Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at St. Joseph's/Candler

Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at St. Joseph's/Candler Southeast Georgia's leader in women's healthcare services.
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Your thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, is small. So the idea that something that size could have lumps on...
03/18/2026

Your thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, is small. So the idea that something that size could have lumps on it is, to say the least, unnerving.

“Patients get understandably anxious when they hear they have lumps on their thyroid gland, which are called nodules,” explains endocrinologist Priti Nath, MD, of St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network – Endocrinology.

“But I quickly let them know that thyroid nodules are very common. Somewhere between 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population have a nodule.

The number of nodules that are cancerous is much smaller—around five or six percent.

“Having nodules doesn’t mean that they are life-threatening, or will even affect your life,” Dr. Nath says. “Many patients don’t know they are there.”

Nath explains in the comments how imaging technology helps doctors get a detailed look at the thyroid gland.

03/17/2026

We’re taking "Irish Hands Building Savannah" to the streets! This St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrated the heart of St. Joseph's/Candler with a very special crew.

Joining our President & CEO, Paul P. Hinchey, were teammates who have each served our community for over 40 years. That’s four decades of dedication, healing, and Savannah history in every wave! 👋🏥

From the hospital halls to the parade route, these are the hands that keep our city healthy. Happy St. Paddy’s Day! 💚

From the bedside to the streets of Savannah! We are so proud to celebrate our "Irish Hands Building Savannah" float in t...
03/17/2026

From the bedside to the streets of Savannah! We are so proud to celebrate our "Irish Hands Building Savannah" float in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Leading the way is our President & CEO, Paul P. Hinchey, alongside a truly special group of coworkers—each of whom has dedicated over 40 years of service to St. Joseph's/Candler. 🏥✨

These are the hands that have built a healthier community, decade after decade. Happy St. Paddy’s Day from our family to yours.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah! ☘️There’s nothing quite like the energy in the air when the Hostess City turns green!...
03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah! ☘️

There’s nothing quite like the energy in the air when the Hostess City turns green! We are thrilled to continue our long-standing tradition of celebrating with you all.

Keep an eye out for the St. Joseph’s/Candler float in today’s parade! Our team is out in full force, waving high and celebrating the community we’ve called home for generations. Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the festivities, we hope you feel the spirit of luck and good health today.

While the "Luck of the Irish" is a wonderful thing, we’re here to ensure your wellness is never left to chance. From our family to yours—stay safe, have fun, and let’s make this the best parade yet!

Quick Tips for Parade Day:
🚰 Hydrate: Drink plenty of water between the festivities.
😎 Sun Protection: Don't forget the sunscreen, even if it's cloudy!
👀 Spot the Float: Tag us in your photos if you see us passing by!

“Back pain is not inevitable when you get older,” says Anemaria Lutas, MD, a primary care physician at St. Joseph’s/Cand...
03/16/2026

“Back pain is not inevitable when you get older,” says Anemaria Lutas, MD, a primary care physician at St. Joseph’s/Candler Primary Care in Bluffton.

When patients come to Dr. Lutas with complaints of back pain, her first step is to look for red flags of serious conditions. She will ask for a detailed history and examine you for symptoms such as numbness, urinary retention, fever, weight loss or weakness in the legs. This helps to rule out urgent causes such as spinal cord compression, infection, cancer or vertebral fracture.

Dr. Lutas offers these four tweaks that can help reduce back pain: https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/smart-living-magazine/march-april-2026/watching-your-back

Potential liver conditions can sometimes be noticed through routine lab work with your primary care physician. If liver-...
03/15/2026

Potential liver conditions can sometimes be noticed through routine lab work with your primary care physician. If liver-related lab results don’t improve over time, that typically leads to a referral to a gastroenterologist.

Dr. Matthew T. Mishoe is ready to dive in and find out what is going on with what he considers the most fascinating organ in the body.

“This liver has the capacity to regenerate,” Dr. Mishoe says. “It can improve and get better, but you have to address what is causing the problem as early as possible. That’s how you avoid the scarring and other chronic issues. Find out what’s going on and fix the problem early.”

Dr. Mishoe explains one of the body's busiest organs and how to protect it from certain conditions:
https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/smart-living-magazine/march-april-2026/protecting-your-liver

The Get Your Rear in Gear Savannah 5K is just around the corner, and we want to see you at the start line on March 28! W...
03/14/2026

The Get Your Rear in Gear Savannah 5K is just around the corner, and we want to see you at the start line on March 28!

