Savannah Health 2016

health

THE FEEL-GOOD GUIDE

Your Path to Wellness Starts Here Inside:

A FREE Supplement of Savannah Magazine

2016-2017

104 Smile Doctors 14 Soothing Skin Elixirs 3 Fun Fitness Gurus 1 Mother’s Fight

Experience

Outstanding Care.

With 13 primary care and 19 specialty care practices, we are the largest physician group in the area.

And we are the only university-based group.

That’s why you can expect compassionate care combined with the latest medical technology and procedures. Experience Excellence. Memorial Health.

Primary Care Armstrong State University Student Health Center 912-961-5726 Center for Internal Medicine 912-350-7171 Chatham Medical Associates 912-350-7500 Family Medicine Center 912-350-8404 Islands 912-897-3766 Legacy Center 843-836-3800 MDVIP 912-350-1199 Memorial Medical Associates 912-350-6000 Memorial Medical Associates at Pooler 912-350-6000 Memorial—SCAD Center for Health 912-350-2600 Richmond Hill Family Practice 912-350-7020 Richmond Hill Medical Associates 912-756-2292 Rincon 912-826-8802

Specialty Care The Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah—Endocrinology and Developmental Pediatrics 912-350-6543 The Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah—Outpatient Center 912-350-8180 Endocrinology Associates 912-350-5909 Islands Rheumatology 912-897-3766 Memorial Health | AppleCare Urgent Care Savannah: 912-777-6161 Pooler: 912-748-1515 Hodgson Memorial: 912-200-3219 Memorial Metabolic Institute 912-350-5800 Memorial University Surgeons 912-350-2030 • ACI—Center for Breast Care • ACI—Surgical Associates • Memorial Health Bariatrics and Minimally Invasive Surgery • Savannah Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology • Surgical Specialists of Savannah Provident OB/GYN Associates 912-350-5937 Savannah Legacy Center (Okatie, South Carolina) Pooler Richmond Hill Rincon Whitemarsh Island

Rehabilitation Medicine 912-350-5940 Savannah Center for Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine 912-350-4750 Savannah Perinatology Associates 912-350-5970 Savannah Surgical Group 912-350-7412 University OB/GYN Associates 912-350-9633

Affiliated Practices Memorial Cardiovascular Consultants 912-355-0070 Memorial Savannah Cardiology 912-352-8700 Savannah Pooler Springfield Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Legacy Center (Okatie, South Carolina)

Experience Excellence.

Redefining

Cataract Surgery

Georgia Eye Institute was the first practice in Savannah to offer laser assisted cataract surgery using the LenSx laser by Alcon.

Now offering Dropless Cataract Surgery: • Eliminates the need to use multiple eye drops before and after surgery • Reduces eye drop expenses • Lowers the risk of infection • More convenient for patients

Joseph Reeves, III, M.D.

For comprehensive eye exams, the latest advances in cataract care and glaucoma management, treatment for diabetic eye disease and more call Georgia Eye Institute today. 912.352.7941

Your vision. Our focus.

2 East Jackson Boulevard | gaeyeinstitute.com

H Savannah Health

THE FEEL-GOOD GUIDE 2016-17 // CONTENTS

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Vital Stats

A healthy coast means more than just the environment. Check out our tips for saving your skin, getting buff, catching the rhythm and strengthening your spine.

S24 Let’s Talk About Ruby

No one said motherhood would be easy, but the financial and emotional challenges are even harder when your child has special needs—and you have to fight to get those needs met.

S34 An Urgent Matter

In Savannah, as elsewhere, urgent care clinics seem to be springing up like wildflowers—signaling a change in the way we take our medicine.

IZZY HUDGINS

S40 Speak for Yourself

Ask questions. Get answers. Explore options. Effective health care is a verb— and it may just save your life.

S72 The Smile Doctors

S16

Need more sparkle in those pearly whites? Is your bite out of line? You don’t have to just grin and bear it anymore with this handy local resource guide—the “A list” of dentists who other dentists recommend.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

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S24

CHRI STIN E HAL L

KATIE MCGEE

Doctor Profiles S45 Health Professional Profiles S67 Dentist Profiles S78

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EALTH/BUZZ

Buff on the Bluff

If gyms aren’t your thing, Nancy Lawson Remler offers an exercise alternative with the sweetest view in the 912. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MCGEE

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UR GYM is Isle of Hope’s historic Bluff Drive. It offers no cardio machines, no hand weights, and no music blares through speakers. The only sound is the seagull’s call. Instead of full-length mirrors, we’ve got the peaceful Intracoastal Waterway for the view.

Certified personal trainer Biza Mabry founded BizFit on the Bluff after spending more than half her life helping others lose weight, build muscle and improve their overall health—all while having fun. Drawing on knowledge from her group fitness and barre certifications, Mabry takes her group down a

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2.3-mile obstacle course, starting at Wymberly Dock, where the class runs up and down the waterside embankment.

“That’s the hard part,” she says. “Then we power walk to the second oak tree and travel while doing side lunges or hamstring curls.”

Mabry calls out each step of the workout by landmark. “At this bush, we’re going to do plié squats to the left,” she calls. “When you get to the oak tree, do the other side.”

“At the Marshalls’ house, we do lunges on cross ties,” she explains. “Then in front of the Wests’ house, there’s a drop-off, and we put our hands on the sea wall and come into a plank.”

FITNESS COURSE The neighbors along Bluff Drive don’t mind. Having grown up along the narrow riverside road, Mabry, still an Isle of Hope resident, has gotten homeowners’ permission for

If You Go BizFit on the Bluff $8/class

To register, call 414-1161 or sign up on Facebook.

Bring water and a yoga mat or towel.

the group to do “zig-zags around fence posts” and “hop over the chain fence.”

All the while participants spot each other (“Don’t put stress on your knees.”) and call words of warning (“Watch for poo!” “Here’s an ant bed!”). They greet bicyclists and walkers with kids in wagons. Boaters at the marina stop to wave.

Mabry spurs the group along, “You’re mall-strolling, ladies. Pick it up!”

At the Paxton Park playground, Mabry’s crew does bicep curls using monkey bars, leg and core work using the swings. Then, they work their way back toward the dock, “where we do our ab work and stretch.”

The outcomes?

Courtney Aliotta says BizFit “helped me get back into shape after having my son.”

Audrey Cooling, a mom of two, says “my stomach hasn’t been this flat in years!” She attests her leaner look to Mabry’s “always having something new up her sleeve that tricks us into thinking we’re having fun instead of exercising.”

But results aren’t only in the waistline.

Eighteen-year-old Rachael Lutz has lost weight, but more important, she says, “I’m more focused at school, and I sleep so much better.”

Clients can modify the workout to suit their fitness levels.

“If you don’t want to run, then powerwalk,” Mabry says. “If you don’t want to jump,

you can do side steps.” Modifying isn’t the same as slacking off, though. “If you’re going to be here, be here and do the work.”

Clients see the course not as a chore but as fun. By the end of the 5,000-step, 800-calorie workout, they leave the dock saying, “I enjoyed that,” and “See you next time.”

Cooling explains, “It’s amazing how much easier it is to crank out a set of push-ups or lunges when you’re watching a pod of dolphins frolic in the water nearby.” T

“It’s amazing how much easier it is to crank out a set of push-ups or lunges when you’re watching a pod of dolphins frolic in the water nearby.”

NO PESTS. Gnats love the marsh, but Mabry says the group has been lucky so far. “The only part when we’re standing still is at the end, and it’s not buggy on the dock when there’s a good breeze.”

Still, she’s created an “all-natural concoction of coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil and citronella oil” for clients to use if they wish to keep little nibblers at bay. For more bug remedies, turn to page S10.

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Ease the Burn After a touch too much sun, Reilly Mesco cools off with some soothing skin savers.

E’VE ALL BEEN THERE. We head out on the boat and forget to take a hat, or we become so distracted with making sure the kids don’t get burnt that we forget to reapply sunscreen on ourselves.

Whatever the situation, you can bounce back from a bad burn— especially with some locally produced elixirs and a lot of drinking water.

Low Country Dermatology’s Dr. Corrine Howington’s Barrier Replenishing Cream, from her eponymous skincare line, increases barrier lipid levels and reduces redness and irritation.

Bonus: There’s no greasy residue. $64 for 1.75 ounces at Low Country Dermatology, 310 Eisenhower Drive, 354-1018, lcderm.com Swap out your soap for Savannah Bee Co.’s Tupelo Honey Body Wash. This gentle golden formula is made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients that sooth and moisturize parched skin. $12.50 for 8 ounces at Savannah Bee Co., various locations, savannahbee.com Give your skin a much-needed antioxidant boost with Nourish’s Hibiscus Hydrating

PRO TIP

Mist, which contains aloe and witch hazel. Fridge it for a few minutes before you spritz for a truly refreshing experience. $10 for 4 ounces at Nourish, 22 W. Broughton St. in downtown or 7360 Skidaway Road in Sandfly, nourishsavannah.com Once your skin has calmed down (hint: it’s not bright red and flaky), try Sapelo Skin Care’s Anti-Aging Enzyme Mask. Specifically formulated to restore damaged skin, this mask is super gentle and uses pumpkin,

papaya and yeast enzymes to renew and rehydrate the skin. $75 for 6 ounces at Sapelo Skin Care, sapeloskincare.com If you’ve over-indulged with the rays, counterbalance with a facial at Spa Bleu. The Pumpkin Enzyme-Vitamin C Facial with yam enzymes refreshes the skin, then super-hydrates with a cranberry-and-pomegranate-infused mask. You’ll leave feeling renewed. $90 at Spa Bleu, 101 Bull St., 236-1490, spableu-sav.com

IZZY HUDGINS

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Power Up Carol Legasse has handcrafted more than 80 spice and seasoning blends for her and husband Dave’s taste emporium, The Salt Table. Her latest concoction, however, may leave all others in the dust. Created specifically for the Publix Women’s Half and 5K this spring, Legasse’s Savannah High Performance Seasoning Blend was introduced during the Expo and was an instant hit. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, Himalayan salt and more come together for a power package that’s equal parts savory and spicy. Plus, the anti-inflammatory ingredients make it perfect to mitigate the carbs you’ll crave after a run.

For an easy snack, mix 1 ½ tablespoons of the blend with 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix well, then chill for at least ½ hour to allow the flavors to meld. Try it with fresh veggies or pita chips. salttable.com —Reilly Mesco

Avoid the temptation to get a sun-kissed glow the old-fashioned way and scoot over to Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Boutique for a Sun FX Body Bronzing treatment.

This five-minute treatment lacks that unpleasant self-tanner scent, plus you can get that shimmer any time with an unlimited monthly membership.

Glow Medical Spa and Beauty Boutique, 415 Eisenhower Drive, 303-9611, glowsavannah.com

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This little triumph over hip pain brought to you by Optim Orthopedics.

Hip pain can steal the joy from even the smallest movements. At Optim Orthopedics, we have the region’s largest team of specialists in modern, minimally-invasive and non-surgical joint procedures. Call us so we can help solve your hip pain and get you back to you. And hitting it perfectly.

912.644.5300 Ortho.OptimHealth.com

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EALTH/BUZZ

What’s Bugging You? With Zika on the mind, bug spray should be in everyone’s hand.

Sarah Taylor Asquith reaches for these locally sourced remedies. PHOTOGRAPHY BY IZZY HUDGINS

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Nourish’s Don’t Bug Me! Keep Away Spray and After Bite Relief Created by locals Shoshanna and Corey Walker, Nourish’s all-natural, child-safe product is loaded with essential oils, aloe and rose water. “When it’s time to head outside, we tell our kids to close their eyes, and we spray them all over,” says Shoshanna, who also swears by their After Bite Relief—distilled Cajeput oil that’s said to quickly draw out the venom from bug bites.

Don’t Bug Me! Keep Away Spray, $10 for 4 ounces, After Bite Relief, $6 for .338 ounces at Nourish, various locations, nourishsavannah.com

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Duggan Sisters’ Lifestings Lotion Turns out, what’s irresistible to your feline is unbearable for mosquitos. Infused with Nepeta cataria, aka catnap, this lightweight shea butter and jojoba lotion packs a double punch of moisturizer and repellent. $26.99 for 8 ounces at Brighter Day Natural Foods, 1102 Bull St., brighterdayfoods.com

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No Natz Patio Candle and Spray Less pungent than citronella, this outdoor candle smells of rosemary, lemongrass, coconut and lavender—the same insect-fighting oils found in No Natz spray, concocted on Savannah’s Wilmington River by retired state trooper and avid boater David Damino. $16.95 for patio candle, $4.99 for 2 ounces at One Fish Two Fish, 401 Whitaker St., onefishstore.com

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Savannah Bee Co.’s Beeswax Salve Nowhere does it say “insect repellent” on this rich balm, but full of naturally inhibiting spearmint and citrus oils, it’s become a secret weapon for many Savannah Bee Co. employees.

“Whenever I go paddleboarding, I dab it on my neck, knees and ankles, and I never get bit,” says Kevin Free, assistant mead bar manager at the Savannah store. $10 for 2 ounces; $5.50 for .75 ounces at Savannah Bee Co., various locations, savannahbee.com

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Just Neem’s Adios Outdoor Body Spray The active ingredient here is Neem oil,

which is extracted from the seeds of the Neem tree, an evergreen indigenous to India. For centuries, the oil has been used to heal infections and skin ailments, and as legend has it, insects won’t get near the stuff. $10.99 for 4 ounces at Whole Foods Market, 1815 E. Victory Drive, wholefoodsmarket.com

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Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent Made from a blend of rosemary, lemongrass and essential oils, this nature-derived mainstay softens your skin while setting up a safety shield against biters and stingers. $7.95 for 4 ounces at Half-Moon Outfitters, 15 E. Broughton St., halfmoonoutfitters.com

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Ben’s 100 Max Formula Insect Repellent A recent Consumer Reports study found that natural products should be applied more frequently than synthetic-based repellents. So, if a lengthy hike or ride is on the agenda, this spray, containing 98 percent DEET, offers up to 10 hours of protection. Use sparingly. $6.95 for 1.25 ounces at Half-Moon Outfitters

N O M AT T E R W HAT ’ S H O L D I N G YO U B AC K , turn to CHATHAM ORTHOPAEDICS TO K E E P YO U M OV I N G F O RWAR D Because Life is Moving

912.355.6615

ChathamOrtho.com Spencer M. Wheeler, MD James F. Holtzclaw, MD

Mark A. Jenkins, DO Robert D. Hoffman, MD Raphael R. Roybal, MD

Greer E. Noonburg, MD Ronald H. Levit, MD John T. Prather, MD

Gerald Chai, DO D’Mitri Sofianos, MD

S AVA N N A H · P O O L E R · R I C H M O N D H I L L · R I N C O N

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Ready to Roll

Military wives and mothers support one another in fitness and in health.

