE AWARE OF: the connection between hearing loss and dementia. A recent consensus paper from The Lancet - a well-respected professional medical journal - reported that of all dementia cases, 35 percent were potentially modifiable.
The report found nine modifiable factors that contribute to acquiring dementia, including smoking, diabetes, education, depression and hearing loss. Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia is relatively new, and it was found to be the largest single modifiable factor that contributes to dementia. Rather than an unimportant condition, hearing loss needs to be assessed and treated if possible.
Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com From left: Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, psychology fellow; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Martha Hinchey, psychology fellow
WE’RE EXPERTS IN: child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child is exhibiting challenging behavior, social delays or learning difficulties, we are the specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.
OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our progress in expanding the availability of behavioral health services in our community. We recently began an exciting new partnership with SouthCoast Health Pediatrics to provide high-quality behavioral and developmental services in the comfort of your pediatrician’s office! We are also excited to announce our
new social skills groups, which help children and adolescents learn basic social interaction skills. We are also offering a summer reading clinic to assist children who are not yet readers or who have difficulty with decoding, fluency or comprehension skills. ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: catch your child being good (quiet, calm, polite)! Adult attention, particularly parent attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good appropriate behaviors to see them more often.
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Erika Morrow, MS, OD QUALIFICATIONS: Doctor of Optometry and Master of Vision Science AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Optometric Association (president of District 1), American Optometric Association, InfantSEE, Metro Savannah Rotary, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Small Business Chamber
FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net
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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: primary eye care and specialty contact lenses. I began working as an ophthalmic technician at the age of 19 and fell in love with eye care. I love making a positive difference in my patients’ lives – it’s exciting. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR ARE: fitting patients with specialty contact lenses because they have corneal diseases like keratoconus. One of my most memorable cases was a young CPA who was struggling to see numbers. I fit him with sclerals, and he
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was able to go from 20/200 to 20/20 vision with the specialty lenses. It was extremely emotional because he had been to several specialists prior before randomly finding me, and he could not believe he could see again. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: personable and thorough. Patients tell me that I make them feel comfortable – and that is always my goal. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: is Dr. Christine Sindt,
the inventor of EyePrint Pro and a pioneer in scleral lenses. She has devoted her entire career to providing vision for patients who need specialty contacts and would be full of advice and words of wisdom as a female doctor and inventor. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: taking their eyes for granted. Your sight is one of your most precious senses, and they do not deserve the cheapest or easiest eye care and eye wear solutions.
David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY: Medical College of Virginia AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler
COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT Savannah: 322 Commercial Drive | 912.355.2335 Pooler: 200 Blue Moon Crossing | 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver
I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed more than 200 of these in-office procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you.
I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the addition of our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. The new service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit. WE OFFER: a myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep
apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their healthcare is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best care, I must first listen to their needs.
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Christopher R. Curro, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: Ross University School of Medicine RESIDENCY: Medical Center of Central Georgia, Mercer University BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Internal Medicine
VITALI MEDSPA 130 Canal St., Ste. 403, Pooler 833.VITALI1 vitalimedspa.com
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I am passionate about aesthetic medicine. A board-certified internist, I hail from South Florida and received my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2011. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, where I earned a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences. As Vitali Medspa’s medical director and provider, my mission is to ensure that our organization continues to remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing and innovative industry by providing every patient with the most comprehensive, safe and
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effective treatment options to meet our patients’ desired aesthetic goals. Our team, comprised of nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, estheticians, medical assistants, licensed massage therapists and office staff, are highly motivated and dedicated to patient care – it’s a true team environment. Rest assured that your aesthetic concerns will be heard and met using a wide range of medical modalities and equipment. We offer, and are the area’s leading experts in, laser hair removal, body sculpting, microneedling, vascular treatments, injectables, facials, chemical peels,
massage therapies and other aesthetic medical services. We have a wide range of special equipment, including Candella’s GentleMax Pro, CO2RE, Profound, VelaShape, Exceed and Nordyls; CoolSculpting and CoolTone by Allergan; Hydrafacial; PureSculpting and so much more! I’m excited about the countless ways that the Vitali Medspa team can help our patients in the upcoming year and years to come. I’m a man on an aesthetic mission. Reach out to book a free consultation now. I might even strum a line or two on my guitar – my other passion.