Whether you’re running for a loved one or walking to raise awareness for colon cancer, every step makes a massive impact right here in our community.

✨ Feeling lucky? Grab your registration at a discount! Use code LUCKOFTHEIRISH to save 10% on your entry.

⏳ Don’t wait—this lucky break expires at midnight on March 17!

📍 Where: Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion
🗓️ When: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Let’s get moving, Savannah! Who are you running for this year? Tell us in the comments! 👇

☘️

From watching her mother care for her brother to celebrating 29 years in the field, Venus Stevens's journey to nursing w...
03/13/2026

From watching her mother care for her brother to celebrating 29 years in the field, Venus Stevens's journey to nursing was written in the stars. ✨

Today, we’re sitting down with one of our 6North nurses at Candler Hospital to talk about her path from CNA to RN, the "family" atmosphere at SJ/C, and her inspiring journey as a 5-year breast cancer survivor.

Read more in the comments.

Wondering how to get more green veggies in your diet or how to get your kids to eat their vegetables?  Try these expert ...
03/12/2026

Wondering how to get more green veggies in your diet or how to get your kids to eat their vegetables?

Try these expert tips from Sarah Hanson, St. Joseph’s/Candler Bē Health and Well-Being® navigator and certified health and wellness coach:

✅ Try a new green vegetable each week.
✅ Cook them in different ways, such as sautéing greens with garlic or herbs or asparagus sautéed with seasoning.
✅ Add green vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to your pasta sauces.
✅ Sauté broccoli, asparagus, spinach, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens or Bok Choy into your next omelet.
✅ Use any of those vegetables in your next stir fry, combining with pasta and olive oil after sautéing.
✅ Add greens to your smoothie or juice.
✅ Add more vegetables to your salad – cut up green beans to add a nice crunch.
✅ Use a low-fat dip or salad dressing with broccoli – the kids will love it.

Learn more at the link in the comments. 🔗

If you’re pregnant for the first time, you may hear from family or friends that you’ll be “eating for two.” That famous ...
03/11/2026

If you’re pregnant for the first time, you may hear from family or friends that you’ll be “eating for two.” That famous expression implies that you can eat whatever you want, and the human growing inside of you will benefit.

Not quite.

“We have a ton of research that demonstrates how a healthy diet supports a healthy weight at the time of delivery,” explains Katarina M. Fleckenstein, MD, of St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network – OB/GYN. “If a mom has an unhealthy diet, it can lead to the baby being born too small or too big, both of which can cause problems.”

So does this mean Dr. Fleckenstein puts her patients on a joyless, restrictive diet? Of course not.

“There is a way to eat healthy and yet still embrace a mindset of more rather than less,” Dr. Fleckenstein says. “That means more vegetables, more fruits, more healthy lean meats and more healthy grains.”

Dr. Fleckenstein offers advice on managing cravings at the link in the comments.

It began at a kitchen table, with mom and dad teaching their three young boys about volunteering their time to help othe...
03/09/2026

It began at a kitchen table, with mom and dad teaching their three young boys about volunteering their time to help others. Today, the number of people volunteering for that project exceeds 20,000 a year.

It’s called PACK (People of Action Caring for Kids), and it provides bags of food for 5,600 children to take home over the weekend. These are students whose families struggle with poverty and who rely on school lunches for their daily nutrition.

“We have 42 schools and community centers that we serve every week,” says Malena Stone, the founder of PACK. “And the goal is to be able to offer a weekend bag of food to all the children in Chatham County who live below the poverty line.”

Read in the comments how this local charity became a rapid success story.

It’s one of the most deadly cancers in the U.S., yet it is almost entirely preventable.As we enter Colorectal Cancer Awa...
03/08/2026

It’s one of the most deadly cancers in the U.S., yet it is almost entirely preventable.

As we enter Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Travis Wiggins of Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC has a powerful reminder: "The best test for colon cancer screening is the one that gets done."

Through colonoscopies, doctors can identify and remove polyps before they ever turn into cancer. While rates are declining in those over 50, we are seeing a disturbing rise in cases for those in their 40s. Whether it’s through a screening or a lifestyle change, now is the time to take control of your health.

How you can reduce your risk:
1️⃣Get Screened: If you are 45 or older (or younger with a family history), schedule your colonoscopy.
2️⃣Know Your History: 1 in 3 people who develop colorectal cancer have a family member who had it.
3️⃣Watch Your Diet: Increase natural fiber and limit processed red meats.
4️⃣Move Your Body: Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight.
5️⃣Stop Smoking Now: Smoking raises risk for many cancers and chronic diseases.

