Savannah Magazine Health supplement 2022 by Savannah Magazine

health COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH | HEALTH-TECH ADVANCEMENTS

MEET THE

MEDICAL EXPERTS page S40

15 community health resources you need to know

PUTTING OUT THE FLAMES

Real relief for acid reﬂux

SAVING FACE

Cutting-edge skin care testing

COVID

Carryover

A Free Supplement of Savannah Magazine

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The problems that persist post-pandemic

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Savannah Health E D I T OR' S

Savannah Health

L ETTER

I’LL BE THE FIRST to admit that I’m suffering from COVID fatigue. Every time someone begins, “Well, because of COVID …,” or “Since COVID …” something in me fires, and I involuntarily wince. But that’s hardly fair because though I’d like to believe we’re on the other side of COVID and life is returning to “normal,” I have to accept that so much has changed. I have to wrap my head around the fact that while my family has survived, more than 1 million people have died in the U.S. alone. Children lost their parents and parents lost their children. Countless loved ones didn’t get to say goodbye, and those people are still searching for a form of closure that will not come. I also have to accept that there are possibly still unknown, long-term effects of the virus and immediate ones that are making themselves painfully obvious — like our children struggling to return to the classroom and the palpable ways their mental health has been affected (page S20). So no, COVID is not gone. The disease and its effects are very much still with us. This was particularly evident to me when I contracted COVID for the first time while editing Savannah magazine’s Health supplement. How ironic. It’s mid-2022, and I did the mask wearing, social distancing and all the vaxxing, all to keep the ‘VID at bay ... and yet as soon as things loosen, whoop there it is. Granted, the vaxxing and boosting has made my bout mercifully short, but I think of those who didn’t have that protection. Who don’t. Today, my best friend’s elderly father-in-law was admitted to the ER with COVID, and his outcome is uncertain. We may be done with COVID, but COVID is not done with us. This isn’t meant to be a doomsday message, but rather a reminder of the importance of our health and the health of our community — and how we should tend to both. I take a lot of pride in serving as the editor of this Health special section, because I get to share the issues our city faces and the tools available to create change, like the Sound Start program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (page S30). I get to celebrate the stories of groundbreakers and earthshakers like Dr. Thomas Jui-Ting Yeh, who performed the first open-heart surgery in Savannah (page S70). I get to help direct people toward the rich resources available, created by professionals who have made helping others their life’s work, like perinatal mental health provider Bridget Cross (page S22). This issue may feel a little different than those prior, and that’s probably just a sign of the times. To me, this issue seems more holistic. We’re sharing ways to not only heal the body, but the mind and spirit also. In the end, they’re all connected; we’re all connected. So please be better to yourself and each other. Andrea Goto Editor

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

TA B LE O F CO N T E N T S In this Issue S4

Editor's letter

Trending S6

New in 912

Awards & Accolades

S10 Tech Boon S10 Free Fitness (for Real) S12

Hooah! for Hoist

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Mindfulness Over Matter

Be Well S14

Tension Clenchin’

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Dropping Acid ... for Good

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Clairvoyant Dermatology

S20 Schoolhouse Stress S22 Beyond Baby Blues S25 One Tiny Beet at a Time S26 Coastal Calm S30 Listen to Learn, Learn to Listen S34 What If ...? S36 Stronger, Faster, Sooner

Special Advertising Sections S40 Meet the Doctors S56 Meet the Medical Professionals S65 Meet the Dentists

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

INTRODUCES

Dr. Kelsey Alexander, M.D., LLC CONCIERGE PEDIATRICS

The devotion of traditional medicine with modern-day conveniences for children from birth and up. Serving all of Savannah and surrounding areas.

THE VILLAGE ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND To learn more visit

CoastalCarePartners.com (912) 598-6312

Savannah Health

TRENDING

If you’re suffering from an ailment that modern NEW IN THE medicine can’t seem to diagnose or treat, a different approach might provide some answers. Dr. Sarah Solinger is the only double board-certified naturopathic doctor in the area and has seen firsthand how this form of health care can help those suffering with undiagnosed, chronic conditions. At Root Health LLC (45 Rosemont St., Richmond Hill), which celebrates its one-year anniversary in July, Solinger takes a holistic approach to healing, considering the whole person — mind, body and spirit — in her treatment, and she incorporates homeopathic medicine, one of the oldest forms of medicine, to help patients return to health. When it comes to regeneration, think of the starfish — the underwater creature that can regrow lost limbs. As applied to humans who lack this superpower, regenerative medicine is the process of creating

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living, functional tissues to repair or replace those lost to age, disease, damage or defects. This medical magic can be achieved through a number of procedures, the newest of which Dr. Allen Meglin of Advanced Regenerative Therapy (617 Stephenson Ave.), introduced to his practice this past fall: the Prism Light Pod. The whole-body red light therapy system delivers noninvasive wavelengths into the skin, muscles, deep tissues, joint and body cells to ignite regenerative healing. Addressing everything from joint pain, aging skin and chronic inflammation, this pain-free pod gets a green light. With prices soaring in all facets of life, we’ll take a break wherever we can get one. And lucky for us, Scripta Insights, a healthcare IT company co-founded in 2019 by a Savannah doctor, has made it their mission to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for self-insured employers and their members. In layperson terms, Scripta provides analytics and insights to help existing pharmacy benefit managers (the third-party connectors between

employers, members, drug wholesalers, pharmacies and drug companies) facilitate the best possible health outcomes at the best possible cost. And Scripta’s slogan best boils it down: The right meds at the best price. Medical practices are poppin’ like champagne corks, bringing new health care options to our area. Here’s one to smile about: Dr. Stephanie Sweeney’s spa-like dental practice cut the ribbon for its new location in Richmond Hill, where Savannah Dental (12560 GA Hwy. 144) will continue a tradition of offering oral health care and cosmetic dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility. Memorial Health University Physicians Women’s Care has expanded services to the islands (1004 Memorial Lane, Ste. 500), captained by specialist Dr. Amelia Bostwick, a Savannah native. Bostwick provides full service OB-GYN care and performs roboticassisted gynecologic surgeries. Also focusing on women’s health, Coastal Imaging has opened the Center for Women’s Health in Pooler (105 Grand Central Blvd., Ste. 106),

WE’RE ALWAYS HEAR FOR YOU Meet the Experts at Georgia Ear Nose & Throat. The fellowship-trained, board-certified and highly-respected physicians at Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists always strive to make the most complex of treatments easily understood – even to the youngest of patients. Stephanie Ambrose, MD Dr. Stephanie Ambrose is highly-trained expert in Pediatric Otolaryngology, and provides the region’s only expertise in cleft lip and cleft palate corrective surgery.

Dr. Stephanie Ambrose

Dr. Tyler DeBlieux

Tyler DeBlieux, MD Dr. Tyler DeBlieux specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat. He has special interests in sleep surgery, thyroid and parotid surgery and voice disorder surgery. Robert Logan, MD The first Otolaryngology resident in the Emory University / Grady Memorial Hospital program, Dr. Logan also brought the first Otolaryngology laser to Savannah for surgical use. Michael Poole, MD Dr. Poole is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist and the only ENT physician in the U.S with a doctorate in microbiology. He is considered his specialty’s top expert in antibiotic treatment of ENT infections and has authored or coauthored several national and international guidelines concerning treatment of sinus and ear infections.

Dr. Robert Logan

SAVA N N A H P E D IAT R IC E NT

5356 Reynolds St, Suite 505 | D,Savannah, GA 31405 M ICH AEL PO OLE, M Ph D 912-356-1515

Dr. Michael Poole

YOUR FACE TO OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS AND THE REGION’S ONLY FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED BOARD-CERTIFIED FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON.

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY DR. TIMOTHY MINTON, MD EYELID SURGERY • FACELIFT / NECK LIFT • FACETITE • SKIN CANCER SURGERY • RHINOPLASTY BOTOX/ FILLERS • LASER SKIN REJUVENATON • FULL MEDSPA SERVICES MICRONEEDLING • CHEMICAL PEELS • SKINCARE • HAIR RESTORATION

a division of Georgia Ear Nose and Throat Specialists

where women have access to 2D and 3D mammography, incision-free biopsies, ultrasound exams and more using some of the newest technology available. And here’s one for the kiddies: Coastal Care Partners is opening a concierge care pediatric practice in July in The Village on Skidaway Island (4B Skidaway Village Walk). Dr. Kelsey Alexander, formerly of Coastal Pediatrics, seeks to offer a quality patient experience by limiting the number of patients to give families the time and attention they deserve. Alexander offers her patients extended, direct access — a bonus for concerned parents. Most insurances are accepted, though there is an enrollment fee of $100. A small price to pay for what might become the new model for pediatric health services. The Center for Digestive and Liver Health, the largest GI practice in the state outside of Atlanta, ushers in a new era with the addition of Dr. Dan Mullady, the former chief interventional endoscopist at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mullady will contribute to the Center’s ongoing evolution by performing endoscopic procedures (using a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip) that previously required patients to travel to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville or the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The CDC has reported that cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S., which includes the 41,000 deaths that result from secondhand smoke exposure. As such, things are getting even tougher for tobacco. In December 2019, the President signed the “Tobacco 21” or “T21” law into effect, making it a violation of federal law for any retailer to sell tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21. More recently, Tybee Island enacted a beach ban on smoking and vaping in June. It’s been a continuous effort to help protect people from the harms of smoking. Some may remember that just 11 years ago the City of Savannah issued the Smokefree Air Ordinance, prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces. You’ve come a long way, baby.

When teens leave home for college, their mom’s medicine cabinet doesn’t go with them. This is why Savannah mom Beth Windom Stewart, who is also a college clinic nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of health care experience working with young adults, developed The College Student First Aid Kit that’s earning rave reviews on Amazon. The kit comes in two sizes: the Ultimate Kit ($124.99) is stocked with more than 40 different medications, ointments, creams, drops, tool and wound care items the average college student will need at some point; whereas the Travel Kit ($79.95) is a streamlined, portable option. Both contain all those necessary items parents have collected over the years for those just-in-case ailments. School Kits are customized according to school preference. For instance, the SCAD Savannah Edition ($139.95) includes all items in the Ultimate Kit — plus things like bug spray and sting relief pack because, you know, Savannah. Some clinical trials have changed the course of medicine, offering breakthroughs when it comes to the successful treatment of illnesses and diseases. With the opening of iResearch Savannah (609 E. 69th St.), a multi-specialty clinical research center, the next medical breakthrough could come from right here in Savannah. Offering expertise across a wide range of therapeutic studies in phases II-IV — FDA speak for the size and scope of a clinical trial — iResearch often focuses on pharmaceutical and medical device research, in particular. Their mission statement sums it up nicely: The center is dedicated to making a difference in our local and global community, to better our health today and in the future. This year, Healthy Savannah celebrates 15 years of working to promote equitable opportunities for residents to participate in physical activity and eat healthfully. In honor of this achievement, the organization has partnered with local Ashford Tea Company to offer Health Equi-Tea, a special blend of chamomile, turmeric, peppermint and sweet blackberry leaves. You can feel as good drinking it as you do buying it: a portion of the proceeds directly support the excellent work of Healthy Savannah.

Awards & Accolades Memorial University Medical Center earned the designation as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) in 2020 and is one of only six in Georgia. CSC’s offer the highest quality of care for the most complex stroke cases, furthering Memorial Health’s reputation for excellence. The hospital was also recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. Chatham Orthopaedic Surgery Center has been ranked the No. 4 orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center in the U.S. by Newsweek and global research firm Statista. “We are extremely proud of our team for their efforts in achieving this national ranking,” says Dr. Dow Hoffman, medical director for the Chatham Orthopaedic Surgery Center. “Using regional anesthesia for joint replacement surgery is a key component in our ability to offer a decreased length of stay, minimal blood loss and maximum pain relief following surgery.” Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, a network of local advocates whose aim is to improve community wellbeing through community initiatives, has been awarded a four-year $600,000 grant from the Atlantabased Pittulloch Foundation to address childhood trauma and mental health issues. The funds will go a long way in improving trauma response for children and expanding current programs working to address the sharp rise of mental health issues in the Savannah area, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Savannah Health

Tech Boon

Personal training without the person Written by HAYDEN WILDE

IF YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE people who wander around the gym, fiddle with the equipment, try to figure out how to use it and give up, there’s a solution. Say goodbye to awkward, uninspiring and ineffective gym workouts with the new high-tech EGYM equipment at the Habersham and Effingham YMCA locations. EGYM members receive an individualized wristband that saves their height, weight and flexibility, so the machines automatically adjust to your body. No matter your level of fitness or what you want to work on — weight loss, muscle growth or injury prevention — the EGYM equipment guides you toward your goals. Made by athletes, for athletes, the EGYM comes with several perks for active people. It measures muscle

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imbalances, which helps with injury prevention and even has a workout program designed to strengthen connective tissues. “It’s an amazing workout for athletes and those who are doing explosive activities over and over again,” says Krystal McGee, chief operating officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. For those who are trying to come back from an injury or illness, the EGYM offers rehabilitation aid, thanks to pre-planned workouts. Finally, the EGYM app is designed to motivate. It lets users earn activity points, which creates healthy competition among members and helps them stay consistent — with so many features, there are no excuses to skip the gym.