Lauren Wolf gets Stroller Strong. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE HALL

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HEY MARCH IN THE DAMP morning heat carrying rations of water, crackers, fruit bars, cereal and Wet-Naps. Solid muscles ache. Sweat beads. They dodge dog walkers, sprint straightaways and breathe rhythmically. They carry books and markers, sunscreen and sweaters, hats and mats. They carry the weight of another human. Sometimes two. Sometimes three.

These Stroller Strong Moms represent a group of mostly military wives with stroller-age

children who meet up to exercise. It’s drill training. It’s a support group. They are soldiers of a different breed.

“These women genuinely believe in the person on the right and left of them,” says Savannah regional owner Cassie Cercy, a toned mommy of two—with one on the way—with a smile as welcoming as a camp counselor. “They encourage each mom to be the best version of herself.”

SSMs started with one military mom, former

They know the difficulties of mommy and military life.

Their worries for the future are pushed aside, but, should those worries become reality, they have SSMs. S 1 2 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

university soccer coach Alexa Smith, who founded the company in 2011 after becoming a full-time mother.

“It’s perfect,” Smith says proudly. “You get to take the kids, they can see you working out and they see how important that is. It’s the best of both worlds.”

ON THE FRONT LINE

When they’re not exercising, SSMs are celebrating holidays together, planning the next Mom’s Night Out and doing charity runs. Behind the scenes, they help each other through deployments and organize meal trains and car pools.

They’re there for each other when a child has surgery or a mom has postpartum depression or a preemie is in NICU. (Continued on page S14)

REGULAR PEOPLE

EXTRAORDINARY DOCTORS

Munson says, “I can’t believe they named it a ‘CAT’ scan!”

Thank you Savannah, for 10 great years!

Calvin Barnes, MD • Adam Brochert, MD • Jack Considine, MD • Chris Cribbs, COO Ben Edwards, MD • Burt Goodwin, MD • James Long, MD • Munson, RMS (Rare Medical Specialist)

LLC

503 Eisenhower Drive • Savannah, GA • 31406 • 912.355.6355

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EALTH/BUZZ (Continued from page S12) They’re family.

Even with looming fears, SSMs keep their spirits high and their workout levels higher.

Their workout cheers resonate across local parks in Georgia, Kentucky, D.C., California, Alaska and, new this summer, Kansas. They expand with every military move, making relocations easier for moms carrying the stress of finding new playgroups, exercise classes, community involvement and general support.

COURTE SY OF K R ISTIN K ING

BASIC TRAINING

The Art of Healing

Music is medicine, not just for the patients but also the players.

Ariel Felton takes note of the Phil’s innovative outreach program.

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HE SAVANNAH Philharmonic Orchestra’s integrative medicine program is based around the practice of using complementary healing tools—in this case, music—in concert with conventional medicine.

“We all understand how music can have a healing effect in the everyday stress of our lives,” says the Phil’s artistic director and conductor, Peter Shannon. “The Savannah Philharmonic, under my leadership, has simply brought that

Children’s Hospital of Savannah.

“This program has been a huge source of inspiration to me,” Shannon says. “When I see a child come to a ‘Magic Flute’ performance, curled up on the lap of a very stressed, exhausted and worried parent, then witness [that child] sit up and see their eyes and expression change from pain to excitement and full concentration—it’s powerful and deeply rewarding for me.”

“This is what integrative medicine is about at its core.

The use of empathy and the power of it.” healing element into a clinical environment.”

Members of the orchestra have performed as soloists, in duets and string quartets for patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center and the Nancy and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Recently, a group of musicians performed a short version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” complete with props, costumes and slapstick dialogue for young patients at the Dwaine and Cynthia Willett S 1 4 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

And it’s not just the patients who benefit from this program. Family members are also touched by having someone there who genuinely cares and has taken the effort to play.

“This is what integrative medicine is about at its core,” Shannon says. “The use of empathy and the power of it.”

To volunteer with the integrative medicine program, contact Phyllis Alberston, Savannah Philharmonic, 232-6002.

Here in Savannah, more than 120 moms split up to S.L.A.M (“Sweating Like A Mother”) every weekday morning at area parks—Forsyth, J.F. Gregory, Tom Triplett and Parkside.

At Forsyth Park, instructor Julie Brown, mother of cutie-pie Sam and 1-year-old Isla, claps her hands over the stereo music for encouragement, “You can do this, ladies!”

Brown, a California Bay Area-native, has been sweating with SSMs since 2013. She has the body of a petite G.I. Jane and a genuine affection for every person she meets.

The other instructors are just as fit and kind. They know the difficulties of mommy and military life. At the end of each session, the strollers are lighter. The kids are out, the drinks drained and the snacks consumed. The women feel lighter, too. Their worries for the future are pushed aside, but, should those worries become reality, they have SSMs. “I don’t know what I would do without this amazing village of moms,” says Cercy. “I truly and deeply love these women.” strollerstrongmoms.com

IN THE EMPLOYMENT LAW SOUP? WE CAN HELP.

EMPLOYMENT

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HunterMaclean’s employment attorneys provide practical, customized solutions based upon decades of experience.

HunterMaclean A T T O R N E Y S

The business law firm

State and Federal regulations Employment litigation EEOC discrimination investigations DOL, I-9, and wage-hour audits Affirmative action audits Policy review and training ERISA and employee benefits Employment contracts

huntermaclean.com

Non-compete agreements

SAVANNAH tel 912.236.0261 200 East Saint Julian St. Savannah, GA 31401 BRUNSWICK tel 912.262.5996 777 Gloucester St. Suite 400 Brunswick, GA 31520

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EALTH/BUZZ

She’s Got Your Back

A horse riding injury changes the course of a yoga instructor’s life and practice—now she’s helping others through the pain. Ariel Felton sits in on a session. PHOTOGRAPHY BY IZZY HUDGINS

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ANIELE STATIRAS, A PROUD YOGI for more than two decades, has certainly earned the title. In her practice, Statiras encourages clients to learn the name of each stretch, which muscles are being targeted and the benefits behind each pose, bringing clients to a better understanding of their bodies’ needs. But it is Statiras’ personal experience with physical healing through yoga that makes her practice extraordinary.

After sustaining a back injury so severe she couldn’t stand for more than three minutes at a time, Statiras refused surgery and instead created personalized yoga routines designed to help relieve the pain and heal her back. Years later, Statiras is a fully functioning yoga teacher at Savannah Yoga Barre and also offers workshops at Dancing Dogs Yoga and private sessions for those interested in healing an injury through yoga practice. I spoke to Statiras to learn more about how yoga can heal us physically, mentally and spiritually.

Savannah Magazine: How did you first become interested in yoga?

Statiras: I started practicing yoga while living in London during my twenties. I was working very long hours and burning the candle at both ends, so I sought out yoga as a way to let go of my racing mind. I started with a beginners’ course as a form of stress relief. I remember the feeling I had the very first class, and it was the feeling of “coming home.” I was hooked. I found myself searching out yoga classes … instead of

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heading to the pub as I’d done previously with my colleagues.

How did you transition from simply practicing to teaching yoga?

I began to see benefits of my yoga practice nearly immediately. I was calmer, had more energy and just felt all-around better. I was becoming more and more disillusioned with my work in TV, and I began to crave a career that would be of service, make a difference to others. I felt the

need to really immerse myself into the training and yogic lifestyle, so leaving my home in London to study felt right.

How did you injure your back?

Around the autumn of 2007, I was learning dressage [a type of horseback riding often seen in exhibitions and competitions] and starting to jump fences and obstacles, when my horse got stung on the ear. He proceeded to rear on his hind legs, then jump all four fences and finally take off through the woods. I held on and didn’t fall off, but the impact of the rearing and jumping was enough to seriously injure my back. I herniated L5/S1.

That sounds terrifying! What was going through your mind while you held onto the horse?

There were a couple of dogs that took up chase, so on the outside, it probably looked quite comical. It happened so fast. I was trying to talk to the horse, to calm him down, but in reality I was probably just screaming at him and making him more reactive!

(Continued on page S18)

All Rehabilitation

IS NOT THE SAME When it comes to rehabilitation after an illness or injury, it’s important to know that Rehabilitation Hospital of Savannah offers the most advanced treatments and technologies when compared to skilled nursing facilities or subacute care. We are a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services designed to return patients to leading active and independent lives. Our teams offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs for a wide range of conditions, with services that include: • 24-hour registered nurses • Frequent physician* visits • At least three hours of therapy a day, five days a week • State-of-the-art technologies

A Higher Level of Care®

• Private rooms • Intense therapy programs to get you back home—sooner Learn more about our rehabilitation programs at 912 235-6001.

*The hospital provides access to independent physicians.

6510 Seawright Drive Savannah, GA 31406 800 622-7269 rehabilitationhospitalsavannah.com ©2016:HealthSouth Corporation:1229156

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EALTH/BUZZ

Yoga instructor Daniele Statiras demonstrates stretches that help relieve back pain: wide-angle side stretch (opposite page); bridge and bound, wide-angle side stretch, and core-pelvis connector, (this page, left to right then bottom) and, extended star pose (next page).

(Continued from page S16) My pelvis was out (I now know) and my sacrum (low back) was hurting immediately, so it was clear that something was wrong. But, I was just so happy that I hadn’t fallen off that I brushed it off and didn’t immediately seek any medical attention. Obviously, I am not recommending this; I just didn’t know the extent of my injuries at that time.

How severe was the back injury?

The injury was so bad that at my worst I couldn’t stand for longer than three minutes at a time. I timed it! The sciatic pain was so severe that the pain traveled all the way down my left buttock, leg and wrapped around the foot, like a stirrup. The irony of that wasn’t lost on me!

I developed Piriformis Syndrome, also, which is when one of the deep hip rotators, located in the glutes, goes into spasm. The pain is excruciating!

This led me to search out treatment that I could do for myself because I couldn’t get out of bed.

What did doctors recommend after your injury?

I saw four surgeons, all of whom wanted to operate on me immediately. The doctors did not believe that I would heal without surgery, because the injury was so extensive.

What made you look to yoga as a way of healing your back?

At that time, I had been teaching yoga for

six years. I knew that yoga was beneficial for the back, but had seriously little understanding of how great yoga could be for such an extensive array of injuries. I realized how little I truly understood about the human body and how little anatomy training I had.

How did you go about creating your specialized back care routine?

I took it upon myself to study anatomy from my bed. I studied core strengthening exercises and simple yoga postures, such as basic backbends. I learned a lot about restorative yoga— something I had studied years earlier with a marvelous physical therapist/yoga teacher,

“I had always been a healthy person with no pain, so this injury gave me a deep sense of understanding, experience and compassion for people who are suffering with pain.”

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Judith Hanson Lasaster, but had never really used when I was pain-free and healthy.

My life literally changed overnight. I created a regime of exercises that I performed every day to heal my pain—a combination of yoga, physical therapy, Yamuna body rolling (small ball therapy), core exercises and relaxation.

What was it like practicing yoga specifically for pain?

I could really only practice a few minutes at a time—no hour-long practices on a mat. But little by little I began to see small changes in my back pain and, over time, the exercises became more effective.

I will say, though, that I continue to practice my back care regime. It certainly is not an overnight ‘fix,’ but the work does build and is progressive in its ability to create strength and flexibility.

And, I am constantly creating new sequences as I work with more and more clients with different issues other than what I had.

(Continued on page S20)

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(Continued from page S18)

How did healing through yoga change you personally?

I had always been a healthy person with no pain, so this injury gave me a deep sense of understanding, experience and compassion for people who are suffering with pain. Pain can bring out a whole host of other issues, including depression, as a person learns to live a new life that may look a lot different than the life he or she was accustomed to. Without this injury, I would have never created this back care yoga program that is unique to me and my experiences. I might never have been given the opportunity to meet and help so many amazing people who are suffering and in pain. It brings me such joy to see someone grow stronger, more flexible and more confident in their own body and its ability.

What specific poses/stretches do you recommend for people with back issues?

I would immediately send any client to a trained, medical profession in the case of a broken back. I am very clear with my clients that what I teach comes from a deep place of my own injury, training in yoga and experience. I am not a doctor, and I often refer to my surgeon and doctor

clients on issues in which I am not qualified. I am very pleased to say that I do indeed see many surgeons and doctors as private clients. This, to me, is a great indication of the power of the back care yoga program I have created.

I incorporate a series of long-held backbends that start very gently and build on each session. I work a lot with the front spine also, instead of trying to target an area that is inflamed and hurting already. I love to educate my clients on why they are doing a pose and what area of the body it is working on. My clients literally get a little anatomy lesson within our session, and I’ve found it empowers people to know and understand their body a bit better.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about yoga and back yoga?

I smile when people say to me, “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga.” My response is always,

“You are perfect for yoga, then!” You don’t need to be flexible to do yoga, that’s one of the major benefits of a regular practice.

People also believe that back care yoga is only for people with injuries, when in fact, it is a wonderful tool in preventive care. You don’t have to be injured or recovering from surgery—although I do specialize in helping people already dealing with pain or an injury, or those recovering from surgery.

I also stress that yoga is not a religion, nor will you find any chanting or religion in my sessions. T

The Parent’s Trusted Partner in Pediatric Health Physicians of Pediatric Associates of Savannah, PC Michael DeMauro, MD, FAAP • Diane Savage-Pedigo, MD, FAAP • Paul Nave, MD, FAAP Ben Spitalnick, MD, FAAP • J. Steven Hobby, MD, FAAP • Adria Wilkes, MD, FAAP Chintak Patel, MD, FAAP • Brandy Gheesling, MD, FAAP • Giselle Rosinia, MD, FAAP Most physicians accepting new patients

Please welcome our newest pediatrician, Brandy Gheesling, MD, FAAP Open 365 Days a Year… Children don’t take a day off from getting sick, so neither do we.

Main Office on Waters Ave: 912-355-2462 • Pooler Office: 912-330-5010 • Whitemarsh Island Office: 912-898-9800 • www.pedsav.com S 2 0 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

Top Ten Reasons Patients Choose Our Practice 10. We are the largest Gastroenterology Practice in the state of Georgia outside of Atlanta.

9. Our Endoscopy Unit was recognized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) for promoting outstanding quality in patient care.

8. Our Endoscopy Center is Nationally Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) for more than 11 years and received Medicare Deemed status by the Federal government.

7. Eight of the 10 physicians in Savannah who perform Endoscopic Retrograde Cholandgiopancreatiography (ERCP) are in our practice.

6. We were the first in Georgia to offer Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) to detect esophageal cancer.

5. Seven of our physicians have been selected as members of “Best Doctors in America”—the only gastroenterologists in Coastal Georgia chosen for this honor.

4. All of our Endoscopy Scope Technicians are Nationally Certified with the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. which has resulted in no post procedure infections in our unit.

3. Our physicians are committed to the education of residents, interns, and medical students at Memorial University Medical Center, Medical College of GA, South University, and Mercer University School of Medicine.

2. We lead the region in screening for colorectal cancer and perform more life-saving exams—colonoscopy than all other gastroenterologists in Savannah combined.

