Pooler January February 2017

January/February 2017

Fran

BakerWitt

From Nurse To CEO

“They weren’t wasting a minute. It was amazing.”

DURING HURRICANE MATTHEW, SONNY HAD A MAJOR HEART ATTACK WITH STORM WINDS BLOWING,

Sonny passed out in the car. “I thought he had died,” recounts his wife, Mona.

But they made it to Effingham Hospital’s Emergency Room.

THE ER TEAM STABILIZED SONNY.

According to Mona, they had a helicopter there within minutes and airlifted him to Augusta for immediate surgery.

“Dr. Bennett was absolutely fantastic.

We had tons of confidence in him.”

SONNY SUMS IT UP,

“ I feel wonderful now.”

912-754-6451 EffinghamHealth.org

455 Pooler Pkway • Publix Shopping Center 912-748-9383 • www.SeasonsOfJapan.com

OTHER LOCATIONS:

Savannah, GA-Abercorn • Savannah, GA-Berwick Pooler • Statesboro, GA • Brunswick, GA North Charleston, SC • Summerville, SC • Jacksonville, FL Irvine, CA • Berkeley, CA • Vernon Hills, IL

NOW OPEN 1800 E. VICTORY DRIVE Exciting New Menu announcement!!

Introducing Season of Japan style

“SUKIYAKI BOWL”

Toshi Hirata Seasons of Japan, CEO

Seasons Cafe is bringing fast casual Japanese cuisine to downtown Savannah! Our new concept and style will give you the freedom to choose what you crave.

Thousands of different combinations await with freshly cooked ingredients so you can “make your own plate” and try a new combination each time you visit.

Now you can enjoy Seasons of Japan like never before!

NOW OPEN!

The new “Sukiyaki Sauce” Inspired by our original homemade steak sauce with ginger and a twist of our secret ingredients are sure to excite your taste buds! SUKIYAKI BOWL is a very popular traditional Japanese Rice Bowl.Very tasteful bowl that is enjoyed by millions of Japanese people everyday.

10 BARNARD ST 912-349-6230 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFO

EACH UNDER $2 A Snack Menu with Real Snacks!

Tuesday Is Kids’ Night!

1

$ .99

KIDS’ MEALS 4-8PM

439 POOLER PARKWAY - POOLER, GEORGIA

savannah airport

Hyatt Place

Wingate

La Quinta Inn & Suites

4 Stephen S. Green Drive Savannah, GA 31408

50 Sylvester C. Formey Drive Savannah, GA 31408

All Suites with Cozy Corner, F&B 24 Hrs, Wifi, Starbucks Coffee, and 100 HD Channels

Large spacious rooms, Large Meeting Space to Hold 80+ people, Wifi

Pillow-top beds, 63 Rooms, Pet friendly, 32” HDTV, Wifi

(912) 966-0020

(912) 544-1180

(912) 748-3771

04 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

414 Gray Street Pooler, GA 31322

Picture

YOUR FAMILY IN A New

See W Land

hat’s

mark

HARMONY & BERKELEY WALK TOWNHOMES

FOREST LAKES, AMBERLY & WYNDHAM

Home!

New!

24.co

m

SPRING LAKE, WILLOW POINT & CUMBERLAND POINT

Savannah • Pooler • Rincon • Richmond Hill • Bluffton • Charleston Now building new homes in Pooler with large open layouts and energy efficient money saving features, from the high $100s to the $300s.

Marketed by Landmark 24 Realty, Inc.

LANDMARK

HOMES & REALTY

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2016

05

CONTRIBUTORS

SUBSCRIBE

Cindy Burbage is a native of Richmond Hill. She began writing in college and took a hiatus to raise her four beautiful children. Cindy enjoys traveling and is always ready for a road trip. She believes that faith is greater than fear.

Katrice Williams

is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree, while she also maintained an interest in writing. She and her family moved to Pooler in 2003 from the Atlanta Metro Area. Blessed with the opportunity to raise her two children, she later also decided to pursue her writing interests.

Katrice loves to spend time with her family and enjoys many of the simple things in life.

Make sure you never miss a copy of Pooler’s only full-color lifestyle magazine. Sign-up on-line at www.PoolerMagazine.com

FOLLOW US

on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Pooler.You’ll find us at Pooler Magazine.

TWEET

We’re on twitter!

INSTAGRAM

Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scene photos from our articles! Tag your own Pooler photos with our tag #PoolerMagazine!

WRITE US Tonya Chester Perry is a married mother of two children.

She is a full time photographer with a studio based in Rincon, Ga. She graduated from college with a degree in business. She is originally from Louisiana, and after living in different states, she now resides in Effingham County. She is a Maternity, Newborn, Child, High School Senior and Wedding Photographer.

When not working she enjoys spending her time with her husband & kids.

Write to us and tell us what you think.

Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326.

Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact.

Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Susan Lee began her writing career more than 25 years ago when she served in the U.S. Air Force as a military journalist stationed in Washington, D.C. After completing her tour of duty, Susan stayed on as a civilian employee in Washington, working for more than 10 years as Public Relations Director for the Air Force’s Services Division. She moved from D.C. to Effingham County in 1996 after meeting her husband, Springfield native Wesley Lee. She has continued to work in public relations and marketing throughout the years and is excited to now focus more on her writing..

Jessica Celis is a freelance writer and photographer. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her free time. Photography and writing have always been a passion for her since she was 11 years old. She holds a BS degree in communications and journalism from Ashford University in San Diego, California.

06 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Pooler Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Pooler.

www.poolermagazine.com

Know your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Saturday, February 18, 2017 Hutchinson Island Race Track Register today — www.savannahraces.com/espn5k Visit our Facebook page

Share it with everyone you know.

Join us as we help build awareness, education and support for locals fighting Diabetes through this family friendly Run/ walk event. A little exercise can go a long way along with exercise and diet but having your friends support you is a huge step in living a long, full and healthy life.

    

Flat and paved course Free Photos Race Shirt Music Age Group Awards

What can you do?

Invite family and friends to run with you.

Share the event at work around town and encourage friends with diabetes to take a healthy step every day.

For more information about the American Diabetes Association contact us at:

404.320.7100 or visit diabetes.org/atlanta

www.PoolerMagazine.com | March/April 2016

07

CONTENTS January/February 2017

features

10 Nurses Fran Baker Witt: Rule 18 Punching Adrian Owens Away At Parkinson’s 28 Marcel Pooler Rec Spotlight Cooper 34 Get Healthy in 2017 42 Personal Training departments

09 Publisher’s Letter 44 Dining Guide

10 08 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Another New Year Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Leopard graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com Marsha Stewart account executive marsha@idpmagazines.com

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Can you believe 2017 is here??? It’s a new year, one that will surely come with many changes for all of us.

Change is not always embraced. In fact, some times it can be down right hated. But, the fact remains, it is inevitable.

We all have changes in our personal lives. And, as a business owner, I have to look at changes in all aspects, personal and professional.

I, for one, am ready to embrace the changes in store for myself and my company in 2017.

I have set some new personal goals...you know the ones...lose weight, enjoy a more healthy and active lifestyle, play as hard as I work...you know the drill. I am in hopes that this new year will bring many new rewards to my life. I hope yours does as well.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER As for my company, I am in process of making changes there as well. Pooler Magazine has been a reward to me...to be able to bring the citizens of Pooler their very own community magazine for the last 10 years.

Yes, 10 years! That, in itself has brought many new things. And, it is sure to bring many more.

The parent company of Pooler Magazine, Independence Day Publishing, is in process of some major developments. As these changes transpire, you will be seeing a lot of new things in Pooler Magazine. I am very excited about the months to come...and the changes that you will be able to see on the pages of each issue in the near future.

I don’t want to give the element of surprise away just yet. But, be on the lookout in the coming months for some very exciting news for Pooler Magazine.

These developments will be an added benefit for our readers and advertisers alike.

Make sure you stay in tune with this magazine...I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I hope each of you have a happy and prosperous new year, make those needed changes...you won’t be sorry!

January/February 2017

Fran

BakerWitt

From Nurse To CEO

ABOUT THE COVER Meet Pooler resident Fran Baker Witt.

From nurse to CEO, she has dedicated her career to helping others in the healthcare industry. Her journey was not always easy, but with determination and faith, she succeeded. She is indeed a true leader.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

09

FRAN BAKER WITT: NURSES RULE “If I could give you information of my life it would be to show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything.” - Florence Nightingale

T

Story by KATIE VANDENHOUTEN

here are careers, and there are callings. For most nurses, they are one and the same. Florence Nightingale felt that God led her into nursing to do His service, and Pooler resident Fran Baker Witt has also heard the call.

When she was younger, Witt looked forward to watching the TV sitcom Julia, in which Diahann Carroll stars as a nurse. It was one of the first sitcoms in the sixties and seventies to depict an African American woman in a prominent profession. “I looked forward to watching that show and I greatly admired the role of a nurse,” she recalls.

Now Witt herself is worthy of such admiration, for she has not only achieved her goal of becoming a nurse, but she has recently attained the highest position possible at a local hospital. She is the CEO of Effingham Hospital, and she couldn’t be more enthusiastic about her new role.

Nursing is certainly not for the weak. Witt has directed hospital operations and has a proven track record of success as a leader. She is certainly a leader that inspires, empowers and possesses the skills to lead a TEAM. “My professional journey starts with me being

10 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

an RN first,” Witt explains. “I always liked helping people.” She received her BSN from Loyola University Chicago and then began nursing at Mercy Hospital, where she specialized in women’s services and neonatal care.

For Witt, it wasn’t enough to take care of her patients at the bedside. She wanted to impact the entire healthcare process. So, after nursing for two years, she decided to go back to school to earn her Master of Business Administration degree.

“While I was pursuing my MBA, I accepted my first nursing leadership healthcare management position as a director of nursing for a long-term care facility,” she recalls. “So from 1988 to now I’ve been in healthcare management and leadership roles.”

“When I ventured here in January, I was the Chief Transformation Officer for the hospital, so I was the change agent,” says Witt. “I never imagined I would assume the CEO role.”

“I almost fell out of the chair,” she laughs when asked about her initial reaction. But her shock quickly turned into enthusiasm. She is finally where she belongs in healthcare--at the helm.

