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FINDING BALANCE How hormones can help boost metabolism

Personalized Prescription Independent pharmacies provide tailored care with a focus on community

LET’S FACE IT

Facial cosmetic surgery after drastic weight loss

HEALTHY BREW Why tea should be your go-to drink

MEET THE EXPERTS 100+ doctors, dentists, and medical professionals

Whe   EXPERT CARE, RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD

Optim Orthopedics is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to every patient that comes through our doors.

Our fellowship trained physicians are focused on treatment plans that are in line with the needs and goals of each of our patients.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL

912.644.5300

210 E. DERENNE AVE, SAVANNAH, GA 31405

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WITH 16 LOCATIONS AND 8 SPECIALTIES Gen e ral O rthopedics | Sports Me di ci ne | T o tal Jo i nt | Sho ul de r | Jo i nt P r eser v ati o n Orthopedic S pine | Fo o t & An kl e | Hand, W ri st & El bo w

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THERAPY S AVA N N A H CALL 912.644.5333

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Frederick G. Weniger, MD, MBA, FACS, practices in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he has his own Quad-A accredited surgery suite.

THE ART & SCIENCE OF FACELIFTS Author of "Facial Rejuvenation," Dr. Weniger's Customized, Educational Approach Sets His Plastic Surgery Center Apart WHEN DR. FREDERICK G. WENIGER CAME TO SAVANNAH AND THE LOWCOUNTRY, he came for one reason — to do aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery. Although most plastic surgeons do not start their careers this way, Dr. Weniger fell in love with aesthetics early in his training. He recalls the first time he watched a cosmetic case and thought, “That’s crazy! People get paid to do this?”

After that, he was not shy (to many a professor’s chagrin) about tweaking his training experience toward his goal of becoming an aesthetic plastic surgeon in

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private practice, where he could do exactly what he loved. It was also then that he began thinking of facelifts as “the mother of all cosmetic surgeries.”

After working for one year in Savannah, Dr. Weniger opened Weniger Plastic Surgery in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he could focus on his goal. It wasn’t long before nurses, other doctors, and their spouses were coming to him for facial cosmetic surgery or revisions to previous surgeries. In fact, he found himself explaining the process of facial aging so many times that he eventually published

an educational book for patients in 2016, “Facial Rejuvenation.”

Dr. Weniger believes that a consultation is his opportunity to teach patients by explaining what is occurring anatomically that is at the root of the problems they are seeking services for.

“Only after I’m sure the patient really understands what’s going on and the different options to address each concern can we work together to come up with the right plan for that specific patient,” he says.

Although he drives his staff crazy

Photography courtesy of WENIGER PLASTIC SURGERY

P R E S E N T E D

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‘‘

Only after I’m sure the patient really understands what’s going on and the different options to address each concern can we work together to come up with the right plan for that specific patient.”

— Dr. Frederick G. Weniger, MD, MBA, FACS

spending so much time talking to his patients, they do agree that his educational approach to consults is one of the things that grew his practice.

Dr. Weniger feels strongly about his view that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to facial plastic surgery, and he stresses that nowhere is this truer than in facelifts.

“Certain terms become trendy here and there in plastic surgery, and now the term ‘Deep plane facelift’ is hot,” Dr. Weniger explains. “Ironically, this procedure was first described back in 1990 and has been performed by many of the best board-certified plastic surgeons ever since then. Now for marketing reasons, some surgeons make it sound like they are doing something brand new. Don’t get me wrong — this is a complex procedure that should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons or board-certified facial plastic surgeons, not just by anyone who calls themselves a cosmetic surgeon.”

Dr. Weniger goes on: “I have been

doing deep plane facelifts and deep plane neck lifts for 15 years, but only on about half of my patients and only when they are the appropriate choice. All patients are different. I’m used to doing several different kinds of facelifts, and that’s what it takes to offer the right procedure to any specific patient.”

Dr. Weniger believes that far more emphasis should be placed on ancillary facial procedures to make a facelift better. He utilizes finesse fat grafting, lip lifts, forehead and eyelid surgery, and, particularly, laser resurfacing to make results more natural.

There are three different types of aging in the face, Dr. Weniger explains, and all three need to be discussed with the patient in order to choose a plan that’s right for him or her.

“That’s the only way to make a patient look how they really looked when they were younger,” he says.

“I’m here to make patients happy that they look like their more refreshed and younger selves — not like someone who had a facelift!”

WENIGER PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER 350 FORDING ISLAND ROAD, SUITE 200 BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 29910 843.757.0123 | WENIGERPLASTICSURGERY.COM

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CONTENTS 149

Trending: What’s new in health care in our area

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Donations Gladly Accepted: Friendship leads to kidney donation

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The Tactical Officer: How Savannah police officers manage their health

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Keeping Hope in Mind: Cognitive resources for area seniors

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Brewing Up Good Health: Why tea should be your drink of choice

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Let’s Face It: Facial cosmetic solutions after weight-loss medication use

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Caring Beyond the Counter: Local pharmacies with a personal touch

174

Finding Balance: How women over 40 can boost their metabolism

178

Speeding Recovery: Hyperbaric oxygen chambers for quicker healing

Special Advertising Sections 181

CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kathryn Drury Wagner

Meet the Doctors

200 Meet the Dentists 206 Meet the Medical Professionals

D I G I TA L & D E S I G N D I R E C T O R

Andrea Burg GUEST EDITOR

Andrea Goto

On the Cover

Drs. Jason and Susanne Conley, pharmacists and co-owners of Village Walk Pharmacy on Skidaway Island Photography by John Alexander

GUEST COPY EDITOR

Zach Hayes WRITERS

Hunter Cottrell Zachary Hayes Ethan Mathews Tyler Payne Brendan Riney Maleah Stephens Brienne Walsh

SPECIALIZING IN ORAL, MAXILLOFACIAL, & DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL | DENTAL IMPL ANTS

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MICHAEL WILSON, DMD CHARLES QUASNEY, DMD BRYAN BENTON, DMD PAUL HINCHEY, MD, DMD

CALL TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH US!

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Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon SAVANNAH’S BEST FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON

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6602 Waters Ave. Bldg B. Savannah

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To do list: Hang out with a buncha SOBs.

Meet our Sweet Ole Bikers. The name fits: they’re sweet, they’re welcoming and they love a beautiful morning ride. And if biking’s not your thing, no worries. We’ve got plenty of other activities for you to enjoy, where you’ll meet great people just like these SOBs. To schedule a visit, go to marshesofskidaway.org or call 1.866.905.4446.

Premier Retirement Living, Savannah Style.

Savannah Health

COU R TE S Y S AVA N N A H SPEECH & HEA RIN G CEN TER

TRENDING

Savannah Speech & Hearing Center has been supporting infants and their caregivers with free tummy time parent training sessions. Led by Jennifer Jones, a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist and pediatric physical therapist, the classes help babies develop motor skills in a fun, supportive environment. The small-group sessions empower caregivers with practical techniques and age-appropriate activities to help their babies grow strong, confident, and coordinated. For more information or to register, go to speechandhearingsav.org.

Dr. John DeVaro of Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah is partnering with two companies — Luminopia and CureSight — to change the face of amblyopia therapy in kids. To treat what is commonly referred to as “lazy eye,” DeVaro employs digital eye tracking and virtual therapies instead of eye drops and patching.

Memorial Health has a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The expansion adds 10 beds to its Level III NICU and represents a $15 million investment by Memorial Health and parent company HCA Healthcare.

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COU R TESY L U X – A M E DI C A L SPA

Additionally, Memorial Hospital has announced plans for a $265 million, five-story tower to provide 90 additional patient beds accompanied by a six-story parking garage at the midtown campus.

Just down the road, Memorial Health’s Graduate Medical Education Continuity Clinic will become a new healthcare center for the underserved population in our community, thanks to a partnership between Memorial Health and Coastal Community Health. The federally qualified health center will offer primary care, preventative health, dental, and behavioral health services, as well as a discount pharmacy to the uninsured and underinsured.

It used to be that patients had to travel to Jacksonville or Charleston for some endoscopic procedures, but the Center for Digestive and Liver Health is keeping care at home with a newly opened $3.5 million advanced endoscopy center. Minimally invasive techniques for treating gallstones, reflux, cancer, and achalasia are all on the table at this state-of-the-art center.

Savannah Vascular Institute, which specializes in state-of-theart treatments for disorders of the arteries and veins, has purchased the building that formerly housed Savannah Plastic Surgery.

As our longevity continues to increase, mental decline can become a real concern. The CARE Center at Savannah Neurology Specialists is among the first in the region to introduce two revolutionary, FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer patients: Leqembi and Kisunla. They’ve also been selected as a participating site for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services GUIDE program, with enrollment beginning this summer. The program provides comprehensive services, including care navigation, caregiver education, access to community-based resources, and $2,500 in annual respite care for caregivers. Over at Advanced Regenerative Therapy, Dr. Allen Meglin, a leader in regenerative and neurological health, has just become the first certified ReCODE Protocol™ provider in Savannah. This groundbreaking program is the only clinically proven approach designed to reverse cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Furthering services for seniors, Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a bill to adopt a longterm program for seniors that would help them live at home while receiving comprehensive medical care, meals, and other services, and Hospice Savannah is one of the first organizations in our state to participate. As a member of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Hospice Savannah uses an innovative model to enable individuals age 55 and older needing a nursing home level of care to live at home or as independently as possible by integrating medical care and support for participants, including transportation and meals.

ExperCARE Health, which provides on-demand health care services across Georgia and Alabama, has appointed Walt Porter as CEO. Founder and former CEO Catherine Grant will transition to a strategic role as board director. Since founding ExperCARE in 2009, Grant has grown the company from a single-location urgent care center into a multi-state, award-winning health care platform.

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Dr. Frederick Weniger and Dr. Carmen Traywick

On the cosmetic side of things, LUX – A Medical Spa now offers FDA-cleared, nonsurgical hair restoration solutions in partnership with GetHairMD, a national leader in physician-directed hair restoration. Services will include advanced diagnostics with the AI-powered HairMetrix analysis tool, personalized treatment plans based on DNA swab results, and non-invasive solutions. The spa is co-owned by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Weniger and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Traywick.

Hats off to the nonprofit organization Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), which is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Savannah location. FODAC provides refurbished equipment and services for adults and children with disabilities to improve their overall quality of life. Since August 2024, it has provided 811 home medical equipment items — including wheelchairs, walkers, power chairs, and adaptive beds — to 543 individuals in coastal Georgia. The retail value of donated and distributed equipment exceeds $417,000, all provided at little to no cost for recipients.

Boutique medspa Tox Medspa has opened in midtown Savannah (9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 301). It’s owned and operated by a nurse, Dallas Sellars, who is highly experienced in aesthetic injections.

Finally, finding a quiet space in our bustling city with all of these advances can prove challenging, especially for breastfeeding moms.

Enter the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” campaign launched as part of the Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant awarded by the CDC. The program places signage at local organizations with breastfeeding-friendly policies that comply with Georgia law.

Voted Savannah’s #1 Home Healthcare Company 3 years running!

Aging Well Starts with the Right Care at Home At Coastal Care at Home, we provide expert, concierge-level aging care—tailored to your needs. Whether you need in-home support, nurse care management, or on-demand medical care, we bring compassionate, high-touch care to you.

