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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Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner at Candler Hospital, Shavonda “Shay” Simmons. Shay is a Patient Care Te...
01/09/2026

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner at Candler Hospital, Shavonda “Shay” Simmons. Shay is a Patient Care Technician on PCU. She was nominated by a fellow co-worker.

Here is Shay’s nomination:

“Since the first day Shay joined the PCU team, she has been an absolute ray of sunshine. Shay treats our patients with such love bringing comfort and happiness to our patients, especially those who are confused, sad and frustrated.

Day shift nurses often hear multiple complements the morning after Shay has worked. It is not uncommon for patients to describe Shay to us as amazing, attentive, kind, courteous and caring. When I would come to work and see Shay there, I knew I would have a really good night, even if the patient activity was challenging. She exudes love for her patients and co-workers and is an integral part of the night shift team. I couldn’t have worked night shift without her!”

Each TULIP award winner receives a tulip-shaped pin, certificate and signs the TULIP banner that hangs on the unit until the next winner is announced. Congratulations and well-deserved Shay!

Learn more about the TULIP Award, read about other winners and nominate a deserving PCT or CNA: https://www.sjchs.org/healthcare-professionals/nursing/tulip-award-winners

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.

After the MLK Day parade marches by, keep the momentum going at the Stronger Than Sugar: Post-Parade Party & Diabetes Sc...
01/07/2026

After the MLK Day parade marches by, keep the momentum going at the Stronger Than Sugar: Post-Parade Party & Diabetes Screening .

We’re kicking off 2026 by taking control of our health and supporting our neighbors.

While diabetes cases are on the rise, there is great news: It is preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes. Let’s start those changes together! 🏃🏾♂️✨

What’s waiting for you:
🩸 Free blood tests (Diabetes & Pre-diabetes screenings)
👀 Eye screenings
👣 Foot clinic for wound prevention & care
💃 Chair yoga & line dancing
☕️ Free hot chocolate & treats

The Details:
🗓 WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 WHERE: St. Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Information & Resource Center, 1910 Abercorn St.
💰 COST: Completely FREE and open to the public!

Don't let your health stay on the "borderline." Bring a friend, grab a cocoa, and let’s get stronger together.

⏩ Help us spread the word: Share this post with family and neighbors!

Did you know that extra weight around your midsection can actually change the curvature of your spine? A "potbelly" pull...
01/07/2026

Did you know that extra weight around your midsection can actually change the curvature of your spine? A "potbelly" pulls your backbone forward, putting constant stress on your muscles, ligaments, and discs.

“It changes the center of gravity and irritates the back,” explains Zack Crowl, physical therapist and clinical coordinator at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Pooler Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.

The good news? Shedding those extra pounds doesn't just help you look better—it helps you move better. A healthy diet and exercise plan can strengthen your core and help you bounce back from injury faster.

Ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life? Physical therapy can help.

The St. Joseph’s/Candler Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers serve as a resource for all back pain sufferers in the community.📍 We have 5 convenient locations:

📍St. Joseph’s Hospital
📍Candler Hospital
📍Pooler
📍Rincon
📍The Landings

🔗 Request your appointment online now by clicking the link in the comments.

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner, Marie Dunmore!Marie is a Patient Care Technician in the radiology depa...
01/06/2026

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner, Marie Dunmore!

Marie is a Patient Care Technician in the radiology department at St. Joseph’s Hospital and has worked for St. Joseph’s/Candler for 25 years.

Here's what was written in her nomination:

“Marie is a valuable support person for our Interventional Radiology staff. She always has a smile despite what may be going on with her. She lost her daughter last year and still maintains a servant spirit to patients who are chronically ill and have repeated visits to the hospital. She supports the Interventional Radiology team, assisting with everything from prepping patients, placing patients on the table and preparing patients for discharge. She also takes on many other daily tasks in order to make the department flow efficiently. She does all this with a great attitude and pleasant spirit.”

The TULIP Award recognizes the valuable role our nursing assistants play in patient care. Marie was nominated by the entire radiology department.

Congratulations, Marie! Thank you for all your years of service and keep up the great work!

Starting a new fitness routine can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re hitting the gym for the ...
01/05/2026

Starting a new fitness routine can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re hitting the gym for the first time or getting back into the groove, here is a simple guide to a healthier, stronger you.