Free Fitness (for Real) Few things in life are free, but Planet Fitness’ High School Summer Pass is legit free. The franchise offers teens ages 14–19 a summer membership that runs through August 31. Your teen can can sign up in-gym or online. The hook? There is no hook; it’s just a great opportunity for teens to try out #gymlife. planetfitness.com

O U R B OA R D - C E RT I F I E D G A S T RO E N T E RO LO G I S T S

Brent W. Acker, MD

Mark E. Murphy, MD

George C. Aragon, MD

Steven Carpenter, MD

Charles W. Duckworth, MD

Daniel K. Mullady, MD

Mark R. Nyce, MD

Madeline R. Russell, MD

Edward Rydzak, MD

Ryan C. Wanamaker, MD

O U R A DVA N C E D P R AC T I C E P ROV I D E R S Elizabeth Buck, FNP-BC, Chelsea Hendrix, FNP-C, Alex Holtzclaw, PA-C,

912.303.4200

Allison C. Long, NP-C, Samantha Summerlin, PA-C, Sarah Zhong, PA-C

LO C AT I O N S SAVANNAH: 1139 Lexington Ave, Savannah, GA 31404 POOLER: 1000 Towne Center Blvd, Ste 701, Pooler, GA 31322 HARDEEVILLE: 1010 Medical Center Dr, Ste 100, Hardeeville, SC 29927 WWW.SAVANNAHGI.COM

WINNER 2O18

M A GA ZIN E

2019 WINNER

2 02 1 R U N N E R - U P

Savannah Health T R E NDING

HOOAH! FOR HOIST

Military-grade hydration drink is the newest civilian craze in the Southeast Written by ANDREA GOTO

WHEN HOIST, an electrolyte hydration beverage, claims to be “warfighter-tested and battlefield approved,” it’s not hyperbole. The Cincinnati-born bev is the official hydration supplier of the U.S. Department of Defense, used at more than 50 military bases worldwide, including Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. As an Operational Rationsapproved product, HOIST can also be used in U.S. Military humanitarian missions to replenish and rehydrate victims of natural disasters and international conflict. But what separates HOIST from your grandmother’s Gatorade or your older brother’s Biolyte? Kind of a lot. Absent of added colors, high fructose corn syrup, dyes, artificial sweeteners or preservatives, HOIST provides a way to hydrate faster while consuming fewer calories and less volume. The drink’s specially formulated blend of carbohydrates, fluids and electrolytes (three times more than that of traditional sports drinks) closely matches the human body’s natural osmolality, which is science-speak for saying HOIST absorbs rapidly without the need for digestion. HOIST was founded in 2009, hit limited convenience stores in 2017 and just last year expanded to grocers in the Southeast, including Parker’s, Food Lion and Fresh Market. Since then, consumers have been throwing back the five flavors that come in bottled or powder form, to combat and recover from grueling workouts and heat exhaustion to jet-lag and overindulgence. The company’s mission isn’t limited to making sure you complete yours; they also give back, partnering with notable foundations and programs that support current and retired service members, like Disabled American Veterans and the Special Forces Foundation. drinkhoist.com

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Mindfulness Over Matter A NEW SPACE EXPLORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND HEALTH Written by HAYDEN WILDE

AT THE RIPE AGE OF 123, the newly renovated building on the corner of East York and Houston streets in Savannah’s Historic District has housed its fair share of educators and students. What began as the Kate Baldwin Free Kindergarten transitioned to the Savannah Nursery School and then to a Montessori preschool. Soon, the historic building will shift shapes again, though teachers and students will continue to inhabit the space — albeit of a different kind. With its red brick facade, arched entrance door and large windows looking over Greene Square, the building serves as the perfect location for creativity, collaboration and spiritual cultivation at Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit, opening in July, which will offer classes in meditation, breathwork, voice work, creative writing and visual arts. Founders James Lough and his wife, Jennefer Morris, both SCAD professors, have been dreaming of a place that helps artists foster creativity and free expression. After teaching writing at SCAD for 17 years, Lough is preparing for retirement, but with this new endeavor he won’t have to leave teaching entirely. “Each of us will teach in our own specialties, but we’ve got a whole lineup of yoga, Qigong and other writing teachers besides myself,” Lough says. At the center of it all lies the idea that creativity flows best from a place where one feels at home with oneself, and to access this place, one must be mentally and spiritually well. The Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit aims to teach people how to practice mindfulness to tap into this authentic source of creativity. Given the number of artists in Savannah and those seeking spiritual growth and healing in a post-COVID world, the Clearing House will serve as a much-needed haven. “It’s going to be beautiful,” Morris says, referring as much to the building as to the good work that will be produced. facebook.com/clearinghousesavannah

501 EISENHOWER DRIVE, SAVANNAH

912.354.1515 613 TOWNE PARK DRIVE W., STE. 301, RINCON

912.295.5199 1000 TOWNE CENTER BLVD., STE. 103, POOLER

912.748.4365 CHATHAMORALSURGERY.COM

hatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. Thanks to its skilled and experienced team, Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. The practice is excited to announce its newest team members, Charles T. Quasney DMD and Bryan M. Benton DMD.

MICHAEL C. WILSON DMD, CHARLES T. QUASNEY DMD, BRYAN M. BENTON DMD AND PAUL M. HINCHEY DMD MD

Introducing

C H A R L E S T. Q U A S N E Y D M D Dr. Quasney, an oral surgeon in the Pooler office, attended Florida State University, where he received a degree in chemical sciences with a minor in biology. In 2011, he was awarded the Health Professions Scholarship by the US Navy and completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. At MUSC he received the William “Ben” Irby Senior Dental Student award by recommendation from the South Carolina Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the DeChamplain Scholarship for Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In 2015, after graduation, Dr. Quasney was commissioned in the US Navy and reported to Ohio State University to complete a four-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He’s now a diplomate in the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Quasney’s surgical interests include dental implants, wisdom tooth management and dental extractions, bone grafting, facial trauma and oral pathology. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Quasney enjoys time on the boat with his wife and two children. He also enjoys fishing, hunting and playing a variety of sports.

D R . B RYA N M . B E N T O N

B RYA N M . B E N T O N D M D Dr. Benton grew up in Macon with dentistry in his family. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology and then attended the Dental College of Georgia. While in Augusta, he discovered his interest in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received awards in maxillofacial radiology and maxillofacial surgery, participated in research and presented at national meetings. After receiving his DMD, he remained in Augusta and entered the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the Dental College of Georgia. During residency, Dr. Benton trained in the broad scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with emphasis on office procedural sedation. He began ongoing research in reducing post-operative narcotic use and served as chief resident before graduating from the program in 2020.

D R . C H A R L E S T. Q U A S N E Y

Dr. Benton’s surgical interests include dental implants, wisdom tooth management and dental extractions, bone grafting, facial trauma and oral pathology. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of AAOMS, ADA, GDA, GSOMS and the Hinman Dental Society. He is certified in ACLS, PALS, ATLS and BLS. Outside of work, Dr. Benton enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, who is a general dentist. He enjoys exercise, being outdoors, travelling, cooking and spending time with friends. To find out more about oral and maxillofacial surgery or how Dr. Quasney and Dr. Benton can help you, reach out to our offices in Savannah, Rincon or Pooler or go to chathamoralsurgery.com.

Savannah Health

BE WELL

Tension Clenchin' STRESSORS FROM COVID ARE JACKING UP OUR JAWS Written by ANDREA GOTO

IF YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELF dealing with more dental issues, such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching and jaw pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, it probably isn’t just a coincidence. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that the stress and anxiety associated with the constant threat of illness, economic concerns and social isolation could lead to adverse health effects like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding). Local dentists can confirm this trend. “‘COVID clenching’ is what it’s been termed,” says Dr. Scott Cohen of the clenching and grinding caused by

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stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. Before the lockdown, Cohen would generally see one or two patients a month complaining of joint issues or pain, but shortly after the COVID lockdown was lifted, those numbers increased 400 percent. “I thought it was just my patients, and then a lot of dentists started communicating, and we realized it was happening everywhere,” he says. Dr. Eric Gladden has seen a similar increase at his practice. “When we opened back up after COVID, we put a lot of people in [mouth] guards pretty quickly,” he says. “Everybody’s level of stress is higher, and part of that is manifested in clenching and

grinding their teeth.” The guards Gladden mentioned come in a variety of forms. Most people are probably familiar with the night guards worn while sleeping that fit over the top or bottom teeth to protect the teeth from grinding, though they don’t prevent clenching. Cohen recommends the Bite Saw, a type of mouth guard that fits over the top front six teeth. When you bite down, only your front teeth touch, which prevents not only grinding but also clenching. “The neuroreceptors in your teeth — even when you’re asleep — won’t let you bite any harder because the front teeth aren’t meant to be grinding teeth, they’re meant to be cutting teeth,” Cohen explains. When only the front teeth touch, the clenching muscle can’t activate. Gladden notes that guards can be expensive and most people don’t like wearing them during the day, so he prefers to first give patients exercises to try like pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which relaxes those clenching muscles. He also recommends not chewing gum and says that applying a heating pad with a damp cloth underneath it to the jaw joint can help wash out the lactic acid that builds up in those muscles and causes them to shorten or fire involuntarily. Gladden says Botox is an option, and some people swear by acupuncture as a treatment. “I’m a believer in whatever works,” he adds. Even patients who don’t consider themselves anxious or have never been teeth grinders before may not realize they’re doing it. If you experience headaches, teeth sensitivity, jaw pain, feeling like you suddenly can’t close your bite, or even less obvious signs like pressure in your head and neck area or having the sensation that your ears are full of water, you may be subconsciously grinding or clenching and should confer with your dentist before the discomfort worsens or you crack or break a tooth.

REHABILITATION TEAM –SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Back row: Dvora Gottlieb, MMSc, CCC-SLP; Wendy Bath, OTR/L ; Pamela Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP; Heather Batchelor, MSP, CCC-SLP Front row: Dr. Diamond Rashad, OTR/L; Cathy Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP; and Michelle L. Lynes, M.Ed., CCC-SLP Not pictured: Glena R. Harlan, MA, CCC-SLP

AUDIOLOGY TEAM Maddie Schmidt, Au.D.; Caroline Zuck, Au.D.; Lauren Alvarado, Audiology Assistant Not pictured: Leigh Ann E. Burke, BC-HIS, Hearing Aid Dispenser

SPEECH THERAPY

AUDIOLOGY

We provide speech, language, voice, and stuttering therapies, as well as reading support, to clients of all ages. We evaluate and work with the Center’s OTs to address children’s feeding concerns. We welcome family observation and encourage participation in our sessions because this creates more conﬁdent partners when it is time to practice at home!

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Come see our beautiful new gyms at the Center! We treat infants, children, and adolescents with physical, sensory, feeding, or cognitive challenges, helping them accomplish and progress toward achieving fulﬁllment and independence.

Our audiologists provide the best adult and pediatric hearing services possible, including hearing testing, hearing aid ﬁttings and cochlear implant mapping. We provide careful advice when you come in, and we are right here and available when you have questions or needs after your hearing health appointment.