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WE’RE MAKING HEALTHCARE EASY, CONVENIENT & CLOSE BY. PRIMARY CARE ABERCORN SOUTHSIDE

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

527 Eisenhower Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912-819-9100

MARIANNE FLEMING, MD CONCIERGE

836 E. 65th Street Bldg. 30 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-9501 HINESVILLE

229 General Screven Way Suite H1A Hinesville, Georgia 31313 912-391-1313 ISLANDS

102 Bryan Woods Road Savannah, GA 31410 912-898-1122 PEMBROKE

159 W. Railroad Street Pembroke, GA 31321 912-653-2897 POOLER

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

11909-D McAuley Drive Savannah, GA 31419 912-927-0785 RICHMOND HILL

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RICHMOND HILL CAMPUS AT HEARTWOOD

3866 Belfast Keller Road Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-819-9620 RINCON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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64 Oracal Parkway Building 1 Ellabell, GA 31308 912-214-7920

SPECIALTY CARE ADVANCED THORACIC ONCOLOGY CENTER

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1326 Eisenhower Drive Building 2 Savannah, GA 31406 912-527-5300 CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

1700 Mercy Boulevard Plaza D, Building 1, Suite A Savannah, GA 31419 & 225 Candler Drive Suite 201 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-0500 ENDOCRINOLOGY

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

PODIATRY

310 Eisenhower Drive Building 7A Savannah, GA 31406 912-355-6503

GEORGIA EAR, NOSE &

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

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 201 Savannah, GA 31405 912-355-5755

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 107 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-7630

5356 Reynolds Street Suite 505 Savannah, GA 31405 912-356-1515

CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

PROGRESSIVE OB/GYN

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

225 Candler Drive Suite 201 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-5757

101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive, Suite 330 Pooler, GA 31322 & 5354 Reynolds Street Suite 102 Savannah, GA 31405 912-737-2450

OB / GYN

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 518 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-9650

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

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 315 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-4491 OB / GYN

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 422 Savannah, GA 31405 912-354-2635

5353 Reynolds Street Suite 200 Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-5771

ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion 225 Candler Drive Savannah, GA 31405 912-819-5758 VASCULAR SPECIALISTS

11909 McAuley Drive Building 100, Suite A-2 Savannah, GA 31419 912-354-8331

Savannah Health B E

WE L L

Donations Gladly Accepted After a serendipitous meeting, two Savannahians share a bond deeper than friendship — they share a kidney.

Written by MALEAH STEPHENS

Dayna Cohen and Jake Rowland

AFTER DECIDING SHE WANTED to purchase “grownup furniture,” Dayna Cohen felt drawn into a Rooms To Go one fateful October morning in 2021. There, she would meet the person she’d later credit for saving her life.

Jake Rowland was a sales associate working the floor at the time. He approached Cohen, hoping to connect her with the perfect bedroom suite, but instead, he found a connection of his own. Their cordial chat about bed frames and dressers quickly evolved into a friendly conversation about accents and the must-try restaurants in New York City.

Cohen, originally from New York City, was excited to find out that Rowland planned to travel there that December. She eagerly listed off the best restaurants. “I was telling him, ‘Oh, you gotta do this, and you gotta try that,’” Cohen says.

Rowland, happy to receive the expert opinions of a native, took her suggestions to heart. “We just sat and talked for a good 45 minutes,” he says. He even added her as a Facebook friend. “It was uncommon, and I had never added a customer over Facebook, but she was different,” he says. “She felt like a friend I had always known.”

After leaving the store with both new furniture and a new friendship, Cohen stayed in touch with Rowland via Facebook.

They shared pictures of food they enjoyed and memes they found funny, and they met up intermittently for lunch to catch up.

During one of their lunches in 2023, Cohen filled Rowland in on the kidney issues she had been having and how she needed a transplant.

“I wasn’t thinking anything of it,” Cohen recalls of the conversation. “We were just reconnecting.”

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But for Rowland, this was more than a life check-in — it was a calling. “It planted a seed,” he says.

Admittedly, Rowland says it seemed unlikely that he could help Cohen. The odds of two people being a perfect match are incredibly low. For unrelated individuals, it’s less than 1%.

And the decision to donate is just the beginning. Testing can take three to six months before the donor is approved as a match, and it can take anywhere between two to eight weeks after that before the patients are in the operating room. During this time, kidney failure is continuing to progress, making each day without a donor highly worrisome for the patient whose life depends on this transplant.

But Rowland couldn’t shake the feeling that he could help.

Scrolling on Facebook, he came across a website Cohen created in her search to find a donor. There, he made the stunning discovery that they had matching blood types.

“I thought that was my sign to pursue this,” says Rowland. After finding the contact to a transplant coordinator listed on Cohen’s website, he decided he could potentially be a donor and started the process that day.

Rowland began traveling back and forth between Savannah and Atlanta to complete the necessary testing — all completely unbeknownst to Cohen. “I didn’t know that Jake was a match, and you’re not told who’s getting tested because of HIPAA laws,” she says. And she didn’t feel worthy, either, recalling, “I didn’t think anyone would care enough to get tested for me.”

Though Rowland wanted to tell Cohen what he was doing to give her hope, he decided it was best to complete the testing beforehand, so as not to disappoint her. As she continued working through dialysis and campaigning for a donor, he was undergoing extensive testing — involving several different blood tests, dietary modifications, infection screenings, and more — alone and at record speed.

Finally, after just under two months of traveling to and from the hospital, Rowland received the news: He was a match. “Mine was one of the fastest timelines of someone going through the process,” Rowland says, still stunned by how easily everything fell into place.

Wasting no time, he messaged Cohen on Facebook that he wanted to meet up, and Cohen happily welcomed Rowland into her home.

He says that when he told her that he would be the donor, all the color left her body. Cohen immediately attempted to dissuade him from going through with the donation process, but Rowland refused to budge.

Once Cohen accepted Rowland’s offer, they filled his parents in on the news. They had several questions, all of which Rowland was able to answer with ease. “They were concerned,” he says. “But they know once I make my mind up, there’s no changing it. This was no different.”

Their reservations about Rowland’s decision quickly dissipated once they met Cohen, and they welcomed her into the family.

Surgery was set five months later in August 2024. “I was texting

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him the day of surgery, asking if he still wanted to go through with this,” says Cohen. “He was just like ‘Oh my God, you’re being so silly, come on.’”

After the operation, both patients were up and walking within hours — unusual for transplant situations. The typical recovery process can take roughly six weeks, with patients often requiring 24 hours before they can walk.

As they look back on this time, both Cohen and Rowland still have chills from how easy the process was. “It’s made me rethink my feelings on fate and coincidence,” says Rowland. “We don’t meet anyone by chance, and you have to really value who comes into your life because you never know what they might mean to you.”

Today, Rowland is an associate broker and director of operations for Team Kristin Brown, Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners.

Cohen, a former insurance broker in New York for over 25 years, is taking time away from employment to recover.

Together, they are advocates for organ donation and are in the very early stages of working to start a foundation for those who are undergoing transplant surgery or are interested in donating. Cohen hopes that their story gives people that extra push to not give up and to keep going to dialysis or to go do that one medical test.

“Then it makes everything I’ve been through worth it,” says Cohen.

From group support and counseling for those interested in donating to providing gift cards for gas and dinner money to those feeling drained from dialysis, the pair are determined to ease the process of organ donation and spread the miraculous hope they witnessed during their own experience.

Committed to The way you’re committed to doing what you love.

Discover doctors in Humana’s network who get to know the whole you With Humana, you’ll get access to providers who want to know more about you, not just what’s in your medical file. Doctors who are dedicated to listening to what’s important to you, so you can continue doing what you love. Because when we say we connect you to senior-focused personalized care, we mean care that’s focused on all the things that make you, you.

Specialized primary care for adults 65+

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Find a Ochsner Novant Health 65 Plus location near you Coming soon!

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Call a licensed Humana sales agent 844-224-8993 Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., ET Hablamos español

Visit HealthThatCares.com or scan the QR code.

Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁 體中文，您可以免費 獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711)。 Y0040_GHHMBNAEN_C

Savannah Health

The Tactical Officer Discover the innovative programs the Savannah Police Department has implemented to help officers manage their physical and mental health.

Written by T YLER PAYNE

FOR POLICE OFFICERS, the Covid pandemic heaped even more stress onto what is already a highly stressful profession.

A 2024 survey of more than 2,000 police officers found that 36% experienced anxiety and panic attacks and 39% experienced depression as a result of work-related stress.

Thirty-five percent reported PTSD symptoms, which can lead to greater risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Fifty-seven percent of officers said cumulative trauma was likely to cause mental health issues, while 61% named long and irregular work hours and 24% mentioned lack of available support resources.

Chief Lenny Gunther of the Savannah Police Department (SPD) saw firsthand the strain the pandemic put on officers. In 2021, he created an internal team, led

by Capt. Tonya Reid, to improve available support. Reid turned to the City of Savannah’s health and wellness coordinator, Lauren Wilson, who put her in touch with Vira Salzburn, the director of impact at the Mediation Center in Savannah.

Salzburn met with SPD’s leadership, including Reid, to discuss needs. She offered to train the officers in the Community Resilience Model (CRM), a skillsbased program for handling stress, but felt there was more she could do. The idea was to build resiliency for the whole

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organization and improve officers’ health. That conversation, as well as a few follow-ups and Salzburn’s own analysis, led her to create the Resilience Enhancement and Leadership Model (REALM) in 2022.

REALM is based on Salzburn’s training in mindfulness, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care. It’s also influenced by her graduate degree in management, leadership, and organizational behavior from Troy University and graduate certificate in human behavior from Harvard University.

“It was like all the things I knew prepared me to develop it,” Salzburn says. “Suddenly, everything that I ever learned made sense.” Salzburn developed the program over three months with her Mediation Center colleague Tara Jones and Savannah paramedic and former firefighter Dale Simmons. They introduced it to SPD in January 2023. The program was mandatory, and while some officers were reluctant, the team encouraged them to be open to learning about their needs.

“When I got involved in public safety in the late 1980s, we were told to suck it up,” Simmons says. “We created a stigma that said, ‘If you can’t handle the trauma we see on the job, there’s something wrong with you.’ Now we’re in an era where we’re saying, ‘What you’re experiencing is normal. You’re not the first person who’s had these feelings.’”

The classes offered techniques such as the STOP Model: Slow down and focus attention; Take a deep breath; Observe your body, emotions, and thoughts; and Perceive self-compassion.

STOP and other techniques help officers recognize when they are stressed and respond appropriately to the situation at hand.

Afterward, officers told the team they found the skills useful and wanted to learn more.

“They’ve said, ‘Now I understand why that person got upset in that situation,’ or ‘Now I understand why my kid wasn’t listening,’” Jones says. “When you’re stressed, you can’t listen or make good decisions. People acknowledging, ‘It’s a natural stress response,’ has been good to see.”

In order to become sworn officers of SPD, new recruits first take a four-week course at the department’s internal training unit, then go to a police academy to complete the 20-week Georgia Mandated Peace Officer Training Course. For the recruits in the four-week period, Salzburn and Jones introduce CRM classes, as well as a program named Tactical Yoga. Jones describes Tactical Yoga as using movement to serve the nervous system.

“If you’re in ‘fight mode,’ maybe you need something low to the ground, like a stretching exercise,” she says. “If you’re feeling depressed and withdrawn, maybe you do something to energize the body, like push-ups or squats.”

Many of the recruits had never done yoga before, and during the first class, there was some resistance. By the end, many felt more at ease and were anticipating the next session.

SPD now incorporates REALM into officers’ mandatory training. Each year, from January to September, groups of officers undergo the training until every officer has completed it. The

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“When I got involved in public safety in the late 1980s, we were told to suck it up. We created a stigma that said, ‘If you can’t handle the trauma we see on the job, there’s something wrong with you.’ Now we’re in an era where we’re saying, ‘What you’re experiencing is normal. You’re not the first person who’s had these feelings.’”

— Dale Simmons, paramedic department also continues to hold CRM and Tactical Yoga classes for recruits.

Earlier this year, SPD introduced its latest program: the Tactical Body. The program is provided weekly to both recruits and officers. It focuses on how nutrition, exercise, and sleep are connected to mental health and what officers can do to address those needs in their personal and professional lives.

The program emphasizes the importance of taking breaks.

Reid says those in the program often ask what they can do to move and not be stagnant between calls for service. Another frequently asked topic was how to pick up healthy meals to better be able to function during shifts.

“Before, a lot of officers would work, work, work, whether it was overtime or extra-duty jobs,” Reid says. “Now, more officers are taking their days off and spending them with their family and friends and decompressing before they return to work.” She has also noticed more officers using the in-house gym and choosing healthier snacks.

Many officers have told Jones that they hadn’t realized how little changes could add up. “You don’t have to spend 30 minutes meditating to have a positive effect,” she says. “Sitting at a stoplight and taking a couple of deep breaths can make a difference. You don’t have to completely change your nutrition; you can choose the healthier option at the drive-through.”

Following REALM’s success at SPD, Chatham EMS and Fire Department expressed interest, and Salzburn and Simmons brought the program to them in May 2023. St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital and the Georgia Department of Education also offer it. And an instructor at Chatham County Detention Center now offers detainees yoga classes based on Salzburn’s work.