1. We exceed the ACG/ASGE National benchmarks for polyp detection rate by 36% in men and in women utilizing high-definition equipment deployed in our Endoscopy Unit. See our website for more quality data on our physicians and The Endoscopy Center.

The Board-Certified Gastroenterologists of CDLH: (L to R) Charles W. Duckworth, MD; Steven Carpenter, MD, MACP; Mark E. Murphy, MD, FACP, AGAF; Edward Rydzak, MD, AGAF; Telciane S. Vesa, MD, CNSC; George C. Aragon, MD; Ryan C. Wanamaker, MD; Mark R. Nyce, MD

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Let’s Talk About

y b u R

No one said motherhood would be easy, but the financial and emotional challenges are even harder when your child has special needs—and you have to fight to get those needs met. Andrea Goto gets real with photographer Christine Hall.

Photography by Christine Hall

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Let’s Talk About Ruby “If your life doesn’t look like the Pampers commercial, it hurts,” Christine explains. “At first you mourn the child that you thought you wanted—the kid that jumps off docks and has all these friends.”

THE DIAGNOSIS

W

HEN I KNOCK ON THE front door of the midtown bungalow, no one answers.

The second time I knock a little harder and the mail slot flips opens to reveal a pair of eyes looking up at me.

“Are you sure you’re ready for the crazy?” the voice on the other side asks.

“Bring it on,” I laugh.

The eyes—and voice—belong to Christine Hall, a well-known photographer in Savannah.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Christine on several shoots in the past, but I’m not here for a photo session. I’m here to talk about Christine’s 4-year-old daughter, Ruby, who has been diagnosed with special needs.

I think all kids are pretty special, and Ruby is no exception. When I see her, she’s a bit of a wild woman with her wispy, disheveled hair. She’s wearing just one sock and a white onesie, unbuttoned at the crotch, revealing a diaper. Her tiny frame bounces around the living room, her hands flapping like butterfly wings as Barney plays on the TV. She’s uncharacteristically muscular for her age; her little thighs and calves are rock solid thanks to constant movement. But the S 2 6 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

most arresting thing about Ruby is her contagious, toothy smile that turns her eyes into small crescents.

“She’s tired,” Christine explains. Ruby has already been to school and therapy. Her twin sister, Ava, sits on the enclosed porch, make-believe playing with her plastic ponies.

In about an hour, their 10-year-old sister, Alexa, will walk home from the neighborhood school down the street.

Christine apologizes for the current condition of her house, children and self—none of which strikes me as out of the ordinary, unless “perfect” is par for the course these days. That’s what I like about Christine and why I want to talk with her. She’s a real mom—a mom in the trenches. And while she apologizes, she only halfway means it because she knows better than most that the perfect house, kid and self is the life we imagine, but rarely, the one we live.

Initially, Ruby was labeled as “significantly delayed” through Babies Can’t Wait, a state program that provides screenings and resources for children under the age of 3 with developmental or chronic health conditions.

“This [diagnosis] made me think that she’d catch up,” says Christine. “But I don’t think—” she trails off, unable to say what no one wants to believe about their child.

By 3, Ruby still hadn’t met certain developmental milestones, so Christine and her husband Scott took their daughter to meet with doctors at Louisiana State University.

There, Ruby was diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy. She’s labeled as being nonverbal and requires constant supervision. The doctors told Christine and Scott that their daughter will always be dependent on them.

“I could feel the heat rise up the back of my neck,” recalls Christine. “It’s like everything I feared when I was pregnant was coming true.

At first, you just feel like you’re drowning.”

A GROWING CONCERN

The rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is on the rise. “The numbers used to be 1 in 400, 1 in 300, then 1 in 150,” notes Dr. Ben Spitalnick of Pediatric Associates of Savannah. “They’re saying the number now might be like 1 in 80 kids.”

Of course, this statistic begs the question, is the rate of autism going up or is the diagnosis changing from what used to be other things? “I don’t know if they’re doing a better job identifying autism or if they’re doing a better job calling things autism that were being called something else, like what they used to identify as special needs, learning disabled or ADD,” says Spitalnick.

Even though pediatricians get limited time with patients, Spitalnick, who does not treat Ruby, points out that doctors should

Christine’s pregnancy with the twins was textbook until 37 weeks, when her doctor discovered that Ruby had suddenly stopped growing.

“I know Ruby isn’t going to be valedictorian; I know she’s not going to be typical. But if having her and talking to other mothers has taught me anything, it’s that I have to push harder because I have to for her.”

still be able to pick up on markers that may suggest autism spectrum disorder based on required developmental screenings at 18 months, 2 years old and 2½ years old.

Ruby sat up at the expected time but quickly fell behind; she did not walk until 21 months and she was not communicating. But even before Ruby started exhibiting physical behaviors associated with autism—like spinning balls, walking on her tippy toes, lining objects up and flapping her arms—Christine admits that she knew something was up as early as 7 months.

“I remember Scott came up to me tearyeyed and said, ‘I think something’s wrong with Ruby,’” she recalls. “And I was just like crap, he sees it, too.”

Prenatal tests and screenings didn’t send up any red flags. In fact, Christine’s pregnancy with the twins was textbook until 37 weeks, when her doctor discovered that Ruby had suddenly stopped growing. Christine underwent an emergency C-section. Her doctors aren’t sure why Ruby stopped growing, or if that’s in any way related to developing autism or cerebral palsy.

“There’s not really even a known cause

[of autism],” Spitalnick explains. “It’s believed that there are genetic predispositions for autism, but there’s not a diagnostic test that you can take to see if you have it or not. There’s not a pill. There’s not a treatment. Over the years, that’s one of parents’ biggest false hopes. Every so often they come out with a promising new medical therapy or drug that will ‘cure your kid’s autism,’ but none of them have ever worked.”

That said, early intervention in the form of occupational, physical, speech and behavioral therapies can help.

“Autism is a communication disorder,” notes Spitalnick. “It’s not really an intelligence disorder, because a lot of kids with autism are brilliant. They have trouble with language and abstract concepts. They have trouble understanding emotions or purposes.” Spitalnick cites Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as the cutting-edge therapy designed to help kids with autism learn how to understand social cues and better fit in socially.

“That’s sort of the goal—to help them communicate in a meaningful way that other people will understand,” Spitalnick says.

Although labels are needed in order for

insurance to cover many goods and services a child with autism and other special needs requires, the diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, in particular, does not come quickly.

“There’s a real shortage of what they call developmental specialists [to make a diagnosis], such as developmental pediatricians,” says Spitalnick. “And it’s just impossible to get in. It takes about a year.”

SEARCHING FOR ASSISTANCE

And then there’s the paperwork.

Christine’s dining room table is covered with notebooks filled to capacity with diagnoses, evaluations, progress reports and even Ruby’s schoolwork—the collection of “proof” needed to qualify her for the resources she needs. Today, Christine is in the process of trying to get Ruby qualified and enrolled in the Jump Start program for children with special needs, where the teacher-to-student ratio is smaller than the Preschool Intervention Program her daughter currently attends three mornings a week.

But openings for enrollment are very limited.

“I know Ruby isn’t going to be valedictorian; I know she’s not going to be typical,” S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

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Let’s Talk About Ruby ALL IN THE FAMILY

As limited as resources for families of children with special needs may be, those that do exist are often founded and operated by those with a “dog in this fight,” so to speak.

Maranda Porter’s nephew was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, and she was in turmoil watching her sister—a single mother—struggle to get him the resources he needed.

“We didn’t know what to do with him or how to communicate with him because he’s nonverbal,” Porter explains. So she left her teaching job, went to graduate school and became a board-certified behavioral analyst treating patients with autism and other developmental disabilities at Chicago Autism and Behavioral Specialists in Savannah. In this position, Porter was able to hire a therapist for her nephew and help cover the expenses.

“Insurance is a pain. The out-of-pocket expenses, the deductibles, the copays—it’s ridiculous,” says Porter. “That’s why I decided to invest in myself. And by investing in myself, I’m able to help my nephew.”

She didn’t stop there. Porter’s “hobby” is a company she started called F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Coastal Georgia that runs summer camps in Swainsboro, Richmond Hill and Savannah, and an “out and about” community program for kids with special needs and their typically developing peers. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is about to launch an after-school program. A fitness program is also in development.

“I didn’t want other families to deal with what we were dealing with because it’s heartbreaking,” Porter laments. “It makes me so overly emotional, but it’s a happy emotion, then it’s an angry emotion,

Christine acknowledges. “But if having her and talking to other mothers has taught me anything, it’s that I have to push harder because I have to for her.”

Often, parents of children with special needs are pushing for resources that are severely limited in the state of Georgia.

“We are still in the bottom 10 percent of support for people with disabilities compared to other states,” says Lynnette Bragg, the founder and CEO of B and B Care Services.

B and B Care Services functions as the regional “middle person” between families in about 132 counties and the resources available through the state. “The dollars flow through us, and we, in turn, connect families to goods and services throughout the community,” Bragg explains. “A pretty intensive family support plan is developed and with that is a budget. We can sit down with families and see what they need and try to put some dollar amounts to it and let them prioritize to us how they would like to spend their money within the caps that exist.”

Bragg founded the company in 1999 after having difficulty obtaining services in rural southeast Georgia for her eldest son, Scott, who had significant disabilities. And she’s not alone. Three of her employees also have children with autism or developmental disabilities.

“We feel if individuals who work with us have a very personal understanding of what families are going through and how they’re trying to survive and succeed, and have their children be as independent as possible, they understand what all the other families are going through and can help mentor them,” Bragg enthuses. “I think that’s what sets us apart from other agencies.”

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Let’s Talk About Ruby

Christine tells me how just this week, Ruby got her cup to indicate she wanted something to drink. “Everything has to be broken down into such small, slow steps.

Like her getting the cup—that’s freaking amazing,” she says. and I then channel that anger into how am I going to make a difference. Because no one else is going to do it for me.”

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD

Christine likens Ruby to a 15-monthold who doesn’t nap. She requires constant stimulation. She is not potty-trained and may never be. She cannot communicate her wants, engage in imaginary play, nor does she have the motor skills to complete what are considered simple tasks for typically developing children, like feeding herself or dropping a ball into a hole. But this also makes the small things inordinately big. Christine tells me how just this week, Ruby got her cup to indicate she wanted something to drink.

“Everything has to be broken down into such small, slow steps. Like her getting the cup—that’s freaking amazing,” she says.

When Barney finally runs its course, Ruby makes a deep growling noise and then begins to cry. Meanwhile, Alexa, who has since returned from school, is playing tug-o-war with Ava for control over an iPad. Christine plays referee between the sisters and distracts Ruby by moving her, and our conversation, outside, sighing, “It’s just hard”—a phrase she often repeats when words seem to fall short.

It’s drizzling outside and Ruby, who enjoys nearly all forms of sensory stimulation, stands in the rain and smiles at the cool drops falling on her body and the wet grass underneath her one un-socked foot. While Christine and I sit at a table shielded by an umbrella, Ruby expertly spins balls and then meticulously places them in a perfectly straight line, evenly spaced apart, always smiling.

“She’s really good at that,” I acknowledge.

“Yeah, I bet your typical child can’t do that,” Christine teases, laughing.

“It’s pretty cute.”

She’s quiet for a moment.

“But, will it still be cute when she’s 20?” she asks.

I hadn’t thought about that. I haven’t had to. T S 3 0 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

WHERE TO TURN It’s not uncommon for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders to experience feelings of social isolation and worry over the financial costs that accompany the high-priced goods and services their child may require. Although this region’s resources are currently more limited than most states, there are a number of organizations whose assistance can make a significant, positive difference.

“Families pretty well thrive once they feel like they’ll keep their family together,” explains Lynnette Bragg, founder and CEO of B and B Care Services, who raised a son with special needs and is very familiar with the struggles families face.

The following are some local and regional organizations that can help: B and B Care Services provides personalized services, including state-funded respite care, to families with children and adults with disabilities in about 132 Georgia counties.

754-0817 | bandbcare.com Babies Can’t Wait, an early intervention program through the Georgia Department of Public Health, offers preliminary evaluation and coordination of services to assist children with special needs up to age 3. Some services are available at no cost; others are available on sliding-fee scale. 404-657-2700 dph.georgia.gov/babies-cant-wait Chatham Academy at Royce Learning Center provides college preparatory and practical studies for children with language-based learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

354-4047 | roycelearningcenter.org Chicago Autism and Behavioral Specialists administers individual consultation and therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders, behavior disorders and learning disabilities.

800-844-1232 | autismbehaviorspecialists.com

Effingham County Navigator Team is a support and advocacy group for families of children with special needs and organizes a number of recreational activities.

659-9855 | effinghamcountynavigatorteam.com Easter Seals is a national organization with regional programs to provide a range of services for children and adults with special needs, including advocacy, education, employment, access to therapy and financial support.

800-221-6827 | easterseals.com F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Coastal Georgia provides a social skills summer camp and behavior-based services for children and young adults, such as a parents’ night out and peer mentor program.

888-558-9897 | friendsofcoastalga.com Katie Beckett Medicaid Program was established under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. The state-run program provides benefits to certain children 18 years of age or younger who qualify. 678-248-7449 dch.georgia.gov/tefra Kicklighter Academy is a learning center for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years with autism spectrum disorder as well as their typically developing peers. 355-7633 | krcacademy.org Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a support group to benefit people with down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education and advocacy.

663-8573 | ldssga.org Matthew Reardon Center for Autism is the only day school in southeast Georgia for children ages 6 to 18 with autism spectrum disorder. The center also operates advocacy and outreach programs. 355-9098 matthewreardon.org

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Pictured left to right: Alex Rogers, PA; Dr. Johnathan Shults, MD, Medical Director/Orthopedic Surgery; James Dean, NP; Ashley Paleno, NP

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AN URGENT MATTER In Savannah, as elsewhere, urgent care clinics seem to be springing up like wildflowers—signaling a change in the way we take our medicine. Judy Bean checks in with the good doctors.

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B

ACK IN 2014, RAY D.* WONDERED if he had a bad virus. For six difficult months, the apparently fit 45-yearold fought a “rundown feeling.”

But somehow he kept going—leading a large nonprofit, teaching college and earning his own advanced degree—until one alarming morning, when he just couldn’t go anymore.

“That day, I physically could not get out of bed,” he recalls. “It was bewildering, kind of scary—and not like me at all!”

Fearing he might have “a massive flu, bad mono or even pneumonia,” he called his primary care physician but was told he couldn’t be seen for a week. With his wife’s help, he made it to the Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill (now ExperCare).

DELIVERY SYSTEMS

As walk-in clinics outside of traditional hospital emergency rooms, urgent care centers are a booming subset of the health care industry. The American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine reports that the category has grown by 14 percent (from 8,000 to 9,300 clinics) since 2008 but began flourishing way back in the mid-1990s. More than 20,000 physicians now practice “urgent care medicine,” and their numbers continue to grow.

The quality of urgent care depends largely on two factors: the organization’s priorities and the “people skills” of its personnel.