To say she is a busy lady would be an

understatement. She constantly has a finger on the pulse of hospital operations.

“I am sending emails at 3 and 4 o’clock in the morning,” she says. “I don’t want to lose touch, one of the things I pride myself on is follow up, and it’s my desire to follow up on all emails within 24 hours. I want people to know that I am accessible and committed to responding to them timely.”

Her availability to her staff and colleagues is extremely important to her.

“About 70 percent of the job is relationship building,” she says. “Innovation is driven by the ability to pull a team together and build the team. “Having an engaged workforce encourages innovation and transformation.” Witt understands that exceptional patient care starts with the right team of healthcare providers.

“I believe a really good leader knows how to assess the needs of her team and provide her team with the resources required to provide quality care,” she says

when asked about her management style.

“I tell my team all the time that skill set is one thing, but attitude is 80 percent of the job.” She considers herself to have a servant and transformational leadership style. Since her arrival at Effingham, Witt’s motto is Be The Change…Lead The Change…See The Change.

This did not all come easily for Witt.

She had many obstacles to overcome. On a personal note, she was a single mom for a number of years and balancing soccer practice, football practices and work was truly a juggling act. Witt adds, “I manage adversity through prayer and tranquility.

I trust my intuition and spirit to guide me.

I find this to be very successful because it develops patience and spiritual maturity.”

Witt’s positive attitude and work ethic has definitely helped get her where she is today. Her laughter is contagious, but make no mistake, she is tough when she has to be.

12 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

“I think that women, by nature, are emotional creatures,” she says. “Being in a CEO role, you must exercise discretion and have an acute awareness of emotional intelligence. You can’t react to every situation. You must gather the facts and do your due diligence, I have realized there are many agendas and one must focus on the big picture.”

And Witt has spent the majority of her career getting the facts on health care. She continues to educate herself in order to stay up-to-date with current clinical practices and procedures. Even now, as a CEO, she is busy working on her newest degree: a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

“The DNP program develops you as a DNP leader to identify opportunities to improve nursing practice through research design, interprofessional collaboration and best practice implementation” explains Witt. “When a patient is admitted or has an encounter in our health system, we want to make sure that person receives the best practice standard of care, in the industry as it relates to their disease management”.

Nursing is exceptional because it’s a profession that promotes healing and restoration. “This is achieved on many levels, physical which is the most obvious but as nurses our scope of care is environmental, emotional, spiritual and intentional. Advancing the nursing practice requires more collaboration, innovation, communication and implementation of evidenced based practices,” states Witt.

Putting others first is her top priority.

When she’s not busy earning advanced degrees and managing a hospital, she likes to support local charities. “One of my favorite charities is March of Dimes,” she says.

“Helping preterm babies and the support they provide the families is just phenomenal. It is a great charity.”

She is also a big supporter of The United Way. In addition to her supporting local charities, her faith is a big part of her life.

In fact, God is the center of her life. “My faith in God has always been my strength,” she says.

The support of her family has also been invaluable to her over the years. Her husband, Daryl, and son, Robert, and daughter Angelique, continue to be her biggest cheerleaders, and the feeling is mutual.

“I’m very proud of my kids and husband, having a solid support system is critical” she says.

Her parents never went to college, so her family is extremely proud of how successful she has become. “They’re proud of my dedication and desire to continue to grow in my professional success,” she says.

Witt wants to help others succeed in their professional development as well. She recently became a mentor to an aspiring nurse, Jurnee Levett. She looks forward to encouraging and advising Levett to become the best nurse she can be.

Witt would not be where she is today without mentors of her own. Denise Williams, Dr. Kelvin Holloway and Gaynell Miller were three colleagues who encouraged her to be a successful leader, from whom she learned a great deal. She worked with them at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, and is grateful to them for helping her become the nurse and leader that she is today.

In fact, she says it is crucial to seek guidance from other successful leaders in business. “I recommend every leader to identify a leader that you consider successful, respectful and more importantly one that you admire, and engage in professional affiliations to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need for success,” Witt advises.

Witt plans to enjoy herself and the city of Pooler. She just moved to Savannah Quarters, and she loves the opportunity to access shopping. “I have received a warm welcome from the community,” Witt says. “The people are so nice and there’s so much to do. I’m looking forward to venturing out more and becoming more involved.”

Her ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact in healthcare as a CEO and then she’d like to teach nursing online. Even after retirement, she just cannot part ways with nursing. It’s in her blood.

Fran Baker Witt was born to be a nurse. She has made a life of helping others and impacting patient care. And with tireless dedication like hers, she will continue to do so as long as she lives.

“I believe GOD called me because he sees my heart, motivation, integrity and my desire for excellence for ALL mankind,” she concludes.

COMPREHENSIVE VISION CARE

FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY 912.748.1272 1000 Towne Center Blvd.

Suite 502 Pooler, Georgia

Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:30PM

www.LowCountryEye.com www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

13

IS YOUR YOUR CHILD IS CHILDSTRUGGLING STRUGGLING ININ MATH CLASS??

MATH CLASS??

OR DO TOTO CHALLENGED OR DOTHEY THEYNEED NEED BE CHALLENGED MORE IN MATH???

MORE IN MATH???

MATHNASIUM MATH LEARNING CENTER CAN HELP!!!

At Mathnasium, we build a program specifically for your student based on a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.  We help them CATCH UP on the fundamental math skills they have missed in class.  We help them KEEP UP through homework help, test prep and regular teacher communication.  And we help the GET AHEAD through a customized learning plan.

Sessions are affordable and drop in, no appointment needed!!!! Contact us today!!!

MATHNASIUM OF POOLER 459 Pooler Parkway (near Publix) Call 912-330-0666 Email pooler@mathnasium.com

Check out the website www.mathnasium.com

ǡ ǨǨǨǨǨǨǨ

Coastal Spirits

107 S. Godley Station Blvd. • Pooler, GA (Next to Sherwin Williams)

912-450-1200

www.poolerbeverage.com Hours: Monday - Thursday 11am-9pm Friday - Saturday 10am-10pm Sunday 12:30pm-7pm

Specialty Craft Beers Available

BEER WINE LIQUOR CIGARS 14 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Dr. Susan C. Mobley:

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

S

usan C. Mobley, M.D., of Provident OB/GYN Associates in Pooler, has a calling to help women navigate the many milestones of a woman’s life, including adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause.

“Women’s bodies are constantly changing, and it can be confusing and disconcerting at any age,” Mobley says.

“One of the best aspects of my job is being able to sit and talk with patients and educate them about what is happening to them.

Understanding the process takes away the fear and allows them to enjoy a new season of life.”

Pregnancy can be especially frightening, particularly for first-time moms. “During pregnancy, you’re concerned not only about your own body but the life of your unborn child,” she says.

“I teach moms how to make good choices during pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby down the road.”

One of the educational tools Mobley uses is Mommy Mail, a free email subscription that provides weekly information throughout a woman’s pregnancy. It aligns with her due date and addresses common concerns during that specific week of pregnancy. After her baby is born, she continues to receive emails on parenting and child health until her little one’s third birthday.

Mommy Mail is sponsored by Memorial Health for Women. To register, go to women.memorialhealth.com.

Mobley’s medical path was set early, having observed her father, a psychiatrist, and her mother, a physician assistant, at work. Her sister is a urologist in Texas.

“Going into the field of medicine was just a natural choice,” Mobley says. “I chose ob-gyn because I liked the idea of taking care of women throughout their lifetime. I want to be able to

develop long-term relationships with my patients as they have their families and then transition through the different phases of life, including menopause when they have to deal with different gynecologic issues.

“My goal is to help them stay healthy throughout,” she adds.

Mobley graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology. She earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2011, and went on to do her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Memorial University Medical Center. She joined Provident OB/GYN Associates’ Pooler office in August 2015.

Appointments with Mobley in the Pooler office are now available. Call 912-350-5937.

Provident OB/GYN Associates 101 West Mulberry Boulevard, Suite 100 Pooler, GA 31407 912-350-5937 providentobgyn.memorialhealth.com

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

15

N THE $8000 TAx CREDIT

PRESIDENT PRESIDENT PRESIDENT

(912) 826-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748 505 McCall • Rincon, hughes@internationalmortgage.com (912)Road 826-5386 • GA Fax: (912) 826-4556 McCall • Rincon, GA ingham County, surrounding areas Road & Road all of••Georgia 55055505 McCall Road Rincon, GA 5505 McCall Rincon, GA Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia

Residentialsurrounding Mortgage Licensee#5748areas & all of Georgia Serving Effingham EffinghamGeorgia County, Serving County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia

GRMA#26250 GRMA#26250

NMLS# 158359 (Novella J. Hughes) GeorgiaResidential Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748 NMLS# 158273 (International Mortgage Co.,Mortgage Inc.) Licensee#5748 Georgia

Michael Zoller, MD, FACS

Savannah’s premier group of ear, nose, and throat professionals, specializing in total care of head and neck disorders.

Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 Saturday 8:30-12:00

www.entsavannah.com Main Office: 5201 Frederick Street, Savannah Satellite Offices: POOLER, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Statesboro, Southside Savannah

Appointment: 912-351-3030

Michelle Yamada, PA

Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748

Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748

Fred Daniel, MD, FACS

CAll FoR DETAIlS oN THE $8000 TAx CREDIT CAll FoR DETAIlS oN THE $8000 TAx CREDIT • 100% Packages CAllFinancing FoR DETAIlS oN THE $8000 TAx CREDIT • 100% Financing Packages • 100% Financing Packages • First Time Buyer Programs • First Time Buyer Programs 100% Buyer Financing Packages • First• Time Programs • Debt Consolidation • First Time Buyer Programs • Debt Consolidation • Debt Consolidation • Construction Loans • Debt Consolidation Financing Packages • Construction Loans • Purchases • Construction Loans • Construction Loans • Purchases me Buyer Programs • Purchases • Refinances • 100% Financing Packages • Refinances • Refinances • Purchases • VA Loans onsolidation • VA Loans • First Time Buyer Programs • VA Loans • Free Consultations Jane Hughes • Free• Free Consultations Refinances Consultations Jane JaneHughes Hughes • Home Improvement Loans uction••Debt Loans Consolidation • Home • Home Improvement Loans Improvement Loans VA Loans Loans (912) 826-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556 826-5386 • Fax: (912)826-4556 826-4556 ses ••Construction (912)(912) 826-5386 •McCall Fax: (912) • Rincon, GA 55055505 McCall RoadRoad • Rincon, GA 5505 McCall Road • Rincon, GA Free Consultations Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia Jane Hughes nces ••Purchases Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia PRESIDENT • Home Improvement Loans ns • Refinances onsultations (912) 826-5386 •Programs Fax: (912) 826-4556 • VA Loans • First Time Buyer - 100% USDA Jane Hughes • FHA, VA & Conventional • Construction LoansGA • Purchases 5505 McCall PRESIDENT Road • Rincon, mprovement Loans • Free Consultations Jane Hughes Hughes Jane • Serving Refinances • Free Consultations • Home Improvement Loans PRESIDENT Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia PRESIDENT • Home Improvement Loans 26-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556

Stephen Rashleigh, MD, FACS

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

William Moretz, III, MD

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

Brad A. Rawlings, MD

nal Mortgage tgage Company… dest Mortgage Company…

International Mortgage oN THE $8000 TAx Mortgage CREDIT International Mortgage International Mortgage nal Mortgage CELEBRATING $8000 TAx CREDIT25 YEARS

We’ve got moves

Moving people forward over 29 years

5,000,000

®

96% customer referral rate

of them

Savannah location voted best moving comapny

6 years in a row by readers of Connect Magzine

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Savannah 912.966.0600 | twomenandatruck.com Each franchise is individually owned and operated.

16 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

U.S. DOT No. 1783534 | MC 650190

Howard Family Dental

A

t Howard Family Dental, we consider our valued patients to be part of our family. We are confident our friendly, inviting office environment as well as our incredible team members will make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your office visit. Our dentists provide a wide-range of dental services, from cleanings and restorations , to dental implants and reconstruction, all using leading-edge dental technology.

At our Pooler location, we have two wonderful doctors and an incredible team dedicated to serving all of your dental needs. In addition to general and cosmetic dentistry, our Pooler office provides orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment, Botox therapy for TMJ disorder, dermal fillers, and dental implant dentistry.

Dr. Jason Howard was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He is one of two second generation dentist carrying on the tradition practicing in the company that his father founded. He graduated from Davidson College with a bachelor of science in history before completing Dental School at the Medical College of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association , Academy of General Dentistry, American Orthodontic Society, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. His areas of focus include: comprehensive care, orthodontics, implant prosthetics, and a passionate awareness of facial esthetics.

“I am so blessed to have the career I do because it allows me to help so many people in the community of Pooler with their dental needs. I enjoy not only providing dental needs for my patients, but personally building long lasting relationships with them as their friendly, local dentist that will always put their oral health needs first” states Dr. Howard.

Dr. Howard enjoys spending quality time with his family. He and his wife, Summer, are the proud parents of two daughters, Couper and Cameron. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Howard enjoys surfing, hunting, fly fishing, and boating with his family. He also enjoys being a proud spectator of all of his daughters’ activities.

Dr. Lindsay Sammons is not only an award-winning dentist, but an active member of the Pooler community and a proud

Story by JESSICA CELIS

DR. LINDSAY SAMMONS

DR. JASON HOWARD

mother of two. Her goal is to encourage patients who are committed to their oral health and help them achieve the smile of their dreams.

Dr. Sammons was raised in Dallas, Georgia. She earned a degree in Chemistry at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and went on to earn her doctorate degree from the Medical College of Georgia Dental School. As a highly involved member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Dr. Sammons has an unmatched dedication to continued education and training in the field of dentistry. Her areas of concentration include general and cosmetic dentistry, implants, sleep apnea appliances, Botox for bruxism and facial pain. She stays on the cutting edge of her profession.

She enjoys working out and spending time with her family, husband Edward and sons, Jackson and Harrison. She is the Founding Director of the Howard Family Dental Foundation and is very active in fundraising for ‘Howard Hand in Hand,’ a support program for children of cancer patients at St. Joseph/Candler Hospital in Savannah. She truly believes in giving back to the community as much as she can because there are so many people that need a helping hand.

Both Dr. Howard and Dr. Sammons feel very fortunate to work for Howard Family Dental as they have served the community for over 30 years. Their goal is to ensure that each patient is treated well and feels welcome to the Howard Family Dental family.

Howard Family Dental Family.

Friendly.

Neighbors.

91 Brighton Woods Dr., Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-4858

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

17

Mark Squicquero, DDS • 35 Robert Smalls Parkw

Adrian Owens Alongside Rock Steady Boxing:

PUNCHING AWAY AT PARKINSON’S “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does.”

~Unknown

P

Story by KATRICE WILLIAMS Photos by JESSICA CELIS

arkinson’s Disease remains a quite baffling illness to most. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year. Parkinson’s, named by 19th Century Parisian neurologist Jean Charcot on behalf of its founder James Parkinson, an early 19th Century English physician, is “a progressive disease of the nervous system,” particularly the brain. It is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory functions; it most commonly affects adults above 60 years of age. At present, there is no medical cure for the disease. However, there are individuals and organizations that are relentlessly fighting to combat the affects of Parkinson’s each day.

Several past medical studies concluded that rigorous exercise aids “gross motor movement, balance, core strength, rhythm, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, posture, gait and overall daily activities.” Further, several studies have shown that rigorous and “forced exercise is neuroprotective,” causing a decrease in disease progression while “inducing brain repair and behavioral recovery.”

With an inception dating back to 2006, Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is an Indianapolis-based 501(c)(3) organization striving to “empower people with Parkinson’s Disease to fight back” through a “non-contact fitness boxing curriculum.” With over 200 affiliate gyms across the country dedicated to this cause, RSB offers challenging workouts centered largely on boxing drills designed to help enhance “agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and strength.” Each gym is coached by qualified and certified fitness experts, whether professional boxing coaches, personal training professionals, rehabilitation specialists or occupational therapists. Due to very positive results seen with its participants, RSB was selected to be part of a study by various medical professionals comparing the “results of individuals who continue with the RSB curriculum over time” with others who are not part of the program. The results have been profound and lead to one amazing and undeniable conclusion: RSB works!

Pooler has an RSB affiliate gym. Established over a year ago, it is co-owned by Dennis and Sharon Meeks, along with Shawn and Johanna White. Shawn is the RSB coach, while his wife Johanna, who is also a talented and skilled professional Zumba instructor, assists with a variety of member workouts. Some time ago, Dennis approached Shawn about the RSB program, and Shawn subsequently traveled to Indianapolis to become a certified RSB coach.

While there, Shawn learned more about the overall program and was drawn to the organization’s invaluable cause. The former professional kick boxer became certified and hasn’t looked back since; “the idea has now become a reality with a gym in Pooler.”

Shawn has an incredible passion for what he does and loves to see the remarkable results of each participant.

He states, “It’s rewarding…how you see people grow. I would

18 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

like for everyone with Parkinson’s to come here. I don’t make any promises—this is not going to cure Parkinson’s. What it does is that it gets people moving…gets them up…gets them engaged… gets them working. That works for me.”

One hour of non-stop workouts are held three days each week in the morning or evening, in order to accommodate individuals at different skill levels. Shawn incorporates all of the RSB concepts during his workouts, especially in the areas of strength training and flexibility.

He mentions, “We do a lot of weights…get them engaged. We’re not training anybody to be a pro-boxer. The whole philosophy behind the boxing part is that no two people throw a punch the same, so it’s just working on the different planes and neuropathways.”

Shawn does not hold back any punches but challenges each individual to give their all at each workout. He is both a caring and tough coach who pushes each member of his group to reach their full potential.

He smiles and says, “I’m a gentle giant.”

Shawn is thrilled to see the growth that each person experiences over time. Whether doing the aerobic-based exercises, weights, abdominal workouts or boxing drills, each individual is sure to receive an extensive and fulfilling workout with a variety of equipment to utilize, including gloves, speed bags, heavy bags, fitness balls and weights, just to name a few.

Dennis Meeks is a Savannah native who lives in the area; he and his wife Shaaron have two adult sons. Interestingly enough, Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 1 ½ years ago, but that has not stopped him. After dealing with challenging symptoms prior to his diagnosis, Dennis understood the severity of the disease. He was driven to make a difference. After learning about RSB, Dennis was excited to talk to Shawn about it.

Dennis himself participates in the workouts and knows firsthand the phenomenal difference that RSB makes. As a co-owner, he has put a great deal of his heart into the gym and is thankful for all of the success stories that he often hears about. As a patient and like many others, RSB literally changed his life, and he is incredibly grateful.

Adrian Owens, a Pensacola, Florida native, has lived in Pooler for about two years. He and his wife Barbara moved in order to be close to their daughter Cindy, who has lived in Pooler for some time now. Adrian retired from Reichold Chemical Company in Pensacola after 40 years of service as a master mechanic. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about five years ago. Over a period of time prior to his diagnosis, Barbara and others noticed that Adrian was getting around very differently. Barbara noticed changes in his movement and muscle activity. She knew something was very wrong.

Barbara remarks, “Everything was in slow motion.” Additionally, Adrian had problems with his balance at times.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

19

Barbara goes on to explain that most patients have the disease for a long time before their diagnosis, but they “just don’t realize what is happening.” Adrian later adds, “I probably had it three or four years before I even knew I had it.” He says that the things that would take an average person one or two weeks to complete would take him “three, four or five weeks.”

Though there are no medications to completely treat Parkinson’s, Adrian and his family found a priceless treasure—RSB. They had heard of a Parkinson’s support group being held downtown. While they were in attendance, Cindy recognized Dennis, a fellow church member. He told the family about the program.

Adrian has been a willing participant for about six months. Even Barbara and Cindy take time to participate with him; they make it a family affair. They were all amazed at the results, as they observed and compared Adrian’s performance and behavior over time.

Barbara states, “We were looking to get a wheelchair at the time, and we were amazed at how quickly it got better. It’s made a vast difference in him. This is a great thing here.”

Cindy adds, “This has helped more than anything we’ve tried.”