👟 Lace up and make a difference!

Want to support the fight right here in our community? Join us for the Get Your Rear in Gear Savannah 2026 5K Run/Walk!

📅 Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
📍 Location: Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion
💰 Impact: Funds raised stay local to help provide screenings for our neighbors in need.

Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, you are helping us outrun cancer.

🔗Register today at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Savannah/GetYourRearinGearSavannah?fbclid=IwY2xjawQSprpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTWTRYRmZXNTlaR0tKYlJNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtlucvnkQbyBAFjAlbybOuIpDYXofzwjlzw-NaBmhupjRuwW6TvIQMMN1W_j_aem_0BaHduiZgdTIo980Ue_fQw

"If you find a happy nurse that loves what they do and is confident because they have been well-trained, you can see the...
03/06/2026

"If you find a happy nurse that loves what they do and is confident because they have been well-trained, you can see the effect it has on patients. Nobody wants to be in the hospital, but the patients feel good about who is caring for them. And that stems from our focus on quality and following the evidence-based practice that we know is the best way to care for patients."

- Laura Friday, DHA, MSN, BBA, RN, NEA-BC
PTAP Residency Coordinator
Nursing Professional Development Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Educator, St. Joseph's/Candler

Learn about our nursing residency program at the link in the comments.

02/27/2026

St. Joseph's/Candler does allow doulas during childbirth.

A sign posted in error at an OB/GYN office earlier this week has been making the rounds online.

It is neither the policy of the Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at Candler Hospital nor the OB/GYN practices within the St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network to exclude doulas during childbirth. St. Joseph’s/Candler encourages pregnant women to actively partner with their OB/GYN to discuss their healthcare needs, options, and desires for childbirth. We want every woman to have a great delivery experience.

The decision to have a doula in the room during birth is an understanding between the individual patient and their OB/GYN. This is why we encourage women to have conversations with their OB/GYN early in their pregnancy so both the patient and the physician agree about the care plan.

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember: You can still have a healthy ...
01/09/2026

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember: You can still have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

With cases on the rise, we sat down with Dr. Tiffany Loftus, St. Joseph’s/Candler OB/GYN, to break down the essentials for a safe pregnancy:

🔍 Why the 24-28 Week Screen? Placental hormones can cause insulin resistance, often with no symptoms. Screening is the only way to catch it early and prevent complications like high birth weight or preeclampsia.

🏃‍♀️Your Best Defense
💠 Keep Moving: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week.
💠 Eat Mindfully: Balanced nutrition helps stabilize blood sugar and protects your baby's development.
💠 Start Early: If you have risk factors (like family history), ask your doctor about early screening at 14 weeks.

🩺 Managing a Diagnosis
Most moms manage blood sugar through diet and monitoring alone (A1). If medication is needed (A2), it’s simply an extra tool to ensure a seamless delivery.

"Your OB/GYN is your best resource for nutrition and weight gain questions," says Dr. Loftus. "We’re here to help you stay on track."

Expecting or planning? 👣 Share this with a fellow mama-to-be.

🔗 Get the full scoop on gestational diabetes at the link in the comments.

We all love those first ultrasound photos. But did you know that this same safe, radiation-free technology is used for s...
12/23/2025

We all love those first ultrasound photos. But did you know that this same safe, radiation-free technology is used for so much more than just checking on baby?

Whether you’re expecting or just looking out for your own health, ultrasound (or sonography) is one of the most versatile tools we have. It uses high-frequency sound waves to give our experts a clear view of what’s happening inside your body—without any needles or radiation.

Why else might your doctor order an ultrasound?

♥Checking Your Heart & Veins: To look for blood clots or plaque.
💪Organ Health: Evaluating your thyroid, gallbladder, or kidneys.
🙋Breast Health: Screening for nodules or abnormalities.
🍼Pediatrics: Because it’s painless and non-invasive, it’s often the first step for our youngest patients!

"Ultrasound is often the first step in imaging," says Ashley DeWitt, a diagnostic medical sonographer at our Pooler Imaging Center.

Whether you’re embarking on the journey of motherhood or simply prioritizing your wellness, St. Joseph’s/Candler is here with the latest technology in your neighborhood.

📍 Available at: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Candler Hospital, and our Imaging Centers in Pooler and Bluffton.

Read more about how we use "smart medicine" at the link in the comments.