S P E E C H A N D H E A R I N G S AV.O R G | 9 1 2 . 3 5 5 . 4 6 0 1 5414 Skidaway Road (Savannah) | 711 Zitterour Road (Rincon) | 1145 U.S. Highway 80, Suite H (Pooler)

Savannah Health B E

Dropping Acid … for Good

WELL

MAGNETIC IMPLANTS GIVE HOPE TO THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM SEVERE ACID REFLUX Written by AMELIA PARKES

IF YOU OFTEN EXPERIENCE severe heartburn and acid reflux, there’s a seemingly magical magnetic solution at SouthCoast Health. Sandy Morrison suffered from heartburn and reflux for 30 years. Even when she slept sitting up to decrease acid buildup, she would often wake in the middle of the night choking on stomach acid, and that caused her to vomit. The reflux caused her to constantly clear her throat and cough when she ate, and while over-the-counter and prescription acid relief medications treated the symptoms, they didn’t cure her problem. Some people can control their acid reflux with diet, but that was not the case with Morrison. “It was never a food that really activated it,” she says. “There were times when I would simply drink water and it flared up.” — SANDY Morrison, who was living in California at the time, finally spoke with her doctor there, who put a monitor in her esophagus to record the severity of her reflux. The results were conclusive. “The doctor came in and said, ‘Congratulations, you’re in the top 1 percent of the worst cases,’” she recalls. Morrison’s doctor in California found a revolutionary surgical solution. The LINX Reflux Management System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores implanted at the bottom of a patient’s esophagus. Food can move through the device into the stomach, but the implant is designed to prevent stomach acid from backing up into the patient’s esophagus. Dr. Jeffrey Mandel, head of surgery at SouthCoast Health, has placed over 500 LINX implants since 2013 and was recommended to Morrison when she relocated to Savannah. Mandel says this

a great solution for people with frequent, severe acid reflux and those who do not want to rely on acid-reducing medication for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many people suffering from symptoms continue to do so in silence, thinking either it’s no big deal or don’t realize that this procedure may be an option. The device is implanted laparoscopically — Mandel only makes five small incisions — so for most people, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. Mandel says patients need to eat a special, softer diet and take small bites for a few weeks and then come in for follow-up testing. Morrison received the implant in 2017 and says relief after surgery was immediate. “It was simple — I was in, then I was out. There was truly no recovery time,” she says. One of the benefits of the procedure MORRISON is that patients are still able to vomit if, for example, they contract a stomach virus. The strength of the magnets allows food to move through in either direction, but restricts stomach acid in particular. Mandel says this procedure is not for everyone: The implant isn’t indicated for people who only get occasional heartburn or for younger patients who aren’t finished growing. But Morrison believes if she had not had this procedure, she could have developed more serious issues. In fact, her doctor told her she was in the beginning stages of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that alters tissue in the lower esophagus and increases a person’s chance of developing esophageal cancer. Morrison thinks anyone suffering from heartburn and reflux can benefit from this magnetic implant. “If you have severe heartburn like I did,” she asks, “why wouldn’t you?”

“It was simple — I was in, then I was out. There was truly no recovery time.”

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At Schulze Eye & Surgery Center, we are dedicated to excellence in surgical eye care. Combining leading-edge technology with personalized attention to our patients, we can open your eyes to a whole new world of decreased dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether your needs include traditional or refractive cataract surgery, custom LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or corneal transplants, our on-site ambulatory surgery center allows for surgery in a specialized setting, affording greater efficiencies & lower costs to our patients. You can count on our skilled staff to give you personal attention before, during and after surgery to help you achieve your visual best.

Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr.

728 E. 67th St. | Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-3120 | Schulze-Eye.com

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CLAIRVOYANT DERMATOLOGY

INNOVATIVE TESTING HELPS DOCTORS DECODE SKIN CANCERS Written by ANDREA GOTO

CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS keep on coming. Castle Biosciences, a leading diagnostic company, has developed tests that are not only a roadmap for how to treat skin cancers, they can also indicate the likelihood that cancer has spread or will reoccur. This groundbreaking achievement has already been recognized by The MedTech Breakthrough Awards, citing the innovation as the “2022 Best New Technology Solution in Dermatology” and the “2021 Best New Technology in Oncology,” and they’re available right here in the Lowcountry. Castle’s tests — DecisionDxMelanoma and DecisionDx-SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) — work by harnessing the genetic profile of the cancer so a more specific and precise treatment plan can be developed. Sometimes this means reducing unnecessary procedures. “Because we can determine the cancerous potential by looking at the gene expression, it keeps us from having to biopsy lesions in cosmetic areas,” says Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology, which offers Castle testing.

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lung lesions, allowing doctors to begin treating what would have otherwise gone undetected. And more innovation is on the horizon. Castle is currently working to develop a genomic test aimed at predicting response to therapy in patients with moderate-tosevere psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

“It also helps the surgeon determine how aggressive to be with removal of the lesion and lymph node biopsies.” Or, the tumor biology may suggest that additional testing be done. “I have had several patients where further testing would not have been done and metastasis would have been missed,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology. She recalls a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp and two places on the face. The Castle test indicated that the patient was at high risk for having cancers elsewhere. Additional testing revealed that the patient also had

“Because we can determine the cancerous potential by looking at the gene expression, it keeps us from having to biopsy lesions in cosmetic areas.” —DR. CORINNE HOWINGTON OF LOW COUNTRY DERMATOLOGY

MEET THE DOCTORS

James Bazemore, M.D. SAVANNAH

Erik D. Bernstein, M.D

Alexis Hess, P.A.

Mikhail Novikov, M.D.

Rafael David Rodriguez, M.D.

Camden Helder, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

SAVANNAH

1115 Lexington Ave Savannah, GA 31404 912-354-4813

BLUFFTON

16 Okatie Center Blvd Suite 100 Okatie, SC 29909 843-706-9955

SOUTH CAROLINA

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

BEAUFORT

16 Kemmerlin Lane Suite A Beaufort, SC 29907 843-524-2002

SAVANNAH

Edie Willis, P.A.

SAVANNAH

Jessica Coleman, M.D.

Rebecca Sentman, M.D.

SAVANNAH

Luis Polo, N.P.

SAVANNAH

SOUTH CAROLINA

Dana Kumjian, M.D.

SAVANNAH

William Grubb, M.D. BRUNSWICK/JESUP

Kendra Lott, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

JESUP

111 Colonial Way Ste 2 Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-1919

THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM

Bryan Krull, D.O.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

Beth Respess, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

RINCON

604 Towne Park West Rincon, GA 31326 912-354-4813

BRUNSWICK

3025 Shrine Road Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133

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SCHOOLHOUSE STRESS REAL TALK ON THE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Written by LILY AVERY

SINCE COVID-19 BEGAN raging around the globe two years ago, we’ve learned how to maneuver our way through change. We wore masks when needed. We stood arms-length apart from one another. We fought to protect the elderly and the vulnerable. We turned company offices into screens and leaned into a new, often-virtual life. As we navigated back to “a new normal,” we knew our kids were struggling, but many of us were optimistic that when the world reopened, our kids would bounce back. Kids seem particularly resilient, but the drastic decline of mental health in children, youth and young adults since the pandemic struck suggests otherwise. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety has increased an alarming 25 percent worldwide since the pandemic began. In Savannah, local mental health experts suspect that estimate echoes much the same. While life might now be “back to normal” for many people, the ripple effects of the pandemic on the youngest generation is far from normal. For one local middle school teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous due to privacy purposes, walking back into the in-person classroom wasn’t met with the excitement he expected. At the very least, he anticipated a classroom full of kids eager to spend time with friends and pursue extracurriculars, but what he found was an almost unrecognizable group of students. “You expect middle schoolers to be rambunctious and enthusiastic and full of energy, but I wasn’t seeing that,” he says. “I walked into a classroom of kids who either couldn’t pick up on social cues, like knowing when a peer wanted to talk to them, or who simply didn’t talk at all.” He explains that this continued, though at a less extreme, over the course of the school year. “I’ve been teaching for quite a few years and have yet to see anything like this,” he adds. “I think a lot of this is due to the lack of interaction with each other and not having a strong, structured system every day. Losing that structure really made a lot of kids function differently.”

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When schools were forced to shut their doors and trade in white boards for computer monitors, students no longer experienced a daily routine, class schedule, diverse social interactions or the stability that comes with a traditional school week. Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, a pediatric psychologist at Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, explains how these abrupt changes came at a critical time in adolescent social development across the board, from elementary students learning the basics of socializing to high schoolers navigating the nuances of more complex social scenarios. The result is staggering, often resulting in reduced social learning, which is an essential building block for managing day-to-day activities and interactions. “The immediate result was that children did not develop skills in the way their counterparts would have years before, but the long-term implications are particularly challenging,” HofstadterDuke says. “They may have become accustomed to avoiding life’s challenging situations rather than managing these challenges in a healthy manner.” Although readjusting to routines and the normalcy of a postlockdown life has been a key contributor to mental health decline, it’s not the only emotional impact brought from the pandemic. Many children are grieving the loss of loved ones to COVID-19 (according to a CDC study, an estimated 175,000 children lost a parent or caregiver). The trauma from that alone, combined with the stressors of living through a pandemic, is significant. The exact number of youth and adolescents experiencing a decline in mental health is difficult to collect data on, but anecdotally the uptick can be seen in the increased number of adolescent cases and longer wait times at practices. Patients can expect to wait up to several weeks to receive an initial evaluation at most mental health practices, compared to what used to be a couple of days, according to office managers at area practices such as Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics and Shrink Savannah. For those

AFFORDABLE HELP

Mental health support and training should not be costprohibitive. As such, a number of area organizations offer these services at low or no cost. Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council The council’s Safety and Resiliency programs that partner with nonproﬁts like Front Porch Improv and Park Place Outreach offer training for children, teens and adults in suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, trauma-informed practices and health and wellness. chathamsafetynet.org

struggling just to manage daily life, time is more precious than ever. At Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, staff are constantly working to keep the wait list as short as possible and have even begun expanding group therapy options to lower costs and increase accessibility. With the mental health-care system saturated and economic gaps making care unaffordable to some, many have turned to schools for help. On a national level, the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act have helped many schools increase access to counselors and social workers to meet the demand. In the Savannah area and across the state, schools are bringing mental health awareness into the classroom. Through ongoing training provided by individual school systems and area school counselors, teachers are taught to look for warning signs, provide weekly check-ins and connect those in need with help. Still, many children and adolescents go unreached as school systems and mental health-care practices rally to meet the increased need. Hofstadter-Duke notes that inherent in every challenge is an opportunity, and the child mental health crisis is no different. “This is an opportunity for us to teach our children how to face and manage life’s challenges, because we can say with certainty that there is no life untouched by pain or struggle,” she says. “If we can build strength in our children and arm them with the skills that they need to face any difficulties that life will bring, they will truly be a stronger generation than those before them.”

Gateway Community Service Board Gateway provides services such as individual, group and family counseling and psychiatric evaluations and care to children, adolescents and adults. A sliding scale fee based on family income and ability to pay means that everyone has access to their services. gatewaycsb.org

EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

While we’re still learning the impact of COVID-19 on a child’s mental health, if you see a child struggling, there are resources available for immediate help. Georgia Crisis and Access Line 800.715.4225 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255 Peer Support “Warm Line” 888.945.1414 The Georgia Mental Health consumer-directed “warm line” is for anyone struggling with mental health issues, available 24 hours a day. National Alliance on Mental Illness Savannah 912.353.7143 National Hopeline Network 800.273.8255

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Beyond the Baby Blues HOW COMMUNITY RESOURCES CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH Written by HAYLEE GEMEINER

PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs) are the most common childbearing complication in the U.S., according to Postpartum Support International, and though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research shows that 1 in 8 women report symptoms of postpartum depression after giving birth, many choose not to seek help out of fear of judgment or mistreatment. Perinatal mental health provider Bridget Cross is committed to breaking the maternal mental health stigma by connecting Savannah moms through the Nurture Community Support Group. This eight-week, donation-based support group is offered two to three times a year to parents with babies up to a year old. It’s free to join, and members connect through the Nurture Community Support Group Facebook page as well as weekly meetups in Daffin Park. With this support group, Cross hopes to foster a judgment-free environment that affirms all parenting experiences, while also providing a wealth of maternal health information. Although the group is not intended to be a replacement for mental health treatment, it does provide support, community and resources to mothers struggling with the transition from pregnancy to new parenthood.

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“It’s completely changed my life,” says Lizzie Daiss, a member of the group who joined at the suggestion of her maternal mental health therapist. After trying for years to get pregnant, Daiss had her baby in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and had a difficult time coping with how isolated she felt as a new mother — a common postpartum experience only exacerbated by the pandemic. After her positive experience in the Nurture Community Support Group, Daiss encourages all Savannah moms to consider joining. “I learned how different motherhood is for everyone and how to discuss challenges I would be facing with a new baby, such as [breast]feeding, my relationship with my family, my body and so much more.” Before moving to Savannah in 2015, Cross worked as an individual and family psychotherapist in New York City and, similar to Daiss, she and her partner struggled with infertility issues. After she conceived her first child through IVF, she experienced severe postpartum depression that left her feeling helpless and alone. “I get why it’s important for moms who are struggling to have other parents around letting them know that if they feel this way, they’re not alone,” Cross says.