Barbara and Cindy wish that they would have known about such an outstanding program three or four years ago.

Adrian works out three times each week. Even his neurologist was in awe at the positive changes she noticed in his performance during some of his physical examinations.

Unfortunately, Adrian recently suffered a fall which caused a compression fracture in his back. Still, one week before his injury, he visited his neurologist, who was astonished at his continued

20 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

progress.

Barbara asserts, “She was just amazed at the difference in him in six months since coming here and doing this exercising.”

Barbara reflects on Adrian’s mobility prior to his injury. “He was getting up without help. Everything was so much better. His balance was better. He was sitting up straighter. He could pull himself up from the floor with the weights. It’s getting better again. If he hadn’t been doing the RSB when he fell this last time, I’m not sure if he would’ve ever gotten back up again.”

The injury hindered his progress for just a little while, but Adrian is getting back into the swing of things, especially with the help of his devoted wife who has not only worked out with him all this time but has also been there to help him get around. It is obvious that the workouts are doing a lot of good for both of them.

Adrian jokes, “She’s stronger than me now.”

Adrian is inspired by individuals who have the disease; however, no one can tell by looking at their demeanor or performance in the gym. He aspires to become one of those people and is diligently striving to accomplish that feat.

When he is not punching away at Parkinson’s, Adrian enjoys a few good programs on the tube, especially old westerns like Gunsmoke. He is also a big NCIS fan.

Adrian Owens refuses to let Parkinson’s define who he is. He is very thankful to have such a caring and committed family. He, too, appreciates all of the outstanding efforts of the team at Rock Steady Boxing. In addition, “spreading the word” about RSB to other individuals who are dealing with Parkinson’s is very important to him. In his own words, “It works; try it. You’ll like it.”

Dr. W. Bryan Hartley

MEMORIAL SAVANNAH C ARDIOLOGY

I

t’s easy to take your heart for granted when it’s working properly. But when there is a problem, W. Bryan Hartley, M.D., of Memorial Savannah Cardiology, is the specialist to see in Pooler.

A board-certified interventional cardiologist, Hartley chose a career in medicine after suffering a serious illness. “I knew I would be someone who assists in direct patient care,” he says.

Unlike some physicians who choose careers in research or pharmaceutical and medical device development or hospital administration, Hartley wanted one-onone interaction with patients.

“My favorite part of being a doctor is simply being able to sit with patients and talk,” he says. “Often, it has nothing at all to do with their heart problems. I consider it a special privilege to share in my patients’ lives.”

Hartley earned his medical degree at Mercer University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Memorial University Medical Center. He did fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia before joining Memorial Savannah Cardiology.

Hartley specializes in general and

interventional cardiology, which includes evaluating and treating all types of heart disease. He focuses on non-surgical treatment of coronary artery disease and blockages in the blood vessels of the heart using coronary stents.

“I couldn’t have picked a more rewarding career,” he says. “I help my patients understand how their heart and blood vessels work and how they can take steps to prevent or slow down the progression of heart disease.”

Hartley and his wife, Amy, are the proud parents of two sons – Caden, 8, and Conner, 7. Despite his busy schedule, he tries to find time to read, study history, and watch sports, especially the ones his sons are playing.

His connection to Memorial Health is a family affair. Amy’s parents, Rex and Sharon Cress, have organized the annual Kids’ Classic Golf Tournament for the Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah at Memorial Health for many years. Through their efforts they have raised more than $3 million, he says.

Hartley sees patients in the Pooler and Savannah offices of Memorial Savannah Cardiology. For an appointment, call 912352-8700.

Memorial Savannah Cardiology 101 West Mulberry Boulevard Pooler, GA 31407 912-352-8700 memorialhealth.com/savannahcardiology

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

21

Settle Your Disputes Through MEDIATION

NEED LAWN SERVICE? MOW • TRIM • EDGE

INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION

GOT GRASS

Other Services Available - We Will Meet Your Needs!

Novella Jane Hughes Registered Mediator

LAWN SERVICE

Registration # 35344

912-657-5386 Phone 912-826-4556 Fax

(912)657-1580 • gotgrass0115@msn.com

Creating smiles that last a lifetime!

Fillings

|

Extractions

|

Partials

|

Dentures

|

Crowns

|

Bleaching

|

Veneers

|

Emergencies

DENTISTRY AT GODLEY STATION (912) 748-4494 WWW.TRACYDURHAMDDS.COM

145 Traders Way, Suite D | Pooler, Georgia 31322 • Conveniently located near I-95 at Godley Station

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • COMING SOON TO RINCON

HOURS: Mon-Wed 8:00am-5:00pm | Thurs-Fri 7:00am-2:00pm | Extended Hours Available Upon Request Most Insurance Plans Accepted | All Gulfstream Plans Accepted | Carecredit Available

22 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Dr. Tracy Durham

Dr. Gary Johnson

Total Health Fairs:

Exposing Employees to Health Development and Proactive Wellness Behaviors

T

Story by SUSAN LEE

hroughout the past decade, an increasing number of America’s most successful and high performing companies have recognized that a happy and healthy employee is a productive employee.

In the Coastal Empire, many businesses schedule special health and wellness fairs to connect their employees with a variety of resources and experts on hand to help them achieve peace of mind and an overall sense of well-being. Total Health Fairs has proven to be a valuable resource for employers who don’t have the budget or time to schedule such an event.

From start to finish, Total Health Fairs orchestrates a variety of corporate health fairs, employee wellness days and even corporate wellness challenges. And the best part: there’s no cost to the company. By providing the service free to employers, they are able to expose more employees to health development and proactive wellness behaviors.

Olivia Taylor, Director of Total Health Fairs, says the best part of her job is helping employees become healthier by connecting them with the specialists in the community who can get them on the road to wellness. “Employees often don’t have the time to take off work and have their blood pressure checked, see a chiropractor or get a massage,” she says.

Olivia works directly with the Human Resources representatives or company officials to develop and orchestrate a wellness event specifically tailored to their employees’ needs. Businesses can choose to offer a health fair or opt for a wellness expo, risk and prevention day or even an employee pamper day. And all of these events can include screenings, demonstrations, games and

raffle prizes.

Olivia takes care of every detail, from initial planning to selecting a venue and scheduling resource providers and executing the successful event. To put it simply, Olivia does all the “heavy lifting” and enables corporate leaders to continue focusing on the business operations.

Area employers who have recently offered events through Total Health Fairs include Derst Baking Company, the City of Pooler, Georgia Regional, Mitsubishi, City of Garden City, and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia in West Chatham.

Total Health Fairs’ roster of health and wellness professionals include Ranicki Chiropractic, The Mindspring Center, Coastal Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, and the Recovery Place, among many others.

Portia Brown, a financial services professional with Financial Design Associates, has served as a resource at Total Health Fairs’ events and says the experience was a great opportunity to reach individuals who might need advice. “Olivia does a great job of finding out the needs of the companies and employees so we can address them directly,” she said. “She’s very professional and well organized, communicating with everyone and setting up for the event. It’s been a great experience working with her and Total Health Fairs.”

To find out how your company (of at least 60 employees) can benefit from an event presented by Olivia Taylor and Total Health Fairs, call (912)495-8042 or find them on Facebook (Total Health Fairs Savannah).

912-495-8042 • www.TotalHealthFairs.com healthysavannah@totalhealthfairs.com www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

23

HOMETOWN SERVICE • Windows and Doors • Fencing and Decks • Siding and Gutters • Additions and Porches

Effingham Exterior Experts Financing available Come see our showroom: 2667 Hwy 80 Bloomingdale GA 31302 Call us for a free estimate: (912)313-0278 912homeworks.com

24 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

748-1414

1017 HWY 80E • POOLER

IN THE FOOD LION SHOPPING CENTER

FREE DELIVERY

We accept Medicare Part D and Insurance Prescription Cards

Looking for us?

Here’s where you can find your FREE copy!

Spring Lake Willow Point Savannah / Hilton Head Air Port Crosswinds Sam Snead’s Tavern Wingate by Wyndham Fairfield Inn & Suites Hilton Garden Inn Candlewood Suites Double Tree by Hilton Country Inn & Suites Holiday Inn Express Comfort Inn Springhill Suites by Marriott Towne Place Suites BP Station (airport side) Suntrust Chick-Fila First Chatham Bank Embassy Suites BB&T Optim Healthcare Orthopedics Colonial Grand at Godly Station Colonial Village at Godly Station Latitude Apartments Cheddars Pooler Karate Colorboxx Pooler Pediatrics Dentistry Frames-N-Games Savannah Tire Mediterranean Tavern Miwa Japanese Restaurant Eden Day Spa Ameris Bank Japalenos Logans Palm Beach Tan Legacy Nail and Spa Vision Works Aspen Dental Olive Garden ENT Associates of Savannah Chatham Orthopedics Low Country Eye Care Southern allergy and Asthma SouthCoast Medical Group Savannah Pediatrics Godley Station Dental Forest Lakes Towne Lake Dental Urgent Care Center Fatz Savannah Car Wash ARA Pooler Imaging Foot & Ankle Center Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dentistry at Godley Station SportsClip The Nail Avenue Better Homes & Garden Sawa Goodyear Coastal Empire Periodontics Coastal Performing Arts Dance

Academy GeoVista Credit Union Saint Joseph Candler My Eye Dr. Coastal Spirits Crawdaddy’s YMCA Two Addison Place BP Station & Village Spirit Shop Savannah Quarters Country Club Avala Apartment ComplexSavannah Quarters El Cheapo Meijia Parkway Salon Pro Nails Suds Laundry Mat Jalapeno’s State Farm Pat Parker Wasabi Bella’s Salon Yummy House Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Godley Animal Hospital Live Oak Allergy Kids First Pooler Pediatrics Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Ass. Dr. Alexander Bannout Braun Internal Medicine Savannah Acupuncture Atlantic Foot & Ankle Keller Williams Chatterbox St. Joseph’s Immediate Care Courtney Station on Park Ave. Publix UPS Store Mathnasium Seasons of Japan Mattress Firm Shanes Mellow Mushroom Starbucks Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union Byrd Cookie Co. Urgent Care 24/7 Red Roof Inn Econo Lodge La Quinta Lovezzola’s Western Sizzlin El Potro Wells Fargo Bank of America Pooler Pawn Diamond Pooler Chamber Of Commerce Simplicity Ameris Bank

Lady J’s Hair Emporium Barber Post Enmark Reflections Naan Appetite New Super Buffet TV Nails All About Hair Bilo Senior Citizens Center RH Fitness The Barber Cuts Randy Wood Guitars Wood’s Kitchen Hair Techniques Butcher Block Happy Days Icecream Bloomingdale City Hall Bloomingdale History Museum/ Visitors Center Ranicki Chiropractic Pooler Seafood Clyde’s Howard Family Dental Coastal Audiology Allure Laser Center Phase 7 Salon Curves Viola’s Attic The Color Station KV Nails Spa Pooler City Hall Pooler Public Library Chatham Classic Home Rental

Hair Creation Pooler Recreation Dept.