Health educator DeJuan Hathaway shares the secret sauce: Balance. ⚖️

The "Big Three" of a Great Workout:
✅ Cardio: Start with the machines or a brisk walk around the neighborhood to get your heart rate up and boost your energy.
✅ Strength: Don’t skip the weights. Use free weights or machines to help with your day-to-day movements.
✅ Flexibility: * Before: Use dynamic stretching (fast movements) to wake up your muscles. * After: Use static stretching (holding for 20-30 seconds) to cool down.

Pro-Tips for Success:
👟 Dress for Comfort: Wear proper footwear to protect your joints.
💧 Hydrate: Drink water before, during, and after your session.
😴 Prioritize Rest: You can't pour from an empty cup—get plenty of sleep
🧠 Mental Health Matters: Wellness is holistic. Take time to clear your head.
💡 The Golden Rule: Don't Compare.

Hathaway says it best: "Losing weight is like getting out of debt. It’s easy to get into but takes longer to get out."

Your fitness is a self-journey. If you lost 2 pounds while someone else lost 10, that is still a win. Small wins add up to big results. Stay consistent and be proud of your personal progress. 👏

🏥 Need a place to start?
The St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center has everything you need: Personal training, group classes, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling.

📞 Join us today: Call 912-819-8800 or visit our website to learn more.

Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer? Yet, thousands of women ...
01/04/2026

Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer? Yet, thousands of women are diagnosed every year.

The key to staying ahead of it? Regular Pap smears.

Many people confuse a routine pelvic exam with a Pap smear, but they aren't the same, explains Lizzy Norton, Nurse Practitioner at St. Joseph’s/Candler Gynecologic Oncology and Surgical Specialists. A Pap smear specifically collects cells to look for changes before they even become cancer.

Catching it early makes all the difference: ✅ Stage 1 has a 90% five-year survival rate. ✅ Pre-cancers are found much more often than invasive cancer—but only if you get screened!

📍 What you need to know:
💠How often? It is generally recommended to get a Pap smear at least every three years.
💠The Warning Signs: Don't ignore irregular bleeding (between periods or after activity) or unexplained pelvic pain.
💠Prevention is Key: In addition to screenings, the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your screening today—it’s a simple step that can truly save your life.

🤝 Looking for an OB/GYN? Find a list of providers near you at https://www.sjchs.org/find-a-physician.

Ready to crush your 2026 goals? 🎯 The secret isn’t working harder—it’s working S.M.A.R.T.-er. If New Year’s resolutions ...
01/03/2026

Ready to crush your 2026 goals? 🎯 The secret isn’t working harder—it’s working S.M.A.R.T.-er. If New Year’s resolutions feel overwhelming, they might be too broad.

The St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center recommends breaking big dreams into simple, actionable steps using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym:

✅ Specific
✅ Measurable
✅ Attainable
✅ Realistic
✅ Time-bound

Instead of saying "I want to get healthy," try "I will walk for 20 minutes, three days a week." Small wins lead to big results. 🏆

Pro-tips for success:
💧 Start small: Swap one soda for water or add one extra veggie to dinner.
👯 Rally the troops: Share your goals with friends for accountability.
🧘 Be kind to yourself: If you miss a day, just jump back in! Perfection isn't the goal—consistency is.

Need a partner in your wellness journey? From personal training to dietary counseling, we’re here to help you succeed.

📞 Call the SJ/C Wellness Center at 912-819-8800 to learn about memberships and personal training.

✨ Meet Savannah's first baby of 2026! ✨Please join us in congratulating Jordan and Jeremy Tuten on the arrival of their ...
01/01/2026

✨ Meet Savannah's first baby of 2026! ✨

Please join us in congratulating Jordan and Jeremy Tuten on the arrival of their son, Jett Ryder. Jett made a surprise "grand entrance" at the Telfair BirthPlace at Candler Hospital at 12:16 a.m. this New Year’s Day! 🎆

His arrival was a bit of a shock—he wasn’t due until January 19th. After making the drive from Ridgeland, SC, on New Year’s Eve, Jordan was admitted and Jett arrived after just nine minutes of labor.

Fun Facts about Baby Jett:

📏 Size: 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 18 inches long (funnily enough, he is the exact same weight his big brother Jack was at birth!).

✍️ Family Tradition: He joins the "J" family club! Dad (Jeremy), Jack, and Jett all share the same initials: JRT.

🏥 Care Team: A huge thank you to Dr. Alan Smith and our amazing nursing team for a safe delivery, and to Jordan's long term care provider, OB/GYN Dr. Sarah Jarrell.