“I can’t believe it sometimes,” Salzburn says. “I think a lot of it happened because we just said, ‘yes.’”

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SAVANNAH FIGHTING CANCER

See what our Community Visionaries, both students and adults, have achieved in the fight against Blood Cancer

$380,012

Funds raised in the 2025 student campaign

Student Visionaries of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development program for high school students. Every year, courageous young leaders embark on a 7-week journey with a goal to create a world without blood cancers, striving to earn the Student Visionary of the Year title all while developing new skills and earning volunteer hours.

Are you the next Student Visionary of the Year?

This is your chance to stand up and stand out!

Contact Sarah Tigue at Sarah.Tigue@LLS.org or 813.838.7474 to find out more.

$481,158

Funds raised in the 2025 adult campaign

Visionaries of the Year candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local blood cancer survivors. The individual who has raised the most funds during the ten-week campaign is awarded the prestigious title of 'Visionary of the Year' in their community.

Do you know the next Visionary of the Year?

Someone who will lead the charge to change the world?

Contact Ellie Feltner at Ellie.Feltner@LLS.org or 843.812.5967 to find out more.

TASH, 9

MICKI, 5

THESE HEROES INSPIRED THIS YEAR’S STUDENT AND ADULT VISIONARIES. BOTH TASH AND MICKI WERE DIAGNOSED WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA, TASH AT JUST 8 WEEKS OLD AND MICKI AT 4 YEARS OLD.

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Keeping Hope in Mind For seniors facing cognitive decline, Savannah offers a wide range of resources and care options to help bridge the gap between age and agency.

Written by ZACHARY HAYES

FOR MANY AGING AMERICANS, the golden years can feel tarnished by the slew of challenges that can arise in this new stage of life in the form of social stigmas, illnesses, and the fight to maintain independence. Navigating these pressures can feel overwhelming for even the most capable seniors. But for those who face the daunting rigors of early-stage dementia, adjusting to these new realities can be a nearly impossible task without the proper support and guidance.

Thankfully, Savannah seniors don’t have to maneuver these uncharted waters alone. From access to groundbreaking Alzheimer’s treatments to a variety of senior-tailored care options, Savannah is home to a uniquely robust suite of resources carefully crafted to provide hope and comfort to those wanting to bask in the autumn of life.

Care That Connects Most often, this next chapter starts in a doctor’s office. Many seniors facing the early stages of cognitive decline seek guidance from their primary care physicians, but as their conditions progress and their needs become more specific, the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional primary care might not cut it. Even something as simple as longer appointments can make a world of difference when confronting these confusing and frightening changes.

“So many patients come in and say, ‘The doctor didn’t even sit down when they came to see me,’” says Dr. Donell Collins, associate medical director of CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Georgia. “That doesn’t happen in our visits.”

CenterWell, which recently expanded its national presence with a new practice in Victory Heights last October, provides a holistic, senior-tailored approach to primary care, employing a staff of physicians, social workers, behavioral health specialists, and pharmacists who specifically cater to the needs of older patients, including those reckoning with the various stages of dementia. For Collins, this process starts with gentle, yet thorough conversations about care.

“We try to have these conversations as early as possible,” he says. “And, ultimately, the goal is to be able to understand the patient and meet their requests and desires. To me, this is important for patient autonomy.”

From providing in-home care options to developing curated care plans, agency and dignity are at the core of CenterWell’s approach to primary care.

“The main thing for us is keeping patients living at home, which is what most patients want,” says Collins. “That means bringing the care they need to wherever they are, whether that is coming to see us in the clinic or we come into their home. Our goal is to keep them independent as long as safely possible.”

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New Treatments, New Perspectives

Where Care Meets Community

Even with the bespoke approach of senior-tailored primary care, some patients may need to explore more specialized care options as cognitive changes develop. Luckily, Savannahians facing the early-stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s have access to groundbreaking new treatment options that can help prevent and slow the progression of these diseases.

“An early and accurate diagnosis today doesn’t mean what it did six years ago,” says Britni Johnson, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and Georgia Memory Net (GMN) provider at Savannah Neurology Specialists.

Johnson helped develop the practice’s infusion protocols for the new FDA-approved anti-amyloid medications, including Leqembi and Kisunla, which help slow disease progression by removing the trademark plaques that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. In clinical trials, Kisunla slowed cognitive decline by up to 35% over 18 months when compared to a placebo.

Though not a cure, these medications represent a new hope for early-stage dementia patients looking to extend and improve the quality of their lives.

But before treatment can be discussed, diagnosis is key, which is why Savannah Neurology Specialists partnered with GMN in 2023 to provide patients with access not only to accurate diagnostic tools but to connections to key local care resources as well.

“The big thing that GMN does is it allows us to have this community services educator role dedicated to knowing everything that’s accessible in our area,” says Johnson.

“Because, at the end of the day, you go home with a diagnosis, but what does that mean moving forward?” adds Sophie Clark, the memory clinic coordinator at Savannah Neurology Specialists.

“That real-world help and support is so needed.”

In addition to the new treatments and their work with GMN, Savannah Neurology Specialists is also rolling out a new approach to holistic dementia care through a partnership with the federal GUIDE program this July. The GUIDE program, offered exclusively to Medicare recipients, expands on the success of GMN to provide patients with comprehensive dementia care, including access to respite care services and more supportive advanced care planning.

“It’s kind of like GMN on steroids,” says Clark.

Savannah Neurology Specialists is one of only a few practices in the state — and the country — that offers such a wide array of options for dementia patients, and the success of these programs gives providers like Johnson and Clark immense hope for the future.

“If there’s anything out there that is groundbreaking for Alzheimer’s disease, we’re gonna have our hands in it,” Johnson says.

Like everyone, older adults, even those with mild cognitive impairment, still crave the pleasures of life and companionship that can imbue their later years with meaning and purpose. To help fill those gaps, Senior Citizens Inc., a local nonprofit celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, has developed an impressive variety of resources and activities designed to meet seniors where they are.

“You don’t know how hard it is to go through the aging process until you’re in it,” says Patti Lyons, president and CEO of Senior Citizens Inc. “We look for ways that we can fill any unmet need, whether it’s something we provide or something that’s in the community.”

From facilitating Meals on Wheels to training senior companions to providing a range of in-home and respite care services, including those provided by their brand-new DayBreak Center on Skidaway Island, Senior Citizens Inc. has programs that can meet just about any need an independent senior might face.

“Even the little things,” adds Lyons. “Say we go to their home to do an assessment, spend time with them, and we notice, ‘Well, golly, their porch needs repairs,’ then we try to solve that problem.”

Of all their care options, Lyons is especially proud of The Learning Center, which provides an eclectic and wide-ranging array of programming directly inspired by the special interests and hobbies of its members. Located in-person at the Center for Successful Aging on Bull Street, as well as their satellite campus on Skidaway Island, most of their programming is also available online, allowing members to join in on the action from the comfort of their own homes. Just this last spring, they hosted events on medieval castles of Ireland, yoga, space exploration, Greek mythology, and Romantic composers. If there’s a unique topic of interest inspiring the minds of Savannah’s seniors, The Learning Center is likely exploring it.

“What I enjoy about working at Senior Citizens Inc. is that every day is different,” says Lyons. “Every day is joyful, and every day brings the opportunity to help people be able to say that they’ve had a life well lived. I feel like the most fortunate person in the world to have found this.”

As Savannah’s seniors take their first steps on this new path, few things are more important than surrounding oneself with those who can provide the support and direction they might need.

Between the trials of age itself and the fear and confusion that haunt those facing cognitive decline, nobody should feel they have to confront these changes on their own. The trick, a guiding principle that Savannah’s senior care community holds dear to its heart, is finding support that recognizes the dignity and wisdom of our elders, and strives to nurture it.

“These are real people,” says Clark. “They’re more than just their PET scan or their MRI results. Even though we’re looking at results all day, there’s a human being. There’s a name, a person attached to those results, and they have family members who love them dearly. That’s why I come to work every day.”

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Peña-Peck House St. Augustine, Florida

ARTISAN GIFT SHOP

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Brewing Up Good Health Two local tea experts share why, when it comes to all-around benefits, tea should be your go-to summer drink.

Written by HUNTER COT TRELL

AS IT TURNS OUT, in the wellness scene, pinkies are out — and drinking tea and taking great care of your body are in. In fact, tea and health make the hottest pairing since Earl met Grey.

“Tea is a lifestyle,” says Hale Tea Company owner Megan Miller. “It’s the best stuff that you can use for your face, your body, your mind, and your soul,” she says. Lou Thomann, owner of Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary, echoes this, calling tea “ancient wisdom; modern experience.”

The health benefits in each type of tea vary. White tea aligns with tooth health, with natural fluoride, catechins, and tannins. Chamomile can benefit menstrual, stomach, or muscle cramps. Rooibos may help keep cholesterol, circulation, and blood pressure in check. Peppermint supports digestion and soothes headaches. Hibiscus is used for liver health and may have cardiovascular health benefits. Green tea is anti-inflammatory, and matcha, a powdered and condensed rendition of green tea, multiplies the benefits tenfold. Oolong tea may help reduce the risk of breast or ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and certain cognitive diseases with its anti-inflammatory amino acid I-theanine and high polyphenol count.

Tea has so many naturally beneficial properties, Miller notes, and she suggests that you enjoy these delights at a pace of three to four cups a day. That lends the most benefits with the least side effects, like potential headaches from teas that contain caffeine.

Tea for Skin Health

Tea has a way to take care of you, even if drinking it isn’t your thing. “We believe that the benefits of tea go beyond the cup,” says Miller. Her Hale Beauty line includes items like botanical tea soaks, employing the rejuvenation of green tea and the muscle soothing of Epsom salts; a matcha clay mask, which uses matcha to help unclog pores and absorb excess oil; and a facial steam with chamomile to soothe and prep skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. She plans to launch more products, including a luxurious milk tea bath, this summer.

Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary puts the spotlight on a plant native to Ossabaw Island: yaupon holly.

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Historically, this plant had been used by indigenous people to create a beverage similar to black tea.

“We aim to pay homage to its ancient historical use,” says Thomann, but in a new, modern way, featuring it in both teas and in a skincare line. The daily facial oil, for example, is a fan favorite that employs yaupon as well as chamomile, which works as a soothing disinfectant.

The company’s rose toner uses yaupon tea as a hydrosol — an aromatic water produced during the distillation of plants that is lighter and less concentrated than essential oil — to shrink pores and maintain skin’s pH balance.

An anti-acne cleanser hosts an array of antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties from the yaupon tea’s saponins (soap-like plant properties), paired with medicinal herbs.

Whether it’s potentially providing health benefits like protecting the body against cancer and other diseases or making your skin glow, it seems like there’s nothing tea can’t do. Side effects appear to include feeling so well, you’ll want to host the biggest tea party since Boston.

ICE, ICE BABY: “Any of our teas can be made iced,” is the PSA for tea drinkers on the brink of summer, according to Megan Miller, owner of Hale Tea Company. Contrary to popular belief, serving tea at a cold temperature does nothing to lessen any of its benefits. Green or white teas can even be brewed in cold water; simply elongate the steeping time to an hour.

For black, oolong, or herbal (or green/white tea, too, if you’re in a rush), brew the tea hot and extra strong, then pour it over a heaping mound of ice to dilute and cool.

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REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT OF EGYM Personalized fitness system increasing strength, energy across region THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA has been a cornerstone of community wellness, but the introduction of EGYM across its branches has marked a leap in fitness innovation, particularly for senior members and those who may not be comfortable with a traditional gym atmosphere. With nine of 11 branches offering EGYM — Habersham, Islands, West Chatham, Tybee, Effingham, Guyton, Statesboro, Richmond Hill, Liberty County, and the soon-to-open Golden Isles branch — this state-of-the-art fitness program is transforming lives and making a profound impact on the community’s health and well-being.

EGYM is a smart, personalized fitness system designed to accommodate all fitness levels. The equipment automatically adjusts to each user’s specifications, providing a customized workout plan that adapts as they progress. This means that no matter where someone starts on their fitness journey, EGYM meets them where they are and helps them achieve their goals efficiently and safely.