Ears, Nose, & Throat Associates of Savannah, PC 5201 Frederick St. 912.351.3030 entsavannah.com Top Row: Dr. Michael Zoller, Dr. Fred Daniel, Dr. Stephen Rashleigh, Bottom Row: Dr. William Moretz, Dr. Brad Rawlings, Michelle Yamada, PA-C, Kristen Thomas, PA-C,
WE SPECIALIZE IN: comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for problems of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck, including treatment of allergies and sinusitis, sleep apnea, thyroid and parathyroid disease and voice and swallowing disorders. We also treat pediatric ENT patients for a variety of problems, including chronic ear infections and tonsillitis. Our skilled audiologists provide the latest in hearing aid technology at Audiology and Hearing Aid Services. We utilize the latest ENT
technologies, such as balloon sinuplasty for treatment of sinusitis, radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base for treatment of sleep apnea and endoscopic techniques for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR PATIENTS: we have a state certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, are fully privileged at all Savannah area hospitals and offer early morning and Saturday appointments. We have satellite offices in Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Statesboro and The Landings.
WE TREAT: each patient and set of symptoms individually because we know what works best for one patient may not work best for another. We take the time to create an individualized approach to your ENT health, working to improve your conditions and quality of life. We want you to feel comfortable and confident understanding your treatment plan. Our health coach will walk you through each step of your treatment plan, surgery, or other procedures to ensure you are healing and improving.
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Southeast Lung Associates Savannah | Rincon | Brunswick | Richmond Hill Baxley | Claxton | Douglas | Hinesville | Jesup Metter | Pooler | Statesboro | Sylvania | Vidalia Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Phone: 912.629.2290 Fax: 912.629.2292 selung.com
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From left: Joann Fountain, NP; Obaid Rehman, MD, FCCP; M. Judith Porter, MD, FCCP; C. Adam McCoy, MD; James A. Meadows III, MD, FCCP; Bryan Christian, NP; Maria C. Mascolo, MD FCCP; Gifford W. Lorenz, MD; James A. Daly III, MD, FCCP, FAASM; Ryan B. Moody, MD, FCCP; Aaron Soutar, PA; Kaitlyn Matthewson, NP; Randall B. Evans; MD, FCCP; Masood Ahmed, MD; Aaron Montover, NP and Josh Bonin, PA Not Pictured: Michael D. Mullins, MD FCCP; Michael P. Perkins, MD; Robert L. Burnaugh, MD FCCP; Craig
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Schuring, MD; Jacob Sellers, NP; Edith Utley, PA; Taylor Gibson, NP; Lorra Byrd, NP A TRADITION OF CARE: We are an independent, multigenerational, family oriented practice that has been part of the Savannah community for 37 years! Our mission is to provide outstanding, faith-based care to the region, to assist referring physicians in the care of their patients and to collaborate with local and regional healthcare institutions. Our goal is to be leaders in delivering healthcare innovations in pulmonary, critical care
and sleep disorders medicine. Our care team includes 14 physicians, 7 nurse practitioners and 3 physician assistants. WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, critical care, interventional bronchoscopy, lung cancer, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, MAI/MAC, asthma and many other respiratory diseases. OUR EXPERTISE: Our physicians are board certified in pulmonary medicine,
critical care, internal medicine and sleep medicine. They have acquired advanced training from prestigious centers such as Emory University, the Medical College of Georgia, Harvard, the Mayo Clinic, Columbia University, UCLA, University of Virginia and Yale University. The physicians of Southeast Lung Associates use the most technologically advanced tools to diagnose and treat a number of pulmonary and critical care conditions. From GPS navigated bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy to sleep studies in our accredited sleep centers, we believe we offer our patients world-class care.
SLEEP DISORDERS CENTERS: We are the largest regional sleep disorders network accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Our sleep centers are located in Savannah, Hilton Head, Hinesville, Rincon, Jesup, Brunswick and Douglas. LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM: We offer the broadest degree of expertise in screening and evaluation for patients with lung cancer. If you are asymptomatic for cancer, are between the ages of 55 and 77 and have a long history of regular tobacco use within the past 15 years, you may benefit from our proactive screening and care.