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More Resources for New Moms

— BRIDGET CROSS, PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

Shortly after moving to Savannah, Cross discovered that there weren’t any clinicians in the area that had specific perinatal training and decided she would fill the gap. “It was a professional decision, but I came to it through my own experiences,” Cross says. “It was also an important part of my own healing process.” In addition to Cross’s private practice as a licensed clinical social worker, she also serves on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) Georgia Chapter, volunteers as a PSI State Coordinator for the Savannah area and helped form the Maternal Mental Health Collective of Savannah in 2019, which aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues related to childbearing. “New parenthood can be very isolating,” Cross says, which is why she and other perinatal mental health advocates create spaces like the Nurture Community Support Group. Being around other like-minded, empathetic parents can be affirming for new mothers, especially those with PMADs. The hope is that the more parents and mothers who participate in support groups and community initiatives around maternal mental health, the more they will use the resources now available to them. bridgetcrosslcsw.com

Midwife Group & Women’s Health and Birth Center For pregnant women considering an alternative to the traditional delivery room, The Midwife Group & Women’s Health and Birth Center takes a holistic approach to childbirth as the oldest midwifery practice in Georgia. themidwifegroup.com

Latch Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding may be natural, but it still comes with its own obstacles. Specialists like those at Latch Breastfeeding Support guide and inform moms at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. latchsav.com

The MOMS Club Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) is a support group for Savannah’s community of stay-at-home moms. Along with a calendar of social events and fun activities for moms and kids, MOMS Club gives back through various community outreach programs. momsclub.org

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One Tiny Beet at a Time LONGTIME SAVANNAH PEDIATRICIAN OFFERS A NEW, HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PEDIATRICS Written by CAMERON FAZIO

MANY OF US HAVE GROWN accustomed to arriving at the doctor’s office 15 minutes early only to be seen by the doctor 30 minutes after our appointment time. This is even more frustrating when the appointment is for a restless child. Fortunately, Dr. Yolanda Caudill, also known as “Dr. Beet,” has created a solution to this problem through The Tiny Beet, Savannah’s first and only lifestyle medicine pediatric practice. In 2018, after 29 years of practicing pediatrics, Caudill discovered lifestyle medicine, a branch of medicine focused on not just treating illness but addressing its root causes and preventing future illness. “When I discovered lifestyle medicine, it made me love medicine all over again,” Caudill says. “It was like, this is what I was meant to do when I thought about practicing medicine. It was something in which I became part of the family, but I also realized I needed more time to go into that deeper route.” At a conventional pediatric practice, Caudill could spend around 15 minutes with a patient. This wasn’t enough time to have the open conversations with patients and their families needed for a holistic approach to their health. “I want to improve the quality of life of not just the kids, but also the family itself. It’s impossible to change the life of a child if you don't impact the family,” she says. The discovery of direct patient care, a model of medicine that creates a direct relationship between patient and doctor, enabled Caudill to provide the attention to patients that lifestyle medicine needed. “And that’s why we’re here,” she says, “because I discovered a way in which I can spend the time with patients and do the lifestyle medicine that I loved.” In 2021, Caudill opened her own practice, using a monthly membership model to deliver lifestyle medicine directly to patients with little to no wait times. “When the patient is here, they’re here with me,” she says. “They’re not 30 minutes in the waiting room

and 15 minutes with the nurse. One-hundred percent of that time is spent with me.” Although Caudill knew what service she was going to offer, she wasn’t sure what to call her practice. “The Tiny Beet — that’s my kids’ doing,” she recalls. They chose the name because Caudill starts seeing kids from birth and because lifestyle medicine focuses on making small changes at a time. “So, Tiny Beet, tiny bit,” says Caudill. “And beet is a healthy root vegetable.” With the name decided, Caudill’s family came together to shape the practice into something fun and unique. Her son made her website while one of her daughters did the graphic design for the business, and the other managed the social media. “I had all my creative team under my roof, and I had no idea,” says Caudill. “And my husband made the countertops, so he wasn’t left out.” Ultimately, The Tiny Beet allows Caudill to prioritize flexibility and connection with her patients. She offers telemedicine services and stays in touch through text and phone calls to care for her patients and their families beyond the office. “If at night I have a sick kid that I’m worried about, we’ll talk on the phone so I know they’re OK. Then, the first thing I do when I wake up is check on them to see how they’re doing and find out what’s going on.” For newborns, Caudill offers at-home visits during which she checks on the newborn and helps parents create a safe environment and navigate breastfeeding. “I want to also help other kids, not just ones in my practice,” Caudill says. As such, she is planning on opening a community space in her office and starting educational programs in local schools. “Going into medicine, I felt I wanted to be a healer. With The Tiny Beet, finally I’m able to do that.” The Tiny Beet, 912.777.6830, tinybeet.com

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Coastal Calm

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF LUXURY LIVING WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING Written by DAVID DUFOUR

PALMETTO BLUFF, the richly scenic residential community quietly nestled along the May River in Bluffton, South Carolina, is nothing short of paradise. With an emphasis on conservation thanks to a partnership with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, the developers have thoughtfully curated a Lowcountry life well-lived — one that is rooted in nature, culture, outdoor pursuits, community and connection — for the wellbeing of the families who call it home. With the opening of Montage, a luxury resort offering rooms, suites and cottages, a piece of Palmetto Bluff paradise became open to guests looking for a place to recharge the body, mind and spirit. And the latest addition of vacation homes doubles-down with a wellness-focused approach to living. The newly unveiled Well Living at Moreland Homes provides stunning accommodations outfitted with an eye toward healthy living. The residences offer expansive views, deluxe health and fitness amenities and customized outdoor experiences. They are also equipped with yoga mats, wellness books, aromatherapy diffusers, sound machines and weights, though that just scratches the spa-like surface. A Wellness Experience Planner assigned to each home can coordinate other activities such as nutritional programming, energy and bodywork, private fitness classes and spa services. They can also create a personalized wellness menu and coordinate grocery delivery. And though the signature experiences certainly add up to a luxurious getaway, it’s the property’s emphasis on connecting with the land that guests may find the most meaningful. Far from city life, Montage is where one goes to relax and find their own answer to wellness, through offerings and tailored experiences like guided nature tours on foot, bike or horseback along the miles of meandering trails or kayaking the winding inland waterways. Guests can take to the links at the property’s stunning

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May River Golf Course — a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course — engage in shooting sports at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, ride at the equestrian center and pick up a game of tennis or pickleball at the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club. But Spa Montage is where the real relaxation takes place. An extensive offering of spa therapies incorporate the elements of the environment, like minerals of the May River for a detoxifying mud masque, healing seaweed cocoons and warm alage oils. Christine Wrobel, director of marketing at Montage Palmetto Bluff, explains how the connection to the land even extends to the kitchen. “Our guests enjoy good food that comes from the region, served in our restaurants, seasonably driven.” The coastal kitchens (there are eight restaurants and eateries on the property) offer traditional Lowcountry cuisine that incorporates local seafood sourced from the May River, meat and poultry from family-owned Joyce Farms and fresh garden vegetables from area farms. Wrobel acknowledges that guests come to Montage for the luxury, but they also relish in the authentic experience of being in nature. “Everything starts with the land,” she adds. montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

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IT’S ALL ABOUT HER

Jessica Wilder, MD and Jack Considine, Jr. MD

Spa-like Atmosphere Puts Women at Ease at Coastal Imaging’s New Center for Women’s Health CARING FOR THEIR neighbors has always been a priority for Dr. Jack Considine Jr. and Coastal Imaging, an outpatient diagnostic imaging center in Savannah. In May, Dr. Considine and Coastal Imaging launched a venture to better serve the women of Savannah and beyond. Located in Pooler, Coastal Imaging’s new Center for Women’s Health provides “an environment that is all about women,” says Dr. Considine. “The spa-like surroundings are intended to put each woman at ease and make them comfortable during a very vulnerable and

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personal time,” as mammograms can be stressful and emotional for many females. Coastal Imaging is known for its high level of patient care with the most advanced technology and an awardwinning radiologist. “Sixteen years ago, we changed the way outpatient imaging is delivered in Savannah,” Considine says. “To this day we continue to push the envelope for high-end outpatient imaging. I love serving the patients of Savannah. They are friends, family and neighbors. Having grown up in Savannah, it just means more to care for

other Savannahians. It’s an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.” Now that same mentality and level of care has been expanded to Pooler. “It’s convenient to Savannah, Hilton Head Island and Richmond Hill and is part of a strong medical community.” The Center for Women’s Health features a gorgeous, carefully curated space with a spa-like, comforting atmosphere. “Our patients will be impressed and pleasantly surprised that an imaging center can be so beautiful,” Considine says. “Coastal Imaging and The

Photography courtesy of COASTAL IMAGING AND THE CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

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Locals caring for locals – it just means more.” – DR. JACK CONSIDINE JR.

Center for Women’s Health are set apart for the obvious reasons. It’s in the name. It’s a center for women, by women, who deliver comprehensive women’s imaging in a one-of-a-kind, spa-like environment. There is simply no comparison.” In addition to the boutique atmosphere, The Center for Women’s Health is equipped with the most advanced technology. “We have spared no expense in providing the latest in technological advancement in breast imaging, from 3D mammography to state-of-the-art ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and bone densitometry,” Dr. Considine says. “We believe that the women of Savannah, Pooler and the entire Lowcountry deserve a beautifully appointed and convenient location.” The multimillion-dollar investment in technology and the well-designed space play just a small part in this story. The Coastal Imaging family prides itself on patient care and experience, which sets them apart from other imaging centers; the same stands true for The Center for Women’s Health. “We wanted to work with the best, most experienced health

care professionals available, and we have succeeded,” Dr. Considine says. “From the moment a woman walks in the door until the second she leaves, she will be cared for by seasoned veterans who have spent their entire careers in women’s imaging.” Joining the practice is Effingham native Dr. Jessica Wilder, who has spent her career caring for the women of her community. Wilder is a fellowshiptrained radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. “We want to be a haven for women,” Wilder says, “to deliver the highest quality of care in a relaxing environment where women want to go, not just because they need to.” This is a true testament to the mission and future of The Center for Women’s Health, she says. “My ultimate goal for The Center for Women’s Health is to be a comprehensive destination for all things advanced imaging – for women only – from mammography to ultrasound to MRI,” Dr. Considine says. “We want unparalleled technology that is focused on the needs and disease processes of the woman. From the second she walks in the doors until the moment she leaves, it’s all about her. Why not?”

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH: 105 GRAND CENTRAL BLVD., SUITE 106 | POOLER 912.355.6255 | COASTALIMAGING.NET/WOMENSHEALTHCENTER

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L I S T E N ((( to ((( L E A RN, LISTEN L E ARN A SPECIAL PROGRAM OFFERS DEAF AND HARD-OFHEARING KIDS THE ABILITY TO BETTER ENGAGE WITH THE HEARING WORLD AROUND THEM Written by LILY AVERY

IMAGINE A WORLD without sound. Noises are muffled or muted. Your mother says, “I love you” and the words are quiet, hushed or nonexistent. There is no music to dance to in the kitchen. No birds chirping in the early morning. No waves crashing on the beach at sunset. For many children, this is the world they must learn to navigate — a world they cannot hear. Most children who are deaf and hard of hearing don’t have access to resources to help them function and communicate in a hearing world until grade school. When they finally do, those resources are often limited to American Sign Language (ASL) or lip reading. Thereafter, these kids are basically on their own, left to maneuver mainstream educational settings, social interactions and a life designed for those with average hearing. Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, a facility that offers comprehensive audiology services to children and adults, decided it was time for that to change, and in 2007, the center introduced its Sound

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Start Program to the community and just one year later received full accreditation from the state as an educational agency with special purposes. “Our team of professionals understands hearing loss in young children and focuses on the whole child to build skills in listening and spoken language and literacy, while also cultivating the individual social, emotional and cognitive tools each child needs to thrive,” says Mallory King, a teacher at Savannah Speech and Hearing Center. Since it opened, the program has helped more than 50 kids in the Savannah area thrive. The only program of its kind in coastal Georgia, Sound Start is an auditory oral program that centers on teaching kids 6 years old and younger how to listen, speak and understand verbal language. Sound Start doesn’t teach ASL; instead, the program takes advantage of the latest auditory-enhancing technology available, such as digital hearing aids and cochlear implants, to provide children with the

tools needed to develop listening and spoken language skills. “Our mission is to help these children mainstream into regular educational settings to learn alongside their typical-hearing peers,” King says. Children are being diagnosed as deaf and hard of hearing younger than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control, three out of every 1,000 children are diagnosed with hearing loss before the age of 6. An early diagnosis allows for critical early intervention, especially during a time of crucial communication development. Ninetyfive percent of deaf and hard-of-hearing children are born to hearing parents. For parents of children who experience severe or moderate hearing loss, not being able to communicate with their child is heartbreaking. And watching their child struggle with communicating is even more agonizing. The Sound Start Program provides families of children with hearing loss

that affects their speech and language development an avenue to learn how to communicate together. “Sound Start’s early childhood students are learning to observe actively and interact with new concepts and people, and their parents and other family members are learning too,” King explains. Classroom activities are designed to enhance children’s communication skills, speech to preliteracy, while also supporting their social, emotional, physical and creative development. Each day students engage in various activities that range from intellectual problem solving to reasoning activities, all geared toward teaching independent communication. The classrooms are even constructed with unique acoustical needs, to set children up for success at the start. All children up to 6 years old with

hearing loss that is impacting their speech and verbal development are eligible to apply for the program (Sound Start offers a Toddler and Me program for families with little ones under the age of 3). And rather than charge tuition — thus limiting the program to those who can afford it — the staff helps families secure scholarships. After the application process, each child goes through an initial evaluation to assess their auditory, cognitive, speech and language skills. Once in the program, students 3 to 6 years old begin an intensive schedule of both group and individual classes five days a week. Classes operate with an open-door policy, encouraging families to come learn with their child. According to King, most kids spend at least a year in the program, so the families and teachers often become close as they experience the incredible

growth and change in the children. And that’s the real beauty of the Sound Start Program: the transformation. For King and all of the staff at Sound Start, being involved in the daily struggles and successes, seeing a child gain confidence and independence and being there to witness what are sometimes the first words exchanged between a child and their parent is what makes it truly worthwhile. “I get to watch them learn and grow into intelligent and capable learners,” King says. “And when I send them off to preschool or kindergarten, they’re just like every other child — chattering away and ready to take on the world.”