Many seniors have found that staying active is crucial for maintaining health, and EGYM makes it easy and enjoyable. By using EGYM, they have regained strength and significantly reduced their biological age. This innovative fitness system has provided them with the opportunity to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

“EGYM has strengthened my muscles, and it’s like working with my own physical therapist,” says senior member Carmen Young. “My bio-age is 56 years old, but I’m actually 84. I work out with EGYM four or five times per week.”

Similarly, members who were initially reluctant to go to the gym have found EGYM to be highly intuitive and userfriendly. The personalized nature of the workouts makes each session feel tailormade, leading to noticeable improvements in strength and energy levels while making the gym experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Being the first to premiere EGYM in Georgia and the region, the YMCA’s expansion of the circuit to nine branches is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to inclusive and progressive fitness solutions.

This technology is revolutionizing fitness in the community by offering an easy-touse, adaptable system that is changing lives, says Mary Arocha, Senior Vice President of Healthy Living and Corporate Wellness.

EGYM empowers members to take control of their fitness journeys in a way that has never been possible before, resulting in increased confidence and vitality.

Whether aiming to maintain independence and strength or just starting a fitness journey, EGYM has proven to be a beacon of health and wellness in the area.

This revolutionary approach to fitness is not only a technological advancement, but it’s also a commitment to enhancing lives and building a stronger, healthier community for all.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EGYM AND THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA AT YMCAOFCOASTALGA.ORG OR CALL 912.354.5480.

Photography courtesy of YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA

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CO URTESY SAVANNAH FACI AL PLASTI C SU RG ERY

Dr. Timothy Minton, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, performed a deep plane face and neck lift on this patient to remove loose skin and create a refined profile following her major weight loss.

Let’s Face It With the popularity of weight-loss medications, some people are discovering that being thinner can sometimes mean looking older.

Local cosmetic surgeons weigh-in with solutions.

Written by ETHAN MATHEWS

IN THE SUMMER OF 2021, the FDA approved a medication called Wegovy for chronic weight management, marking the first time a GLP-1 agonist — a class of medications that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar — was cleared for use in non-diabetic patients. Once confined to clinics, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro represent a new era in both obesity treatment and total-body transformation.

According to a May 2024 survey from the KFF, a leading nonprofit in U.S. health policy research, about one in eight U.S. adults said they had used a GLP-1 drug at some point, and of that group, 6% (over 15

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million U.S. adults) were actively using a prescription.

While many of the results have been positive — GLP-1s significantly reduce weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, according to a February 2025 report by JAMA Network Open — a common, undesirable effect quickly became apparent.

Deflating News Informally referred to as “Ozempic face,” individuals who achieve substantial weight loss often experience a loss of elasticity and facial

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volume that had normally been provided by facial fat. The result is a loosening of the overlying skin, deflating facial contours, and an appearance of accelerated aging.

“They’ve given it a name, but really it is the result of profound weight loss,” says Dr. Barbara Davies, a plastic surgeon at Savannah Plastic Surgery. “The fat goes away, the skin drapes, and you lose elasticity. Even folks who aren’t on Ozempic but have lost a lot of weight — their elastic properties are very, very different.”

Despite popular reference to “Ozempic face” as a side effect, endocrinologists and weight-loss experts emphasize that no study has shown GLP-1s target facial fat; rather, this is simply a natural consequence of significant fat loss. Unfortunately, no magic prevention or correction can direct where fat is lost or gained on the body, but for GLP-1 users experiencing unwanted facial changes, solutions are available.

“I see it all the time,” says Dr. Timothy Minton, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery. “How we treat it — just like any other aging face condition — depends on how advanced the problem is.”

The Heat Is On Minton says cases involving mild skin laxity, like minor looseness or early loss of elasticity, can be treated with nonsurgical approaches approaches, such as energy-based treatments. Think of these as home renovations on your face, carefully disrupting the existing structure so the skin can rebuild stronger and smoother. The “disruptions” are noninvasive and generally require little to no downtime.

When used appropriately, energy devices deliver targeted heat through modalities like radiofrequency (such as Thermage), ultrasound (like Ultherapy), and microneedling combinations (for example, Morpheus8) to trigger a controlled wound-healing response that stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin — proteins essential to skin structure and elasticity.

Mild side effects such as swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur, but typically resolve within a few days. While some treatments offer single-session results, the majority require multiple sessions of varying durations, and packages can range between $2,000 and $5,000. The effects build gradually over time, with noticeable improvements typically appearing within three weeks, and full results visible after several months.

Because these devices generate heat in the deeper layers of the skin, Minton cautions against relying on them alone to correct facial volume loss. “If they are used incorrectly, you potentially melt more fat and you’re just making the problem worse,” says Minton. “They’re

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OK for somebody with a mild degree of change, and in conjunction with something like fat grafting or filler.”

Fill ‘Er Up Other forms of nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatments for facial fat loss are dermal fillers, which restore volume and smooth out lines or wrinkles by injecting gel-like substances beneath the skin to replace lost structure. Fillers have been a staple in aesthetic medicine since the early 2000s due to their versatility and relatively low downtime.

Treatments typically cost between $675 and $875 per unit, depending on the type and area treated. Minor side effects such as swelling or bruising may occur, but recovery is usually minimal, and results can last anywhere from six months to two years.

With a variety of filler types available, treatments can be tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, provide immediate volume and smoothness by attracting water to the treated area, making them ideal for restoring midface volume or smoothing lines. In contrast, poly-L-lactic acid fillers like Sculptra work gradually by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, offering subtle, longer-term improvement over a series of treatments.

You’ve Got To Move It, Move It For more significant volume loss or pronounced facial hollowing, fat transfers — or autologous fat grafting — are often considered a natural and longer-lasting alternative. This procedure involves harvesting fat from another part of the body (like the abdomen or thighs), purifying it, and injecting it into the target areas of the face.

Because the material comes from the patient’s body, fat grafting offers a natural look and feel, carries little risk of allergic reaction, and, once fully integrated, can last for several years.

When it comes to treating the face after weight loss, it’s natural to want to correct any changes right away, but a little patience can make all the difference. Fat transfers, in particular, highlight the importance of letting your weight stabilize before starting any treatment plan.

“If you were to have a fat-transfer procedure, then you lose more weight after that, you could lose some of those results,” says Minton. “I don’t recommend doing anything until you are down to your ideal weight.”

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Powerlifting While often associated with aging, facelifts have become an increasingly popular solution for the facial changes brought on by significant weight loss — particularly in the lower face and jawline, where sagging skin, deep folds, and volume loss can leave behind a tired or gaunt appearance.

Unlike nonsurgical options, a facelift offers comprehensive, lasting correction by removing excess skin and repositioning underlying muscles and connective tissues to restore youthful contours.

For patients struggling with loose skin that can’t be tightened with fillers or energy devices alone, a facelift delivers a level of structural refinement that other treatments can’t match. It’s a more involved procedure, with recovery typically lasting two to three weeks, but results often last 10 years or more, making it a long-term investment in both confidence and facial definition. Depending on complexity and location, facelifts generally start at $15,000.

Treatments for post-weight loss

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corrections are often elective and not covered by insurance, adding to the already high out-of-pocket cost of GLP-1s, so it’s essential to work closely with your provider to identify the most effective approach within your goals and budget.

“I will typically triage them by looking at what the skin is doing — what’s the quality, is there too much, and have they had volume loss,” says Davies. “Then, you address each one individually.”

Thinning and Winning Ultimately, losing a significant amount of weight is a major accomplishment — one that can dramatically improve health, energy levels, and quality of life. While facial changes may be an unexpected outcome, Dr. Carl Pearl, plastic surgeon at Chatham Plastic Surgery, believes it is secondary to the deeper, long term benefits of reaching a healthy weight. “I think the fad name behind it is a little dangerous. It can create a stigma around weight loss in general that’s unhealthy,” Pearl says.

Although he offers a range of treatments for patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss, Pearl believes the conversation needs to shift, prioritizing health and happiness over anything else. “I feel strongly about that,” adds Pearl.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery — nearly half of AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons observed a noticeable rise in patients seeking procedures to mitigate the cosmetic effects of GLP-1s. Additionally, one in four surgeons anticipate these medications will drive an increased demand for nonsurgical treatments.

As the use of GLP-1 medications grows, so too does our understanding of the effects significant weight loss can have on the body. Navigating these changes requires careful consideration and should be approached thoughtfully with the support of qualified professionals who prioritize long-term well-being and sustainable results.

DIRECT ACCESS COLONOSCOPY Designed to make routine colonoscopies more convenient and accessible for individuals who are age 45 and older and who are at average risk for colon cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends beginning colonoscopy screenings at age 45. With Direct Access Colonoscopy, patients can often bypass a consultation appointment in the office and instead be screened directly by a health care professional who will review their medical history and determine if they are eligible for the program. And you don’t need a doctor's referral.

EASY AS THAT! DO YOU QUALIFY? | 912-354-9447 | CALL TODAY Patients with Gl symptoms and other medical conditions do not qualify for DAC and will need to make an appointment before scheduling a colonoscopy.

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THRIVE ON! Redefining Senior Living on Skidaway Island

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

NESTLED ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND, you’ll find Thrive on Skidaway, a senior living community that redefines the concept of older adult living.

With a coastal-inspired design and a resort-like feel, Thrive on Skidaway exudes elegance and contemporary luxury. It is unsurpassably warm and inviting — creating the perfect place to call home for so many wonderful Savannah seniors.

Not only is the community breathtaking to admire, but its approach to care is also what sets it apart.

Thrive focuses on a core philosophy of creating meaningful relationships with its residents.

The team takes the time to truly know each individual, including their personal history, family connections and career background. Delving even deeper, the Thrive team learns about their residents’ preferences, such as their morning

From left, Carol Elkins, Hailey Vernon, Brittany Marshall, Kevin Bohler, Gretchen Speestra, Kaylynn Evans, Michael Patrick, Biz Austin and Terrie Matthews

routines, favorite foods and what brings them joy.

By forging these meaningful relationships, it leads to an even deeper level of care.

For assisted living and memory care residents, the community provides around-the-clock nursing oversight and personalized care plans that are consistently reviewed and updated. This unwavering commitment ensures that residents receive optimal care, enabling them to live life to the fullest.

To encourage socialization, engagement and purposeful living for all its residents, the community offers a wide range of incredible programs. Residents can participate in gardening, fitness classes, pet therapy, art classes, outings to local attractions, walking clubs, church services, happy hours and so much more.

There’s also an abundance of amenities, including pickleball, bocce ball, a salon and barbershop, billiards, Convivium Coffee Co., an athletic center as well as on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy. And the cuisine is topnotch, featuring locally sourced, nutrient-rich and seasonally inspired dishes.

Thrive on Skidaway provides independent living, assisted living and memory care options, all with bright and modern private apartments. To learn more, stop by or call to schedule a tour.

THRIVE ON SKIDAWAY: 5 LAKE ST. | SAVANNAH, GA 31411 | 912.295.4220 HELLO@THRIVEONSKIDAWAY.COM | THRIVESL.COM/SKIDAWAY | FACEBOOK.COM/THRIVEONSKIDAWAY

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Our philosophy centers around creating a truly exceptional life for our residents — one imbued with purpose and meaning. What truly warms my heart is the delightful sound of laughter echoing through the community as our residents wholeheartedly embrace the joy of each day.

Witnessing their happiness is what truly makes our community wonderful.”

— Kaylynn Evans, community president

Savannah Health B E

WE L L

Caring Beyond the Counter Independent pharmacies provide tailored care with a focus on community.

Written by ETHAN MATHEWS // Photography by JOHN ALEX ANDER

WALKING INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD PHARMACY can be a small but meaningful ritual. The soft chime of the door is followed by a quick greeting from the counter. The scanner beeps, paper bags rustle, and, often, a pharmacist chats with a patient about something entirely unrelated to their prescription. There’s no rush, no sterile formality — just the gentle rhythm of a business that runs on familiarity and trust. And although no sign states it outright, an unspoken standard is in place: by your second visit, we’ll know your name.

This kind of personal touch is what sets independent pharmacies apart. In Savannah, these locally owned spots aren’t just places to pick up a prescription — they’re fixtures in the

community. As independent pharmacies close at a rate of more than one per day nationwide, according to a 2024 report from the National Community Pharmacists Association, the role they play in building relationships, offering personalized care, and filling vital health care gaps has never been more important.