By utilizing low-dose CT scans, we can detect lung cancer early, which can improve treatment options. LUNG CANCER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: We are the regions leader in interventional, GPS navigated and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy procedures for our lung cancer patients. We also host a multi-disciplinary evaluation and treatment program that teams with other specialties for rapid, high quality care for lung cancer patients in our office. SERVING OUR COMMUNITY: You have us where you want us! We’ve developed a regional net-
work of 20 locations serving South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina. Our physicians provide critical care, sleep and pulmonary medicine to rural hospitals and easy, local access to patients. Our telemedicine outreach program is able to provide 24/7 access to our sub specialty care for those that need it most. NEW PATIENTS: At Southeast Lung Associates, we value our new patients and welcome you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our providers, please reach out to our main office at 912.629.2290.
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Savannah Vascular Institute Main Office: 4750 Waters Avenue, Suite 500, Provident Bldg Locations also in: Savannah Southside, Rincon, Hinesville, Jesup, Statesboro, Vidalia and Bluffton, South Carolina 912.629.7800 savannahvascular.com From Left (back row): Justin Brown, MD, Ryan O’Kelley, DO, Taylor Ellison, MD, Christopher Walls, MD, E. Jerry Cohn, MD, Christopher Wixon, MD, Michael Dahn, MD, J. Sheppard Mondy, MD, Davis Moon, MD, From Left (front row): Larry Horesh, MD, Anthony Sussman, MD, Kirstin Nelson, MD, Anthony Avino, MD, William Darden, MD
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WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: vascular disorders of arteries and veins. Our vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists are board certified and fellowship trained to manage circulation disorders (PAD), aortic aneurysms, carotid artery blockages, stroke prevention, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, pelvic congestion and uterine fibroids. We specialize in minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery, such as laser vein treatments for varicose veins, angioplasty, stenting for arterial blockages, endografts for aneurysms and uterine fibroid embolization.
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OUR SAVANNAH ROOTS: run deep. In 1994, Dr. Anthony Sussman founded the first surgical practice in Savannah dedicated to vascular surgery. For 25 years our physician-led practice has grown to 11 vascular surgeons and three interventional radiologists with eight locations throughout the Coastal Empire. Our group of highly trained specialists share a commitment to excellence, growth and innovation. WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO: have frequent and open communication with their primary healthcare provider to identify early signs of
vascular disease. Individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol/triglycerides, obesity and high blood pressure are at a higher risk for developing vascular disease. Lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, tobacco cessation and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can reduce risks for vascular disease. WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL FOR: our staff and their relentless adherence to providing compassionate and comprehensive care and for our fellow healthcare providers and hospital staff for providing collaborative and supportive services to our patients.
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MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Buckingham South ................................................................................................................. Page S59 Coastal Care Partners and Coastal Independence and Mobility............................................ Page S61 GHC Hospice.......................................................................................................................... Page S60 The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire ............................................................................... Page S60 Photography by CHRISTINE HALL
Rita Slatus, Rita Slatus, Executive Director Executive Director BUCKINGHAM SOUTH
Buckingham South 5450 Abercorn St. 5450 Abercorn St. Savannah 31405 Savannah 31405 912.355.5550 912-355-5550 buckinghamsouth.com
buckinghamsouth.com
of care as one’s medical ASSISTED LIVING needs increase. 24-hour, FACILITIES: address both the health care needs as well round-the-clock nursing ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: both theahealth careAddress including full time as the social and emotional care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being registered nurse, licensed well-beingofofeach each resident resident. An assisted living community will provide medical technicians, An assistedmedication living community monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation certified nursing assistants, will provideandmedication mon- social stimulating recreational, and cultural activities.a medical director and security are all itoring, daily housekeeping, WHATand SETSstimulatBUCKINGHAMon SOUTH Is thethe finest callAPART: to ensure transportation unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the care. Because Buckingham ing recreational, social and highest quality of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South locally owned cultural activities. South is able to provide continuity of care is as one’s medical needs and operated, management is increase. 24-hour, round-the-clock nursing care including a full timeBUCKINGHAM registered nurse, licensed medical technicians, certified on location 24-7 to address WHAT SETS nursing assistants, and security are all on call confamily questions and SOUTH APART: is the a medical director to ensure the finest care. Because Buckingham South is locally cerns and to ensure the highunparalleled, personalowned and operated, management is on location 24-7 to address est level the of highest individualized ized approach, tailored family questions andto concerns and to ensure level of attention. Buckingham South provide the highest attention. quality individualized is truly Savannah’s finest of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South assisted living community! 1 S P E C I Acontinuity L ADVERTISING SECTION is able to provide
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The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire 315 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Wilmington Island 130 Stephenson Ave., Savannah 912.235.2166 | thespeechclinic.org From left: Sally Mathews SLP, Amy Daniel SLP, Ansley Sellers Owner/SLP, Lindsey Saltourides SLP, and Ruth Bourque OT WE’RE EXPERTS IN: pediatric speech/language and occupational therapy. Our speech language pathologists can treat more than just speech sound production. We can address developmental delays, receptive language comprehension, expressive language, social skills, stuttering, oral motor weakness, Apraxia and feeding/swallowing. Our occupational therapists help children who have cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities with performing everyday activities, like dressing,
eating, brushing teeth and academic readiness skills. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: our relationships with our patients and their families. We do our best to make therapy sessions feel like playtime. As parents ourselves, we understand that supporting the patient’s family is important and can greatly influence the progress we make. OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: how can I help my child learn to communicate? Our favorite answer: Play!