Why? Accessibility, for one thing. Urgent care centers are often open evenings and weekends, some around-the-clock. Typical wait times are fractions of those in hospital emergency departments, and most cost dramatically less (because hospitals must maintain larger, more specialized staffs and more equipment). Some urgent care centers offer flat fees in a menu format. Some accept health insurance.

Although many urgent care centers also offer routine primary care (e.g., flu shots and pregnancy tests), patients typically visit when they can’t wait to see their regular doctors,

URGENT CARE CENTERS Memorial Health | AppleCare Urgent Care Midtown Savannah | 200-3219 Pooler | 748-1515 Southside Savannah | 777-6161 applecaredoctors.com Concentra Urgent Care Garden City | 966-5445 concentra.com ExperCare Urgent Care Center of Savannah | 358-1515 Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill | 756-2273 weareurgentcare.com Immediate Med Midtown Savannah | 927-6832 immediatemed.net Optim Orthopedic Urgent Care Midtown Savannah | 999-7003 Pooler | 644-5300 ortho.optimhealth.com OrthoNOW Southside Savannah | 999-7003 Pooler | 737-2022 orthonowcare.com

Redicare of Richmond Hill 756-7014 | redicarerhga.com St. Joseph’s Candler Immediate Care Bluffton, South Carolina | 843-815-9119 Hinesville | 332-7262 Midtown Savannah | 355-6221 Pooler | 450-1945 yourimmediatecarecenters.com Savannah Abercorn Minute Clinic (inside CVS at DeRenne and Abercorn) 906-389-2727 minuteclinic.com Southern Urgent Care Whitemarsh Island | 898-2227 southernuc.com Urgent Care 24/7 Historic District, Midtown and Southside Savannah; Pooler; Tybee and Whitemarsh Islands | 234-2273 urgentcare247.com Urgent Care of Berwick 201-1140 urgentcarefamily.com NOTE: This list may not contain all urgent care centers in the area and does not constitute an endorsement of any facility.

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AN URGENT MATTER who have increasingly packed schedules— such as in the case of Ray D. Julie MacLeod and Mary Kistler, both of Savannah, sought help from the OrthoNow orthopedic care center on Abercorn Street when they experienced severe pain: Julie’s from a sprained wrist and Mary’s from a chronic neck condition. Both had noticed the new clinic when driving by, and neither could bear to wait, either in an ER or for a doctor’s appointment.

PERSONAL CARE

Experts agree that nonlife- or limb-threatening injuries (see sidebar) can be treated quickly and effectively in urgent care centers.

Both Julie and Mary’s cases fit within those criteria, and both women acclaim the quick, effective care (an X-ray for Julie, cortisone shots for Mary) they received at OrthoNow. Julie, a former nurse, adds that she would take her 5-year-old son there for treatment “with no reservations.”

Locally, there are nearly 20 urgent care centers in and around Savannah—and there will almost surely be more, as patient demand, insurer acceptance, and a shortage of family physicians combine to change the way we seek and receive medical care.

Ray also praises his treatment at Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill. Although his symptoms seemed less clear-cut, he reports that “right away, they eliminated anything life-threatening.” His ultimate diagnosis: severe, chronic stress complicated by sleep deprivation. Short-term anti-anxiety meds, a near-immediate vacation, a commitment to healthier habits and some schedule adjustments helped him feel like his “old self” again. He, his wife and children now use the center for their primary care.

Jamie Cassady of Richmond Hill reports another positive, but more dramatic, experience. A Stage Four breast cancer patient, she recently suffered a painful infection S 3 6 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

URGENT CARE BY THE NUMBERS Urgent Care Stats • 27% of U.S. adults have visited an urgent care center in the past 2 years • 60% went for a minor wound or illness (e.g., sprain or sore throat) • 22% say they went to save time • 21% say they went because location was convenient • 46% say care received was good • 29% say care received was excellent • 74% say cost of care was reasonable Source: “Patients’ Perspective on Health Care in the United States,” NPR

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Call 911 if you have: • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, pain in the left arm or jaw, or sudden weakness or dizziness • Stroke symptoms, such as slurred speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side, or loss of consciousness • A life- or limb-threatening injury Go to the ER if you have: • Bleeding that won’t stop • Deep cut requiring stitches • Large open wound • Head or eye injury • Broken bones, especially large ones • Compound fractures • Dislocated joints • Serious burns • Repeated vomiting • Severe cold or flu symptoms • Sudden change in mental state

Urgent Care Trends • 9,300 urgent care centers nationwide • 50 to 100 new clinics open every year • 14% to 27% of ER visits could be handled by urgent care centers • About 52,000 more primary care doctors will be needed by 2025 to meet U.S. demand. (Urgent care centers are increasingly viewed as primary care providers.)

Source: American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine

• • • •

High fever Fever with rash Infant with a fever Severe pain, especially in the abdomen or starting halfway down the back • Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy • Seizures without known epilepsy Seek Urgent Care if you have: • Symptoms that have appeared gradually • A sprain • Broken wrist, hand, ankle or foot, with no broken skin • Sore throat • Mild asthma • Fever with no rash • Urinary tract infection • Nonlife-threatening injuries that require immediate attention • Have a diagnosis, but can’t see your usual doctor within 24 hours Source: “Should You Go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care?” Scripps Health System, scripps.org

Offering Complete Urological Care from Pediatrics to Senior Adults RICHMOND HILL • RINCON • SAVANNAH • STATESBORO Main Office & Surgery Center: 230 E. DeRenne Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405 912.790.4000 | www.urologysavannah.com

Photographed Above Left to Right Seated: Samuel A. Torres, MD; Buffi G. Boyd, MD; James C. Judy, MD Left to Right Standing: Heather M. Wallace, MD; Richard Mazo, MD; Thomas E. Shook, MD; Stephen Michigan, MD; Melissa Porter, PA-C; Michael J. Cox, MD; Ruth Ann Miles, MD; John W. Coursey, MD; David L. Cheng, MD; Michael D. Funderburk, MD

HABERSHAM HOUSE

ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE

Assisted Living & Memory Care • Award-Winning Memory Care Program • Three nutritious meals per day plus snacks Weekly housekeeping, personal laundry & linen service • Active social, recreational & educational programs All utilities & basic cable • Daily resident safety checks • Scheduled local transportation • Emergency response system Assistance with tasks of daily living, such as bathing, dressing & medication management

In the Heart of the Medical District | 5200 Habersham St. | 912.352.0070 | HabershamHouseSavannah.com

AN URGENT MATTER of her surgical site. Hours away from her cancer treatment center in Newnan, she went to ExperCare on Mall Boulevard in Savannah because she knew a doctor there— and because “when you’re on chemo, your immune system’s compromised, so you don’t want to wait in an ER with sick people.”

She recounts that ExperCare personnel whisked her to an exam room immediately, examined her thoroughly, prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication that eased her considerable pain, then recommended that she go to the ER. But instead of sending her off to the crowded waiting room she feared, they called ahead to ensure she’d be seen immediately.

“I felt like everyone at ExperCare was looking out for me,” she recalls. “I’d been to urgent care before, but I had never had that level of caring.”

Catherine Grant, a founder of both the Richmond Hill center (where Ray was treated) and ExperCare in Savannah, says that the quality of urgent care depends largely on two factors: the organization’s priorities and

the “people skills” of its personnel.

Acknowledging the importance of fees and convenience, she suggests that patients also consider who owns a facility, and how well its personnel listen and answer questions.

She also recommends locally owned and controlled clinics, which “have less pressure than big chains to make money for investors.”

Locally, there are nearly 20 urgent care centers in and around Savannah—some

hospital-based, most in high-traffic areas and at least one in a drugstore (see sidebar). And there will almost surely be more, at least in the near future—as patient demand, insurer acceptance and a shortage of family physicians combine to change the way we seek and receive medical care. T *Name and some details changed to protect individual’s privacy.

tof hb oet h bw oersl d ts

The perfect location for me? The Marshes of Skidaway Island. With its long-leaf pines, moss-draped live oaks and close proximity to downtown Savannah, I’m living in the best of both worlds.

ebrati Cel ng

Y ea rs

Most days, you’ll find me out playing golf, down at the marina or enjoying happy hour with my neighbors. I have it all, and it’s here at The Marshes, Savannah’s premier retirement community.

Call

912.226.7226

to see — for yourself — everything The Marshes offers.

95 Skidaway Island Park Road • Savannah, Georgia 31411 www.MarshesofSkidaway.org S 3 8 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2016 Man and Woman of the Year

Amelia Harper DALY & SALTER PHOTOGRAPHY

TKL Research, Inc. 2016 WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Jamal Barrow

United States Air Force

Adam Cohen

Jack O’Neill

Savannah Periodontics 2016 MAN OF THE YEAR

Maci and Jonathan (not pictured) 2016 GIRL AND BOY OF THE YEAR

Specialists On Call

Benjamin Couch Payne

Savannah Classical Academy

Carrie Egerton

Tanger Outlets, Hilton Head

Joseph Shearouse, Jr. City of Savannah RUNNER UP

Kelley Sullivan

BankSouth Mortgage

Shannan Hunt

Natalie Moore-Winchell

Seabolt Brokers RUNNER UP

Frank Moore & Company

Dominick Tambon Arthrex

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society congratulates this year’s Man & Woman of the Year and the entire class of candidates who competed for the titles. The Class of 2016 raised $426,424. Their efforts and commitment have made an impact in the search for cures and effective blood cancer therapies.

SPECIAL THANKS TO GEORGIA CHAPTER SPONSORS

For more information or to sponsor a candidate, please visit www.mwoy.org/ga or 912.436.3273.

Speak for YOURSELF Ask questions. Get answers. Explore options. Florence Slatinsky makes the case that effective health care is a verb— and it may just save your life.

Photography by Mackensey Alexander

U

NTIL I HAD CHILDREN, I thought of advocacy as something we did for others, to represent voices that aren’t heard because of income or skin color or ZIP code. But then, I gave birth to my first son, Michael, who was a large, loud and sick little fella.

After a year of sleepless nights and multiple rounds of antibiotics and steroids, I finally asked his pediatrician why he kept getting sick so frequently. Was it normal, I wondered?

Turns out it wasn’t.

Michael needed tubes in his ears because they weren’t draining properly, so he had recurrent infections—a simple, underlying cause that could have been detected if our pediatrician at the time would have treated my son rather than his symptoms.

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GET RESULTS

Being responsible for my children’s health taught me to ask questions and have conversations about my own health options.

It’s this same desire for direct, two-way communication that’s fueling Dr. John Hargrove’s functional medicine practice, Holistic Health Center of Savannah. Although he doesn’t advertise and he’s billing less in insurance reimbursements than ever before, Hargrove has experienced an increase in the number of patients and a decrease in their overall ages.

As a chiropractor, Hargrove often saw middle-aged people and seniors, who required adjustments due to pain, injury or surgery. During the past year, however, Millenials have turned to him out of frustration with one-size-fits-all medical treatment.

“What’s happening,” Hargrove explains, “is that people are taking their health care into their own hands, doing their own research and making choices about the care they want based on the information they’re gathering. The age bracket under 35 isn’t OK with being excluded from decision-making; they don’t like being dismissed. They’re looking for a doctor who will listen to them.”

His patients have come to him not just for chiropractic care but for all manner of tests to get a baseline picture of their overall health so that they can take action for a long, healthy future. From his perspective, a patient being his or her own advocate is a good thing—more invested patients are more likely to follow through and therefore have better outcomes.

TAKE CHARGE

By listening to her own instincts and pushing to get noticed, Lindsey Wirht may have saved her own life.

The vivacious, in-demand makeup artist and mother of two young sons decided she couldn’t wait six weeks to see her regular OB-GYN about a rash and swelling on one of her breasts.

On January 23, Wirht was diagnosed with Stage Three Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

It had been six weeks since she noticed the rash—most women with IBC aren’t diagnosed for four to six months.

On December 4, 2015, Wirht called her doctor’s office, described her symptoms and asked if she could come in for an examination. She was told the doctor had no openings until January 21. She went ahead and made the appointment, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Concerned and tired—standard for a mother of busy boys during the holidays—she followed a friend’s suggestion to try a local walk-in clinic.

The clinic’s nurse practitioner diagnosed Wirht’s rash as mastitis and prescribed

antibiotics. Although Wirht didn’t think mastitis was the culprit, she took the medicine.

Ten days later, one breast was nearly twice the size of the other and the rash remained.

She returned to the clinic and asked about Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which she had researched online. The nurse practitioner did a breast exam, but after finding no lump sent Wirht home with a topical cream and instructions to call back if it didn’t help. The cream made no difference, so Wirht called and asked for a referral for a mammogram.

The scheduler at the imaging center told her it would be three weeks. In tears at this point, Wirht asked if there was any way they could see her sooner. The woman on the phone managed to squeeze her in the next morning.

Wirht credits this sympathetic receptionist with saving her life.

On January 23, Wirht was diagnosed with Stage Three Inflammatory Breast Cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

It had been six weeks since she noticed the rash—most women with IBC aren’t diagnosed for four to six months, by which time the cancer has already spread and often metastasized. In May, Wirht, donning a bright head scarf and red lipstick, celebrated her last chemotherapy treatment.

In May, Wirht was named Susan G. Komen of Coastal Georgia’s Survivor of the Month. A double mastectomy and radiation lie ahead.

Wirht’s story is a powerful reminder that we know ourselves best and that we can’t always wait to be worked into the system. T

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Dr. John Hargrove reminds us that the most important quality of any medical professional is that he or she listens. Here are other qualities you should expect: • Your doctor should take a full medical history. This step is often overlooked because of the pressure on overworked doctors to get through as many patients as possible, but it should be part of any patient care.

• The office should follow through with returning phone calls, scheduling and referrals.

These are basics, but frequently a source of frustration for patients.

• Your health care provider should understand your goals and, within the realm of medical possibility, help you achieve them. More medications may help a symptom, but if you want to reduce the number of medications you’re on, there might be other options.

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WRIGHTINGTON RHEUMATOLOGY Serving patients since 2009 Than Win, MD, FACP, FACR 6413 Waters Avenue Suite 101 912-352-7960

We May Keep Getting Awards, But the REAL Winners are YOU,

OUR LOYAL READERS. Congratulations to the staff of our news, web and magazine products on their numerous awards!

2016 Georgia Press Association General Excellence Award

Thank you for your continued support, and for keeping us the most trusted source for news in the Coastal Empire and beyond.

For home delivery call: (912) 236-0271

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, but Living Here is Worth a Million

Savannah’s Only Active Senior Living Community Offering a Full Continuum of Care with No Buy-In! • Spacious 1-2 bedroom apartments and cottages, with options to personalize.

• Five Star restaurant-style dining with an extensive chef-prepared menu.

• Gated access, concierge, transportation services, and an abundance of cultural, spiritual, and wellness activities.

1 Savannah Square Drive Savannah, GA 31406 • 912-927-7550 www.SavannahSquareRetirement.com

So your “friend” has hemorrhoids?