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S O U N D S TA R T :

912.355.4601 speechandhearingsav.org

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FOUR SURGEONS.

SCOTT W. VANN, M.D., F.A.C.S. • MATTHEW D. MCLEOD, M.D. BARBARA L. DAVIES, M.D., F.A.C.S. • LUKE J. CURTSINGER, III M.D.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. COSMETIC SURGERY Liposuction (Body Sculpting) Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Breast Reduction Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Eyelid Reshaping (Blepharoplasty) Face Lift and Neck Lift FreshLook Lift Brow Lift Facial Implants Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

INJECTOR SPECIALIST

KAREN BOUCHARD, PA-C

Cosmetic Laser Surgery Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty) Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES

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Savannah Health B E

WELL

What If ... Urgent Care

TRYING TO DETERMINE whom you should see for an injury or illness can sometimes feel like a game of choose-your-own adventure. Sometimes you can wait it out and schedule an appointment with your provider, but at other times you need medical attention posthaste. Let this be your comprehensive guide for where to go for medical care — and when.

Emergency Room

Urgent care centers accept walk-ins for medical problems that need to be treated right away but are not considered true emergencies.

In a true emergency, any time of the day or week, it’s best to go directly to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Go to Urgent Care if you have:

Go to the Emergency Room if you have: Chest pain or difﬁculty breathing

Fever without a rash

Weakness/numbness on one side

Vomiting or persistent diarrhea Providers Urgent Care 24/7 ExperCARE Memorial Health AppleCare Urgent Care St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care Urgent Care of Berwick, Sandfly + Wilmington Island

Slurred speech or fainting

Abdominal pain Providers Memorial Health St. Joseph’s/ Candler

Wheezing or shortness of breath Dehydration

Serious burns or cuts that may require stitches Head or eye injury, concussion/confusion Broken bones and dislocated joints Fever with a rash

Moderate ﬂu-like symptoms

Seizures

Sprains and strains

Facial lacerations

Southern Urgent Care Small cuts that may require stitches

Severe cold or ﬂu symptoms Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

They’re often open at times when other medical offices are closed, such as evenings and weekends. A few clinics are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ortho Urgent Care

9-1-1

A number of orthopedic practices also provide same-day and extended-hours urgent care.

Some people may be hesitant to call 9-1-1, but it’s the best way to get to the emergency room quickly and safely if you don’t have someone to help transport you. Additionally, in a true emergency, paramedics can begin delivering life-saving treatment in transit. Call 9-1-1 if you have: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Symptoms of heart attack, including chest pain, pain in the left arm or the jaw, sudden weakness or dizziness

Go to Ortho Urgent Care if you have: Providers ExpressOrtho at Chatham Orthopaedic

Fractures

Moss Creek Orthopedic Urgent Care (HHI and Bluffton)

Sprains

Optim Orthopedics (Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, HHI, Bluffton and more)

Broken bones

Signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body or loss of consciousness Life- or limb-threatening injury

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9-8-8 LAUNCHING JULY 16

The mental health version of 9-1-1 Dial or text 9-8-8 to be connected directly to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

912.354.8225 | 6711 LA ROCHE AVE. | RIVERVIEWHEALTH.NET

The Riverview

Difference

Riverview Health & Rehabilitation Center

provides compassionate health care and short-term rehabilitation services to support living the best quality of life. Riverview was designed with residents in mind, no matter their current functional limitations. We strive for a relaxed, positive experience for residents while they are here and elevate their confidence level when transitioning back home.

As the largest facility in Chatham County, our 190-bed facility provides 24-hour rehabilitation and skilled nursing care with quality health care services. Whether the need is for short-term skilled care, long-term care or intermediate care, we are dedicated to the comfort and well-being of each of our residents. Riverview offers comprehensive services including physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy and more. At Riverview, we are loyal to serving our community, committed to delivering quality care to our residents and dedicated to the growth and well-being of our team members.

JORDAN RUSSELL, LNHA and JO LUCKE, LNHA

Savannah Health B E

WELL

S T RONGER, FAS T ER, SOONER YOUNG ATHLETES ARE TURNING TOWARD CROSS-TRAINING TO GET A LEG UP ON THE COMPETITION Written by JOEL THATCHER

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED someone new in the gym lately. No, it’s not the bodybuilder posing in the mirror, the group of dads chatting around the dumbbells or even the seniors still working to look good for bingo night (and trust me, they do). Along with all these regulars, you might just spot a kid, can’t be older than 13, loading up a squat rack in the corner of the room. You watch to make sure they can handle the weight, before seeing them perform an expert squat with perfect form. This is today’s young athlete. These days, more and more young athletes find themselves at the gym before or after school (sometimes both) and on weekends. They come from various sports teams looking to supplement their training, or in other words, cross-training. Justin Huitt, former elite gymnast and founder and trainer at Transform Savannah, has watched this growing trend firsthand after launching a youth program aimed at these young athletes. After opening his gym at its first location in the back of a Dollar Store in 2014, with time, Huitt gained a small group of about six young athletes coming to train. Now, after changing locations to accommodate the growing number of clients and hiring eight additional trainers, the program is looking stronger than ever with up to 35 middle school and high school kids enrolled on any given day. “And it’s still growing,” Huitt says. Much of this growth comes as coaches realize the importance of cross-training for their athletes and encourage them to seek additional training year-round. One such coach is Joe Witt, head coach of the Savannah Swim Team for 14 years. He’s stressed the importance of crosstraining with his athletes for years. “With the availability of scholarships and opportunities in athletics, the kids who are doing the cross-training are going a lot further, a lot faster and a lot sooner,” Witt says. “If you’re a late bloomer, it’s very difficult to get noticed by a college, so if you’re not doing something a little bit extra, you might fall through the cracks.” Cross-training also prevents injury. “Most sports only work a certain group of muscles,” Witt says. “If you only work the same muscles, you’re going to create imbalances, and the more imbalances you have, the more likely that you leave with some kind of injury.” This is why programs at gyms around Savannah are starting kids young. At Transform Savannah, for example, kids as young as 9 or 10 will focus on learning proper form and technique before weights are ever added. In fact, all of the trainers we spoke with work with these young athletes not only to help them perform better but also to build lifelong habits of fitness and injury prevention. “We want them to fall in love with fitness,” says Huitt. Extra training also boosts the athletes’ confidence. Trainers will test,

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record and track progress so each athlete can see how far they’ve come. “If your trainer or strength coach is not recording or quantifying your athlete’s results in a way they can understand,” Huitt says, “you’re probably getting a lot of smoke blown your way.” At the Anderson Cohen Weightlifting Center, Savannah local and former Olympic weightlifter and Olympic Head Coach Michael Cohen offers a customized approach for athletes of any age. Along with leading youth camps for larger groups, he also writes personalized training programs tailored to each athlete’s needs that is delivered weekly to build upon each workout. “You’ve got to individualize,” Cohen says. “That is the key.” He explains how a sprinter needs a different workout from a distance runner or how a swimmer has different needs than a volleyball player or a wrestler. And above all else, he says, each program must work toward each athlete’s specific goals. “That’s how you get results.” Results, though, come at a price. At Transform Savannah, a personal training program costs $800 for 16 sessions and $260 for small group sessions. At the Anderson Cohen Weightlifting Center, Cohen charges $69 a month, $360 for six months, or $700 for a year of personalized workouts. Trainers like Cohen see it as an investment in the success of their athletes. “Parents say they’ll do whatever it takes for their child to be successful, even beyond financial support,” he says. This is why he wants to keep them involved. “They have to know the goals; they have to know the milestones. They have to be there every step along the way.” And if the parents are involved, it will also ease another concern that many parents have: pushing their athletes too hard. No athlete, especially a child, should ever be pushed beyond their limits. This is why finding the right coach is essential. “The most important thing to look for in a coach is their certification,” Witt says. “They have to know what they’re doing. And does your kid like them? You could have the greatest coach in the world, but if your child doesn’t like them they’re not going to get better.” Cohen suggests that above all else, parents looking to help their athletes take their training to the next level should follow this piece of advice: listen to them. “Before a parent signs a check,” Cohen says, “I always say one day your child is going to tell you one of two things. Either, ‘I’ve had enough,’ or, ‘I want to go further.’ You have to be prepared for either way they go. You can’t force it.” “It has to come from within,” he adds.

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2 02 1 R U N N E R - U P

COME IN FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT AND DEMO OF THE LATEST IN HEARING TECHNOLOGY! 912-351-3038

912-598-0616

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6 SKIDAWAY VILLAGE WALK

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MEET THE

MEDICAL EXPERTS Photography by KELLI BOYD, DREAM WEAVER PHOTOS, CHRISTINE HALL, ANGELA HOPPER, KATHERINE IVES, SARAH KOHUT, KATIE McGEE, SHOTS BY SOMI STUDIOS, KATIE SMYTH, KATHRYN ANN WALLER and JAIME WEAVER

D O C T O R S .....................................................

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M E D I C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S .....................S56-S64 D E N T I S T S ....................................................

Ismary De Castro, MD RESIDENCY:

Memorial Health University Medical Center

FELLOWSHIP:

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

SAVANNAH ENDOCRINOLOGY LLC 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 912.232.5900 • savannahendocrinology.com I’M AN EXPERT IN: endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. I was attracted to this field of medicine when learning about human physiology. Endocrinology is a vast and thriving specialty with emerging therapies and progress year after year. Our endocrine system controls our hormones, which regulate our metabolism, reproduction, growth, movement and sexual development. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: novel treatment options that improve quality of life and patient outcomes, and incorporating diabetes technology to support patients’ day-to-day work-life balance. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: with routine exercise, planning my meals and a good night’s sleep. MY PATIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME: “Is there something I can do on my own to improve my condition?" Absolutely. I generally begin by evaluating each patient’s lifestyle and include individualized dietary and physical activity recommendations for them.

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Allen Meglin, MD MEDICAL DEGREE:

University of Pittsburgh (AOA)

INTERNSHIPS: Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Categorical Surgical; Diagnostic Radiology); The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Interventional Radiology) BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

Regenerative

Medicine and Radiology American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, International Hyperbaric Association, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, International Board of Hyperbaric Medicine ORGANIZATIONS:

ADVANCED REGENERATIVE THERAPY 617 Stephenson Ave., Ste. 103 • 912.403.4203 advancedregenerativetherapies.com

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE IS: the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage or congenital defects. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves and restore normal function.

created another measurement called biologic or epigenetic age, which uses biomarkers to provide more relevant health information. It can tell us how healthy someone is and even predict lifespan. We can use your DNA to predict your biological age and then work with you to live a healthy lifestyle that will help you stay free of sickness and disease longer.

PATIENTS OFTEN COME TO US WHEN: conventional treatments have failed. We don’t want to offer false hope, but we have seen some very encouraging outcomes to otherwise unsolved problems.

OUR SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bioidentical hormone optimization, red light therapy, joint pain management, IV vitamin therapy, CoolSculpting, facial rejuvenation (microneedling, vampire facials), electroceutical therapy and wellness options for men and women. Many treatments are not FDA approved, and we do not accept insurance.

WE CAN HELP REVERSE: your biologic age. Age is the single greatest risk factor for death, stroke, heart attack, joint disease and sexual dysfunction. Everyone knows chronological age. Developments in science have

ARTIE, OUR THERAPY DOG: snuggles with patients during times of procedural stress.