GHC Hospice
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From left: Brooks Brunnemer, RN; Danielle Goldhill, RN; Donna Howard; D. Keith Cobb, M.D.; Wendy Dunwody, LMSW; Mark Douglas, LCSW; Marie Stevens, BSN; Dr. Thomas Garner; Jodi Hagan; Richard Gottlieb; Randi Crews; Susan Jaffie; Roxanne Spencer, MSN RN; Kathleen Staley, BSN RN
WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: managing and controlling unwanted symptoms associated with a life-limiting illness including clinical, emotional, social and spiritual care.
hospice aides, social services, chaplains and volunteers.
growing into the South Carolina Lowcountry.
OUR MOTTO IS: “Making Every Moment Matter” which is supported by our nonprofit GHC Foundation.
7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 201 | 912.355.0000 ghchospice.com
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: medical doctors, nurse practitioners, skilled nursing,
WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: expanding in our local communities and
WHAT SETS US APART: doing the right thing no matter what. We pride ourselves on being with the family in any time of need, day or night. We value excellence and do not compromise on care.
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Coastal Care Partners Coastal Independence & Mobility 7074 Hodgson Memorial Drive Coastal Care Partners: 912.598.6312 | coastalcarepartners.com Coastal Independence & Mobility: 912.421.8000 | coastalindependence.com Scott and Amy Pierce
WE’RE EXPERTS IN: outstanding aging services. Coastal Care Partners is Savannah’s only comprehensive nurse-managed aging services company. Through our unique, nurse-managed programs and services, Coastal Care Partners is making aging at home a more obtainable reality for the aging population. Coastal Independence & Mobility is committed to fostering more independent lifestyles for aging adults by providing the products and equipment needed for elderly to live safely in the familiarity and
comfort of home for as long as possible. Both companies work together to provide our customers with a complete, 360-degree care program that is unique in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
of uncertainty, an aging life care manager serves as a guide and advocate for older adults facing ongoing health and mental health challenges due to aging, disability, dementia and more.
OUR GOAL IS: to help you navigate all of the complexities of aging and to restore your family’s peace of mind.
WE CAN HELP IF: you or your loved one is having an issue that you think is “just part of getting old.” We love to prove this wrong and find solutions for our clients for all types of issues from chronic health challenges to mobility problems.
WE OFFER: an innovative, relationship-focused approach to caring for aging adults. From overseeing medications to answering medical questions at a time
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MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS
DENTISTS Coastal Dental Surgery LLC.................................................................................................... Page S63 Cohen Dental ......................................................................................................................... Page S66 Georgetown Family Dental ................................................................................................... Page S64 Groover Family Dentistry ........................................................................................................ Page S62 Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC .......................................................................................................... Page S67 Savannah Dental..................................................................................................................... Page S65
Photography by KELLI BOYD AND KATIE MCGEE
Michael J. Groover, DMD DENTAL DEGREE: University of Louisville School of Dentistry AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Savannah Dental Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
GROOVER FAMILY DENTISTRY
711 E. 70th St. Suite B 912.354.9541 | grooverfamilydentistry.com I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST: When I saw how my father changed his patient’s lives through oral health and dentistry. Patients would approach my father outside of his dental office and speak as if they had known each other for years, but then I would realize they were his patients. I knew at a very early age that I wanted to follow his footsteps and continue the family-oriented environment that he created in our practice. s62
MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER: As caring and compassionate. We try to create a dental experience where it is very clear that we have your best interests at heart, and we want you to feel like you are a part of your treatment. My staff and I treat all of our patients like we would want our family members to be treated.