They’re a pain in the keister!

Bleeding. Itching. Leaking. Pain.

Finally, a non-surgical treatment exists that is: • 99% effective

• Has little or no discomfort

• No bowel cleanse or driver required

• Minimally invasive

• Completed in 3 minutes or less

• Short recovery time

The Center for Digestive & Liver Health and The Endoscopy Center is the first physician practice in Savannah to offer this breakthrough treatment known as hemorrhoidal banding. Four of our physicians have the expertise and experience to provide both comedic and symptomatic relief from the darn hemorrhoids. Symptom relief can be seen as quickly as one treatment!

George Aragon, MD

Mark Nyce, MD

Telciane Vesa, MD

Ryan Wanamaker, MD

Don’t let your “friend” suffer any longer!

Call today to schedule a consultation

912-303-4200 For more information on hemorrhoidal banding, visit us at www.savannahgi.com

S AVA N N A H O F F I C E :

1139 Lexington Ave. | Savannah, GA 31404 | 912.303.4200

R I N CO N O F F I C E :

5715 GA Hwy 21 South, Suite A | Rincon, GA 31326 | 912.303.4200

S P E C IA L A D V ER T IS IN G S E C T ION

MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS:

DOC TORS Audiology and Hearing Aid Services............................................................... Page S53 Be Pediatrics.................................................................................................... Page S62 Chatham Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery PC.......................................... Pages S48-S49 Coastal Ankle and Foot Center....................................................................... Page S62 Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat.......................................................................... Page S61 Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Savannah................................................ Page S52 The Fertility Center of Charleston................................................................... Page S64 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC..................................... Pages S50-S51 Gaughf Dermatology...................................................................................... Page S57 Low Country Dermatology.............................................................................. Page S63 Nephrology and Hypertension Medical Associates........................................ Page S54 Optimal Hearing Systems Inc.......................................................................... Page S59 Savannah Orthopedic Associates | OrthoNOW.............................................. Page S64 Savannah Pain Management/Savannah Pain Center....................................... Page S56 Savannah Plastic Surgery................................................................................. Page S55 Southeast Spine Care and Pain Management................................................. Page S63 Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates PC........................... Page S60 Summit Cancer Care....................................................................................... Page S58

Photography by: Kelli Boyd, Teresa Earnest, Christine Hall and Katie McGee

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Michael Wilson, DMD, FACOMS HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University Medical Center, St.

Joseph’s/Candler Hospitals

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Diplomate, American Board of Oral

and Maxillofacial Surgery; Diplomate, National Board of Dental Anesthesiology FELLOWSHIPS: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina RESIDENCY: University of Texas and the Medical College of Virginia Chatham Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 1, Savannah, GA 31406 | 912-354-1515 145 Traders Way, Ste. A, Pooler, GA 31322 | 912-748-4365 chathamoralsurgery.com S48 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION S48 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: All things oral and maxillofacial surgery. I am particularly adept at dental/alveolar surgery and implants.

I LOVE PRACTICING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE OF: The people. Savannah is filled with an eclectic mix of personalities and lifestyles. I meet new and interesting people every day.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I like to not be in the office. It’s hard not to take patients home with you, mentally. Fishing, flying, reading and spending time with my family are all diversions that I enjoy.

MY CHARITY OF CHOICE IS: The Friends of Barnabas Foundation. I’ve had the opportunity to work with this foundation, performing cleft-lip and palate surgeries in Honduras. The organization does an excellent job of coordinating care and making sure the majority of donated funds go to help the patients.

I STAY HEALTHY BY: Thinking about exercising. It’s not as effective as actually exercising, but it’s much easier to do.

MY PATIENTS OFTEN TELL ME: “You don’t act like a doctor.” I am not sure if this is a compliment or an insult. I am going with compliment.

Frank Scarbrough, DMD, FACOMS HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s/

Candler Hospitals

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Diplomate, American Board of Oral and

Maxillofacial Surgery; Diplomate, National Board of Dental Anesthesiology FELLOWSHIPS: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College of Georgia RESIDENCY: Louisiana State University School of Medicine - Shreveport; Medical College of Georgia Chatham Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 1, Savannah, GA 31406 | 912-354-1515 145 Traders Way, Ste. A, Pooler, GA 31322 | 912-748-4365 chathamoralsurgery.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: The surgical and non-surgical management of TMJ pain and dysfunction. I was fortunate to train under the pioneers of TMJ arthroplasty, TMJ arthroscopy and TMJ total joint replacement.

ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN MY FIELD IS: The advice offered to patients who have TMJ signs/symptoms.

Historically, patients who had a “popping” sound when they open their jaw, were told to just ignore it or live with it. But, TMJ is a progressive disorder. If treated early, it can be treated non-surgically or with minimally invasive procedures.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN: Being the father of two wonderful young boys. They are what makes my life meaningful and have purpose.

THE HEALTH ISSUE I’M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT IS: TMJ pain and dysfunction. I am fortunate to have found a profession that I am passionate about and one in which I can make a difference.

MY PATIENTS OFTEN TELL ME: “Thank you for helping me get my life back.” I can’t describe the feeling I get when I hear those words.

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Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler, Memorial University Medical Center and

Pictured (from left): Andrew Swagler, PA-C; Travis F. Wiggins, M.D.; Kristen N. Rosales, PA-C; Gregory D. Borak, M.D.; Ansley S. Tharpe, M.D.; David M. Chalikian, M.D., Ph.D.; Sara L. Barrett, PA-C; Branden S. Hunter, M.D.; Maxine Mitchell, DNP, APRN-C (not pictured)

Effingham Hospital and Care Center

Savannah | Main office and Endoscopy Center: 519 Stephenson Avenue Central Park Office: 340 Eisenhower Drive, Building #1500 Richmond Hill | 9976 Ford Avenue, Suite A-2 Pooler | Godley Station Professional Park, 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Building 300, Ste. 305 Springfield | Effingham County Hospital, Ga. 119 Bluffton, South Carolina • Belfair Towne Village, 10 Oak Forest Road, Ste. C Phone: (912) 354-9447 | Fax: (912) 355-6430 | www.gastrosav.com S5 50 0 SS PP EE C C II A A LL A AD DV VE ER RT T II S S II N NG G S SE EC CT T II O ON N S

WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: Digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our areas of expertise include: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Endoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Reflux Disease, Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases, Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus, Crohn’s & Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastrointestinal Cancer, and Endoscopic Ultrasound.

WE’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Allowing our patients the convenience and flexibility of appointments with less excessive wait times we have opened a second Savannah location. Our Central Park office is located at 340 Eisenhower Drive, Building 1500, just one block away from our main office and endoscopy center.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Maxine Mitchell, DNP, APRN-C to our growing practice. Maxine is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years nursing experience. She is well trained in gastroenterology and primary care and has specialized nursing experience with emergency, HIV and geriatrics.

WE’RE MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE: Have been providing the highest quality prevention and

treatment of digestive diseases in a caring, compassionate manner for 38 years…and counting. Adjacent to our main office is our fully accredited, Endoscopy Center of Coastal Georgia. Equipped with the latest technology including, inhouse pathology lab and fully staffed team of anesthesia specialists. By using the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, we are able to offer more convenient treatment and a faster recovery for our patients.

yet cancerous. A colonoscopy allows us to detect polyps at an early stage and remove them. And that’s our goal with a colonoscopy. We want to find the polyps and take them out, and not have to talk to our patients about cancer.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Schedule your colonoscopy! A colonoscopy is the most effective method of screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection, but prevention as well. Regular screening colonoscopy and removal of polyps reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90 percent.

Polyps are growths on the lining of the colon that are not

A: Yes. This exam should ideally be performed, prior to the development of symptoms. These include a change in bowel habits, bleeding, weight loss, pain or anemia. If you wait for symptoms to develop the likelihood of finding a cancer is higher, but the chance of cure decreases markedly.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: Q: Should I have a colonoscopy even though I’m not having any issues?

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Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Savannah, PC 5201 Frederick St. 912-351-3030 | entsavannah.com Pictured (from left) Sitting: William H. Moretz III, MD; Fred L. Daniel, MD, FACS Standing: Michael Zoller, MD, FACS; Michelle Yamada, PA-C; Stephen P. Rashleigh, MD, FACS and Brad A. Rawlings, MD S52 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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, The Landings and Bluffton, SC.

Audiology and Hearing Aid Services Susan Timna, AuD, CCC-A Katelyn Crockett, AuD, CCC-A Cori Palmer, AuD, CCC-A Katherine Neufeld, AuD, CCC-A 5203 Frederick St. | Savannah 31405 We also serve patients in Pooler, Statesboro, Richmond Hill and in The Village on Skidaway Island 912-351-3038 | 912-598-0616 (Skidaway Island Direct)

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: What they should consider before purchasing a hearing aid. The most important step is selecting a Doctor of Audiology to help guide them through the selection and rehabilitation process. This is a very individualized process as one-size-fits-all does not apply to hearing loss or a patient’s perception of sound.

OUR GOAL IS: To provide Savannah-area residents with a premiere level of hearing care by offering customized hearing

solutions based on an individual’s hearing loss, listening needs, lifestyle and budget. We work with all of our patients to make sure their needs are met and that they have maximized their residual hearing abilities.

A RECENT BREAKTHROUGH IN OUR FIELD: We see evidence that hearing aids are a prevention against accelerated cognitive decline associated with hearing loss. Researchers agree that cognitive decline is likely related to the lack of social

interaction that older adults have because of their hearing loss.

The assumption has been that if people use hearing aids and become socially active again, then they would decrease their risk of a more rapid decline in cognitive skills.

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Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University

Medical Center, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Coastal Carolina Hospital, Hilton Head Hospital, Beaufort Memorial 1115 Lexington Ave., Savannah, GA 16 Kemmerlin Lane, Beaufort, SC 16 Okatie Center Blvd., Ste. 100, Okatie, SC 912-354-4813 | TheKidneyDocs.com S54 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION S54 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates, P.C., is a full-service, privately owned and operated practice based in Historic Savannah. We recently expanded our services to the Bluffton area and in September will expand to Beaufort, SC. Since 1969, our focus and specialty have been diagnosing and treating patients with kidney and related diseases and hypertension. We also provide hemodialysis services, peritoneal dialysis, renal transplant referrals, and care after transplantation.

We are dedicated to providing our patients and their families with the

finest care as we seek to enhance health and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

Pictured (from left): JAMES BAZEMORE, M.D. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: Tell your doctor that you are doing something that you are not.

JESSICA COLEMAN, M.D. THE HEALTH ISSUE I’M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT IS: Patient education, so that you can take better care of yourself and be an integral member of your own health team.

DANA KUMJIAN, M.D. A TOP TREND IN MY FIELD IS: Identification of abnormal genes and protein polymorphisms that cause kidney disease.

REBECCA SENTMAN, M.D. I LOVE PRACTICING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE: I grew up here as the daughter of a kidney doctor, and I always wanted to return here to raise my family.

ERIK BERNSTEIN, M.D. MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN: Bringing high-quality care to the community.

Carl Pearl, MD RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia FELLOWSHIP: University of Tennessee ORGANIZATIONS: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Society of Plastic Surgeons ACCREDITATIONS: Board Certified by American

Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Savannah Plastic Surgery 7208 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912-351-5050 | savannahplasticsurgery.com

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Facelifts that restore youth to the face while minimizing downtime.

grateful to have worked with the greatest mentor and friend a man could imagine.

MY PERFECT EVENING OUT IN SAVANNAH INCLUDES: Tennis at Forsyth Park.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR ARE: When patients smile after surgery and tell me that they now look how they feel. They have always felt good, and now their outside matches their joy inside.

MY APPROACH TO MEDICINE IS: To listen to your patient. You cannot deliver the result he or she wants if you have not stopped to learn exactly what that is.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT I: Am a pretty good bowler. It’s the one thing I’m better at in my 40s than I was in my teens. When I was younger, I wanted to throw the ball hard. Now I just care about how many pins fall.

MY MENTOR, DR. HARVEY ZAREM: Brought more to plastic surgery than anyone could ever define. He is the reason I get to do so many facelifts. I am thankful I can do something I love, and I am

MY FIT BIT STAYS ACTIVE BECAUSE I: Swim, play tennis, run and bike.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Say thank you for my many blessings.

ONE ORGANIZATION THAT’S FUN TO SUPPORT IS: Savannah Children’s Theatre. It produces such amazing productions—right here in Savannah!

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Keith A. Kirby, MD Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine

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.

Savannah Pain Center, LLC 8 Wheeler St., Suite 200 912-352-4340 SavannahPainManagement.com

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

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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.

Claudia N. Gaughf, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College of Georgia RESIDENCY: Dermatology at the Medical College of Georgia after two years of Internal Medicine at the Medical Center of Central Georgia ACCREDITATION: Fellow of the American Academy

of Dermatology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomat of American

Board of Dermatology

Gaughf Dermatology 639 Stephenson Ave., Savannah 1000 Town Center Blvd., Pooler 9976 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill 912-354-7124 gaughfdermatology.com

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The new product BioDRestore, an injection used for under-eye circles and acne scarring. Very little has been available for dark circles under the eyes until now. The procedure is a simple, safe injection in the under-eye area causing a dramatic improvement in dark circles. There are also procedures to rejuvenate hands, which are often neglected and can tell the true story of our age. Radiesse filler can improve thin skin, and broad-based light can improve discoloration and dark spots.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Direct, thorough, efficient and friendly. I like to listen to patients’ interesting stories and jokes, especially those of our older patients. I can joke with patients, too. A few days ago, I first saw the wife and then her husband two weeks before their son’s wedding. We sent the husband to the waiting room with five bandages disguising five fake biopsies, and the wife looked in disbelief until we tore the bandages off. We all got a good laugh!

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Bring Sandy, our Goldendoodle, to the office. She is the office dog, and everyone helps to take care of her. She would rather sit behind a gate watching people than sit at home alone.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE: Avoid the health fads and the masses of products that promise you the results of Botox, fillers or even a face lift.

Products improve texture and tone, but they do not replace the advantages received from Botox and fillers.

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Alison “Ali” Spellman, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College of Georgia RESIDENCY: Internal Medicine, Tulane University FELLOWSHIP: Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University ORGANIZATIONS: American College of Physicians, American Society of Internal Medicine, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology

Summit Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave. 912-354-6187 | SummitCancerCare.com S58 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION S58 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

I’M MOST EXCITED THAT: I will be joining Summit Cancer Care on August 1. Not only do they have an amazing reputation, but there is also a focus on personalizing patient care with novel immunotherapy drugs, targeted agents, conventional treatment options and clinical trials. Truly, it is an exciting time in the field of hematology/ oncology.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Personable and empathetic.

I truly get to know the patient outside of their medical issues.

Good communication and a touch of humor are important as well.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS: UGA football! My perfect Saturday is spent with friends and family enjoying the sights and sounds of game day in Athens. If we can’t make the drive, I enjoy grilling at home and watching the marathon of college games on TV. Go Dawgs (and Ole Miss for my husband)!

MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: What would you do if you were in my shoes? This is difficult because medicine is not black and white.

Working as a team, I hope to pro-

vide guidance to help my patients sort through difficult decisions and weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: Laughing—and finding balance between working hard and enjoying the pleasures that life has to offer.

I CHOOSE TO LIVE AND WORK IN SAVANNAH: Because it’s the quintessential charming, southern city with access to beautiful beaches, waterways, history and world-class cuisine. It also helped that part of the Spellman family has been here for generations.

Gabriel Pitt, Au.D. DOCTORATE DEGREE:

University of South Florida EXTERNSHIP:

University of California, San Francisco ORGANIZATIONS: Georgia Academy of Audi-

ology, American Academy of Audiology

ACCREDITATIONS: President, Georgia Academy

of Audiology; Secretary, Academy of Doctors of Audiology Optimal Hearing Systems Inc. 527 Stephenson Ave., Ste. A3 912-352-8530 | optimalhearing.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing/ sounds in the ears/head) assessment and treatment. Tinnitus has many possible causes, and most people are unaware that in many cases there are ways to treat it.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Bluetooth/wireless hearing aids.

Many models of hearing aids are not only invisible when worn, but also offer wireless Bluetooth connections directly to cell phones and other accessories. This technology allows for high fidelity and whistle-free conversations on the phone as well as in quiet or noisy environments.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: Participating in a medical mission trip to Guatemala with Faith in Practice.

This top-notch group of professionals across many specialties helped hundreds of Guatemalans receive the health care they desperately needed. Giving back to those who could not otherwise afford the care was truly rewarding.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Patient and professional. I spend time with each patient and treat them like I would treat my family.

I’M MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT: After 55 years and three generations of helping the hearing impaired, our practice is thriving. My grandfather, Billy, started working with the hearing impaired in 1959, and I am proud to continue our family’s practice of serving those with hearing difficulty.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: Treating your hearing loss. Recent research has found that those with hearing loss are more susceptible to acquiring dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. An October 2015 study further found that treating hearing loss will reduce cognitive decline.

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Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial Health

WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME: Jackson P. Morgan III to our group. Dr. Morgan has been practicing in Savannah for the past 18 years and brings to our group his expertise as a full scope oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He serves as chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Clinical Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

4815 Paulsen St., Savannah | 912-352-2324 143 Canal St., Ste. 300, Pooler | 912-330-8801 seoralsurgery.com

ABOUT OUR PHYSICIANS: We are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association.

University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s/ Candler

Pictured from left: JACKSON P. MORGAN III, DDS Medical Degree: University of Texas Health Science S60 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Center at San Antonio Residency: Case Western Reserve University MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio ALFRED E. PESTO JR., DMD Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta Residency: University of Louisville JUSTIN B. DAMRON, DDS Medical Degree: Indiana University, Indianapolis Residency: The Ohio State University, Columbus JOHN D. WIEBE, DDS Medical Degree: University of California, San Francisco Residency: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta WILLIAM R. MASSEY, DMD Medical Degree: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri Residency: University of Kentucky, Lexington

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler;

Memorial University Medical Center

Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat LLC 322 Commercial Drive, Ste. 2 Savannah 31406 912-355-2335 coastal-ent.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis.

A small catheter is introduced into the nose. A balloon is then passed over a lighted wire into the sinus and inflated to a pressure strong enough to permanently dilate the bony openings of the affected sinuses. Unlike past sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty involves no scraping, no tissue removal, no excessive bleeding or bruising—and just a day or two of recovery time.

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN MY FIELD ARE: A myriad of new in-office procedures as well as

in-hospital surgeries that eliminate or minimize incisions. New in-office procedures reduce the size of the tongue, nasal tissue and palate to improve breathing in snoring and sleep apnea. New reconstruction procedures of the palate reduce complication, improve results and speed recovery. Thyroid surgery can be performed with an incision of an inch or less, nearly eliminating a scar.

I’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE THAT: I prefer to invest the time educating patients about their condition so they can feel more empowered in the decision-making

process. This gives patients more control when they feel they have lost many options.

I PURSUED A MEDICAL PROFESSION: Because medicine has always been thought of as one of the most worthy professions.

Serving and caring for patients is rewarding. ENT has always been a specialty involving a great deal of technology, which has provided a stimulating career.

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Kasey Berman, MD Linda Winders, MD HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University Medical

Center and St. Joseph’s/Candler

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Pediatrics ORGANIZATIONS: American Academy of Pediatrics,

Medical Association of Georgia

Be Pediatrics | 410 Mall Blvd., Ste. B 912-472-0314 | bepediatrics.com

WE LOVE PRACTICING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE: We live in such a tight knit community. We get to share our patients’ milestones with their families, while ensuring that they stay healthy and strong. We love seeing our families outside of the office, whether on the soccer field, in the carpool line, or at the swimming pool.

WE HAVE A PASSION FOR: Reading. Our favorite space in our office is our reading nook. And our patients of all ages love it, too!

OUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN: Our families.

Pediatrics is a family oriented field and our entire staff is one big family. Our children and the loving homes they come from are our proudest accomplishments. Be Pediatrics considers all of our patients part of our family.

Frederic C. Spector, DPM, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler,

Memorial University Medical Center

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate, American Board

of Foot and Ankle Surgery MEDICAL DEGREE: Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine RESIDENCIES: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Southeastern Medical Center Coastal Ankle & Foot 352 Commercial Drive 912-354-3668 | fredericspectordpm.com

OUR OFFICE GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO: Welcome all patients and treat their foot and ankle problems with state-ofthe-art technology. With more than 25 years of experience, we are uniquely qualified to provide exceptional and comprehensive foot and ankle health care.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO: Listening to and caring for each patient in a gentle and compassionate manner.

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Corinne M. Howington, MD Elizabeth Brennan, PA-C MEDICAL DEGREE: Louisiana State University Medical School RESIDENCY: Dermatology, LSU Medical School

Low Country Dermatology 310 Eisenhower Drive, Ste. 12A 912-354-1018 | lcderm.com

WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: Conditions affecting the hair, skin or nails.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our new skin-care product line, Howington Skin Care. Suited to individual preferences and skin-care needs, these products promote healthy aging, enhance skin moisture and reduce acne, redness, irritation and inflammation.

THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: Strawberries, loaded with Vitamin C; green, leafy vegetables; and green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and Vitamins C, D and K. Incorporating these in your diet may limit the damage of sunburns and help age-related dryness.

ONE FUNDRAISER THAT’S FUN TO PARTICIPATE IN IS: Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine, Women and Shoes—an evening out for a good cause that incorporates fabulous wines, fashion trends and great friends!

Ortelio Bosch, MD HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s/Candler BOARD CERTIFICATION: Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology RESIDENCY: Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida; Mayaguez Medical Center, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Almejeiras Hospital, Havana, Cuba FELLOWSHIP: Emory University, Atlanta ORGANIZATIONS: American Society of Anesthesia, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Society of Regional Anesthesia

Southeast Spine Care and Pain Management 7450 Skidaway Road | 912-233-6811 | SESpineCare.com I LOVE PRACTICING IN SAVANNAH: As it’s a beautiful city to raise my family in.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN: Providing the best quality of care using a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the latest pain management procedures and physical therapy in a new, state-of-the-art, Joint Commission accredited ambulatory surgery center.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE, I: Like to spend time with my family, run marathons and participate in triathlons.

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Jonathan Shults, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine RESIDENCY: Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA ORGANIZATION: American Academy of Orthopedic

Surgeons ACCREDITATION: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Savannah Orthopedic Associates 11102 Abercorn St., Ste. B | 912-999-7005

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: A new development in partial knee replacement—the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement, which replaces one side of the knee as opposed to a total knee replacement. This new procedure results in less pain and a shorter recovery period for the patient.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR IS: Seeing patients walk again after being crippled for years with arthritis.

MY APPROACH TO MEDICINE IS: Listening to my patients. A patient’s time is as valuable as the physician’s.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Casual and honest.

MY FIT BIT STAYS ACTIVE BECAUSE I: Cycle at least twice a week.

AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Spending time with my family.

Stephanie Singleton, MD, FACOG MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer University School of

Medicine, Macon RESIDENCY: OB-GYN at the University of Tennessee; FELLOWSHIP: Reproductive endocrinology and

infertility at The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Norfolk, Virginia ACCREDITATIONS: Double board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and in OB-GYN The Fertility Center of Charleston 5354 Reynolds St., Ste. 416, Savannah 912-228-8909 | 843-881-7400 | fertilitycharleston.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: In vitro fertilization therapy, polycystic ovarian syndrome, amenorrhea and male factor infertility. I am Savannah’s only board-certified female reproductive endocrinologist.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Seeing my Savannah practice grow. As a Georgia native—an undergraduate of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine—my roots in Georgia run deep. I’m highly committed to helping families across Georgia and South Carolina achieve their dream of parenthood.

MY APPROACH TO MEDICINE: Listening is the first step in uncovering the mystery of infertility for many women. I compassionately guide families to parenthood by using the latest advances in fertility. We consider every patient a member of our family.

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LET YOUR FOODIE FLAG FLY! CELEbRATE FOOD In SAvAnnAh

For 10 days, Savannah celebrates her culinary heritage and offers up a prix fixe dinner that gives the community a chance to try new places and to discover more places to eat out in the Hostess City.

JUL 29 - AUG 7

savannah restaurant week savannahrestaurantweek.org

10 DAYS • 3 COURSES • $30 From July 29 until August 7 enjoy a spectacular 3-course meal for just $30.

Many restaurants will offer special wine pairings with dinner.

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twitter/@SavRestWeek

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Does your restaurant want to be included in Savannah Restaurant Week? Call 652-0238 to find out how!

Enjoy Inspired Outdoor Living From the comfort of Savannah HOMES magazine’s Summer edition.

Our gorgeous coast inspires our interiors, from the bold strokes of color to the breathtaking views. Soak up the sun and all the brilliant ideas of the new Savannah HOMES Summer issue this June.

To reserve your copy, subscribe TODAY at SavannahMagazine.com or call us at 912.652.0423.

S P E C IA L A D V ER T IS IN G S E C T ION

MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS:

MEDIC AL PROFESSIONAL S Buckingham South........................................................................................................Page S70 Complete Chiropractic..................................................................................................Page S70 Hospice Savannah Inc...................................................................................................Page S67 Live Oak Children’s Therapy..........................................................................................Page S68 Savannah Plastic Surgery—Coolsculpting.....................................................................Page S69

Photography by: Kelli Boyd, Teresa Earnest, Christine Hall and Katie McGee

Julia Johnson, MD, MPH MEDICAL DEGREE: Brown University School of Medicine RESIDENCY: Family Practice, Mountain Area Health

Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina ACCREDITATIONS: Board certified in family practice

and in hospice and palliative medicine Hospice Savannah Inc. 1352 Eisenhower Drive 912-355-2289 | hospicesavannahhelps.org

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Calming and respectful. I feel extremely honored to be able to help patients and families through what can be a very stressful and emotional time.

I’M MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I: Work for an ethical not-for-profit hospice that values excellence in patient care.

There are more than a dozen hospices in our community, but only one has the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Get help earlier!

Our Steward Center for Palliative Care helps with the symptoms of serious illness long before hospice care is needed. And our new Edel Caregiver Institute provides hands-on training and practical assistance to family members who are caring for them.

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Linda C. Fruin, OTR/L EDUCATION: Medical College of Georgia, Occupational Therapy, Class of 1995 DEGREE: Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy ACCREDITATIONS: National Board for Certification in

Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration ad Praxis Tests, Pivotal Response Treatment, TEACCH ORGANIZATIONS: American Occupational Therapy

Association

Live Oak Children’s Therapy 7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 100 912-355-3392 | liveoakchildrens.com S6 68 8 SS PP EE C C II A A LL A AD DV VE ER RT T II S S II N NG G S SE EC CT T II O ON N S

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorder treatment.

Autism is becoming more widely recognized and understood by the general public, and sensory processing problems co-occur at a very high frequency. Sensory processing refers to the way the brain receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavior responses. Like Autism Spectrum Disorders, sensory processing problems occur within a broad

spectrum of severity. Sensory Processing Disorder exists when sensory signals are either not detected, or not organized into appropriate adaptive responses.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Live Oak’s new therapy center that opened in April. It has a more open and welcoming environment, and it provides additional space, materials and opportunities for learning.

MY APPROACH TO THERAPY: One size does not fit all. I believe

it is paramount that families find a therapist and therapy center where they feel at home, and where their child can still have fun while attaining new developmental skills.

“Learn, Laugh, Play” is our motto at Live Oak Children’s Therapy, and I firmly believe in this.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Express their concerns to their health-care providers sooner rather than later in order to begin early intervention.

Savannah Plastic Surgery– Coolsculpting 7208 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912-351-5050 | savannahplasticsurgery.com Pictured from left: Katy Payne, LPN, Coolsculpt team leader; Star Strube, CST, Coolsculpt technician; and Mary Gay, LPN, Coolsculpt manager

WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: Coolsculpting. Savannah Plastic Surgery is the only certified Plastic Surgery Center in Savannah where you can receive Coolsculpting treatments from staff with advanced training. You can trust your results to our experts—Mary, Katy and Star. They are trained in Coolsculpting and also assist our surgeons in surgery.

WHAT IS COOLSULPTING?: Coolsculpting eliminates stubborn fat safely and effectively without surgery or downtime. First cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin-

istration in 2010, there have been more than 3 million treatments performed worldwide. It is proven, safe and effective.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The advancements in nonsurgical alternatives for patients.

Coolsculpting continues to make advancements in its technology, including the new Coolsculpting CoolAdvantage. CoolAdvantage will shorten treatment times and make it easier for patients to fit into their busy schedules. People are choosing healthier lifestyles, and they want to look the way

they feel. Coolsculpting is one way patients can make this happen.

WHY CHOOSE SAVANNAH PLASTIC SURGERY FOR COOLSCULPTING?: We are the only provider that can offer all body-contouring options.

Coolsculpting is not always the best option to help a patient meet their expectations. We assess each patient and educate them on all of their options so they can make an informed decision. Our patients’ happiness is our goal.

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Rita Slatus, Executive Director Buckingham South 5450 Abercorn St. Savannah 31405 912-355-5550 buckinghamsouth.com

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: Address both the health care needs as well as the social and emotional well being of each resident. An assisted living community will provide medication monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation and stimulating recreational, social and cultural activities.

WHAT SETS BUCKINGHAM SOUTH APART: Is the unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the highest quality of health care and medical attention. 24-hour, round-the-clock nursing care including a full time registered nurse, licensed medical technicians, certified nursing assistants, a medical director and security are all on call to ensure the finest care. Because Buckingham South is locally owned and operated, management is on location 24-7 to address family questions and concerns and to ensure the highest level of individualized attention.