⚠️Effective Monday, Dec. 22: Due to a high volume of respiratory illnesses diagnosed in our region, St. Joseph's/Candler...
12/22/2025

⚠️Effective Monday, Dec. 22: Due to a high volume of respiratory illnesses diagnosed in our region, St. Joseph's/Candler has issued visitor restrictions at all our facilities, including our the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, offsite campuses and physician offices.

⏩Click to view restrictions at https://www.sjchs.org/visitor-restrictions

Santa has a few new helpers thanks to the babies at the Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at St. Joseph's/Candler!Each year,...
12/09/2025

Santa has a few new helpers thanks to the babies at the Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at St. Joseph's/Candler!

Each year, the hospital provides its littlest patients with Santa Elf Hats in recognition of the Mary Telfair Directresses’ ongoing service to the hospital.

In 1875, Mary Telfair’s will called for the formation of the Telfair Hospital for Females as well as the appointment of six Directresses to help oversee it. Today, descendants of the original Directresses carry on the legacy through continued support of such efforts as the hospital’s Telfair Special Care Nursery within the Life Care Center on the Candler campus.

Complementing the festive baby beanies, St. Joseph's/Candler nurses McKenna Matthews and Hailey Stricklin followed up their whimsical Halloween costumes with infant-safe winter holiday and Christmas editions.

Take a look at these delightful sugarplums and may their pristine faces dance in your head throughout the holiday season.

Mamas-to-be, you have enough on your mind without worrying about a complicated diet list. If you plan to breastfeed, her...
12/03/2025

Mamas-to-be, you have enough on your mind without worrying about a complicated diet list. If you plan to breastfeed, here's the good news: you don't need to follow rigid, specific diet requirements.

According to certified lactation consultant and nurse Shanna James from Telfair BirthPlace, the key is simply eating a well-rounded, balanced diet. Skip the fast food marathon and focus on nourishing your body.

Breastfeeding burns tons of energy—seriously, James compares it to running a marathon! Here are her simple tips for keeping your body fueled and hydrated:

💠Eat to Hunger, Drink to Thirst: Listen to your body.
💠Top Picks: Incorporate oatmeal, flax seeds, and lean proteins.
💠Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water! Coconut water is a great extra boost.
💠Rest Up! Getting adequate rest is just as important as your diet.
💠Take Your Prenatal: Continue taking your daily prenatal vitamin for extra nutrients.

❌ A Word on Calories: Now is NOT the time to cut calories. To support milk production, aim for 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day, depending on your activity level.

☕ Caffeine, Alcohol, and Spicy Food—What’s Okay? 🍷

You don't have to give up everything! It’s all about moderation and planning:
👉Caffeine: Aim for less than 300 mg per day. (About 2-3 standard cups of coffee).
👉Alcohol: Stick to one drink per day, and wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding. BIG RULE: If you feel "warm and fuzzy" or wouldn't be able to drive, do not breastfeed.
👉Spicy Food: Your body is amazing at filtering things out! Spicy food won't make your milk spicy. However, if you notice your baby is irritable or has an upset tummy after you eat something, it might be worth cutting back on that food.

"Breastfeeding isn’t about giving up X, Y and Z. You can still do all those things, you just have to plan for it," says James.

James highly recommends taking a breastfeeding education class before the baby arrives. It gives you a great baseline knowledge of what to expect and sets you up for success!

Learn more and sign up for the Telfair BirthPlace’s monthly breastfeeding education class here: https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/blogs/blog-detail/living-smart-blog/2023/11/09/do-i-need-to-follow-a-specific-diet-while-breastfeeding

Have you wondered what would happen if you went into labor and your doctor couldn't get to you immediately?No worries, b...
11/23/2025

Have you wondered what would happen if you went into labor and your doctor couldn't get to you immediately?

No worries, because we've got you covered. At St. Joseph's/Candler, we have OB hospitalists on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“No matter what time you or your unborn baby need care, we’re here,” says Melissa Crenshaw, MD, a board-certified OB hospitalist.

OB hospitalists are board-certified OB/GYNs who only see patients in the hospital. Their presence in the Telfair BirthPlace ensures that expectant mothers will receive consistent, top-level medical care by a trained and highly-skilled OB/GYN physician at every point of her delivery.

Why would you need an OB hospitalist? Possible reasons include:

💠Emergencies: (Such as elevated blood pressure)
💠Assistance when your regular OB is in route or unavailable
💠Consistent care throughout the initial and active stages of labor

OB hospitalists don’t replace the care you receive from your regular OB/GYN. Instead, they extend the care of your doctor. OB hospitalists are there to assist with any issues or emergencies that may arise, whether or not patients have their own doctors in route.