All in the Family Drs. Jason and Susanne Conley, pharmacists and co-owners of Village Walk Pharmacy on Skidaway Island, have built their business on that promise of personalized care. The couple, who met on the first day of class at Mercer University School

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of Pharmacy, took ownership of Village Walk in 2000 and have worked side-by-side ever since.

“I’m here every day, and have been for 25 years, so we get to know our patients as well, or possibly better, than their doctor,” says Jason. “Being able to see the patients three or four times a month, rather than every six months, allows you to develop a relationship.”

Like many independent pharmacies across the country, Village Walk became a vital resource during the pandemic, stepping up at a time when healthcare workers were stretched thin and public health guidelines were in constant flux. “Everybody — pharmacists especially — were thrown into new activities during COVID,” says Jason.

This moment called for reliable care throughout Savannah, and it played a pivotal role in June of 2020 when pharmacist Neal Hollis opened Georgetown Drug Company at the height of the pandemic. At a time marked by waning confidence in the healthcare system, Hollis says it was crucial to show the community pharmacists could be trusted for accurate information and reliable care.

In those early days, his pharmacy earned new patients by offering testing, free in-town delivery, and Saturday vaccine clinics — services that met a critical need in the community.

“It had nothing to do with what we were doing, but really how we were doing it. If we saw a patient a second time, we’d call them by their name,” says Hollis. “Small things like that, or even just having a conversation with a patient about anything at all — I love that.”

Getting Personal It’s a simple but powerful approach that resonates with patients.

According to a 2025 survey conducted by Lumicera Health Services, 75% of patients value having a pharmacist who knows them personally, affirming that human connection remains a powerful force in an increasingly virtual healthcare landscape.

The challenges of the pandemic prompted Savannah’s independent pharmacies to coordinate more closely in delivering clear, consistent guidance to their patients — a collaborative effort that continues today across a range of public health concerns.

“We have a really strong group in Savannah,” Hollis says. “For us to have the same outlook was important.”

Supporting this mission are organizations like the Georgia Pharmacy Association, which was founded in 1875 to empower and advocate for the state’s independent pharmacists, and the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative. These groups provide resources such as educational seminars, policy updates, and statewide networking opportunities.

It was at one such event in 2011 — a conference hosted by the IPC — that Dr. Kaushal Patel was inspired to open his own pharmacy. After nearly a decade with a nationally owned and operated pharmacy chain, he opened Apollo Pharmacy on Broughton Street in 2016, later expanding to a second location in Pooler the following year.

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Neal Hollis

“ ... If we saw a patient a second time, we’d call them by their name.

Small things like that, or even just having a conversation with a patient about anything at all — I love that.”

— Neal Hollis, Georgetown Drug Co. According to Patel, the value an independent pharmacy brings to its community becomes clear when people discover the range of underutilized services it can provide. “There are things that we can offer our local community that you cannot find at other places,” Patel says.

Beyond prescriptions, Patel says pharmacists frequently provide support in areas patients might not expect, like the often overwhelming world of vitamins and supplements. A pharmacist can recommend the right products, catch potentially dangerous interactions, and make sure dosages are safe and effective. Other lesser-known services include customizing pill planners for those who forget their medications, offering delivery for patients without transportation, and helping people choose the best over-thecounter treatments for common symptoms.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as stepping in when someone walks through the door in need of help.

“We get a lot of tourists, especially from up north, who aren’t accustomed to the humid, hot conditions,” Patel says. “They’ll come in and we can counsel them, give them proper education, and take their blood pressure. If they would have gone to any other place, they would have been charged for the services. Pharmacies are one of the few places out there that can provide lifesaving education at no cost.”

This kind of care speaks to a deeper priority: not profit, but people. For independent pharmacists like Patel, Hollis, and the Conleys, the goal isn’t just to fill prescriptions — it’s to make the neighborhood healthier, more informed, and more connected.

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Finding Balance How hormones can help women over 40 boost their metabolisms and feel fitter.

Written by BRIENNE WALSH

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Savannah Health B E

KATHERINE ROBERTS, 60, says she was one of those women who couldn’t gain weight if she tried.“I could eat anything I wanted and never weighed over 105 pounds.”

That is, until Roberts went through menopause at age 54. Not only did she start putting on weight but she also noticed new pains in her body. Her hips hurt when she lay on her side at night. She had to exercise for two hours a day just to maintain a body weight of 130 pounds. Whenever she went to her primary care doctor, the staff would weigh her and say, “You’re doing great for a woman your age!” She found this incredibly frustrating. She didn’t feel like herself, and she wanted to know why.

Roberts made an appointment at Savannah Age Management Medicine, which offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) designed to encourage weight loss and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Exhausted from feeling like her body was working against her, Roberts decided to try it out.

She was amazed at the results. Since starting BHRT in July of 2024, she’s lost 30 pounds. Equally as important, her hips stopped hurting, and she began to sleep through the night again. Roberts’ cholesterol also dropped significantly, which her care team attributes to not only the hormones but the regimen of vetted supplements, including vitamin C and fish oil, that they recommended.

Roberts notes that while the service isn’t cheap, it’s affordable, costing her roughly $100 a month after the initial consultations.

And the results have made the investment worth it. “My husband can’t keep up with me anymore, and he’s eight years younger than me,” Roberts says.

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shed. This is a symptom, she notes, of hormonal fluctuations in the body. “Estrogen plays a role in weight management and is a key regulator,” says De Castro.

When a woman begins to produce less estrogen, her body also loses muscle mass. This results in fewer calories being burned during exercise and movement, as well as muscle being replaced by fatty tissue. On the surface, many women notice more fat accumulation in their bellies. This can be a vicious cycle, because the more fatty tissue you accumulate, the more your body becomes resistant to insulin, which can lead to further weight gain.

“You have to break the cycle, and the best way to do that is with hormone replacement therapy,” says John Kurtz, a physician assistant who recently joined the team at Savannah Age Management Medicine.

Balancing Act At Coastal Care Partners, Powell starts treatment by running a panel of labs to determine where hormones might be imbalanced in a perimenopausal or postmenopausal patient, and then uses this information to build a personalized treatment plan. In most cases, she combines hormonal therapies with other forms of treatment, including incorporating supplements, exercise, and dietary changes into a patient’s life. The hormones she prescribes, which can

The Weight of Aging Most women expect they will go through menopause in their late 40s and early 50s. But fewer are aware that perimenopause, which is the transition period a woman’s body goes through leading up to menopause, can begin as early as age 35. Symptoms of perimenopause are varied but can include brain fog, urinary incontinence, reduced libido, changes in sleep patterns, anxiety and, of course, weight gain. All these symptoms are caused by fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, as the body begins to prepare to stop releasing eggs from ovaries.

“Women are so busy these days that a lot of the common symptoms of perimenopause just seem normal to us,” says Ansley Powell, women’s health nurse practitioner at Coastal Care Partners, a Savannah-based company that aims to provide a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare. “But they’re not normal,” she adds.

According to a recent study published in the science journal Nature, up to 90% of women seek medical care for perimenopausal symptoms. Dr. Ismary De Castro, an endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism specialist with her own practice, Savannah Endocrinology, says the main reason that perimenopausal patients seek her out is because they start gaining weight that they can’t

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Savannah Health

include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are delivered via injectables, creams, patches, and/or pellets.

Together, these recommendations can improve the body’s metabolism and lead to weight loss. But they can also indirectly cause other positive changes, making a woman feel better mentally and physically, allowing her to become more active and make healthier choices overall.

Powell prescribes bioidentical hormones, which are mixed at compounding pharmacies and are exact matches to the hormones that your body produces (as opposed to synthetic copies). Micronized progesterone, for example, is identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries. It’s important to note, however, that while compounded bioidentical hormones are overseen by the FDA, they have not always been subjected to full FDA approval.

There are some overall risks associated with HRT, including a slight increased risk for breast cancer — on par with the risk associated with obesity or drinking one or two drinks of alcohol every night. But a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks for women in early menopause.

These benefits can include reduction in symptoms of

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menopause including hot flashes and insomnia. HRT can also help prevent long-term issues such as heart disease and osteoporosis, and may also improve cognitive function, joint pain, and libido. To learn more, contact your healthcare provider.

Don’t Suffer While overall weight gain may initially attract many women to HRT, Kurtz says that anytime you start to feel changes in your body, including brain fog or even overstimulation around your kids, you should visit a health care provider to help determine what’s going on. Powell adds that she’s had a few patients start HRT on the verge of divorcing a partner, only to come back in for a followup feeling much better about their marriages.

Roberts, for one, wishes she had started HRT 10 years earlier.

While she says she’s not back to her “20-year-old body,” she is grateful that she doesn’t have to exercise to exhaustion to maintain a healthy weight. More than anything, she’s happy she can occasionally indulge in some great meals with her husband — one of their favorite things to do together.

So while HRT can’t turn back the clock, it can make the journey forward far more enjoyable.

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Speeding Recovery Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is being used in novel ways, getting Savannahians back on their feet faster.

Written by BRENDAN RINEY

IN 1937, NAVAL RESEARCHERS successfully treated decompression sickness, or “the bends,” using hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for the first time. Deep sea divers would enter a pressurized chamber of pure oxygen equal to their dive depth and slowly recompress to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. Doctors immediately began looking for other applications for the technology.

Today, doctors continue to employ HBOT in creative ways to assist patient recovery. HBOT is FDA approved for treating crush injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and air embolisms (when an air bubble causes a blockage in an artery or vein).

Several recent studies concluded that it can also provide positive outcomes for patients who have had face lifts, as well as stroke survivors.

Courtney Nein, a single mother of three children in Savannah, developed a thunderclap headache last fall.

Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors discovered Nein was experiencing a brain bleed as a result of an aneurysm. Two days later, Nein underwent surgery to clear the aneurysm but was left unable to open her right eye.

Early in her recovery, one of Nein’s tennis partners mentioned that Whole Health Optimization — a local interdisciplinary, integrated care company combining medical, dental, psychological, and alternative health systems — provided HBOT and it might be worth looking into. While the treatment isn’t explicitly FDA approved for strokes, and therefore not covered by insurance, a study published in 2021 in Neuropsychology Review suggested that HBOT could be used in the recovery process for stroke victims. “I saw it as an investment in my health,” says Nein.

HBOT is compelling for stroke patients because the brain is notorious for slow healing. Forcing extra oxygen to damaged brain tissue may accelerate healing. These traits also lend themselves to athletes seeking rapid recovery or relief from

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COU R TE SY SAVA N N A H FA C I A L P L A ST I C SU R G E RY

Savannah Health

injuries to low blood flow areas like tendons and ligaments. In Nein’s case, it seemed to work within weeks. “I can actually see out of both of my eyes, and there’s definite improvement in my vision,” she says.

Stroke recovery doesn’t start and end with HBOT. Nein, who already had what doctors considered a healthy diet, began taking supplements that improve blood flow and energy, went to physical therapy to regain the ability to open her eye, and began using red light therapy.

HBOT’s merits go beyond stroke recovery. A top concern for many potential surgery patients, especially in cosmetic surgery, is the amount of downtime that’s required. A study conducted in 2023 and published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum concluded that HBOT was not only an accepted treatment for face lift procedures, but a favorable one as well.

Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery created their own HBOT routine for face lifts: HBOT multiple times a week, 30 minutes using a red light mask whenever possible, and a healthy diet with supplements. Patients on this program begin taking hour-long “dives” in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber three times in the week leading up to the surgery and three to four times post-op. During the sessions, patients wear masks that deliver oxygen while the chamber maintains an atmospheric pressure two times stronger than normal. Luckily, the chamber is more comfortable than a deep-sea vessel, with a recliner and TV to pass the time.

“I think that even healthy people could benefit from hyperbarics,” says Dr. Timothy Minton of Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery. “There’s even some thought that it can help with neurocognitive issues as well.”

Hyperbaric treatments, despite being relatively old technology, are providing patients with new opportunities, and it appears as if they will keep growing in popularity and effectiveness as more comprehensive research is done.

“I would absolutely recommend HBOT,” says Nein.