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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration
COASTAL DENTAL SURGERY, LLC 6600 Abercorn Street, Suite 204 912.349.3259 | CoastalDentalSurgery.com
I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological advances such as in-office 3D imaging to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. After performing
a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce postsurgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.
perfect tooth. No sutures and no pain — immediate full arch of teeth in one day. Diseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a sameday beautiful restoration is delivered. Minimally invasive gum grafting beautifies the smile and improves oral health.
PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES INCLUDE: immediate tooth removal with prompt implant placement and temporization. A patient may arrive with a fractured tooth and literally walk out with a beautifully restored implant that looks as natural as a Special Advertising Section • S A V A N N A H H E A L T H 2 0 2 0 - 2 1
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Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: General Practice Residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Savannah Dental Society, National Dental Association
GEORGETOWN FAMILY DENTAL 821 King George Blvd. 912.927.8484 georgetownfamilydental.com
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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our new CEREC and digital scanner! Digital impressions are more accurate, quicker and easier than ever before. Patients love it because it’s a more pleasant experience. No more messy traditional impressions; no more temporary crowns. We offer same-day crowns that look and feel like a real tooth. I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Georgetown Family Dental. God has truly blessed me to be surrounded by team members who genuinely care about people and are just as passionate as I am about providing understanding,
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judgement-free dental care in a relaxing environment. THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: “The Servant” by James C. Hunter. This book explains that leadership starts and ends with service. The key to leadership is accomplishing the tasks at hand while building relationships. When I serve my team, when I take care of my team, my team takes care of me and the practice. MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: am I a candidate for dental implants? Successful implantation starts with a thorough evaluation of your jaw, teeth, mouth and overall
health. Most of our dental implants are placed right in our office and can now be done same day. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: compassionate. Because of my own medical history growing up with a developmental disorder that affected my airway, oral cavity and facial symmetry, I understand what it’s like to be the patient. I treat my patients with care and kindness, providing a judgment-free atmosphere full of love and support as I work with them to improve the beauty and function of their smile.
Savannah Dental 815 E. 68th St. 912.355.8821 savannah.dental ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Academy of Cosmetic Orthodontics, Invisalign Gold Provider Pictured: Kevin Dickinson, DDS and Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD
WE OFFER: all dental services under one roof. Stephanie J. Sweeney, DMD, is an expert in Invisalign and cosmetic procedures, while Kevin Dickinson, DDS, specializes in extensive wear, rebuilding smiles and wisdom teeth extraction. The newest member of our team, Robert Wolinchus, DDS, is an expert in implants and sedation dentistry. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: being the only office in Savannah to offer the new iTero Element 5D digital scanner. The near infrared technology allows us to see cavities between the teeth without ionizing X-rays. This
will help us catch cavities when they are smaller and help treat patients, like pregnant women, without X-ray exposure. OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: modern and relaxing. We took inspiration from medical spas and used design principles to create an inviting space. From the reception area to the treatment rooms, the colors, music and visuals have all been carefully curated to create a calming effect. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: how our whole team has responded to the COVID-19
protocols upon returning to work. Our team really came together researching, innovating and implementing new protocols to ensure that every patient can be safely treated without fear of potential exposure from our team or other patients from the moment they arrive in the parking lot. OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being on the water. Dr. Dickinson grew up sailing and is often found at the Savannah Yacht Club or a barrier island when he’s not in the office. Dr. Sweeney loves to stay active surfing, kiteboarding and foilboarding.
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Scott Cohen, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Tennessee, Memphis ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Sleep Medicine, Invisalign and Implant Restoration
COHEN DENTAL 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com
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MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store, starting at age 6, I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. “Being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back.“ Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain my patient’s trust and confidence. For more than 30 years, that’s how I have built
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my practice, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original 1940s Cohen’s sign in my office hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned - treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back! I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: my godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the aluminum foil shavings for filling the cavities!