Mo’ Bay Island Cuisine Power Tan Nu Impressions The Omelet House JoAnn’s Florist Ramada Inn Magnolia Inn Sleep Inn & Suites Holiday Inn & Suites Microtel Inn & Suites Travelodge Suites Carter’s Pharmacy Food Lion Dasher Services Four Paws Grooming Guerrero’s Vapor Trails TNT Nails Smokin’ Pig Serenity Nail Salon Wound Care Clinic Spanky’s Golden Breakfast Los Bravos Robinson’s ATA Blackbelt Karate Flash Foods Affordable Dentures Motel 6 Cutting Cave Quality Inn Cracker Barrel GA Welcome Center

For Questions Or Information On Distribution Points, Please Call Lea at (912)826-2760 www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017 25

Listing And Selling Homes Over 11 Years!

Call Me... where HOME matters.

JACKPOT! This house is a winner!

Adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath starter home. It has an open floor plan making it easy to enjoy family time. Convenient location.

It is beautifully landscaped with private courtyard and privacy fenced backyard. A treasure for a first time buyer.

Only 109,000!

Beautiful bungalow in downtown Guyton historic district!

This home boasts 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a detached single car garage and a beautiful sun room/great room on the back with separate heating and air unit. Beautiful landscaping gives this home great curb appeal.

Hardwood floors and ceramic flow throughout the home. All for $119,000

Lots Of Privacy!

Looking for a little piece of heaven? This beautiful 15 Acre tract is just waiting for you. Build your dream home and enjoy the peace and tranquility! Land located on Mud Road in Bulloch County. $77,000.

Perfect Home For First Time Buyer or Investor 3 Bedrooms and 2 full baths right in the heart of Rincon.

Large living/dining combo. New paint throughout. Beautiful yard, over 1100 square feet. All for only $97,000!

CED

U RED

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 jhales346@windstream.net

26 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

5805 Hwy 21 S. Rincon, GA 31326

912.826.0927

www.RinconcoldwellBankeR.com

Edel Caregiver Institute:

Helping caregivers so they can better help their loved ones

H

ospice Savannah is a program for the terminally ill which includes services for care and support of patients at home, in a nursing home or assisted living facility or in Hospice House. Usually abstaining from extraordinary measures to lengthen life, they focus on pain and symptom control and emotional support for the loved ones.

Hospice Savannah concentrates on the patient and their loved ones; The Edel Caregiver Institute concentrates on the caregiver.

Caring for a loved one with any type of illness or disorder is not planned and many times the caregiver is at a loss for what they need to do. Caregivers can be friends, relatives, in-laws, spouses – anyone who provides assistance to another, in whatever capacity and whatever their relationship, with no financial benefits. The Edel Caregiver Institute offers support for non-paid, non-professional family caregivers. Again, its primary focus is the caregiver, not the care recipient. The care recipient is rarely hospice patient. It is usually someone who has been diagnosed with a long-term chronic illness such as Congestive Heart Failure, Dementia, Pulmonary Disease, etc.

The Edel Caregiver Institute opened its doors a year ago, with a vision of helping families. In fact, the Institute has helped over 300 families to date.

With a-state-of-the -art facility nestled off Chatham Parkway, they offer an array of classes and programs for caregivers. Within their skills lab, they provide hands-on training with medical equipment from oxygen tanks to Hoyer lifts. The skills lab is able to assist 12-15 people per class and can be disease- specific. Basic nursing skills are also taught to caregivers.

Taking care of a loved one stricken with disease or a disorder, such as Autism, can take an emotional and physical toll on the one providing the care. The Edel Caregiver Institute delivers wellness for the caregiver, including nutrition education and exercise. It also offers help with navigating the medical world through the assistance of eight retired physicians on hand who are available to go with patients and caregivers to doctor appointments to communicate information. Dementia coaches are also available. They are placed in the homes to help with problem solving and offer hands on help.

The Edel Caregiver Institute is a not for profit organization that relies on funding from the United Way, donations and fundraisers. All services offered

by Edel are free of charge. Please see the website for complete information regarding all the classes and support offered.

Story by CINDY BURBAGE

EDEL CAREGIVER INSTITUTE 6000 Business Center Drive (off Chatham Parkway) Savannah, GA 31405 EdelCaregiverInstitute.org 912-629-1331 Counties and communities served: • Bryan: Ellabell, Pembroke, Richmond Hill, Midway • Chatham: Savannah, Tybee, Pooler, Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, Garden City, Port Wentworth • Effingham: Rincon, Guyton, Clyo, Springfield • Liberty: Hinesville and surrounding communities • Long: Ludowici and surrounding communities The Edel Caregiver Institute can also provide: • Reduced rates for daytime respite at local assisted living facilities.

• Discounted rates on local agency sitter services.

• Resource information and referrals to community services. By appointment.

• Caregiving 101 skills follow-up support.

• Individual consultations for disease specific education with fourth year medical residents. By appointment.

• Social work support. By appointment.

• In-home respite care scholarships for qualified individuals.* (*Participating caregivers who wish to apply for a respite scholarship must have had a personal consultation with the manager of the Institute. A participating caregiver is one who has completed a questionnaire, attends classes, and has an established relationship with the Edel Caregiver Institute. Respite scholarships are offered on a limited basis for a pre-determined amount based on availability). www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

27

Coach Marcel Cooper “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in,” - Author Unknown.

POOLER RECREATION SPOTLIGHT

T

Story by CINDY BURBAGE

ime is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. Recreation Departments across the country are dedicated to this theory and are intended for young children to learn sports, rules and boundaries, comradery, and most important, to have fun. The successful facilities are fueled by volunteers, those special individuals that want to make a difference in their community.

Meet long time Pooler resident Marcel Cooper; he has been a coach at the Pooler Recreation and his given his time for an astonishing 12 years.

Marcel has lived in the Pooler community for 15 years and has proudly shared, “My amazing wife, Tonice and I have been married for 22 years. We have four beautiful children- Maiya 20 years old, Marcel, Jr. 18 years old and twins, Taylor and Tyler 13 years old.

He began coaching at the Rec Department when his oldest daughter, Maiya was only seven years old and took an interest in basketball. Marcel decided to help coach his daughter’s team, to not only spend more time with her, but to mentor other children as well. “As a coach, I take pride in teaching about character traits to the children, such as humility, good sportsmanship, perseverance, and discipline,” he enlightened. The rules of the games are something the children will remember as they play, however, the life lessons that are absorbed during the coaching will last a lifetime and mold them into upstanding citizens of the community.

Basketball is not the only area Marcel Cooper enjoys to coach. As a child, he played football, basketball and baseball, but quickly learned that he loved the first two more than baseball. He is an avid football coach as well.

Coach Cooper’s dedication does not stop at just season practices and games, “Last summer was the inaugural football camp that I hosted with the Rec dept. The camp allows me to give each child more individualized guidance to strengthen and enhance their abilities. Cooper’s Sports and Enrichment Camp will be back Summer 2017,” he proudly said.

The love of teaching and volunteering came honestly to Marcel. “My inspiration comes from my father. He was very involved with his children, my siblings and myself, playing sports,” the coach reminisced. “My dad was very involved and was a part of the coaching staff when I played rec ball. I love being my children’s biggest supporter and coach. I enjoy teaching all the children and watching their growth as they learn the game”.

After twelve years of coaching ages 6-13 years old

28 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

in basketball and football and a consistent dedication, great memories are inevitable. “My favorite memories are surrounding the championship wins and seeing the excitement on the children’s faces,” he admits.

Outside of his time spent at the Pooler Recreation Department, Marcel Cooper is an independent truck driver and spends most of his time with his loving family.

“I love all things sports, so I’m either watching a game at home or in person at a sporting venue,” the sport fanatic declared.

With his youngest children, twins Taylor and Tyler, moving up to middle school sports, Marcel will be following them in their new endeavor.

The Pooler Recreation Department strives to uphold their mission statement: To provide the best quality program and activities for the community that are safe, competitive, educational and that create, promote, and enhance a healthy lifestyle,

as well as encouraging good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play.

They offer numerous activities for their community to participate. Children as young as three years old through teens are able to partake.

The Pooler Rec has gymnastics, volleyball, and of course the classic sports: baseball, softball, tball, and football to name a few. Many sports are seasonal, parents can check out their website: poolerrec.com for more information on what they offer and their registration deadlines and requirements. Also in the spring, Cooper’s Sports and Enrichment Camp information will be available for all the football players.

P

P R E L O O

• Administrative Office • Gymnasium • 5 Ball Diamonds • Batting Cages • Playgrounds • Outside Basketball Court

ices

erv S e r u s i t & Le ET

tmen ROGERS STRE r a p e D ion UTH RecreatLER PARK 900 SO • Baseball 5-14 POO

POOLER PARK

900 SOUTH • ROGERS STREET

• Softball 7-12 POOLER RECREATION COMPLEX • T-Ball (Girls 4-6, Boys 4) 200 PRESTON STOKES DRIVE 5 BASEBALL FIELDS • Spring Soccer 4-12 2 SOCCER/FOOTBALL FIELDS • Fall Soccer 4-12 BATTING CAGES AND PLAYGROUND • Youth Basketball 5-13 • Summer Basketball 9-13 • Adult Sports www.PoolerRec.com • Tumbling 3+ $45 Join Us On Facebook • Dance 3+ $50/$60 poolerrecreation@pooler-ga.gov

748-5776

Seeking Sponsorships For Our Youth Teams Seeking Volunteers For Coaching

Community Center

1400 square foot dining area, kitchen with complete stoves, ample room for outdoor activities, $100 per day rental.

SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER (Sangrena Woods)

Daily Activities • Quilting • Billiards Room • Line Dancing • Jewelry Classes • Crafts • Day Trips • Meals • Exercise • Games Transportation Provided If Necessary

www.PoolerMagazine.com | November/December 2016

29

SAVANNAH ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS Quality Care Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine WHO and NIH has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including but are not limited to Neurological disorders: Headache, Migraine, Sciatica neuralgia, Bell’s palsy Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety Musculoskeletal disorders: Neck,shoulder and Low back pain, Fibromyalgia Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis Urinary & reproductive disorders UTI, Painful menstruation, PMS, Infertility Digestive disorders: O.M.D., Ph.D. Licensed Acupuncturist Irritable bowel syndrome, Constipation Colitis, Indigestion

Dr. Yifan Liu

(912)355.1580

Obesity, Drug addiction, Smoking, Alcoholism and more...

Savannah Acupuncture Wellness has been established since 1992 in south-side Savannah, GA. 114 Canal Street, Suite 102 Pooler, GA 31322 1138 East 72nd. Street Savannah, GA, 31404 http://www.savannahacupuncture.com https://www. acupuncturepoolerga.com/

J. Craig Brewer, PLS

Professional Land Surveyor Residential & Commerical

(912) 856-2205

PO Box 441 • Pooler, GA 31322 craig@brewersurvey.com

Proudly Serving Savannah, Pooler, Rincon and Surrounding Areas.

30 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Dr. Elena Pimanova:

INTERNAL MEDICINE

P

ooler residents have another great reason to stay right in our community. Elena Pimanova, M.D., is now accepting new adult patients for primary healthcare in the Pooler office of Memorial Medical Associates.

Pimanova and her team use a patient-centered approach to help you manage your health. The practice has been named a Level 3 Patient-centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, which means Pimanova works with patients and other healthcare providers to determine the best way to treat or manage your condition.

“Patients who have a say in their treatment are more likely to follow the plan,” Pimanova says. “That’s why the patient-centered approach is so effective – it empowers patients to be active participants in their own healthcare.”

A PCMH is a team approach to caring for patients in the primary care setting.

Your team may include physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, health educators, and care coordinators.

Of course, you and your support person or persons are at the center of your care.

A native of Russia, Pimanova comes from a family of physicians. Her mother was a military physician who often took her daughter along on patient rounds at the base hospital. The experience led her to decide on a career in medicine at a very young age.

After graduating from Minsk Medical University in Belarus, Pimanova worked for many years as a primary care physician in Russia. Her family emigrated to the U.S. in 2003, where Pimanova had to complete another internal medicine residency to earn her American medical license. She completed her residency at Memorial University Medical Center in 2014 and joined Memorial Medical Associates. Pimanova is board certified in internal medicine.

In January 2015, Pimanova opened the Pooler office of Memorial Medical Associates. Her growing practice focuses on primary and preventive care for patients 18 and older.

Next-day appointments for new patients may be available. To schedule an appointment, call 912-350-6000.

Memorial Medical Associates at Pooler 101 West Mulberry Boulevard, Suite 100 Pooler, GA 31407 912-350-6000 memorialhealth.com/MMA

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

31

POOLER FENCE

Helping Children Reach Their FULLEST POTENTIAL • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy

Custom Built or Pre Fab All Wood Fences.

Serving children from Pooler and surrounding areas.

We Also Do Repairs On Fences & Gates

110 Pipemakers Circle • Suite 115 • Pooler, GA

912-210-2903 THOMAS C. STRICKLAND AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES

Family Owned And Operated Effingham Chapel 2460 Hwy 21 South, Rincon

912-754-6421

West Chapel 901 Hwy 80 West, Pooler

www.Chatterboxpeds.com

Please contact us at 912-988-1526 to schedule an appointment today.

Thank You FOR READING

912-748-2444

www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com

in Pooler

Don’t live in pain. Set up a consultation with Dr. Nicholas Theodotou.

• • • • • • • • •

Call today to make an appointment.

(912) 330-9229

32 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Extractions Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth) General Anesthesia (Sedation) Dental Implants Bone Grafting TMJ Disorders Oral Pathology Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Treatment of Medically Compromised Patients

HFD23

506 W. Hwy 80, Pooler, Georgia 31322 · TheOFSGroup.com/Pooler.php

A Lifetime of Wellness Begins with the Right Partner.

SouthCoast Health offers a full range of quality care for the whole patient. Our highly skilled, board certified physicians provide an essential first-line of care for our patients. Our practice is proud to hold national recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and recognized for diabetic care (Diabetic Recognition Program), both by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Our physicians practice preventive medicine and the promotion of health. In addition, they treat puzzling diagnostic complications, handle severe chronic illnesses, and manage a multitude of other ailments.

LABORATORY SERVICES X-RAY CAPABILITIES PHYSICAL THERAPY DIETETIC COUNSELING

PRIMARY CARE

Michael Cohen, D.O.

Leland Dampier, III M.D.

Richard Hightower, Jr. M.D.

Russell Sliker, M.D.

Michelle Wilson, D.O., FACP

Godley Station Professional Park 1000 Towne Center Blvd Ste 701 Pooler, GA 31322

912.748.2280

SouthCoastHealth.com www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017 33

GET HEALTHY 1. SRETCH: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up.

It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain.

2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fiber breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yogurt, wholewheat toast and a boiled egg.

3. Brush up on hygiene.

Many people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly.

Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes.

This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don’t need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month.

4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain’s own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits.

Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related mental decline.

5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you?

6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer.

7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you.

A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections.

Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.

34 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you against breast cancer.

It’s thought that the antioxidants help protect you from environmental carcinogens such as passive tobacco smoke.

9. Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yogurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You need at least 200 milligrams daily, which you should combine with magnesium, or it simply won’t be absorbed.

10. Berries for your belly.

Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain plant nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival grapes in concentrations of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine that has assumed near mythological proportions.

Resveratrol is believed to help protect against heart disease and cancer.

11. Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods containing chillies or cayenne pepper trigger endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Endorphins have a powerful, almost narcotic, effect and make you feel good after exercising. But go easy on the lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat, creamy dishes served in many Indian restaurants.

12. Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal supplements – from the popular St John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger and ginseng – can cause increased bleeding during surgery, warn surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all medication, including herbal supplements, at least two weeks before surgery, and inform your surgeon about your herbal use.

13. I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The good news is that cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads.

The British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Both contain the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato every other day.

14. Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and small healthy meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled nerves.

IN 2017 Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of serotonin, another feel-good drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out.

15. Load up on vitamin C. We need at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.

So hit the oranges and guavas.

16. No folly in folic acid. Folic acid should be taken regularly by all pregnant mums and people with a low immunity to disease. Folic acid prevents spina bifida in unborn babies and can play a role in cancer prevention. It is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, fruit and bran.

17. A for Away. This vitamin, and beta carotene, help to boost immunity against disease. It also assists in the healing process of diseases such as measles and is recommended by the WHO. Good natural sources of vitamin A are kidney beans, liver, dairy products, green and yellow vegetables, pawpaw, mangoes, chilli pepper, red sorrel and red palm oil.

18. Pure water. Don’t have soft drinks or energy drinks while you’re exercising. Stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water during your workout (just don’t overdo things, as drinking too much water can also be dangerous).

While you might need energy drinks for long-distance running, in shorter exercise sessions in the gym, your body will burn the glucose from the soft drink first, before starting to burn body fat.

Same goes for eating sweets.

19. GI, Jane. Carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, such as bread, sugar, honey and grain-based food will give instant energy and accelerate your metabolism. If you’re trying to burn fat, stick to beans, rice, pasta, lentils, peas, soy beans and oat bran, all of which have a low GI count.

20. Mindful living. You’ve probably heard the old adage that life’s too short to stuff a mushroom. But perhaps you should consider the opposite: that life’s simply too short NOT to focus on the simple tasks. By slowing down and concentrating on basic things, you’ll clear your mind of everything that worries you.

Really concentrate on sensations and experiences again: observe the rough texture of a strawberry’s skin as you touch it, and taste the sweet-sour juice as you bite into the fruit; when your partner strokes your hand, pay careful attention to the sensation on your skin; and learn to really focus on simple tasks while doing them, whether it’s flowering plants or ironing your clothes.

21. The secret of stretching. When you stretch, ease your body into position until you feel the stretch and hold it for about

25 seconds. Breathe deeply to help your body move oxygen-rich blood to those sore muscles. Don’t bounce or force yourself into an uncomfortable position.

22. Do your weights workout first. Experts say weight training should be done first, because it’s a higher intensity exercise compared to cardio. Your body is better able to handle weight training early in the workout because you’re fresh and you have the energy you need to work it.

Conversely, cardiovascular exercise should be the last thing you do at the gym, because it helps your body recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles, and flushing out lactic acid, which builds up in the muscles while you’re weight training. It’s the lactic acid that makes your muscles feel stiff and sore.

23. Burn fat during intervals. To improve your fitness quickly and lose weight, harness the joys of interval training. Set the treadmill or step machine on the interval program, where your speed and workload varies from minute to minute. Build up gradually, every minute and return to the starting speed. Repeat this routine. Not only will it be less monotonous, but you can train for a shorter time and achieve greater results.

24. Your dirtiest foot forward. If your ankles, knees and hips ache from running on pavement, head for the dirt. Soft trails or graded roads are a lot easier on your joints than the hard stuff.

Also, dirt surfaces tend to be uneven, forcing you to slow down a bit and focus on where to put your feet – great for agility and concentration.

25. Burn the boredom, blast the lard. Rev up your metabolism by alternating your speed and intensity during aerobic workouts. Not only should you alternate your routine to prevent burnout or boredom, but to give your body a jolt.

26. Cool off without a beer. Don’t eat carbohydrates for at least an hour after exercise. This will force your body to break down body fat, rather than using the food you ingest. Stick to fruit and fluids during that hour, but avoid beer.