Complete Chiropractic 1101 E. 51 St., Savannah 138 Canal St., Ste. 205, Pooler 912-354-6767 completechiropractics.com

Pictured from left: Christy McNeal; John Neal, DC; Jackie Wilson; Kevin Berkman, DC; Shannon Teston; and Barbara Moore, LMT

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: Can I receive chiropractic care in addition to physical therapy and/or traditional medical care. The answer is yes; we often co-manage care with other health-care providers.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Continue with preventative care.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE: By sitting up straight. You can increase your lifespan just by decreasing your slouch. It increases lung volume, which decreases heart strain.

WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Our kids sports teams.

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Only the BEST are selected!

Dr. Joseph E. Brown, III, DMD

has been chosen for topDENTISTS for three years and counting!

2014, 2015, 2016

Dr. Brown is a premier provider of luxury cosmetic dental treatments. Utilizing leading edge dental technology, he provides customized treatment plans to fit each patient. His expertise includes facial esthetics, Botox and Dermafillers as well as clinical cosmetic treatments such as Invisalign and Six Month Smile.

Morrison Dental can see you NOW!

(912) 354-3444 • www.mdadental.com

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THE

DOCTORS Need more sparkle in those pearly whites? Is your bite out of line? You don’t have to just grin and bear it anymore with this handy local resource guide—the “A list” of dentists other dentists recommend.

ENDODONTICS Clyde H. Andrews Andrews and Baker LLC 911 E. 67th St. 352-2289 James Brian Baker Andrews and Baker LLC 911 E. 67th St. 352-2289 Sam P. DeMartino Andrews and Baker LLC 911 E. 67th St. 352-2289 Jason T. Hooper Hooper Endodontics 1401 Fountain Park Circle Brunswick 265-0001 hooperendo.com Christopher Stephen Lea Coastal Endodontics 10220 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill 756-5960 coastalendo.net

Rebecca L. Martin Endodontic Associates Of Savannah 316 Stephenson Ave. 355-7790 Dale Alan Miles Endodontic Associates of Savannah 316 Stephenson Ave. 355-7790 Derek Van Miles Endodontic Associates of Savannah 316 Stephenson Ave. 355-7790 Charles Jason Putnam Coastal Carolina Endodontics 25 Clark Summit Drive, Ste. 202 Bluffton, SC 843-837-8585 coastalcarolinaendodontics.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY *Also offers cosmetic dentistry

G. Gregory Abbott 40 Medical Arts Center 232-1344 Matthew Allen Godley Station Dental 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Ste. 101 Pooler 748-8585 godleystationdental.com William M. Allen 702 E. 66th St. 354-1420 Ruby Mae Barkley 145 Traders Way, Ste. D Pooler, GA 748-4494 tracydurhamdds.com

Brian D. Beaudreau* Towne Lake Dental Group 125 Southern Junction Blvd., Ste. 701 Pooler 330-4545 townelakedentalgroup.com Cecil B. Bray III 2 Lester Court, Statesboro 489-1386 brayandyoung.com Joseph Eugene Brown III* Morrison Dental Associates 6602 Abercorn St. 354-3444 mdadental.com Angela Christen Canfield* Premier Dental Designs 5871 Ga. 21 S., Rincon 826-4037 premierdentaldesigns.com

This list is excerpted from the 2016 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings of more than 100 dentists and specialists in the South Georgia and Greater Savannah Metro Area. The list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dental professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-3640853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com

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THE

THE

DOCTORS

DOCTORS Elizabeth Tait G. Carpenter Godley Station Dental 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Ste. 101 Pooler 748-8585 godleystationdental.com Stanley F. Childers 109 Oglesby Ave. Garden City 966-2102 Russell D. Clemmons 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 8 355-2050 savannahdentalaesthetics.com

Charles R. Fana Jr.* 314 Stephenson Ave. 352-3955 drfanadentistry.com William W. Faulk 4510 Augusta Road Garden City 964-1030 wwfaulkdmd.com Walter B. Fingar We Care Family Dentistry 247 Mead Road, Ste. B Hardeeville, South Carolina 843-208-2270 wecarefamilydentistry.com

Scott Alan Cohen* Cohen Dental Center 835 E. 65th St., Ste. 108 353-9533 savannahdentalcentre.com

Philip I. Friedman 6803 Forest Park Drive, Ste. 106 354-7693 friedmanonforestpark.com

Christopher R. Comer 5302 Frederick St., Ste. 103 355-8771 comerdental.com

Todd W. Fruit* 400 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Ste. A 897-5788 toddfruitdmd.com

Donald C. Cooper Termotto and Davis Dental Practice 12 Sheridan Park Circle, Ste. C Bluffton, South Carolina 843-815-5400 distinctdentalservices.com

Ryan Fulchi 2515 Habersham St. 234-2206 habershamdental.com

Philip A. Copenhaver Copehnaver Dental 10230 Ford Ave., Park Place Richmond Hill 756-2936 copenhaverdental.com David S. Dorty 10015 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill 756-3880 Tracy Ellen Durham 145 Traders Way, Ste. D Pooler 748-4494 tracydurhamdds.com Mark Newton Dye* 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 355-2424 thesavannahdentist.com

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W. Eric Gladden Gladden Dental 807 E. 65th St. 354-4133 gladdendental.com Eugene Waring Grace Aesthetic Dentistry 970 Ribaut Road, Ste. 1 Beaufort, South Carolina 843-524-6410 genegrace.com Matt Tavis Grill Coastal Dentistry 15 Lake St., Ste. 100 598-8111 coastaldentistry.org Timothy P. Gross Dr. Timothy Gross' Dental Excellence 15 Bow Circle, Ste. 104 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 843-342-7700 drtimgross.com

Christy Cole Harpring Howard Family Dental 206 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

897-9000 howardfamilydental.com Courtney Camp Highsmith 11344 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill 756-4060 Bracey H. Holland 711 E. 70th St. 352-4386 hollanddmd.com Larry G. Hubbard Dr. Larry G. Hubbard and Associates 4 Lester Road Statesboro 764-9891 statesborodentist.com John W. Jamerson III 315 E. Henry St. 232-6171 Michael I. Konter 836 E. 65th St., Ste. 11 355-8821 Ricky Lane Ricky Lane Dentistry 1066 Bermuda Run Road Statesboro 764-5625 drrickylane.com Dianna L. Lenick 11 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 200 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 843-342-6900 diannalenickdds.com Charles R. Lyon 124 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Hinesville 876-2155 libertyfamilydental912.com Felix Thomas Maher 5302 Frederick St., Ste. 101 352-0546 felixmaherdmd.com Morgan W. Murray 721 E. 66th St. 354-8715

Richard F. Porcelli* Beaufort Family Dentistry 1274 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 843-524-6363 beaufortfamilydentistry.com Benjamin W. Poston Poston Dental 801 E. 66th St. 354-8467 postondental.com Louis Reisman Jr. Habersham Dental Center 2515 Hambersham St. 292-4177 habershamdental.com Julie Ann Routhier* 6707 Forest Park Drive 352-9120 julieannrouthierdmd.com Lindsay W. Sammons* Pooler Family Dental 91 Brighton Woods Drive Pooler 748-4858 howardfamilydental.com Lawrence P. Schmitz* Habersham Dental Center 2515 Habersham St. 292-4177 habershamdental.com Stephanie L. Skinner 10010 Abercorn St., Ste. 5 925-6613 skinnerdmd.com Ronald Charles Smiley 920 E. 71st St. 355-5191 rcsmiley.com Richard A. Taylor 110 Wisenbaker Road Rincon 826-6184 richardtaylordmd.com Sandy S. Termotto Termotto and Davis Dental Practice 11706 Mercy Blvd., Ste. 2 925-3400 distinctdentalservices.com

Richard M. Thomas Jr.* Dental Designs of Savannah 300 Bull St., Ste. 301 234-1944 Jarrett H. Walden Southern Family Dental Group 108 Gentilly Road Statesboro 764-6861 southernfamilydentalgroup.com Jeffrey D. Weaver* McKnight and Weaver Dentistry 1869 N. Paris Ave. Port Royal, South Carolina 843-521-1869 mcknightweaver.com George Michael Wommack Wommack Dentistry 2900 Glynn Ave. Brunswick 342-7049 wommackdentistry.com Henry B. Yeargan Jr. Yeargan Dental 30 St. Andrews Court Brunswick 264-5935 yeargandental.com

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Justin Damron Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 4815 Paulsen St. 352-2324 seoralsurgery.com Jennifer Elaine Hall Golden Isles Oral Surgery 2911 Carrie St. Brunswick 264-6420 goldenislesoralsurgery.com Troy M. Lawhorn Statesboro Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 4451 Country Club Road, Ste. B Statesboro 764-4495 statesboro-oralsurgery.com

Brian C. Low Hilton Head Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 10 Hospital Center Common, Ste. D Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 843-689-6338 hiltonheadoralsurgery.com Jackson P. Morgan III Southeastern Oral Associates 4815 Paulsen St. 352-2324 Suketu J. Patel East Georgia Center for Oral and Facial Surgery 613 E. Grady St., Statesboro 764-5435 eastgeorgiaoralsurgery.com Diane M. Pennington Camden Oral Surgery 73 Hawthorn Lane Saint Marys 673-6545 camdenoralsurgery.com Alfred E. Pesto Jr. Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates PC 4815 Paulsen St. 352-2324 seoralsurgery.com Frank E. Scarbrough Chatham Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 310 Eisenhower Drive, Ste. I 354-1515 chathamoralsurgery.com Paul C. Shirley 347 Red Cedar St., Building 200 Bluffton, South Carolina 843-815-4546 paulshirleydmd.com Rodrigo L. Uribe East Georgia Oral Surgery 613 E. Grady St. Statesboro 764-5435 eastgeorgiaoralsurgery.com John D. Wiebe Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates PC 4815 Paulsen St. 352-2324 seoralsurgery.com

SELECTION PROCESS (METHODOLOGY) "If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?"

This is the question we've asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists™ should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate.

Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer's work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors.

Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

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DOCTORS Michael Wilson Chatham Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 145 Traders Way, Ste. A Pooler 748-4365 chathamoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTICS Michael J. Barlow Barlow Orthodontics 2400 St. Marys Road, Ste. A Saint Marys 576-2677 barloworthodontics.com Thomas R. Broderick Broderick Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 355-7022 savannahorthodontics.com Christopher E. DeLeon Broderick Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 355-7022 savannahorthodontics.com Mark William Dusek Broderick Dusek and DeLeon Orthodontics 500 Eisenhower Drive 355-7022 savannahorthodontics.com James Joseph Maginnis Maginnis Orthodontics 11 Hospital Center Common, Ste. 201 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 843-681-5556 maginnisorthodontics.com Robert A. Vaught Vaught Orthodontics 7650 Waters Ave. 200-3452 vaughtorthodontics.com Michael S. Wall Wall Orthodontics 1512 Brampton Ave. Statesboro 764-6737 statesborobraces.com

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Donihue Waters Innovative Orthodontics 9100 White Bluff Road, Ste. 104 354-3474 drwatersbraces.com John K. Weaver Weaver Orthodontics 35 Professional Drive Brunswick 264-6890 weaverorthodontics.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY H. Byron Colley III Dentistry for Children and Adolescents 5901 Abercorn St. 355-5901 dentistryforchildrensavannah.com Cara C. DeLeon Pediatric Dentistry of Savannah 310 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 6 349-4021 pediatricdentistryofsavannah.com Patricia A. Dunn-Carter Golden Isles Pediatric Dentistry 2475 Village Drive, Ste. 114 Kingsland 882-4040 goldenislespediatricdentist.com Kamiti Undesa Harden Simply Children's Dentistry 613 Stephenson Ave., Ste. 201 353-9993 simplychildrens.com Shana K. Herring Kidz Corner Dentistry 143 Canal St., Ste. 400 Pooler 748-2303 kidzkornerinpooler.com

Alston Jones McCaslin VI Dentistry for Children and Adolescents 5901 Abercorn St. 355-5901 dentistryforchildrensavannah.com

Samuel T. Norris Jr. Coastal Periodontics 2925 Player St. Brunswick 264-9250 coastalgaperio.com

Silas D. McCaslin Dentistry for Children and Adolescents 5901 Abercorn St. 355-5901 dentistryforchildrensavannah.com

Walker Thomas Pendarvis 6600 Abercorn St., Ste. 204 349-3259 coastaldentalsurgery.com

John L. Wasdin Statesboro Children’s Dental Center 1501 Brampton Ave. Statesboro 871-6197 statesborochildrensdental.com William L. Whatley Jr. 2487 Demere Road, Ste. 300 Saint Simons Island 638-9302 whatleypediatricdentistry.com

PERIODONTICS Darron Alvord Savannah Perio and Implants 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 3 352-2021 savannahperioandimplants.com Alvin H. Danenberg Bluffton Center for Dentistry 29 Plantation Park Drive, Ste. 303 Bluffton, South Carolina 843-593-8123 blufftoncenterfordentistry.com

Aaron Rawlings Savannah Perio and Implants 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 3 352-2021 savannahperioandimplants.com Kimberly Niessen Turner Savannah Periodontics 310 Eisenhower Drive, Ste. 4 355-2688 Savperio.com

PROSTHODONTICS Byron A. Davis Termotto and Davis Dental Practice 11706 Mercy Blvd., Ste. 2 925-3400 distinctdentalservices.com George F. Priest Jr. 23 Main St., Ste. 303 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 843-342-8890 georgepriest.com *Also offers cosmetic dentistry

Benjamin Duval 835 E. 65th St., Ste. 101 662-0610 duvalperio.com

This list is excerpted from 2016 the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 100 dentists and specialists in the Greater Savannah Area. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email info@ usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2016 by topDentists, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

S P E C IA L A D V ER T IS IN G S E C T ION

MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS:

DENTISTS Bluffton Center for Dentistry.................................................................. Pages S86-S87 Coastal Dental Surgery.................................................................................... Page S79 Coastal Dentistry PC........................................................................................ Page S81 Coastal Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery........................................................... Page S82 Cohen Dental Center...................................................................................... Page S80 Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC................................................................................... Page S78 Howard Family Dental Midtown...................................................................... Page S84 Howard Family Dental Pooler.......................................................................... Page S85 Howard Family Dental Southside.................................................................... Page S84 Howard Family Dental Wilmington................................................................. Page S85 Savannah Dental.............................................................................................. Page S82 Savannah Perio and Implants.......................................................................... Page S83

Photography by: Kelli Boyd, Teresa Earnest, Christine Hall and Katie McGee

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Mark N. Dye, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine,

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts RESIDENCY: General Practice, 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, Building 14 912-355-2424 | thesavannahdentist.com

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Now offering the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession. This procedure is performed by making a small hole with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no incision or suturing, patients can expect minimal postoperative symptoms.

Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.

MY PHILOSOPHY ON DENTISTRY IS: 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.

No high-pressure sales here!

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: Professional and caring with a sense of humor.

Our practice caters to high-fear dental patients, and we offer oral conscious sedation to help them

through difficult appointments.