“It’s all about providing the best, safest care—immediately,” Dr. Crenshaw says.

Dr. Crenshaw is the site director for the Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), which began a partnership with St. Joseph's/Candler in 2024 to provide a unique service for expectant mothers in the region.

More hospitals around the country are seeing the benefits of having OB hospitalists on staff. Recent studies have shown that OB hospitalist team have resulted in improved quality measures for hospitals, including lower C-section delivery rates.

Your best and safest delivery is our priority.

⏩Learn more about why more women in the region are choosing the immediate, expert care at the Telfair BirthPlace at https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/smart-living-magazine/november-december-2024/in-person-24-7

Welcoming a baby in 2026?You might be wondering about how to prepare for the big day. We offer fantastic childbirth prep...
11/17/2025

Welcoming a baby in 2026?

You might be wondering about how to prepare for the big day. We offer fantastic childbirth preparation classes, and they are truly a game-changer. ✨

This isn't just about learning the technical stuff—it's about empowering you for one of the most incredible experiences of your life.

From traditional childbirth to breastfeeding and infant care, classes at Mary Telfair Women's Hospital offer peace of mind, helping you and your partner feel like a super-powered team when the time comes. You deserve to feel prepared, informed, and excited!

Ready to take a simple, positive step toward your beautiful birth experience? Give us a call or check the website for the class schedule! Let's make this journey amazing! ❤️

Click the link for childbirth education classes: https://www.sjchs.org/services/mary-telfair-women's-hospital-at-candler/labor-delivery/childbirth-education

You might think of Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) as just a fertility issue—the reason your friend might have 3 cycles...
11/13/2025

You might think of Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) as just a fertility issue—the reason your friend might have 3 cycles a year instead of 12, making getting pregnant a real challenge.

But here’s the critical truth: PCOS is a whole-body health issue that extends far beyond ovulation.

When your body isn't ovulating regularly, it can lead to something called insulin resistance.

"What that means is your body has to work overtime, producing more insulin to manage the sugars in your bloodstream," explains Dr. Jerry Lucas, OB/GYN with St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network.

This is important: While it might feel like early signs of diabetes, it often points to a prediabetic state. The statistics are sobering: More than half of women with PCOS develop Type 2 Diabetes by the age of 40.

If you or a woman you love has irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, or other symptoms, it's time to talk to your doctor. Awareness and early management are key to protecting your long-term health.

➡️ Ready to take control? Learn exactly how Dr. Lucas diagnoses PCOS and, more importantly, the steps he takes to help manage the condition and protect your health.

👇 Click the link in the comments to read the full story.

It's completely natural to have concerns about your health and the health of your future baby, especially when thinking ...
11/11/2025

It's completely natural to have concerns about your health and the health of your future baby, especially when thinking about genetic traits that run in your family.

You might be asking yourself: Could I be a carrier? What does that mean for my pregnancy journey?

“Depending on the condition in your family history, we may need to do additional testing,” explains Claire H. Sejour, DO, of St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Physician Network – OB/GYN.

“If it’s something that can affect the pregnancy, we might refer to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist or a genetic counselor. But most pregnancies are not affected by family history alone. There are many other factors involved.”

Dr. Sejour assures her patients that whether they have a family history or not, everyone receives an individualized plan of care tailored to their needs and concerns.

Learn more at https://www.sjchs.org/resource-hub/smart-living-magazine/november-december-2025/family-history-and-pregnancy

One of the most common and often frustrating side effects of pregnancy is back pain. Most women will experience it at so...
11/05/2025

One of the most common and often frustrating side effects of pregnancy is back pain.

Most women will experience it at some point, says Brandy Aliotta, family nurse practitioner in the St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network – OB/GYN practice of Dr. Katherine Bebeau, Dr. Michelle Gainty and Dr. Aariel Dees.

Why does it happen? Your body is going through amazing changes, and those can put a strain on your back:

💠 Uterine Expansion: Your uterus moves out of the pelvic area early on, adding weight and new pressure.
💠 Changing Center of Gravity: Your posture shifts, which can lead to discomfort.
💠 Hormones: Pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments, making your back less supportive.
💠 Weight Gain: Gaining weight also contributes to back strain.

Relief is Possible! ✨

While you might not be able to prevent back pain entirely, Aliotta offers 12 tips that can ease the discomfort. Click the link in the comments.

Address

5353 Reynolds Street
Savannah, GA
31405

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19128196000

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