27. Stop fuming. Don’t smoke and if you smoke already, do everything in your power to quit. Don’t buy into that my-grannysmoked-and-lived-to-be-90 crud – not even the tobacco giants believe it. Apart from the well-known risks of heart disease and cancer, orthopaedic surgeons have found that smoking accelerates bone density loss and constricts blood flow. So you could live to be a 90-year-old amputee who smells of stale tobacco smoke. www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

35

Craig LeTourneau, OTR/L, CHT

T

CERTIFIED HAND THERAPIST

hink of all you do with your hands – work, play, daily tasks. When your ability to perform those actions is hindered by a hand injury, you need the help of Craig LeTourneau, a certified hand therapist who works with patients in The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center’s Pooler office.

LeTourneau, an occupational therapist for 21 years, has been certified in hand therapy since 2014. His patients frequently have suffered injuries that resulted in tendon or nerve lacerations, crush injuries, complex fractures, burns, replants, and involved wounds to one or both hands.

“The goal of hand therapy is simple: to help patients regain their mobility so they can return to their daily routines,” he says.

LeTourneau earned his occupational therapy degree from Eastern Michigan University. He uses specialized therapy techniques for the hand, wrist, and elbow to restore motion and usability.

The full-service hand therapy clinic at The Rehabilitation Institute is one of the largest and most well-equipped facilities

in southeast Georgia. LeTourneau says he assesses every hand therapy patient and designs an individualized treatment plan that will help him or her return to a regular lifestyle and work.

The outpatient clinics in Pooler and Savannah offer a wide array of services for hand therapy patients. These include: • Manual therapy • Therapeutic exercises using a work simulator that duplicates real-world home and work functions • Treatment for pain and stiffness including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin bath, and continuous passive motion • Electric stimulation • Fluidotherapy (using heat and a wavelike motion to reduce pain and swelling and increase range of motion) • Work conditioning • Matheson functional capacity evaluation For LeTourneau, helping his patients recover from hand injuries is much more than a job. “The most rewarding part of my profession is seeing patients regain movement they’ve lost,” he says. “When they get their quality of life back, that’s the best gift

I could ever receive.

“I can’t see myself doing anything else,” he adds.

Outside of work, LeTourneau loves to spend time with his wife, son, and daughter. He is learning to play guitar and loves oil painting, as well.

If you’ve suffered a hand injury, ask your doctor for a referral to the hand clinic at The Rehabilitation Institute in Pooler.

Call 912-273-1000 to learn more.

101 West Mulberry Boulevard, Suite 210 Pooler, GA 31407 912-273-1000 rehabinstitute.memorialhealth.com

36 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

DENTISTRY AT GODLEY STATION

Creating smiles that last a lifetime!

Story by JESSICA CELIS

D

r. Tracy Durham and Dr. Gary Johnson at Dentistry at Godley Station in Pooler are dedicated to helping their patients maintain healthy oral hygiene. Sometimes the key to someone’s confidence is having the smile they desire. The office can treat a variety of dental needs and make sure each patient is taken care of in the way they deserve. It is not only about the dental procedures, but making sure that each patient feels taken care of and that all of their questions are answered. The focus of Dr. Durham, Dr. Johnson and staff is making sure the patients are always their number one priority.

Dentistry at Godley Station tailors to each patient by offering many different varieties of dental procedures that cater to each patient’s individual dental needs. The different procedures offered include cleanings and prevention, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal disease issues, restorations, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and periodontics. Most dental offices usually specialize in one area and refer patients out to external offices to treat a patient’s case. Dentistry at Godley Station truly prides themselves on taking care of patients’ dental needs all in one location. They feel this is essential in building long lasting relationships with each patient.

Dr. Tracy Durham loves the dental work she does but also enjoys spending time with her husband, Will, and two sons, Luke and Grant. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends on the weekends. Travel is another interest, and she has seen many parts of the world such as Italy, Greece, and England.

Dr. Durham is a faithful member of the Springfield Methodist Church Dr. Durham worked for another dental practice for 7 years but always had a dream of becoming a dentist with her own practice one day. This dream finally became a reality and she has been at her Pooler location for 13 years. She is very proud to say that

she is the first person in her family to finish dental school. Her passion is seeing all the good she does for her patients and giving them the smile they’ve always wanted.

Dr. Gary Johnson entered the practice recently. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business from Georgia Southern University, but decided that was not his calling. He asked his sister, none other than Dr. Tracy Durham, about the dental world and asked if he could shadow her at work. Before making the decision to go back to school again, he wanted to make sure dental school was truly the direction in which he wanted to go. Inspired by his sister’s work, he entered the Dental College of Georgia. He is honored to have joined the dental practice with his sister, and the dream of the two of them working together as a team has become a reality.

Dr. Johnson is happily married and has three children - Tripp, Jake, and Charlotte. He and his family are faithful followers of the Springfield Methodist Church. When not in the office, he loves spending time with his family, yard work, video games and watching the Atlanta Falcons.

Dr. Durham wants to take this time to welcome her brother aboard, and she is very glad to have him. She could not have wished for a better team, saying they have the same goals in mind. They both love the dental field and treat each patient as if they were their own family. It is hard to find people to work with that have the same mindset, but they both feel the patient is the number one priority.

Both Dr. Durham and Dr. Johnson would like the patients to know just how much they are appreciated. They are always looking to bring new patients to their practice and look forward to making new connections with their patients. This team would like to thank the many loyal patients that continue to see them and hope to continue to serve the community for many more years to come!

(912) 748-4494 WWW.TRACYDURHAMDDS.COM

145 Traders Way, Suite D | Pooler, Georgia 31322 • Conveniently located near I-95 at Godley Station

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

37

Come out and enjoy an afternoon full of health and educational resources for all age groups!

T

he New Hampstead High School Community Health Fair will include free wellness screenings; health and community resources; prizes; snacks; and much more!

The New Hampstead High School Community Health Fair is a FREE event which will take place on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at New Hampstead High School, located at 2451 Little Neck Rd. Bloomingdale, Georgia. The event is presented by New Hampstead High School’s PTSA and Total Health Fairs Savannah to improve the health of our children, families and communities. This FREE health event will offer residents in all surrounding area information and health resources to help them access services easily and improve their health and quality of life.

NEW HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR Tuesday, January 10th, 2017

912-495-8042 • HealthySavannah@TotalHealthFairs.com

get THE newsletter!

Pooler Magazine News & Notes Pooler Magazine News & Notes is a bi-weekly e-newsletter designed by Pooler Magazine to promote community happenings and events.

SCAN THIS CODE & SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR Sign up today to receive this great newsletter via email. NEWSLETTER!

Keep yourself in the KNOW in Pooler!

108 International Drive • P.O. Box 1742 • Rincon, Georgia 31326 (912)826-2760 Office (912)826-2762 Fax www.poolermagazine.com

38 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

BEFORE

AFTER

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

PRESSURE WASHING

HOME

SIDEWALKS

DRIVEWAYS

FENCES

FREE QUOTES When You Want It

“DONE RIGHT”

“DONERIGHT”

Give Us A Call!

Pressure Washing Services

Licensed and Insured

WE COME TO YOU

40 November/December | www.PoolerMagazine.com

(912) 433-3184

The Mindspring Center:

Comprehensive Resource for Counseling, Neurological Therapies and Natural Healthcare

T

Story by SUSAN LEE

he statistics are staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, more than 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction. Nearly 7 million people with an addiction have a mental illness. And 100 people die every day in the U.S. from drug overdoses.

Addiction is not an individual disease, but a family disease, says mental health and addiction counselor Tasha K. Williams, LAPC, NCC. “Not only does the addict need help with their addiction, the family needs education concerning addiction as a whole,” she explains. “Most often, another individual is enabling or allowing the addict’s behavior and fueling the addiction. The addict must seek rehabilitation and/or counseling to learn the necessary coping skills to stay clean and sober, and the family will need to learn the importance of boundaries.”

Tasha’s practice is in Pooler at The Mindspring Center, which offers comprehensive mental health treatment using counseling, therapy and brain-based therapies such as biofeedback and neurofeedback. She specializes in addiction disorders including but not limited to drug and alcohol challenges.

“When most people hear the word addiction, they automatically think of drugs or alcohol,” she says. “But it can also refer to food addiction, gambling addiction, sexual addiction and many others that are not commonly discussed.”

According to Tasha, addiction consists of feelings of hopelessness and behaviors that are no longer controllable. “Addiction is a disease and not just a habit that can be easily stopped,” she explains. “With the proper confidential counseling and behavior modification, addiction can be successfully treated. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with an addiction, please seek help immediately. Counseling saves lives with the proper intervention.”

Individuals who are reluctant to seek counseling should know that Tasha’s personal and professional experiences with mental health issues and addiction have helped her become a better counselor. “I entered this field due to being exposed to alcoholism and addiction my entire life,” she said. “It left a lasting impact on me as a

Photos provided by SOUTHERN PEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Mindspring Center 1147 W. Hwy 8o, Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-6463 (MIND) www.mindspringcenter.com person, thus my goal is to help others who are suffering in silence, whether it be from addiction or trauma.”

Tasha also provides counseling for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, trauma, grief and co-dependency.

She is a licensed treatment provider for court-mandated and work-mandated assessments and counseling.

A longtime Pooler resident, Tasha graduated with honors from Georgia Southern University in 2015, earning a Masters Degree in Clinical Health Counseling. Her professional credentials include Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia (LAPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Tasha is also a certified anger management counselor. She explains that anger management is the process of learning to recognize signs that you are becoming angry. “First, anger is a normal, healthy emotion when you know how to express it appropriately,” she says. “Many individuals may react using the fight or flight response, which is not healthy nor does it correct the situation you may currently be facing. Anger management doesn’t keep you from feeling anger or encourage you

to hold it in, but instead how to cope and react with positive reactive behaviors.”

For Tasha, the most rewarding aspect of counseling is not only helping others, but also saving lives. “I entered the counseling field knowing that I wanted to work with individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction with an emphasis on trauma,” she said. “One of my most satisfying moments took place this year when a client I had worked with for over a year dedicated his one-year Alcoholics Anonymous chip to me. It’s proudly displayed on my desk as a reminder of why I entered this field.”