However, quite often we find that a good laugh helps to put a patient at ease and make for a more relaxed environment.

AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Putting on my running shoes for a run around Daffin Park, or I like to take a family stroll with our dogs, Piper and Beatrice, under the great live oaks that line Washington Avenue.

I LOVE SIPPING: A delicious, cold-pressed juice from Savannah Squeeze!

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: Member of American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Southern Academy of Periodontology, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association

Coastal Dental Surgery 6600 Abercorn Street, Suite 204, Savannah, GA 912-349-3259 | www.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 TO MEDICINE: I spend quality

time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. We will then discuss the best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES: 1) Immediate tooth removal with immediate 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 perfect tooth.

2) Immediate full arch of teeth in a day. Diseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a same-day beautiful restoration is delivered.

3) Minimally invasive gum grafting to beautify the smile and improve oral health.

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Scott Cohen, DDS

I’M SMILING BECAUSE: Smiles can be contagious!

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Memorial University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s/Candler 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

BRUSH UP ON YOUR DENTAL HEALTH BY: Researching family dental problems. In my 30 years in practice, I have learned that many oral conditions are hereditary; however, with proper care and today’s technology, patients can avoid such problems.

Cohen Dental Center 835 E. 65th St., Ste. 108 912-353-9533 S 8 0 S P E C |I ASavannahDentalCentre.com L ADVERTISING SECTION S 8 0 S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 201 6 -1 7

LATEST TREND IN DENTISTRY THAT I OFFER IS: “Dental Sleep Medicine,” or treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

OSA occurs during sleep when

the tissues of the airway close fully or partially to interfere with breathing. We now offer oral appliance therapy (OAT), similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard, which physically opens the airway by repositioning and strengthening the structures that form the airway. This improves breathing and reduces snoring and apnea. The appliance is customized for each patient by a dentist experienced in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. In contrast, CPAP machines are mass produced, but the masks are usually custom fitted to the

individual from “off the shelf” inventory.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS: Being the father of three wonderful, totally different, loving children.

I AM PROUD TO BE: Continually voted one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council and as a peer-reviewed top dentist by topDentists, LLC™.

Matt Grill, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery RESIDENCY: Advanced Education in General Dentistry (one year)

Coastal Dentistry, PC 15 Lake St., Ste. 100 912-598-8111 | CoastalDentistry.org Find us on Facebook at: Coastal Dentistry—Matt T. Grill DDS

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our new office in The Village at The Landings. It’s amazing! We are now on the first floor in a larger, more accessible space with no stairs to navigate—so you can have an even more comfortable treatment experience than before.

MY APPROACH TO MEDICINE IS: Always do what is right for each individual patient. This may sound like a no brainer, but oftentimes a treatment plan for a patient can vary due to financial means, life circumstances and

other factors. I strive to give each patient every option available for their treatment, and then we work together to decide which is best given their circumstances. This patient-centered care is a hallmark of what we do at Coastal Dentistry.

By listening to my patients, I get to know them better as individuals, and I really value that.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Very relaxed and comfortable. I want patients to feel at ease so they can communicate

their needs with me, and we can get to the bottom of what they hope to achieve through treatment.

AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Spending time with my family or working out. I just love watching our 1-year-old son, Elliott, learn and acquire new skills. I like including him in my workouts as well. If I can pop him in the jogging stroller and head out for a run, I’m in heaven.

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Mark C. Clayton, DDS BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology DENTAL DEGREE: Howard University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: Howard University Hospital, VA Medical Center and District of Columbia General Hospital ORGANIZATIONS: Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, International Congress of Oral Implantologists and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology; member of Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Coastal Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 4540 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Ste. A, Hinesville 912-369-3692 | coastaloms.com I LOVE TO SINK MY TEETH INTO: A vegan diet.

THE BEST FOODS FOR YOUR TEETH ARE: Fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and sugar.

THE HOTTEST NEW PROCEDURE I OFFER IS: Cone beam computed tomography (or CBCT), which gives a 3-D radiographic image. This aids in diagnosis and treatment planning for dental implants and oral pathology.

Dentist Profiles 2015 Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College of Georgia ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District Dental Society,

Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Orthodontics

Savannah Dental 11 Medical Arts Center 912-355-8821 | savannah.dental

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our options that we didn’t have years ago that help us make dentistry a more comfortable experience for patients. We recently acquired a new X-ray machine that allows us to take extraoral images—no more uncomfortable sensors! And with one-sixth the radiation of traditional X-rays, the new machine also provides a safer option. It’s an exciting time to be in dentistry!

MY PHILOSOPHY ON MEDICINE: Provide exceptional dentistry and personal attention to every patient, making each experience as comfortable and painless as possible.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT I: Surf, kiteboard, wakeboard, sail and golf.

MY FAVORITE PATIENT REVIEW: “If a dentist visit could be pleasurable, this one was.”

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Darron R. Alvord, DMD Aaron B. Rawlings, DMD ACCREDITATIONS: Diplomates of the American Board

of Periodontology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Savannah Perio & Implants 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 3, Savannah 912-352-2021 615 E. Grady St., Statesboro 912-764-2196 savannahdental.com

WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: Helping you keep your teeth in the midst of bone loss and gum recession. Extractions may become necessary if dental diseases are left untreated. Under conscious sedation, we can rebuild the foundation for your teeth with bone and gum grafting, place dental implants and even provide same-day tooth replacement.

WE’RE MOST PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE: Are happy husbands and fathers. Our greatest joys include spending time with our families at the pool, on the beach or at the park.

OUR APPROACH TO MEDICINE IS: To answer all your questions and then help you choose the best treatment for you. Through comprehensive clinical exams and 3-D X-rays, we help you accomplish your dental goals, whether that includes maintaining your teeth or rebuilding your bite.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: Lived on the same street while we were in residency together, and we now live on the same street as practice partners. We were great friends before coming to Savannah and feel blessed to be able to practice our chosen profession together.

DID YOU KNOW?: After age 30, you have a 50 percent chance of developing gum disease (gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility and tooth loss).

And you are twice as likely to have gum disease if you have diabetes, and four times as likely if you smoke.

WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: The periodontics residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. We also enjoy serving with the Boy Scouts of America, in our local Rotary clubs and in our church communities.

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Julia K. Howard, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctorate of Dental Medicine,

Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: General Dentistry,

Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Adolescent and Adult Orthodontics ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Savannah Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Orthodontic Society Howard Family Dental Midtown 533 Stephenson Ave. 912-236-3557 | howardfamilydental.com

I TELL MY PATIENTS: Thank you! I appreciate their trust and the opportunity to provide the best care possible. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with my patients while helping them with their smile.

BRUSH UP ON YOUR DENTAL HEALTH BY: Visiting the dentist regularly, as often as recommended. Help overcome dental anxiety by taking a friend for support, or listen to music to relax and focus on something else. Brush and floss twice daily and always smile!

I’M SMILING BECAUSE: I am truly blessed. I am thankful to work with my family, to be supported by a terrific team and to provide care to my patients. My husband and children make my life complete. Every day I am grateful, and every day is a reason to smile.

Dentist Profiles 2015 Abby L. Dew, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Michigan ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Southeastern District Dental Society

Howard Family Dental Southside 206 E. Montgomery Crossroad 912-927-3615 howardfamilydental.com

I TELL MY PATIENTS: We’ll do whatever we can to make them feel comfortable. Last year, we started using The Wand, a computer-controlled system that makes the numbing part of the appointment much less painful.

THE HOTTEST NEW PROCEDURE I OFFER: Dental implants. They are a fantastic alternative to removable partial dentures and bridges, and are the closest thing to natural teeth in appearance and function.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Try out an electric toothbrush. It removes more plaque than a manual brush, and also times you and controls your brushing pressure. You’ll be amazed at how painless your next visit will be!

I LOVE TO SINK MY TEETH INTO: The pulled pork at Sandfly Bar-B-Q and the tingly sauce at Wiley’s. I’m from Michigan, but I love southern barbecue!

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Lindsay W. Sammons, DMD ORGANIZATIONS: American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry

Howard Family Dental Pooler 91 Brighton Woods Drive | 912-748-4858

Christy Cole Harpring, DMD ORGANIZATIONS: Georgia Dental Association, American Dental

Association, American Orthodontic Society, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Howard Family Dental Wilmington 206 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

912-897-9000 | howardfamilydental.com

WE TELL OUR PATIENTS: Overall health is directly reflected in your dental health. Eat right and take care of yourself with exercise, sleep, and great nutrition.

—Lindsay W. Sammons It is never too late to get the smile you want.

—Christy Cole Harpring WE’RE SMILING BECAUSE: I wake each day feeling blessed to be here and to take care of my wonderful patients.

Dentistry has come a long way, and I keep my skill set on the cutting edge so my patients can benefit from it. —Sammons It is the best job in the world to be able to help

people have a healthy mouth and feel better about themselves. —Harpring THE BEST FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH: Foods with a higher pH—cheese, leafy greens, carrots, celery, almonds, garlic, fish and eggs—are the best you can choose for your teeth and gums. Acidic foods cause those cavities! —Sammons THE WORST FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH: Anything with sugar. Sugar feeds the bacteria in our mouths that cause tooth decay.— Harpring THE HOTTEST NEW PROCEDURE WE BOTH OFFER: Botox injections for migraine sufferers and for the treatment of TMJ facial pain.

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Alvin H. Danenberg, DDS DENTAL DEGREE: Baltimore College of Dental Surgery CERTIFICATIONS: Specialty Certification in Periodontics,

University of Maryland School of Graduate Dentistry; Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Functional Medicine University

ORGANIZATIONS: Life member of the American Dental Association

Bluffton Center for Dentistry 29 Plantation Park Drive, Ste. 303, Bluffton, SC 843-593-8123 | blufftoncenterfordentistry.com

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I TELL MY PATIENTS: Your mouth is a mirror for the rest of your body.

THE WORST FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH: Soda—with sugar or with artificial sweeteners.

THE HOTTEST NEW PROCEDURE I OFFER: A unique laser procedure called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure). It does not involve cutting with a scalpel, and it does not involve stitches. It destroys the bacteria that cause advanced gum disease and helps your

body grow new jawbone around your teeth. The day after the procedure, you can go about your normal routine with barely any discomfort.

I’M SMILING BECAUSE: I can teach you the simple tools to have a healthy mouth and, in turn, a healthy body.

I AM DIFFERENT FROM MOST PERIODONTISTS BECAUSE: I incorporate concepts of primal nutrition and functional medicine into my treatment. Our primal ancestors didn’t have tooth-

brushes or dental floss but they rarely had tooth decay or gum disease because they ate mostly nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods from the land and the sea.

Today, primal societies around the world do not have access to man-made, processed foods and these people also rarely experience tooth decay or gum disease.

I LOVE TO SINK MY TEETH INTO: Salmon baked in parchment paper with sautéed veggies on the side.

Richard F. Porcelli, DDS, MS DENTAL DEGREE: New York University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: New York Methodist Hospital FELLOWSHIP: International Congress of Implantologists ADDITIONAL TRAINING: Post-graduate advanced dental

training from Dawson Academy ACCOLADES: Named one of America’s Top Dentists for six consecutive years by Consumers’ Research Council of America, Best Cosmetic Dentist in Bluffton (Hilton Head Monthly Magazine’s Readers’ Choice, 2013, 2014, 2015) and Top Dentist in the Greater Savannah Area, 2014, 2015 Bluffton Center for Dentistry 29 Plantation Park Drive, Ste. 303, Bluffton, SC 843-593-8123 | blufftoncenterfordentistry.com

I TELL MY PATIENTS: Your smile is your calling card!

Whether you’re going on a job interview or a first date, your teeth will reveal a lot about you.

THE BEST WAY TO A HEALTHY SMILE: Treat your whole body like a temple.

Always educate yourself on healthy eating (I prefer the Paleo Diet), drink plenty of water (our bodies require it), have annual checkups with your physician and dentist and have a great relationship with your hygienist for proper prevention.

I’M A BIG BELIEVER IN PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING BECAUSE: Over-the-counter store products can be a very nice introduction to whiter teeth, but they are not as effective as professional whitening. When it’s done at your dentists’ office, it’s much more controlled and produces a better overall result.

MY TYPICAL COSMETIC DENTAL PATIENTS: Are not age dependent whatsoever.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of

any person’s teeth, mouth or smile when a healthy condition is present. Teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, tooth reshaping and total makeovers are some options that can help everyone achieve the smile they desire.

PEOPLE TRAVEL FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO SEE ME BECAUSE: I am artistic, very well trained and work with an exceptional team of specialists under one roof. The smile designs we create are transformational for our patients.

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SMARTER MEDICINE. SMARTER CHOICES. St. Joseph’s/Candler is now more convenient than ever.

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

CANDLER HOSPITAL

11705 Mercy Boulevard | 819-4100

5353 Reynolds Street | 819-6000

ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER MEDICAL GROUP

ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER CARECALL

Primary Care Physicians and Specialists | 819-8888

Offering assistance in transferring your previous medical records, as well as help in finding a physician, general healthcare information, community resource referrals and registration for St. Joseph’s/Candler classes and seminars.

ABERCORN SOUTHSIDE

Family Medicine 11133 Abercorn Street - Suite 10 Savannah, GA 31419 912-925-3382

BLUFFTON

HILTON HEAD

Family/Internal Medicine 102 Bryan Woods Rd. Savannah, GA 31410 912-898-1122

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

MERCY PLAZA D

CLAXTON

Internal Medicine 602 East Long St. Claxton, GA 30417 912-739-3354

EISENHOWER

Family/Internal Medicine 527 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah, GA 31406 912-819-9100

Internal Medicine 159 W. Railroad St. Pembroke, GA 31321 912-653-2897

ISLANDS

Family/Sports Medicine 10 Oak Forest Rd. - Suite C Bluffton, SC 29910 843-815-3006

11700 Mercy Boulevard Plaza D, Building 1, Suite A Savannah, Ga. 31419 912-819-0500

PEMBROKE

Family Medicine 81 Main St. Hilton Head, SC 29926 843-681-1680

POOLER

Family Medicine 105 Grand Central Blvd Suite 107 Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-1999

Internal Medicine 11700 Mercy Blvd, Plaza D - Suite 1-B Savannah, GA 31419 912-927-1867

JOSE M. RENDON, MD Internal Medicine 11909-D McAuley Dr. Savannah, GA 31419 912-927-0785

METTER

RINCON

Family Medicine 10 Doctors St. Metter, GA 30439 912-685-5715

Family Medicine 423 S. Columbia Ave. Rincon, GA 31326 912-826-8860

NEUROLOGY

11706 Mercy Boulevard, Plaza A Building 10 Savannah, GA 31419 912-819-4949

WWW.SJCHS.ORG

HEALTH INFORMATION 819-3360 | (800) 622-6877 (Georgia and South Carolina) CLASS REGISTRATION 819-3368 | (800) 501-4054 (Georgia and South Carolina)