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S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Doctors

M E E T

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E X P E R T S :

Chatham Plastic Surgery ........................................................................... 184

Internal Medicine of Savannah.................................................................. 193

Children's Eye Institute of Savannah ........................................................ 198

Moon River Pediatrics ............................................................................... 198

Coastal Care Partners ............................................................................... 186 Coastal ENT .............................................................................................. 194 Cornerstone Health .................................................................................. 191 Expert Hearing .......................................................................................... 187 ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear .................................................... 189 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah ............................................. 195

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics ................................................................ 192 Savannah Endocrinology........................................................................... 199 Savannah Pain Management ..................................................................... 197 Schulze Eye & Surgery Center ...........................................................182-183 Shrink Savannah ...................................................................................... .190

Gaughf Dermatology ................................................................................ 188

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The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery ................................................ 185

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Special Advertising Section | DOCTORS • S A V A N N A H H E A L T H 2 0 2 5 - 2 6

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Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), MD

Schulze Eye & Surgery Center MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Virginia RESIDENCY: Ochsner Medical Center,

New Orleans, Louisiana

INTERNSHIP: Roanoke Memorial Hospital,

Virginia

FELLOWSHIP: Kentucky Eye Institute AFFILIATIONS: American Medical Association,

American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, Medical Advisory Board of the Georgia Eye Bank

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Anterior segment surgery, which includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, PRK, ICL) and corneal transplantation.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD BECAUSE: I am a fourth-generation physician and the fourth eye doctor in my family — after my father, my grandfather and my uncle.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Artificial intelligence and its application to help improve accuracy in eye surgery through better planning to achieve better results.

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

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: I was 6 years old.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR: Doing free surgery on a homeless person who had gone blind and could no longer work.

Restoring his vision allowed him to regain his occupation and his sense of dignity.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My three daughters.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Warm but professional.

Dr. Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), center, and his Schulze Eye & Surgery Center team

728 E. 67th St. | 912.352.3120 | schulze-eye.com | Facebook: SchulzeVision | X (formerly Twitter): rschulzejr

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: inds rfing and or ing o t at the g MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: la ing ith dog and reading fiction and history.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate.

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Hiranos, for sushi once a week.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Elon Musk. I think he is changing the world.

I’ve been driving Teslas since 2013, and the technology is amazing.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I went to graduate school for English at the University of Oxford in England before going to medical school.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: Don’t go into medicine for the money; you will be disappointed if you do.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR: I would be an English professor.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE: Blue-blocking glasses don’t help.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: The town of Vernonburg, where I serve on the town council.

THE LAST BOOK I READ: “The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook,” an account of Cook’s last voyage in which he “discovered” Hawaii. It’s got it all: drama, history, anthropology and high adventure.

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Carl B. Pearl, MD, FACS CH ATH A M PL A STIC SURGERY

8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia (General Surgery) FELLOWSHIP: University of Tennessee

Memphis (Plastic Surgery)

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Breast augmentation, facelifts, and mommy makeovers. These procedures allow me to combine precision and artistry to help patients look and feel their best.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: Because the intricacies and details of plastic surgery inspire and challenge me.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The grand opening of our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: My mother survived breast cancer.

I always felt that her surgeon gave me more time with her.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR: When a patient gains a level of

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on den e the

e ne er had efore

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Honestly, my house. I love spending time with my dog — and my bean bag.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: tef raf ant to no what she thought about while competing.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am a good bowler.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to images on social media.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.

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I WAS ATTRACTED TO PLASTICS AND RECONSTRUCTION BECAUSE: No two da are a i e t a erfe t t I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR: At a young age. My grandad and dad were both physicians, and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO: Be able to care for each of my patients. When a patient thanks me and is grateful for his or her outcome, it’s so rewarding.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Riding my Peleton.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Spending ti e ith fa i and hin MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Peanut butter right out of the jar.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Feel blessed that I am able to do what I do.

MY GO-TO SPOT: The Wyld — my family and I enjoy going there by boat.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: My wife. It gets quite busy, and I enjoy spending one-on-one time with her.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I was a diesel mechanic.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Using Google to diagnose and get opinions. It fosters unneeded stress and false information.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My team and how we work together to give exceptional care to our patients and their families.

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Shonna McGee, MD C O A S T A L C A R E PA R T N E R S

4B Skidaway Village Walk 912.598.6312 coastalcareparnters.com MEDICAL DEGREE: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) School of Medicine (2007) RESIDENCY: Mercer University (2010) FELLOWSHIP: Memorial University Medical Center

oard erti ed in nterna Medicine (2010), American College of Physicians, Society of Hospital Medicine

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I’M MOST EXCITED TO BE: Part of a ra ti e that rede ne hat hea th are can be — proactive, personal, and rooted in true wellness. Our membership model gives me the time to connect with and fo u on the ho e er on o that an not only treat illnesses but also prevent them. nterna edi ine hou d e for ard oo in preserving vitality, mobility, and cognitive strength through every stage of life.

OUR CARE IS: Comprehensive — blending nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, cognitive support, and sexual wellness to he atient thri e not u t ur i e n a world overwhelmed with health fads and u e ent here to ro ide arit grounded in science. By educating patients about their physiology, medications, and daily ha it e o er the to ta e o ner hi of their health and live with purpose, resilience, and peace.

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Running throu h rd e ar and the oa ined squares downtown keeps me grounded. Yoga and Pilates help me slow down and reconnect with gratitude and presence. Strength training is essential as we age to protect bone den it and re er e u e t in tudio a e hen an ut a o tra e ith hand ei ht to ta tron here er o ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING DOCTOR: Listen closely. Your patients will often te ou e a t hat ron et the speak freely during your evaluation. You can study every diagnosis in a book, but seeing it r thand a e it unfor etta e ini a experience is what transforms textbook no ed e into rea or d i do ou don t earn to are for atient readin — you learn by listening, examining, and experiencing everything you can during clinicals and residency.

Doctors of Audiology Susan Timna and Cori Palmer

Expert Hearing SAVANNAH: 6602 Waters Ave., Building B,

Suite 102

SKIDAWAY ISLAND: 15 Lake St., Suite 160 912.777.8580 experthearingsavannah.com EDUCATION: Master’s in Audiology, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, Arizona School of Health Sciences (Timna); Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, University of Louisville (Palmer) SPECIALTY: Tinnitus Management (Timna) CERTIFICATION: Dementia Care (Timna) and Audiology, American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (Timna and Palmer) ACCREDITATION: Georgia State Board

of Audiology and American Speech and Hearing Association.

AFFILIATIONS: American Academy

of Audiology

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: All areas of hearing health care. Our combined 50+ years of experience gives us the expertise to personalize affordable hearing solutions for each individual. We have incorporated state-of-the-art testing, addressing the links between untreated hearing loss and earlier dementia, into our comprehensive test battery.

OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: Providing over-the-top customer service and excellence in all we do. We are grateful to recei e fi e star re ie s ro all o o r patients. We treat each patient with the respect, time, and the attention they deserve.

Improving someone’s hearing in all situations comes from time, testing, and a Doctor of Audiology listening to their communication issues. Each person’s hearing loss and hearing demands are unique, and they should not be treated with a cookie-cutter approach.

WE ARE EXCITED THAT: The technology and cosmetic nature of hearing devices have greatly improved, and a wider variety of price points have made them affordable for all.

WE WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD: Know how important it is to have a baseline hearing evaluation, to get an annual hearing test (especially after the age of 60), and to understand the possible impact of untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss is a health issue that needs to be addressed, monitored, and discussed with your primary care provider at your annual physical.

HEARING LOSS IS LINKED TO: Diabetes, hypertension, smoking, depression, kidney disease, and a higher risk of falls. Untreated hearing loss can also lead to earlier cognitive decline.

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Claudia Gaughf, MD GAUGHF DER M ATOL OGY

SAVANNAH: 639 Stephenson Ave. POOLER: 1000 Town Center Blvd, Suite 900 RICHMOND HILL: 200 Interchange Drive

912.354.7124 gaughfdermatology.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College

of Georgia

RESIDENCY: Medical Doctor, Internal

Medicine at Medical Center of Central Georgia (two years); Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia

CERTIFICATION: American Board of

Dermatology

AFFILIATION: Georgia Society of

Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

I INITIALLY BECAME INTERESTED IN DERMATOLOGY BECAUSE OF: The skin issues I had as a teenager. What I continue to o e a out thi e d i i i ar to fa i medicine, you get to build a rapport with long-term patients.

WE ARE HAPPY TO: Introduce red light therapy, which has been shown to improve o a en rodu tion redu e infla ation and enhance wound healing and overall skin rejuvenation.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Helping patients with severe eczema, psoriasis or alopecia areata (hair loss). New biologics are now available to help these conditions drastically.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My two children, 19 and 21, who are kind, humble, independent, and motivated.

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MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: What can I do to have youthful, healthy skin and maintain it. They also ask me about collagen supplements. Studies show mixed reviews, but some researchers have found improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, and appearance of wrinkles.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Personable and ef ient MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Weight and cardio-training classes at the gym in The Landings.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Walk my dogs.

YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS THAT: We used to have an RV and enjoy trips to campgrounds when the kids were little.

Erika Morrow, OD, MS FOR SIGHT U NIQUE EY E CA R E & EY E W E A R

350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

912.483.6600 forsighteye.net MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Optometry,

Master of Vision Science

AFFILIATIONS: American Optometric Association

and Georgia Optometric Association

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Specialty contact lenses including medically necessary and myopia control.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: I get to help people see their very best every single day.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The technology that I’ve invested in that a o e to t ad an ed e ia t contact lenses. Patients who have corneal conditions such as keratoconus, astigmatism, or scarring can have 20/20 vision again with specialty contact lenses. I am the only provider in this region who has an Eaglet Surface ro o eter hi te hno o an the surface of the eye, taking more than 350,000 measurements in one image, allowing me to customize a specialty en to t our e e e a t

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: Fitting an electrician who suffered from severe keratoconus with a custom scleral lens. He saw 20/20 for the r t ti e in hi ife rior to ein referred to me, he was wearing a soft contact lens that provided his good eye with 20/50 vision and his bad eye was on orre ta e to ount n er IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: A professional organizer.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Value their eyes more.

Saving money is important, but clear, comfortable vision should be a priority when choosing contact lenses or glasses.

Plus, glasses and contacts are the only accessory that you wear every single day (for one to two years) that are fashionable and fun tiona hoo e i e

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From left: Heather Mell, NP-C; Yasmin Seay, MD; Chad Brock, MD; Anna Hilliard, PA-C; Kristy Triplett, PA-C; and Sarah Beck, PA-C; not pictured: Annalise Apt, PA-C; Andrea Yates, PA-C; Tiffany Nutter, PMHNP; and Calysta Tilley, PA-C

Shrink Savannah SAVANNAH OFFICE: 1601 Abercorn St. TESTING CENTER: 1515 Abercorn St. POOLER OFFICE: 412 U.S. 80 W., Pooler

912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com

MEDICAL DEGREES:

Brock, MD, Psychiatry Medical School: University of Oklahoma Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Seay, MD, Behavioral Pediatrics Medical School: University of Texas Residency: University of Alabama Triplett, Hilliard, and Beck, PA-Cs Physician Assistant Program: South University Mell, NP-C Nurse Practitioner Program: Georgia Southern University

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I’M THRILLED TO SHARE: That our child and adolescent mental health care offerings continue to expand, with a child psychiatrist joining our team this summer.

— Chad Brock, MD OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: hen e ha e a atient ho re ort ndin re tored ho e or na fee in i e the e e a ain nfortunate ndin the right treatment plan for a patient in psychiatry sometimes can be a long, frustrating process. Patients often think they will never get better and report feeling hopeless or that something is wrong with them because the treatments they have tried have not worked. I have seen patients e erien e i ni ant i ro e ent in quality of life and restoration of hope by undergoing ketamine therapy. Many patients who were essentially nonfunctional have gone from not functioning to thriving

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following this therapy. It’s so rewarding to ha e a front ro eat to u h a i ni ant transition. — Heather Mell, NP-C When patients return for a follow-up visit feeling like the best version of themselves.

Those moments are a reminder of how important mental health care can be!