I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. Most recently, we challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund. Next up is Wine Women and Shoes on Oct. 22 - I’ll be a Shoe Guy raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.
Mark N. Dye, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
MARK N. DYE, DMD LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com
MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY IS: a conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with high-pressure sales and excessive treatment plans. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: professional, knowledgeable, and caring with a sense of humor. I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town.
ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: brushing and flossing twice a day! AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island. WE ARE PROUD TO BE: truly state-of-the-art! We are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology. We are one of four regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more “mouthfuls of goo.”
MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it! We take pride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.
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Pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapists providing quality therapy to help children reach their full potential.
Safely dedicated and here for you and your family. We are now accepting new patients for speech, OT and PT — both in office and teletherapy.
912.988.1526 | chatterboxpeds.com 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115, Pooler | 2453 G US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
Savannah Health L I VE
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Sea Well
A local company sets its sights on affordable sunglasses IT’S A COMMON REFRAIN — apply sunscreen before you go outside, no matter what. In coastal Georgia, where balmy beaches, secret kayaking spots and lush parks are practically irresistible, it’s no wonder Savannahians spend a lot of time outside. While the harmful effects of sunlight on unprotected skin are well documented (pigmentation, wrinkles and even some forms of skin cancer), the damage those rays can do to our eyes is lesser-known. Luckily, there’s an easy and fashionable solution that you probably already own: sunglasses. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Schulze, sunglasses are a nonnegotiable accessory while outside. “In addition to providing a physical barrier against trauma and foreign bodies entering your eyes,” he says, “sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful effects of U.V. radiation in sunlight, which can contribute to the formation of cataracts and pterygiums.” Treatment of both types of these abnormal growths on the eyeball’s surface can range from medicated eye drops to surgery if a patient’s vision becomes obscured. While some form of protection is better than nothing, not all sunglasses are created equal. Every Day Boater, a newly launched brand out of Richmond Hill, prides itself on creating high-quality,
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COU R TESY OF EVERY DAY B OATER
Written by SYLVIE BAGGETT
Every Day Boater sunglasses
affordable sunglasses for life on the water. Hector Claudio, the brand’s founder, wanted an alternative to the overpriced, underperforming sunglasses he had purchased in the past for his frequent fishing and boating excursions. “I was a little bit stunned at how much premium sunglasses cost,” Claudio says. “It’s not unusual to see a 500 percent or 800 percent markup.” Every Day Boater is able to keep costs low by doing a handful of sunglasses exceptionally well. “We stick to tried and true designs with an enduring style,” Claudio says. Currently, the company offers everything from classic aviators to traditional square-frames with several options for color and pattern. Each pair of sunglasses is made from durable polycarbonate frame material and features polarized mineral glass lenses (Claudio found that polarization adheres better to glass than plastic). When sunlight strikes flat surfaces, like a smooth stretch of inlet, reflected light beams travel in a uniform direction, creating a distracting glare.
Polarized sunglasses use a special filter to block this intense, reflected light. “If you spend time on or near the water, polarized sunglasses are especially helpful because of their ability to reduce glare, thus giving you better overall quality of vision,” Schulze says. For boaters like Claudio, that ensures an extra level of safety. “The less you have to squint your eyes,” Claudio says, “the more you can see the beauty — or the danger — around you.” Every Day Boater is stocked locally at various marinas and through an online store, everydayboater.com. The company keeps pricing simple: all sunglass styles are $100. Sunglasses serve the dual purpose of allowing you to see your surroundings accurately and protecting your eyes from harm, be it U.V. rays or wayward debris. So before your next outdoor adventure, whether it’s deep-sea fishing or a backyard barbecue, apply your sunscreen, pop on your sunglasses and enjoy the Savannah summer.
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Since 1934, Bernard Williams & Company has been giving clients peace of mind and service they can trust. See why they count on us for the expertise and utmost experience in sound financial management. We know that employees are a company’s biggest asset, which is one reason why our Group Medical Insurance and Employee Benefits professionals are here to help.
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Established in 1934 by Bernard F. Williams, Bernard Williams & Company is locally owned and serves the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and families throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Headquartered in Savannah, Bernard Williams & Company offers clients a winning combination of quality, service and value from a carefully selected group of insurance and financial service products.
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