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Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com From left: Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Kristi HofstadterDuke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; and Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care

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OUR MISSION IS: to expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges. OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family. WE’RE EXPERTS IN: child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, social delays or learning difficulties, we

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M • Special Advertising Section | DOCTORS

are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best. ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)! Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

Audiology & Hearing Aid Services SAVANNAH:

803 E. 68th St. 912.351.3038 POOLER:

1000 Towne Center Blvd., #200 912.351.3038 THE VILLAGE ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND:

6 Skidway Village Walk 912.598.0616 ahassavannah.com

From left: Casey Allen, AuD; Cori Palmer, AuD; Susan Timna, AuD; Katy Laws, AuD; Sara King, AuD

OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: a family that goes above and beyond for them. We see hearing as the connection between our patients and their family and friends. Our goal is to keep patients active and involved in their lives. Studies show hearing loss can lead to isolation and other health issues. Our goal is to keep patients active and leading their best lives.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: changing lives! With more than 60 years of combined experience, we build lasting relationships with our patients. We value those relationships! We are thrilled with the new advances in technology including remote-care capability, tinnitus management, artificial intelligence, rechargeability and much more, allowing us to better serve every patient’s needs and budget.

WE WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND: that all hearing loss is not the same. Hearing devices require personalized customization to achieve maximum benefit. We work with patients to address their individual communication concerns. Hearing healthcare requires a lifelong partnership with their Doctor of Audiology. We are able to guide patients throughout their hearing journey and address their evolving listening needs.

WE HEAR YOU: when you say that your hearing loss is not always noticeable to you, but your family and friends are complaining. Hearing loss typically first presents itself by not understanding the conversation, especially when there is competing noise or people talking in the background. What is not so commonly known is that studies show that untreated hearing loss leads to earlier memory problems and cognitive decline. We hear with our brain; the ear is just the conduit.

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Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler (Savannah, Pooler) and Effingham County Hospital BOARD CERTIFICATION :

Internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine

ACCREDITATION: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.; Medicare Deemed status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services MAIN OFFICE:

519 Stephenson Ave.

ENDOSCOPY CENTER:

519 Stephenson Ave.

Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Springfield and Bluffton 912.354.9447 • gastrosav.com

OTHER LOCATIONS IN:

From left: William L. Mansour, MD; Ansley S. Tharpe, MD; Gregory D. Borak, MD; Branden S. Hunter, MD; Travis F. Wiggins, MD WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our areas of expertise include: TIF procedure for reflux (GERD) treatment, therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy, colon cancer screening, reflux disease, pancreatic and biliary diseases, radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, Crohn’s, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopic ultrasound. WE ARE COMMITTED TO: providing patients with the highest quality and most compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease — and we have been doing so since 1978. WE STRIVE FOR: convenience and accessibility. We have several offices throughout the region that offer convenient and prompt appointments. Our Endoscopy Center is equipped with the latest technology, including in-house pathology and a fully staffed team of anesthesia specialists. By using the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, we offer more convenient treatment and a faster recovery for our patients. WE RECOMMEND: men and women who are at an average risk for colon cancer should begin colon cancer screening at age age 45. A colonoscopy is the most effective method for screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection but prevention as well. Regular colonoscopy screening and removal of polyps reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90 percent.

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Ears, Nose & Throat Associates of Savannah, PC 5201 Frederick St. 912.351.3030 entsavannah.com From left, top row: Dr. Michael Zoller, Dr. Fred Daniel, Dr. Stephen Rashleigh, Dr. William Moretz; bottom row: Dr. Brad Rawlings, Dr. Jennifer Miles, Michelle Yamada, PA-C and Kristen Thomas, PA-C

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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.

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M • Special Advertising Section | DOCTORS

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR PATIENTS: we have a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, are fully privileged at most Savannah-area hospitals and offer early morning and Saturday appointments. We have satellite offices in Pooler, Statesboro and The Landings. WE TREAT: each patient and set of symptoms individually because we know what works best for one patient may not work best for another. We take the time to create an individualized approach to your ENT health, working to improve your conditions and quality of life. We want you to feel comfortable and confident understanding your treatment plan. Our health coach will walk you through each step of your treatment plan, surgery or other procedures to ensure you are healing and improving.

Dr. Justin B. Damron & Dr. Alfred E. Pesto Jr. Indiana University, Indianapolis (Damron); Medical College of Georgia, Augusta (Pesto)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

RESIDENCIES: The Ohio State University, Columbus (Damron); University of Louisville (Pesto)

WE ARE EXPERTS IN: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the face, mouth and jaws), dentoalveolar surgery, including surgical management of impacted teeth, dental implants and bone grafting; facial trauma; head and neck odontogenic infections; pathology and the anesthesia management of patients ranging from local to general anesthesia.

Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (Pesto); Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, ADA, GDA

OUR APPROACH TO SURGERY IS: To present our patients with enough information to facilitate them making an informed decision. We coordinate with patients to create a treatment plan for the best possible outcome.

SOUTHEASTERN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SUGERY ASSOCIATES (SOMSA) SAVANNAH: 4815 Paulsen St. • 912.352.2324 POOLER: 143 Canal St., Ste. 300 • 912.330.8801 seoralsurgery.com

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates serving the community – and our outstanding track record of quality patient care – for more than 50 years!

AFFILIATIONS:

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS SURGEONS ARE: Healing our patients in hospitals and our SOMSA offices. WE GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY: Sponsoring and participating in health and wellness events, donating pediatric and adult dental services and providing dental-related continuing education courses, training and seminars to the community. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: Feel grateful to help and serve our patients! THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by musician and Foo Fighters founder David Grohl, a great read that showcases that true success is not about money or fame. – Damron YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I played baseball for four years in college. – Pesto

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Erika Morrow, OD, MS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Optometry, Master of Vision Science

American Optometric Association and Georgia Optometric Association AFFILIATIONS:

FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: specialty contact lenses including medically necessary and myopia control. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because I get to help people see their very best every single day. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the technology that I’ve invested in that allows me to fit advanced specialty contact lenses. Patients who have corneal conditions such as keratoconus, astigmatism or scarring can have 20/20 vision again with specialty contact lenses. I am the only provider in this region who has an Eaglet Surface Profilometer. This technology scans the surface of the eye, taking more than 350,000 measurements in one image, allowing me to customize a specialty lens to fit your eye exactly.

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MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: fitting an electrician who suffered from severe keratoconus with a custom scleral lens. He saw 20/20 for the first time in his life. Prior to being referred to me, he was wearing a soft contact lens that provided his good eye with 20/50 vision and his bad eye was only correctable to count fingers! IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: a professional organizer. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: value their eyes more. Saving money is important, but clear, comfortable vision should be a priority when choosing contact lenses or glasses. Plus, glasses and contacts are the only accessory that you wear every single day (for one to two years) that are fashionable and functional. Choose wisely!

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY:

Medical College of Virginia

AFFILIATIONS:

St. Joseph’s/Candler

COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT SAVANNAH: 322 Commercial Drive 912.355.2335 200 Blue Moon Crossing 912.450.2336

POOLER:

coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed more than 200 of these in-office procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their healthcare is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best care, I must first listen to their needs.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the addition of our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. The new service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit. WE OFFER: a myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage.

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

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. 8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340 SavannahPainManagement.com

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle.

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.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) joint problems, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT: nonsurgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and disc herniation of your neck and back. Ninety percent of those with a herniated disc will improve within six months after nonsurgical treatment.

MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities that your pain prevents you from doing.

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Carl B. Pearl MD RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia (General Surgery)

University of Tennessee Memphis (Plastic Surgery)

FELLOWSHIP:

AFFILIATIONS:

Medical College of Georgia

CHATHAM PLASTIC SURGERY 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: facelift and breast augmentation.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: caring and fun.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: facelift techniques that minimize downtime and still provide lasting results.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: swimming and pilates.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: my mother survived breast cancer. I always felt that her surgeon gave her time with me. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: taking care of a dear colleague’s wife. I’M MOST PROUD OF: knowing that my patients know I care about them. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH IS: Stevie Nicks. It seems the ideal opportunity to ask her to marry me.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS: cheese. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: exercise at least a little. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am pretty good at bowling. I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Savannah Children’s Theater. ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: is to aspire to be great. You might not get there, but it is pretty hard to be mediocre when you’re trying to be great.

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Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP American Board of Internal Medicine

CERTIFICATION:

INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH 6413 Waters Ave., Ste. 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com

WE FOCUS ON: adult medicine. We diagnose and treat diseases in adults and manage chronic diseases. Preventative care is also an important part of our practice — updating vaccines, doing annual wellness exams, recommending cancer screenings, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and working with patients to help control risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood sugars and high cholesterol. We establish a partnership with our patients for lifelong health, working closely with them throughout the ups and downs of life to keep them in the best health. We strive to help patients improve their quality of life and achieve their wellness goals. OUR HEALTH MISSION: is to put your healing needs first. We are proud to provide a high quality level of customer service, medical experience and commitment to health and wellness to all our patients. Our

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goal is to make you feel better as quickly as possible. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: during the COVID shutdown. I saw grandparents talking to grandchildren across the fence because the facility prohibited visitors. After that, I worked with the health department to become one of the first solo practitioners who provided COVID vaccines in Savannah. The rewarding moment was when one of the elderly patients who had received a second dose of vaccine proudly waved the vaccine card and said, “Now I can hug my grandchildren.” MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: also my favorite way to relax – swimming. MY MESSAGE OF WELLBEING IS: eat healthy, exercise routinely, get a good night’s sleep, stay positive and be kind to others.

Mark Manocha, MD MEDICAL DEGREE:

Louisiana State University

POST GRADUATE TRAINING:

Baylor College

of Medicine

FELLOWSHIP:

Medical College of Georgia

GEORGIA EYE INSTITUTE 4720 Waters Ave. 912.354.4800 gaeyeinstitute.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: cataract and refractive surgery.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX IS: spending time with my children.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because I enjoy helping people see our beautiful world more clearly and appreciate God’s handiwork.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: a farmer.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: I was about 12 years old. I went on a mission trip with my uncle who was doing cataract surgery in the Himalayas. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: running and doing triathlons. MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: is the blackened salmon paired with an old fashioned at Lili’s Restaurant and Bar on Wilmington Island.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING THROUGH: mission work, doing eye surgeries in Africa and South America. THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: Spycatcher, because I love history, espionage and the British Secret Intelligence Service. THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: green leafy vegetables, nuts and fish.

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Daniel K. Mullady, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Boston University Medical Center (Internal Medicine)

RESIDENCY:

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Gastroenterology), Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Advanced Endoscopy)

FELLOWSHIP:

AFFILIATIONS: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology

THE CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE & LIVER HEALTH 1139 Lexington Ave. 912.303.4200 savannahgi.com

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: interventional endoscopy. AS AN INTERVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPIST: I perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures, radiofrequency ablation for dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, enteral stenting, drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections and endoscopic management of necrotizing pancreatitis and insertion of feeding tubes. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because it entails multiple organ systems, is procedure-focused, and there are lots of innovations happening, including the ability to help patients with less invasive procedures than surgery.

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MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: caring and informative. I always try to get patients to smile. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: continuous advances in technique and technology that are allowing for more procedures to be done endoscopically without the need for surgery. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: running and cycling. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: smoking. ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: is to shadow a doctor and really understand what the dayto-day aspects of medicine involve before making the commitment.