— Sarah Beck, PA-C MEDICINE IS NOT: ne i e t a Understanding and implementing this philosophy sets great providers apart from good providers — and I believe this is what sets Shrink Savannah apart from others.

— Heather Mell, NP-C WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Other medical communities besides mental health.

Recently, a few of our providers participated in the Breakthrough Type 1D (Diabetes) Walk to raise money for the Savannah area and T1D research. — Anna Hilliard, PA-C

Dr. Natalie Britt COR N ER STON E HE A LT H

7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 5 912.208.9773 cornerstonehealthsav.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer University RESIDENCY: Memorial Health AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Family

Physicians, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

MY PRACTICE IS UNIQUE BECAUSE: Cornerstone Health is a membership-based organization where patients can join through two options, Concierge Care or Direct Primary Care. Our membership model allows for a oint ent fle i i it and enhan ed direct access to your doctor. We even make house calls.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR: As far back as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is reading my o nur in hoo te t oo for fun in elementary school.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Being awarded “Physician’s Physician” by my medical school classmates.

PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Warm and conversational.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Stop apologizing for “doing your own research.” I believe your curiosity and engagement are signs that you’re taking o ner hi of our hea th and that e a t what leads to meaningful, lasting progress.

DON’T BELIEVE: That supplements are superior to medicine and that taking medicine represents failure. The most effective treatment plan is one that combines the best evidence with your health priorities to meet your individual needs.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Thrive re o en ea th are enter ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING DOCTOR: Don’t delay starting a family in pursuit of your career. A loving spouse and children are not a hindrance to becoming a doctor — they will actually make you better.

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From left: Dr. Katherine Hess, postdoctoral fellow; Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Cassidy Oliver, pediatric psychologist

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com HOFSTADTER-DUKE, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Residency: Munroe-Meyer Institute, Nebraska Internship Consortium HEMBREE, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: Lehigh University; Residency: Munroe-Meyer Institute, Nebraska Internship Consortium MYERS, MS, FAMILY THERAPY

Graduate School: University of Kentucky; Residency: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, West Central Behavioral Health OLIVER, PSYD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Residency: Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital HESS, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: University of Texas at Austin; Residency: Michigan Medicine Integrated Behavioral Health Clinics 192

OUR MISSION IS: To expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges.

OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior.

Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family.

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles.

Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, o ia de a or earnin dif u tie e

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are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best.

ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: Catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)!

Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP I N T E R N A L M E D I C I N E O F S AVA N N A H

SAVANNAH: 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 POOLER: 114 Canal St., Suite 102

912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com

CERTIFICATION: American Board

of Internal Medicine

SPECIALTY: Adult medicine, diagnosing

and treating acute and chronic diseases, and preventive care. We work closely with patients to improve their quality of life and achieve wellness goals.

ACHIEVING WORK-LIFE BALANCE OFTEN FEELS LIKE: Chasing a mirage. As a full-time physician, business owner, wife, mother, and daughter, I wonder if having a few extra hours in the day would make things easier. Once work, parenting, cooking, tne and ee are done there not u h time left to spend on mental health, a critical a e t of e ein n toda fa t a ed high-demand world, caring for our mental e ein i n t a u ur it e entia ur e otiona tate influen e ho e thin fee relate, and make decisions. Neglecting it can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and even physical illness.

10 MINUTES TO SANITY: e earned that just a few minutes a day can make a meaningful difference in protecting my mental health. A few simple practices: • Mindful breathing or meditation: After o in ho e fro or end e

minutes grounding myself. It helps calm my nervous system and resets my focus.

• Gratitude: I jot down or mentally note what ratefu for hi a a t hift mood and keeps me anchored in kindness.

• Move your body: Whether a short walk or a 30-minute swim, exercise releases endorphins, our rain natura ood oo ter • Digital detox: I unplug from devices during dinner and connect with my family. iritua de otion efore ed refle t and center myself spiritually. It brings peace and closure to my day.

• Social connection: When I have more time, I call or visit a friend. Sharing feelings and stories eases stress and strengthens bonds.

MENTAL SELF-CARE IS NOT: ndu ent it re enti e f ou are tru in no that you are not alone. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA COA STA L E A R, NOSE & THROAT

SAVANNAH: 322 Commercial Drive 912.355.2335 POOLER: 200 Blue Moon Crossing 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY: Medical College of Virginia AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I’M A LEADING EXPERT: In balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed ore than of the e in of e procedures since its inception in 2011.

When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their health care is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best are u t r t i ten to their need

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. This service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit.

WE OFFER: A myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage.

Isaac E. Perry, DO, Interventional Endoscopist G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y C O N S U L T A N T S O F S AVA N N A H

519 Stephenson Ave. 912.398.7450 gastrosav.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina RESIDENCY: Mercer University School of

Medicine, Memorial Health

FELLOWSHIP: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

(Chief Fellow), Medical College of Georgia; Advanced Endoscopy, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Interventional and third-space endoscopy, including procedures such as EUS, ERCP, luminal tentin re air of erforation ea tu a POEM procedure, ESD procedure, EMR, and TORe amongst many others.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS SPECIALTY BECAUSE: f the ra id e andin e d of endoscopy and the ability to offer highly complex yet nonsurgical approaches to a variety of GI diseases.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Affable, humble, and humorous — I think!

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: ei ht iftin at andfl and arr in oth of my young girls on my back and arms all the time.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The introduction of third-space endoscopy to t o e h and er erfor ed the r t ever POEM procedure at Candler Hospital.

This procedure is generally done to help patients with a swallowing disorder called achalasia. The POEM has been extraordinarily successful resulting in immediate lifechanging results for patients who have been struggling, often for years.

MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: My wife and I are foodies. When it’s just us, we are at Common Thread or Elizabeth’s on 37th for a nice dinner or at Ardsley Station for burgers. With the kids, it’s Tequila’s Town e i an e taurant e ui a ar in andfl It’s so close to home, and the kids can devour some rice and beans (and make a special mess). Personally, I could eat a bowl of Bangkok Curry (Khao poon) from Flying Monk Noodle Bar any day of the week.

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Abby Abisogun, MD, ECNU SHOR ELINE ENDOCR INOLOGY

7505 Waters Ave., Suite A9 912.483.9313 drabbyendo.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Medicine,

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey RESIDENCY: Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island FELLOWSHIP: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina AFFILIATIONS: Diplomate, American Board

of Internal Medicine (2014), Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (2017), American Association of Clinical ndo rino o ndo rine erti ation in Neck Ultrasound (2017)

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I’M AN EXPERT IN: Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.

MY MISSION: To provide exceptional and personalized medical care for individuals struggling with hormone disorders in the greater Savannah area regardless of health insurance status. With Shoreline Endocrinology’s direct-pay practice model, I aim to remove some of the major barriers patients face in the conventional health care system, including long wait times, limited access and lack of continuity.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: It involves critical thinking and problem-solving. It also involves i ni ant fa e to fa e ti e ith atient teaching, and counseling them, which brings me great joy.

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Offering diagnostic thyroid ultrasound and biopsy ri ht here in our of e MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR: The moment I realized I had built my ideal medical practice and could serve my patients in the way that they truly deserve.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Patient, attentive, warm, and thorough.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Doing HIIT exercises with my husband.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Pray and read my Bible.

Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP SOU THE AST LU NG ASSOCIATES

912.629.2290 | 340 Hodgson Court | selung.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer School of Medicine RESIDENCY: University of Virginia FELLOWSHIP: Medical College of Georgia CERTIFICATION: Sleep, Pulmonary and Critical Care AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I'M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Pulmonary hypertension.

I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Advancements in lung cancer diagnoses and treatments.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Relaxed, informative, and pragmatic.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: F3.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Riding my motorcycle.

MY GO-TO SPOT: The Forest City Gun Club.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: St. Mary's Community Center.

Keith A. Kirby, MD S AVA N N A H PA I N M A N A G E M E N T, I N C .

912.352.4340 | 8 Wheeler St. | SavannahPainManagement.com QUALIFICATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Phyisical Medicine and Rehabilitation,

Pain Medicine

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: Nonsurgical treatment of pain.

Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) oint ro le s, sciatica, eri heral ne ro ath , shingles, re e sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.

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

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: Suffer from pain needlessly. If you s er ro ain that does not resol e itsel in o r to si ee s, as o r doctor to re er o to a h sician ho is oard certified in pain medicine.

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Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah 912.353.1001 | 340 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 1400A | ceisav.com EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania (DeVaro); Arizona College of Optometry (Bennett) RESIDENCY: Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh (DeVaro); Pediatric Optometry, Indiana University School of Optometry (Bennett) FELLOWSHIP: Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship,

Duke University Eye Center (DeVaro)

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: The most current therapies for myopia control and amblyopia with options including MiSight contact lenses, Luminopia, and CureSight. Our doctors treat all aspects of pediatric eye care, from failed vision screenings and strabismus to pediatric cataract, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity.

WE WISH MORE OF OUR PARENTS KNEW: Children around the world are becoming more nearsighted with each generation.

The World Health Organization recommends that we limit screen ti e in the r t de ade en oura e t o hour of outdoor ti e each day (with sunscreen) and enforce full-time glasses wear when prescribed. Our doctors are also using newer techniques including nightly low-dose atropine eyedrops and peripheral defocus contact lenses to combat progressive myopia.

John M. DeVaro, MD, and Elizabeth N. Bennett, OD

Moon River Pediatrics 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 1 912.513.5787 | moonriverpediatrics.com EDUCATION: Medical degree, Medical College of Georgia

(Alexander); Bachelor’s in Nursing, Georgia Southern University; Family Nurse Practitioner, South University (Bossak) RESIDENCIES: University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (Alexander) Photo by CHRISTINE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Pediatrics (newborn to 21 years) and breastfeeding medicine.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Direct communication with our patients! Our patients can text, Facetime or call their pediatrician directly to improve patient care and convenience.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Our relationships with our patients and their families. We love getting hugs, photographs and hand-made cards from patients.

WHAT SETS US APART: We have a limited patient panel so we can ro ide ore ersonali ed care, ith nr shed isits, e i le scheduling and direct communication with our patients.

WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: PACK Savannah.

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From left: Kelsey Alexander, MD; and Samantha Bossak, FNP-C, CLC

Ismary De Castro, MD, FACE S AVA N N A H E N D O C R I N O L O G Y L L C

912.232.5900 | 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 savannahendocrinology.com RESIDENCY: Memorial Health University Medical Center FELLOWSHIP: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

I’M AN EXPERT IN: Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. I a attra ted to thi e d of edi ine hen earnin a out hu an physiology. Endocrinology is a vast and thriving specialty with emerging therapies and progress year after year. Our endocrine system controls our hormones, which regulate our metabolism, reproduction, growth, movement and sexual development.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Novel treatment options that improve quality of life and patient outcomes, and incorporating diabetes technology to support patients’ day-to-day work-life balance.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: With routine exercise, planning my meals and a good night’s sleep.

MY PATIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME: “Is there something I can do on my own to improve my condition?" Absolutely. I generally begin by evaluating each patient’s lifestyle and include individualized dietary and physical activity recommendations for them.

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S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Dentists

M E E T

T H E

M E D I C A L

E X P E R T S :

Coastal Dental Surgery LLC.................................................................................................................201 Cohen Dental Center ...........................................................................................................................203 Howard Family Dental .........................................................................................................................205 Mark N. Dye DMD, LLC .......................................................................................................................204 Savannah Dental ..................................................................................................................................202

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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS C OA S TA L DE N TA L S U RGE RY, L L C

6600 Abercorn St., Suite 204 912.349.3259 CoastalDentalSurgery.com EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the

American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental

Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological ad an e u h a in of e i a in to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs.

After performing a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

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

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Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD, and John McLoughlin, DDS

Savannah Dental 815 E. 68th St. 912.355.8821 savannah.dental MEDICAL DEGREES: DMD, Medical College

of Georgia (Sweeney); DDS, Georgetown University (McLoughlin)

SPECIALTIES & CERTIFICATIONS: Hybridge full-mouth restoration and Invisalign (both); airway therapy, oral development in children, oto and der a er eene denta implants (McLoughlin)

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WE BELIEVE: Your smile should do more than look good — it should enhance your overall health and well-being. That’s why we blend the art of luxury wellness with the science of advanced dental medicine.