The Mindspring Center is located at 1147 W. Hwy 80 in Pooler. To make an appointment or find out more information, call (912) 748-6463 (748-MIND) or visit www.mindspringcenter.com If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance (a crisis situation), please call 911. If the situation is not life threatening, contact a counselor or facility (such as Tasha at the Mindspring Center) or call the Georgia Helpline for Substance Abuse at (800) 338-6745 or the Georgia Crisis Response System at (800) 715-4225.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2017

41

PERSONAL TRAINING TIPS 1. Don’t go mad with the goals It’s very easy to get carried away when setting your goals for the New Year, and most end up with a ridiculous number of big goals. The issue with setting so many goals is that it’s near impossible to stick to all of them, so you end up just giving up on all of them and not achieving anything at all. What you need to do is set 1-3 goals for the year and stick to those!

crap and prevent you trying again. When you set realistic goals and you achieve them it will give you a boost in confidence going into the next goal and so on, and by the end of the year you will be amazed in what you can achieve.

2. Ease into training It’s the New Year and you’re just about to start working out, so that means you have to do at least 10 hours of exercise a week right? Wrong. If you’re just starting to exercise for the first time or after a long break from it, start off slower and build up into it. If you go from no exercise to loads of very high intensity sessions then it’s likely that you’ll tire out, injure yourself, and cause negative results to your goals.

All of these things may then put you off exercise for the rest of the year which isn’t what we want.

5. Be on time Personal trainers are usually booked solid each day, with back-toback appointments. Unfortunately, if you’re late for your appointment, Luis says it cuts into your workout time. If you’ve paid for an hour of training, but show up 10 minutes late, you will only get 50 minutes of their time because they have other clients waiting.

3. Make small changes one at a time It’s essential that once you set up your main goal/s for the year that you then have a plan as to how to attain them. The best way to do this is to make small changes one at a time, week-to-week, or month-tomonth. For example, if your goal is fat loss and you know breakfast is your weak point then try to have at least one good breakfast for the first week, then try and have two the next, and so on. It can be even simpler than that – for example, if you find it hard taking the time to cook your food, buy precut veg that you can throw straight into the pan rather than having to prep all of the individual bits. The essential thing with this is to start small and just take it one step at a time.

4. Be realistic So what’s your goal? I want to lose 5 stone, run a marathon and squat 200kg.

Great, and when do you want to achieve this by? Well I was thinking in about two weeks.

Now having big goals is great! It means that you want to achieve a lot and that’s fantastic but the goals have to be realistic within the time frame. It goes by the same principle of setting too many goals, in that setting an unrealistic goal will often lead to failure, which will make you feel like

42 September/October | www.PoolerMagazine.com

6. Warm up before your session Once your personal trainer has showed you the proper stretching techniques and given you tips for good cardio activities, feel free to do those warm-ups before beginning your session. If you’re properly warmed up, that means there will be extra time in which your trainer can focus on more challenging or more important exercises. Paying for your trainer to watch you warm up on an exercise bike is not the best way to spend your hardearned cash.

7. Communicate with your trainer if you have special needs On occasion, you may require a more precise workout. A friendly email a couple of days before your session to let your trainer know you have hurt your back is very helpful. That way, they can adjust your routine to one that is ideal for your needs in advance, without having to come up with a new routine on the spot.

8. Respect your trainer’s expertise If you’ve hired someone as your personal trainer, it’s because you assume they are the professional. If you would like to try certain exercises, you should communicate that with your trainer.

However, if he or she doesn’t feel that would work for you, you should respect their professional opinion. Remember, they are aware of your goals and they are working to help you achieve them. A bad attitude and snippy remarks are not only unnecessary but may cause you to lose a great personal trainer.

9.Enjoy it Last but not least have fun! Enjoy the New Year and the fresh start. Make sure that you enjoy the process and don’t beat yourself up if you fall; learn from it and keep moving forward and keep you goals in mind.

INSPIRING AND GUDING OTHERS TO A HEALTHY LIFE! “I spent most of my childhood being obese. As I became an adult, the weight continued to pour on. I started dieting at the age of 13. For the next 12 years, I tried every pill and diet on the market. Nothing worked. The weight would come off, then back on double within 6 months.

In 2014, at 300 pounds, I decided I was ready to take my life back.

I tried an approach that I never have before. Not a diet, but a complete and total change of lifestyle. I began working with a trainer 5 days a week and changed my eating habits. I began to eat foods that benefited and fueled my body. Two years later, I am maintaining a weight loss of 130 pounds.

I know what it feels like to have no hope, no energy, nor joy in life. I know the feeling of just existing instead of living.

My hope is to inspire and guide others to a healthy lifestyle. I want to show those who have no hope that there is hope, and together we can conquer their weight issues.

All it takes is one small step ...and that first step is just making a decision and allowing me to guide you the rest of the way!”

- Lea Allen, Certified Personal Trainer

one life

After all, you’ve only got ...and TOGETHER we can make it a healthy one!

• FREE CONSULTATIONS • INDIVIDUAL TRAINING • COUPLES TRAINING

“Specializing in Overweight And Obese Clients”

(843) 602-1467 onelifepersonaltraining@gmail.com www.onelifepersonaltraining.com

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

43

DINING GUIDE

P L A C E S TO E AT & D R I N K I N P O O L E R Mo’Bay Island Cuisine

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Restaurant 439 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 www.dairyqueen.com (912) 748-0023 Mo’Bay Island Cuisine 107 US HWY 80 SE Pooler, GA 31322 www.samsneads.com (912) 988-0033 Seasons of Japan 455 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 www.seasonsofjapan.com (912) 748-9383 Wasabi Fusion 950 C Morgan’s Corner Pooler, Georgia 31322 wasabifusion.net (912) 450-0885

AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN CUISINE TO ADVERTISE IN THE DINING GUIDE, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 Open Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Catering Available 950 C Morgan’s Corner Pooler, Georgia 31322 912-450-0887 or 912-450-0885

Wasabifusion.net 44 November/December 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

107 US HWY 80 SE, Pooler, GA 31322

(912) 988-0033 mobayisland.comcastbiz.net

Marsha Stewart (912) 663-5795

Chloe Paddison, RDN, LD

L

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

osing weight is challenging, no matter the number on the scale. When you have a significant amount of weight to lose, the task can seem overwhelm-

ing.

Chloe Paddison, RDN, L.D., a registered dietitian with Memorial Health Bariatrics, will launch a new medically supervised weight-loss program February 1. Participants can visit the Pooler office for weighins and consultations.

Your New Weigh to Live uses one-onone in-person or virtual consultations with a registered dietitian, educational classes, and regular weigh-ins to help you make positive lifestyle changes.

Your New Weigh to Live participants benefit from sharing their weight-loss journey with others and receiving support and encouragement from peers and professionals.

“If you have a lot of weight to lose, you need medically supervised help to get there,” Paddison says. “This program breaks down the steps to weight-loss success and teaches you how to make positive changes that will last a lifetime.”

Your New Weigh to Live is designed for: • Those who qualify for bariatric surgery but want to try an intensive weight-

loss program first.

• Those who do not qualify for bariatric surgery but have significant weight to lose.

• Bariatric post-surgery patients who want to get back on track with their weight loss.

Paddison loves helping patients adopt a healthier lifestyle, so she is excited to begin the 14-week Your New Weigh to Live program.

“I’ve always been passionate about nutrition,” she says. To expand her knowledge of healthy cooking techniques, she trained under chefs in San Francisco, Australia, and England. “I learned to appreciate the importance of a balanced, whole-foods-based diet. Food is more than appearance and taste; it is the fuel and root of our physical being.”

Paddison holds a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics, with a minor in health promotion, from Appalachian State University. She completed her dietetic residency in personalized nutrition and counseling at The Ohio State University.

“I’ve spent more than seven years focusing on weight management and helping people develop a new healthy mindset and sustainable lifestyle centered around intuitive living,” she says. “I enjoy incorporating recipe development, educational

cooking classes, community outreach, nutrition seminars, and personalized nutrition counseling into my practice.

“My passion for nutrition is to help others understand that food is not the enemy, that it can be a great tool to keep your body and mind in the best shape possible,” she adds.

Make 2017 the year you get healthy – and let Paddison help you get there. Ask your doctor for a referral to Your New Weigh to Live. To learn more go to bariatrics.memorialhealth.com.

101 West Mulberry Boulevard, Suite 100 Pooler, GA 31407 (912)350-3438 bariatrics.memorialhealth.com

www.PoolerMagazine.com | November/December 2016

45

VISIT US HERE

www.PoolerMagazine.com

Read Current Issue Online Read Past Issues Sign Up For Our Bi-Weekly Newsletters

January/Febr ua ry

2017

See What’s Happening In Our News Feed

Fran

BakerWitt Pooler’s ONLY Community Magazine!

46 January/February 2017 | www.PoolerMagazine.

From Nur se To CEO

It’s COOLER in POOLER! 10 HARMONY COURT

322 WINCHESTER DRIVE

$249,900 4 Beds / 2.5 Baths / 2,831 Sq Ft Cul-de-Sac Lot Screen-In Back Porch

$229,900 5 Beds / 3.5 Baths / 2,889 Sq Ft 2 Master Suites Screened-In Back Patio

201 CATTLE RUN WAY

56 GLENWOOD COURT

$229,900 5 Beds/ 3 Baths / 2,508 Sq Ft Wooded View in Back Cul-de-Sac Lot

$219,900 5 Beds / 2.5 Baths / 2,612 Sq Ft Cul-de-Sac Lot Fenced-In Back Yard

171 OLD POND CIRCLE

130 WAVERLY WAY

$184,900 4 Beds / 3.5 Baths / 1,632 Sq Ft Two Master Suites Fenced-In Back Yard

$229,900 4 Beds / 3 Baths / 2,672 Sq Ft Granite Kitchen Counters Huge Loft

ItsCoolerInPooler.com 912-844-8662 912-748-4600

Service Deserves It’s Rewards You qualify for 25% back... ask us how!

Military • Veterans • Nurses Teachers • First Responders and those that make our community a better place to live.

www.SavannahHeroes.com

www.PoolerMagazine.com | November/December 2016

47

48 November/December 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com