Paige Marnell, MD & Chad J. Brock, MD University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (Brock); New York Medical College (Marnell)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

RESIDENCIES: Medical University of South Carolina, Institute of Psychiatry (Brock); University of Chicago (Marnell)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Marnell)

FELLOWSHIP:

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

General Psychiatry

(Brock); FAPA (Marnell) SPECIALTY:

Addiction Psychiatry (Marnell)

SHRINK SAVANNAH SAVANNAH: 1601 Abercorn St. POOLER:

114 Canal St., Ste. 301

912.712.2550 • shrinksavannah.com

MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: mood and anxiety disorders and Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression. – Brock I MAY BE NEW TO SAVANNAH, BUT: I have been practicing for more than 10 years in the Denver, Colorado, area. – Marnell

for treatment-resistant depression. With the addition of more therapists and physician assistants to our team, we are able to offer Ketamine-assisted therapy as well as Ketamine-infusion treatments. Many patients state their experience teaches them to reframe the way they perceive their stress or anxiety. – Brock

MY PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICINE: is that you must start by establishing a good relationship with the patient. – Brock

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I enjoy hiking, boating, drinking copious amounts of coffee and doing yoga and meditation. – Marnell

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: educating physicians-in-training and serving as a community advocate for the expansion of addiction treatment in the Savannah area. – Marnell

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Shrink Savannah. I’ve been fortunate to have the best and the brightest work for my practice. From our administrative team to our psychotherapists and mid-level providers, we work hard to ensure our patients experience superior customer service and have a safe and comfortable visit to our office. – Brock

OUR PRACTICE CONTINUES TO BE A LEADER IN THIS AREA FOR: alternatives

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Shrink Savannah Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University (Hilliard, Triplett, Stearns and Yates); Masters of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University (Mell)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

SAVANNAH: POOLER:

1601 Abercorn St.

114 Canal St., Ste. 301

912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com Front, from left: Anna Hilliard, PA-C; Andrea Yates, PA-C; top: Heather Mell, NP-C; Lydia Stearns, PA-C; Kristy Triplett, PA-C; not pictured: Calysta Tilley, PA-C

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I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the use of Botox for the treatment of depression. Psychiatry is experiencing a major paradigm shift. No longer is depression a disease of norepinephrine and serotonin deficiency. Today, we are exploring inflammation, methylation, epigenetics and neuroplasticity as major players, and we are using innovative treatment interventions such as ketamine, magnets, psilocin, anti-inflammatories and even botulinum toxin. – Triplett THE MOST REWARDING PART OF PATIENT CARE IS: helping people. It’s nice to reassure patients that they are not alone in their mental and emotional health crisis and to give them a hand toward a better life and see many come through to the other side feeling hopeful and more positive. – Stearns … Yes, it’s great to be able to give patients hope again by having the ability to offer innovative treatment options. – Mell

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WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK: I am likely spending time with my husband and two young children. We love spending time outside, either near the water or in the country. Working part time at Shrink Savannah has provided me the opportunity to be more present with both my family at home and my patients in the practice. – Yates WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: is being a part of a team who is actively working to nullify the stigma attached to mental illness. – Mell I AM THRILLED: to have joined the Shrink Savannah team recently. – Hilliard WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS FIELD: are the new treatments that we at Shrink Savannah are interested in pursuing, like using psychedelics as a way to help patients get the relief and recovery they need. – Stearns

Gina & Kevin Gierc GHC HOSPICE, OWNERS 7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 201 912.355.0000 888.507.7696 ghchospice.com

TOGETHER, WE FOUNDED: GHC Hospice with the goal of improving the accessibility and quality of care available to those who live in rural areas across Georgia and South Carolina. As Chief Executive Officer, Gina has held executive level positions at a few of the largest care providers in the nation and brings this expertise to GHC. As Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Kevin has more than 25 years of business experience with an MBA focused on operational excellence. WHAT WE DO IS INVALUABLE BECAUSE: being diagnosed with a lifelimiting illness is a difficult time for any family. At GHC, we will advise you of options that may provide you or your loved one with the ability to experience hospice as a means of living and not dying. Whether you live in a skilled nursing facility, a friend’s or family member’s home or the house you’ve

been living in for many years, our services help you or your loved ones make the most out of each day. We focus on not only the physical needs related to illness, but also the emotional and spiritual needs that arise when faced with a terminal illness. YOU SHOULD TRUST IN GHC HOSPICE BECAUSE: we find the best staff in the communities we serve who are passionate about being the best hospice company around. We do this through a patient-centered focus that means never compromising on patient care. At GHC Hospice, we carefully select our staff based on their education and experience, but each must demonstrate compassion and empathy! Our caregivers provide the care and compassion needed to ensure our patients live their final days with the respect and dignity they deserve.

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Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy POOLER:

110 Pipemakers Circle, Ste. 115 • 912.988.1526

RICHMOND HILL:

2453G, U.S. 17 S. • 912.445.5612

chatterboxpeds.com Front row, seated: Beth Fleming and Therapy Dog in Training (TDiT) Ellie; middle, from left: Sandra Mullis, Lindsey Cavender, Danielle Martin, Brittany Tyler, Karen Bessinger, Kayla Miller, Courtney Dralle, Jasmine Davis, Jenna Rose and TDiT Maggie; back row, from left: Kristen Warren, Tim Fleming, Amber Oland, Crystal Dunkle, Taylor Faust, Haley Townsend, Larie Vaus, Laura Milhouse, Kate Stenz, Candace Christianson and LeAnn Chavis

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WE’RE EXPERTS IN: pediatric occupational, speech and physical therapy. Our mission is to help children reach their fullest potential, and that is what we strive to do every day at Chatterbox. OUR APPROACH TO THERAPY IS: to meet each child where they are at and focus on their strengths to help them improve in the areas where they are weaker. OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS THERAPISTS AND STAFF IN AN OUTPATIENT PEDIATRIC THERAPY CLINIC ARE: when we see a child meet a milestone. The pride they exhibit when

they finally do something they have worked so hard at is priceless, and the joy on their families’ faces is so rewarding. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: play with bubbles! Even in the midst of COVID, we adapted to use bubble machines so that we could still incorporate them into our therapy sessions. PARENTS OFTEN ASK US: how long their child will need therapy. Although we wish we had a crystal ball, this is a very difficult thing to predict. Consistent attendance of therapy sessions and working on the skills targeted at home

can greatly impact time in therapy. We know that families are so busy, and it can be a great challenge to find time to fit in homework. Our clinicians always try their best to make home exercise programs simple and functional enough to incorporate into their daily routines.

WE WISH MORE PARENTS KNEW: to trust their gut. If you feel that your child’s development is not on track, speak with your pediatrician about options. The earlier children can begin therapy to address delays will greatly impact their progress toward reaching those fundamental skills.

WE LOVE SUPPORTING LOCAL NONPROFITS: by participating in all kinds of community events. Some of our favorites are the SD Gunner Fund FORE Paws Golf Tournament, AMBUCS Celebrity Bowlapalooza, Sailing Regatta for Children with Autism and the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being outdoors and active. We have quite a few runners on staff who are always training for a race. We also love getting out and enjoying this lovely city we live in — whether at the beach, on a boat or walking around beautiful downtown Savannah.

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Dacy Weiss RN, BSN CREDENTIALS: State Board of Nursing (Georgia), Advanced and Basic Cardiac Life Support ORGANIZATIONS: American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, American Nursing Association

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY 5356 Reynold St., Ste. 510 912.844.4880 nursedacy.com linktr.ee/nursedacy

I BEGAN MY CAREER IN AESTHETIC NURSING: in 2008 in Beverly Hills – the land of beauty and glam. I knew I had found my passion! After spending several years training with some of the best and gaining invaluable knowledge, I moved back to my hometown, Savannah, to be an nurse injector.

Keeping up with him allows me to not only make priceless memories but it also keeps me moving.

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: all things lips! Filler, makeup, décor – just look at my office.

I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: my philosophy on cosmetic injectables. Start slow; get to know your injector; let your injector get to know you and your beauty goals and reach them together.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS AREA OF MEDICINE: because of the feeling I got helping a patient achieve a desired look or experience a new-found confidence. I’M PROUD OF: being named as one of the Top 100 Best Aesthetic Injectors in America. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: being on the constant go as a mom to a wonderfully energetic, inquisitive little boy.

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I GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY BY: supporting local pet rescue and adoption groups. I love animals, especially cats.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE, DO: your research when it comes to social media trends. If you’re considering cosmetic treatments or procedures, leave it to (and ask) properly trained medical professionals. I ENJOY: soaking up all the beauty and fun that coastal Georgia has to offer my family.

Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynold St., Ste. 510 912.644.0744 savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com @briannainsavannah From left: Dacy Gaston-Weiss, RN; Brianna Sapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Jason Cook, LPN, Clinical Nurse; Kim Richardson, Licensed Aesthetician, Certified Assistant Laser Practitioner

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS AREA OF MEDICINE: because making someone feel more confident in their own skin is indescribable. Knowing I play a small role in someone’s confidence is worth all the hard work it took me to get here! – Sapp

The airbrushed look that you see on social media is a filter. Real skin has imperfections. – Richardson Wear sunscreen and encourage others to wear sunscreen. We see numerous cases of facial cancers daily. – Cook

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the constant developments with nonsurgical treatments. I like the idea of being part of an ever-evolving industry with room to grow. – Richardson

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ARE: participating in clearing cancer and reconstructing facial defects. Patients come in for consults often in tears, but seeing them at their last post-operative visit with tears of joy and giving hugs is incredibly rewarding. – Sapp

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being on the water and boating with friends. – Cook I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Not Google anything before coming to appointments. Often, there are many variables involved and may not be pertinent to what you read on the internet. – Sapp Realize that real skin has texture.

IF I WASN’T IN MEDICINE, I WOULD BE: a flight attendant. I love to travel and meet new people. – Cook THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: avocados, blueberries and beets. – Richardson

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Hospice Savannah 1352 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.2289 hospicesavannah.org From left: Hayda Perdue, MD, Hospice Savannah Medical Director; Kathleen Benton, DrPH, President and CEO; and Amy Rak, MD, Palliative Care Medical Director

OUR GOAL IS: to provide the right care in the right place at the right time. I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: the ethics of clinical care and what it means to be a true patient advocate. – Dr. Benton I CHOSE: hospice and palliative care medicine because I knew that I could make a difference in people’s lives. By communicating in a way that they can relate to as well as managing symptoms patients have a better quality of life, and, as a result, improved time with the people they love the most. – Dr. Rak I WAS DRAWN TO HOSPICE BECAUSE: it considers the needs of the family as well as the patient and fills a need that is growing more acute as the population ages. – Dr. Perdue

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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE: medicine. In this field, I am honored to care for the most complex patients when they are most vulnerable and in their greatest time of need. – Dr. Rak NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT: I don’t hear from a family member that they had not expected the treatment received here. Most seem to have anticipated a colder, clinical environment rather than the depth of care that we are able to provide. – Dr. Perdue I WISH OUR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES KNEW: that Hospice Savannah can be a resource and a support for people in this community at the very beginning of an illness. This is an organization founded by our community to help people live for many years and through challenges, whether caregiving or living with an illness. – Dr. Benton

Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery THE TEAM:

Kayman Griffin, LE, MUA: 1 year of spa and skin care experience Michelle Turley, LE, LACLP: 33 years of spa and medical skin care experience Megan Waltemyer, LE, LACLP: 4 years of spa and medical skin care experience 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: medical skin care protocols, facials, cosmetic laser procedures and medical skin-treatment devices. OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: a blend of physician and esthetician treatments addressing aging, redness and pigment for correction and prevention as well as long-term skin and body maintenance for our cosmetic surgery patients. We also hear that we have a lot of fun. We admit, you are most likely to hear laughter in our hallways daily. Our staff loves what we do, enjoys working together and is passionate about helping our patients get the healthy, glowing skin they desire.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: all have green eyes. We did not plan that! OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: why we don’t have a treatment menu. We build treatment protocols specifically for the individual patient taking into account the current condition of their skin, their personal goals and medical history. Each appointment works on the current skin condition and long-term goals. So, rather than have specific menu treatments, we pull from our comprehensive selection of products, devices and experience to create a unique and impactful experience at every appointment.

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Precision Wellness by TACKL Health From left: Founders Curtis Faircloth, CEO; Kellie Huff, COO; and Lauren Hetzel, Chief Development Officer

4511 Habersham St., Ste. 201 • Habersham Village 912.777.6002 • precisionbytackl.com OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HEALTH IS: one size doesn’t fit all. We start with an easy, in-depth analysis based on biometric or DNA assessments to learn exactly what your body needs. These unique results will guide us to the services and programs that will work best for your body. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the accessibility of cuttingedge technologies that previously were only available in a medical setting or to professional athletes to help reverse aging, promote peak performance and prevent illness. WE LOVE TO: stay fit. Kellie’s an avid Hydrower – you can even take Hydrow sessions at Precision. Curtis loves yoga, and Lauren loves Pilates. However, as a mom to 4-year-old Jack, she spends more time wrangling him than on the Reformer these days. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: became the second-largest in-airport COVID testing company in the U.S. Now, we’re opening wellness optimization stores in airports across the country through our brand TACKL Health. Within these locations, you’ll find many of Precision’s cutting-edge services to quickly recharge your body.

Rita Slatus, Executive Director BUCKINGHAM SOUTH 5450 Abercorn St. 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. Buckingham South is able to provide continuity of care as one’s medical needs increase. Twenty-four-hour, around-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. Buckingham South is truly Savannah’s finest assisted living community!