We emphasize prevention through airwayfocused care, TMJ alignment, and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. The result?

You breathe better, sleep more soundly, experience fewer dental emergencies, and enjoy a life with less pain and more vitality.

ONE OF OUR PROUDEST MOMENTS: Helping a woman who had endured years of daily headaches, jaw pain, and poor sleep, all symptoms she never knew were connected to her bite and airway. Through a personalized treatment plan focused on TMJ therapy and airway support, her transformation was re ar a e he to d u he na fe t i e her e f a ain re ted on dent and pain-free.

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WE WISH MORE PATIENTS KNEW: Snoring can be an early sign of a serious health issue. It’s not just noise — it can signal sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts your reathin durin ee and ut i ni ant strain on your heart. Untreated sleep apnea can make you up to eight times more likely to experience a cardiac event during the night.

WE OFFER: Custom dental sleep appliances designed to keep your airway open, helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your long-term health.

CROWDED TEETH CAN: Increase your risk of gum disease and impact your overall health. Crowded teeth create the perfect hiding spots for bacteria and make thorough eanin dif u t in rea in our ri of u disease by more than 30%. Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.

Scott Cohen, DDS COHEN DEN TA L

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Tennessee,

Memphis

ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District

Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

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

MY TEAM AND I FREQUENTLY: Attend continuing education courses to keep our

o fice to date on the ne est changes in dental technology and techniques in dental medicine.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: My godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the al in oil sha ings or filling the ca ities I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: Donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. We have challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund, and we also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities at its Wine, Women and Shoes annual event.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

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Mark N. Dye, DMD M A R K N. DY E , DMD LLC

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School

of Dental Medicine

ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental

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

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY: A conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with highpressure sales and excessive treatment plans.

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

I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: Tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: r shing and ossing t ice a da AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

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WE ARE PROUD TO BE: Truly state-ofthe art e are constantl redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technolog e are one o o r regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more mouthfuls of goo.

MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: If it isn’t ro en, then don t fi it e ta e ride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.

Bailey Aab, DDS

H O WA R D FA M I L Y D E N T A L , W I L M I N G T O N I S L A N D

206 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

9I2.897.9000 | howardfamilydental.com/locations/wilmingtonisland MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Are seeing boosts in on den e fro atient after e ha e or ed to ether to i ro e their ie MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: dogs around the islands.

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Sitting in nature reading a ood oo MY GO-TO SPOT: Savannah Power Yoga. It’s a wonderful a e to ta e are of enta and h i a hea th and the community is so welcoming.

MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: Guacamole and tacos from Bull Street Tacos.

I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD: Understand that there is a connection between the health of their mouth and the rest of their body. Disease in the mouth can affect other areas of the body and vice versa.

Christy Cole Harpring, DMD H O WA R D FA M I L Y D E N T A L , W I L M I N G T O N I S L A N D

206 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

9I2.897.9000 | howardfamilydental.com/locations/wilmingtonisland MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental

Association, Southeastern Dental Association

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Seeing the children of my patients who were children themselves when I began practicing dentistry 20 years ago. Being able to care for generations of family members is a true honor and testament to the trust they have in our team.

A DAY DOESN'T GO BY THAT I DON'T: Pray. With all of the challenges that health care puts before us, sometimes asking for help and guidance with a patient and their care is more effective than any textbook information.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Following social media trends.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL A NEW DOCTOR: Prioritize fa i ti e hen r t tartin our areer it ea to or long hours and neglect yourself and loved ones.

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E X P E R T S :

Medical Professionals Buckingham South ............................................................................................................................... 212 Georgetown Drug Company ............................................................................................................... 212 Ledesma Sports Medicine ................................................................................................................... 211 Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery.................................................................................. 209 Savannah Age Management................................................................................................................ 210 Sonshine Pediatric Therapy ................................................................................................................. 208 Tox Medspa.......................................................................................................................................... 207

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Dallas Sellars, RN, BSN T OX M E D S PA

9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 301 912.661.8076 toxsav.com EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Armstrong Atlantic State University)

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Aesthetic anti-aging and skin-rejuvenation procedures u h a oto der a er a er re urfa in treatments, chemical peels, PRP rejuvenation, microneedling, and more!

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: I have always had a passion for the arts, health, and wellness. e theti edi ine i the erfe t e d that allows me to have a creative outlet and help my patients live their healthiest and happiest lives.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Having my own boutique medical spa where I can give my patients the “day spa” feel while receiving their “med spa” treatments like oto der a er and ore t e itin to begin the next chapter of my life as an entre reneur in the e d o e

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Weight training. I am the granddaughter of Howard Cohen, a legend in the Savannah weightlifting community. He instilled in me that exercise is the best approach to antiaging for anyone.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: My husband, Brad Sellars. hen ou e arried our ou ate a lifetime with them is just not enough.

MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: The Dip Duo at OAK 36 Bar + Kitchen in Twelve Oaks Shopping Center on Abercorn Street.

I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: t ne er too late to start a good self-care routine that will help you slow down those signs of aging and a e ou fee our e t t ti e to ut ou r t

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Sonshine Pediatric Therapy S P E E C H , O C C U PA T I O N A L A N D P H Y S I C A L

5105 Paulsen St., Suite 100 912.356.4200 sonshinetherapy.net THE TEAM:

Bethany Manning, MS, CCC-SLP, Owner; Olivia Newell, OTD, Patient Care Coordinator; Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Director; Reed Cetti, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy ire tor i i ndre f e Manager; Monique Grier, Human Resources; Sara Claire Fennell, MS, CCC-SLP; Emma Childs, MS, CF-SLP; Chloe O’ Toole, MS, CCC-SLP; Jenny Cho, MS, CF-SLP; Anna Cardoza Fejed, MA, CF-SLP; Paige Upshaw, OTR/L; Madyson Piche, OTR/L; Victoria Lomax, OTR/L; Deborah Goldman,OTR/L; i o e reen e d

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Helping children reach their fullest potential in all developmental milestones.

OUR MOTTO: To be the “Sonshine” for all our families and children by lifting them up and celebrating every milestone, big or small.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The many new additions to our staff, our growth, and our plans to open our Pooler location this year. Follow us for updates @sonshine_therapy.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS THERAPISTS: Seeing our patients meet new milestones and hearing exciting stories from families about how therapy has improved the lives of their families and children.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK: How long will it take for my child to graduate from therapy.

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WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Clearly understand that consistent weekly therapy is a must for their children to make the most progress.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: The more than 200 children who have graduated therapy in the last three years and the relationships we have built with other health care providers in Savannah.

OUR PRACTICE: Is full of “Sonshine.”

Our goal is to brighten days and provide our patients and their families with a warm and nurturing environment. Our therapists are caring and compassionate, and they excel at creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable and safe. We believe in the power of play and incorporate fun activities into each individual session.

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Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery THE TEAM:

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WHAT WE DO BEST: edi a rade in roto o o eti a er ro edure ei ht o treat ent and in e ta e WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT US: We are a h i ian ed ra ti e ith a re utation for addre in a in redne i ent orre tion od ontourin and o u e o throu h u to i ed are atient tru t u for natura fa ia a an in and odern ae theti o ution de i ered ith e erti e and a en e of hu or t not unu ua to hear au hter in the ha a e o e hat e do and it ho OUR PHILOSOPHY: e don t e ie e in one i e t a eaut ur a roa h i er ona not ro edura e tai or e er treat ent an to the uni ue need oa and edi a hi tor of the indi idua in our

are ur oa i to reate a thou htfu hi h tou h e erien e one that ea e atient not on oo in their e t ut fee in een heard and e ited to return WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to i a e on o ia edia i ter aren t rea it and our fo u i on he in atient fee on dent in their rea hea th in A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: Apply sunscreen — every single one of us, e er da t the foundation of ood in are and o ethin e ho e e er atient a e a ha it PATIENTS REALLY DO ASK US: or here

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From left, co-owner John Halbert; Evelia Johnsen MSN, FNP-C; John Kurtz PA-C MPAS, and co-owner Raechel Halbert

Savannah Age Management Medicine 200 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 102, Pooler 912.925.6911 agemanagementmed.com EDUCATION: MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Georgia Southern University, and BS in Nursing, Armstrong State University (Johnsen); BS and MS in Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center (Kurtz) SPECIALTY: Platlet-Rich Plasma Therapy,

Sexual Function Therapy, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

ACCREDITATION: National Commission

on erti ation of h i ian i tant American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Worldlink Medical

AFFILIATIONS: US Army Aeromedical Physician

Assistant, American Academy of Anti-Aging, American Academy of Family Physicians, Society of Army Physician Assistants 210

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Developing customized protocols for our patients that address hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity. Whether it’s bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), GLP-1-guided weight loss, or regenerative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), we focus on creating sustainable health plans that evolve with our patients’ goals and lives.

OUR APPROACH: Proactive, personalized, and rooted in partnership. We believe that medicine should go beyond symptom management. Our team takes the time to listen and understand each patient’s story, then builds long-term, evidence-based strategies to optimize health span, not just lifespan.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and ndo etrio i ro ra t a riti a a for patients who often go undiagnosed or

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

feel dismissed in traditional care settings. This program allows us to offer real answers and long-term solutions to a highly motivated group of women who deserve better support.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: That estrogen is harmful (it’s actually protective for bone health and cardiovascular health in both men and women) and that testosterone will cause women to develop masculine traits (which is not the case at the levels we use).

OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: Comprehensive, deeply attentive, and rooted in clinical evidence. They know we take the time to listen, to educate, and to design are an that refle t their rea ife oa not just lab values. They appreciate our accessibility and our efforts to help them achieve optimal, rather than just normal, health results.

Ernest Ledesma, PT/Co-owner LEDESM A SPORTS MEDICINE

7010 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912.401.0443 ledesmasportsmed.com EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Georgia State University (1992)

I AM AN EXPERT IN: Physical therapy. I have more than 33 years of extensive experience in physical therapy orthopedic evaluations and developing treatment plans.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO PHYSICAL THERAPY: After seeing how much physical therapists improve the lives of patients who were overcoming injuries.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Becoming a valued and trusted health care practitioner in the surrounding area and to do so with my wife, Kris Bartiromo.

I THANK GOD FOR: Blessing me with the ability to be an effective physical therapist, to work with a talented group of PTs, aides, and front of e er onne and to do o in a to n where I am proud to serve such wonderful people.

MY DRIVING FORCE: My wife, Kris, who has supported me in everything I do. She has accomplished much in her life and has endured so much battling cancer. She has a never-give-up mentality and strives to improve the lives of those around her. She is the most beautiful woman I know, both inside and out!

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Going on long walks and hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with my wife and our three dogs.

I WISH ALL OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: continue doing some form of exercise after their time in physical therapy. This commitment to daily activity will help them ta hea th and t on er

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Rita Slatus, Executive Director BUCK INGH A M SOU TH

5450 Abercorn St. | 912.355.5550 | buckinghamsouth.com ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: Address both the health care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being of each resident. An assisted-living community will provide medication monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation and stimulating recreational, social and cultural activities.

WHAT SETS BUCKINGHAM SOUTH APART: Is the unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the highest quality of health care and medical attention.

Buckingham South is able to provide continuity of care as one’s medical needs increase. Twenty-four-hour, aroundthe-clock nursing care including a full-time registered nurse, licensed edical technicians, certified n rsing assistants, a medical director and security are all on call to ensure the finest care eca se c ingha o th is locall o ned and operated, management is on location 24/7 to address family questions and concerns and to ensure the highest level of individualized attention. Buckingham South is truly Savannah’s finest assisted li ing co nit

Neal Hollis, PharmD G E OR G E T OW N DRUG C O M PA N Y

912.920.1500 | 1080 King George Blvd. | georgetowndrug.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Pharmacy, South University AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Pharmacy Association,

Academy of Independent Pharmacists, National Community Pharmacists Association

I WAS ATTRACTED TO PHARMACY BECAUSE: I had a great relationship with my local pharmacist growing up, and I knew I wanted to be there for my community in the same way.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: e e ratin e ear of ein Georgetown Drug Company with my incredible staff. The pharmacy would not be where it is today without them or my amazing patients.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: A Reese’s Blizzard from Dairy Queen.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Practice my golf in ith hate er o e t an nd at the ti e MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: Anything on the menu at Veratina.

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