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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

COASTAL DENTAL SURGERY, LLC 6600 Abercorn St., Ste. 204 912.349.3259 • CoastalDentalSurgery.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological advances such as in-office 3D imaging to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. After performing a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES INCLUDE: immediate tooth removal with prompt implant placement and temporization. A patient may arrive with a fractured tooth and literally walk out with a beautifully restored implant that looks as natural as a perfect tooth. No sutures and no pain — immediate full arch of teeth in one day. Diseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a same-day beautiful restoration is delivered. Minimally invasive gum grafting beautifies the smile and improves oral health.

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Mark N. Dye, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ORGANIZATIONS:

MARK N. DYE, DMD LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY IS: a conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with high-pressure sales and excessive treatment plans. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: professional, knowledgeable and caring with a sense of humor. I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town. ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: brushing and flossing twice a day! AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

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WE ARE PROUD TO BE: truly state-ofthe-art! We are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology. We are one of four regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more mouthfuls of goo. MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: 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.

Savannah Dental AFFILIATIONS: Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Clear Aligners, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association SAVANNAH:

815 E. 68th St.

RICHMOND HILL:

12650 Ga. 144

912.355.8821 savannah.dental From left: Robert Redenz, DDS; Briana Amos, DMD; Kevin Dickinson, DDS; Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD; Spencer Smith, DMD; and Mackenzy Tomlin, LME

OUR MISSION: is to give people the confidence to smile. A smile puts others at ease, and smiling releases neuropeptides to help fight off stress and make you feel good. Plus, your smile is contagious, causing others to unconsciously smile and get those neuropeptide effects, too! IF A PERSON ISN’T HAPPY WITH THEIR SMILE: then they won’t share it with the world. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: we also have a full-service esthetician on our team. With Mackenzy, we can truly offer complete smile rejuvenation including dental esthetics, lip filler, laser skin services, microneedling and more. A confident smile doesn’t end with the teeth themselves. We work together as a team to create confidence in our patients. THE LAST BOOK WE READ AS A TEAM WAS: The Checklist Manifesto. It was

interesting to learn how hospitals have decreased their surgical post-op issues by implementing checklists. We have followed suit by implementing many checklists to ensure that we provide the best long-term successes to our patients. WE TRULY CARE ABOUT: our community. Our annual charity golf tournament benefits Oatland Island Wildlife Center and has raised more than $25,000 to help support this unique organization. We love supporting our environment and the children of Savannah, Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas. We also recycle our gloves and masks. Yes, this costs us more, but we believe in being a responsible company so that future generations can enjoy this beautiful world. WE WANT OUR TEAM: to enjoy their time in the office and go home smiling, excited about the good they did for others and each other.

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Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: General Practice Residency at Brooklyn Hospital Center

American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Savannah Dental Society and National Dental Association

AFFILIATIONS:

GEORGETOWN FAMILY DENTAL 821 King George Blvd. 912.927.8484 georgetownfamilydental.com

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS: always putting the patient’s needs first. We value patient comfort in the office and find that a relaxing environment helps relieve patient anxiety. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our new CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) machine, which allows us to take 2D and 3D facial scans for our patients. This technology gives us very clear images and data to develop realistic and quality patient treatment plans. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DENTIST ARE: when I get to see my patients regain their confidence after adjusting their smile appearance. It is amazing to see patients thrive when they are proud of their teeth and smile. I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Georgetown Family Dental. God has truly

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blessed me to be surrounded by team members who genuinely care about people and are just as passionate as I am about providing an understanding, judgement-free dental care in a relaxing environment. OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: if they are a candidate for dental implants. Successful implantation starts with a thorough evaluation of the jaw, mouth and overall health. Most of our dental implants are placed right in our office and can be done in the same day. ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DENTIST: is that continuing education is paramount. WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am spending time with my family, building something with my dad, studying charts for my next flight in a Cessna 172 or dancing with my wife.

Scott Cohen, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE:

University of Tennessee,

Memphis

Southeast District Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ORGANIZATIONS:

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Sleep Medicine, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

COHEN DENTAL 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com

MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store — starting at age 6 — I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. They said, being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back. Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain my patients’ trust and confidence. That’s how I have built my practice for more than 30 years, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original 1940s Cohen’s sign in my office hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned — treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back! MY TEAM AND I FREQUENTLY: attend continuing education courses to keep our

office up to date on the newest changes in dental technology and techniques in dental medicine. I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: my godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the aluminum foil shavings for filling the cavities! I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. We have challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund, and we also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities at its Wine, Women and Shoes annual event. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

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Savannah Health

SALT

OPEN HEART DR. THOMAS JUI-TING YEH SAVED LIVE S AND INSPIRED HIS CHILDREN Written by SEVYN MICHAELA-ROSE WATERS

“HE NEVER IDENTIFIED HIMSELF as a surgeon,” says Dr. Jennifer Yeh, an interventional cardiologist at Memorial Health University, about her father. “He never identified himself as a doctor. He’d say, ‘My name is Tom Yeh.’” He wouldn't go out of his way to tell you, but Dr. Thomas Jui-Ting Yeh is a renowned Savannah surgeon who, for more than 50 years, laid graceful hands upon thousands of hearts. By performing the first open-heart surgery in Savannah in 1967 at Memorial Health and pioneering in the field of heart care, it’s no surprise the Georgia Medical Society recognized Yeh in 2019 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the welfare of the community. He was ahead of his time. Yeh’s history as a Taiwanese citizen coming out of the disorder of World War II shaped his character. As a child, he would climb mango trees, read books, and coming from a family of traditional herbalist physicians, he became interested in how the human body works along the way. “He loved physiology,” Jennifer recalls. “I think one of the best ways to see it in action is through surgery. You can touch and fix the organs and make the physiology function

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the way it’s supposed to. I think that’s what attracted him to it. It’s the science; and he is a perfectionist. Meticulous. Incredibly gifted with his hands.” Yeh’s childhood and education was temporarily interrupted when Japan tightened its grip on Taiwan during the war, and he was conscripted to work at a Japanese prison camp. Food was lacking and the work was grueling, but Yeh was determined, with a strong will to survive. He more than survived. After graduating first in his class from the National Taiwan University, Yeh traveled to the U.S. to practice medicine in 1952 as the first Taiwanese physician. He secured an internship at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Utah followed by a residency at Louisville General Hospital in Kentucky where he met his wife Doris, an operating room nurse. Together, they moved to Augusta, Georgia, where Yeh studied at the Medical College of Georgia under Dr. Robert Gordon Ellison Sr., a giant of cardiothoracic surgery who performed the first openheart surgery in the Southeast. There, Yeh and his wife had two children. Their third was born after they relocated to Savannah in 1967. All three children also became physicians; Dr. Thomas Yeh Jr. is a pediatric heart surgeon at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and Dr. Karen Yeh is a surgical oncologist at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta. At Memorial Health, Yeh established the first open heart surgical program, recruiting Dr. Walker Beeson, an interventional cardiologist, who started the first cardiovascular consultants program in Savannah. During that time, heart cases required a massive preplanning effort. Because the operational procedures were new and the technology

primitive, Yeh frequently spent nights at the ICU to monitor recovering patients. Since then, heart care has advanced tremendously with the improvement of the heart and lung machine, available medical therapies and invasive monitors. Jennifer reflects on the patients who would stop by the dinner table when she was a child. In the middle of Savannah’s now-closed Johnny Harris Restaurant, they’d open their shirts, proudly present their scars and express their gratitude to her father. “I don’t think he has any idea of the impact he’s had,” she says. “This is one of the things I love most about my dad. He has a tremendous skillset, a brain bigger than anything I know of and yet, has more humility and more grace than I've ever known anyone to have. He truly touched their hearts.” Despite working long hours in the hospital, Yeh’s relationship with his children remained strong. When Yeh wasn’t at the hospital, he made a point to spend quality time with his family. “Dad would come in at 10 o’clock at night,” Jennifer recalls. “I’d be sitting there waiting with math and biology books open. He hadn’t even eaten, and he would sit down and help me. Sometimes he would fall asleep while helping, but I would jostle him back up.” Yeh saved countless lives during his 41-year tenure at Memorial Health while remaining an everpresent force in his family’s life. In his retirement, he spends time with his three grandchildren and, unable to let his steady hands go to waste, paints watercolors of Lowcountry landscapes and architectural buildings. “He has grace in his hands,” Jennifer says. “He has grace in his affects, he has grace in his smile. Even behind a mask, it can light up a room.”

Dedicated to protecting you with the Power of the Shield. There's no place like Savannah. That's why you should count on Bernard Williams &

Company for your insurance and risk management needs. We’re a locally owned company with 88 years of trusted, proven experience serving businesses and individuals.

100% LOCALLY OWNED | HEADQUARTERED IN SAVANNAH | 88 YEARS OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow... Established in 1934 by Bernard F. Williams, Bernard Williams & Company is locally owned and serves the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and families throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Headquartered in Savannah, Bernard Williams & Company offers clients a winning combination of quality, service and value from a carefully selected group of insurance and financial service products.

That’s the Power of the Shield.

www.thepoweroftheshield.com • (912) 234-4476

RIGHT WHEN YOU NEED US, WE’RE RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE PRIMARY CARE ABERCORN SOUTHSIDE 11133 Abercorn Street, Suite 10 Savannah, GA 31419 912-925-3382 EISENHOWER 527 Eisenhower Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912-819-9100 MARIANNE FLEMING, MD CONCIERGE 836 E. 65th Street, Bldg. 30 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-9501 HINESVILLE 229 General Screven Way Suite H1A Hinesville, Georgia 31313 912-391-1313 ISLANDS 102 Bryan Woods Road Savannah, GA 31410 912- 898-1122

RINCON 423 S. Columbia Avenue Rincon, GA 31326 912-826-8860

RINCON 5621 Highway 21 S. Rincon, Ga. 31326 912-295-5860

STATESBORO 16741 Hwy 67, Suite A Statesboro, GA 30458 912-623-2391

STATESBORO 1096 Bermuda Run Road Statesboro, Ga. 30458 912-871-5150

BLUFFTON 10 Oak Forest Road, Suite C Bluffton, SC 29910 843- 815-3006

SPECIALTY CARE

RIDGELAND 109 S. Green Street Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-726-6773

URGENT CARE SAVANNAH MIDTOWN 361 Commercial Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912-355-6221

OB / GYN 5354 Reynolds Street Savannah, GA 31405 Suite 518 - 912-819-9650 Suite 422 - 912-354-2634

CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES 11700 Mercy Boulevard, Plaza D, Building 6 Savannah, GA 31419 912-927-3434

OB/GYN 5204 Paulsen Street Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-4491

SOUTHCOAST CARDIOLOGY 1326 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 Savannah, GA 31406 912-527-5300

MEDICAL ARTS 836 East 65th Street, Bldg. #9 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-5090 PEMBROKE 159 W. Railroad Street Pembroke, GA 31321 912-653-2897

POOLER 107 Canal Street Pooler, GA 31322 912-450-1945

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY 1700 Mercy Boulevard, Plaza D, Building 1, Suite A Savannah, GA 31419 & 5354 Reynolds Street, Suite 102 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-0500

POOLER 101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive, Suite 200 Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-1999

BLUFFTON 3 Progressive Street Bluffton, SC 29910 843-548-0533

COASTAL HEART 5354 Reynolds Street, Suite 303 Savannah, GA 31405 912-355-5333

HINESVILLE 780 East Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 912-385-0801

ENDOCRINOLOGY 4849 Paulsen Street, Suite 105 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-3944

RICHMOND HILL 10055 Ford Avenue, Suite 3A Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-819-9601

RICHMOND HILL 12800 Hwy. 144 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-910-2010

For more information on our services, physicians and locations, please visit us online at sjchs.org.

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

BONE, JOINT & MUSCLE CARE 101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive, Suite 340 Pooler, GA 31322 912-737-2450

ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER POOLER CAMPUS 101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive, Suite 100 (off Pooler Parkway) Pooler, GA 31322 912-737-2250

JOSE RENDON, MD 11909-D McAuley Drive Savannah, GA 31419 912-927-0785

GEORGIA EAR, NOSE & THROAT SPECIALISTS SAVANNAH PEDIATRIC ENT THE LISTENING CENTER 5356 Reynolds Street, Suite 505 Savannah, GA 31405 912-356-1515

GYN / UROGYNECOLOGY 5353 Reynolds Street, Suite 201 Savannah, GA 31405 912-355-5755 PODIATRY 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 7A Savannah, GA 31406 912-355-6503 & 352 Commercial Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912-354-3668 TELFAIR BREAST SURGERY 5353 Reynolds Street, Suite 107 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-7630 SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY 5356 Reynolds Street, Suite 505 Savannah, GA 31405 912-644-0744 VASCULAR SPECIALISTS 11909 McAuley Drive Building 100, Suite A-2 Savannah, GA 31419 912-354-8331