Mom and baby are doing great, and big brother Jack has already met his new best friend via FaceTime. 📱💙

Help us welcome Jett to the community in the comments below! 👇

Wishing our community a healthy and happy 2026! 🥂✨As we look back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the...
01/01/2026

Wishing our community a healthy and happy 2026! 🥂✨

As we look back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the trust you place in St. Joseph’s/Candler. Whether we’ve seen you for a routine check-up, a life-changing procedure, or simply a friendly hello in our hallways, it has been our honor to care for you.

As the clock strikes midnight, our resolution remains the same: to provide the highest quality, compassionate care for the people of the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.

May your New Year be filled with wellness, joy, and peace. Happy New Year! 🎉❤️🏥

"Sitting is the new smoking" isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a real health risk. Too much desk time can lead to high blo...
01/01/2026

"Sitting is the new smoking" isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a real health risk. Too much desk time can lead to high blood pressure, low energy, and even impact your mental health.

But here is the good news: Your easiest resolution for 2026 doesn't require a total lifestyle overhaul. Small shifts in your workday can make a massive difference.

Brittany Hartl, wellness coordinator with St. Joseph’s/Candler, shares eight simple ways to reclaim your health without leaving the office:

⏰ The 30-Minute Rule: Set a timer! Every half hour, stand up for a quick stretch or a brisk walk around the office.
📞 Stand & Talk: Take your phone calls on your feet.
🚶‍♂️ Pre-Lunch Power Walk: Sneak in a 10-15 minute walk before you eat.
🏋️‍♀️ Double Down: Hit the gym and stay active during the day for maximum benefits.
🚗 Park Further Away: Skip the "close" spot and take the stairs. Every step counts!
👥 Buddy Up: Start a fitness challenge with your co-workers.
⌚ Track It: Use a step tracker to stay mindful of your daily movement.
🪑 Check Your Posture: Roll those shoulders back! Proper alignment prevents headaches and back pain.

Ready to stop the "sitting cycle" and feel more energized? ⚡

Our team at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center is here to help. Whether you need a personal trainer or a customized plan, give us a call at 912-819-8800.

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.

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from our Littlest Ghouls & Goblins! 👻🎃Here at St. Joseph's/Candler, we're not just delivering babies;...
11/01/2025

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from our Littlest Ghouls & Goblins! 👻🎃

Here at St. Joseph's/Candler, we're not just delivering babies; we're delivering future trick-or-treaters! Our NICU has been extra spooky (and sweet!) today, as our newest arrivals get into the Halloween spirit with costumes that are safe for infants.

St. Joseph's/Candler nurses McKenna Matthews and Hailey Stricklin recently spent two days hot-gluing pieces of felt and accessories together to create Halloween costumes for seven babies currently receiving care at the Telfair Special Care Nursery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Candler Hospital. The Special Care Nursery can manage care for babies born at 30 weeks or above.

Inspired by some of the babies' personalities, the nurses prepared the costumes to create fond memories for the babies' families during their newborn's time in the Special Care Nursery.

The initiative is the first time SJ/C has had babies don costumes like a Ghost Pirates jersey or ladybug wings. The nurses plan to have the costumes become an annual occurrence and may even include other holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Got a possible bite from an insect or spider? When should you go to the doctor or emergency room?“Most of the time, thes...
10/30/2025

Got a possible bite from an insect or spider? When should you go to the doctor or emergency room?

“Most of the time, these symptoms can be treated at home,” says Caitlin Young, a family nurse practitioner with St. Joseph’s/Candler Primary Care located in Pooler. “When you should be worried and seek medical attention is when other symptoms start to develop – the site isn’t healing, pain is spreading, you get fever or chills.”

Also, if the site of the bite starts to drain any yellowish fluids, you should go see your physician. There are antibiotics that can help rid the infection, Young says.

If symptoms include a reaction that causes swelling to the throat or eyes, severe headache or joint pain, that’s when you should seek emergent care, Young says.

“They can diagnose you right away, clean the wound and get you started on treatment,” Young says.

Mosquitoes also may carry potentially fatal viruses, such as Zika or West Nile. West Nile was found in mosquitoes in Chatham County just last year.

Symptoms of West Nile also are symptoms of the flu: fever, headache and body aches. Especially if you feel those symptoms in the summer, you should check for recent mosquito bites and talk to your primary care physician.

What to do if bit:

🚰 Clean the area of the bite
👀 Monitor the bite site from home
⚕️If symptoms worsen or if there’s drainage from the site, go see your primary care physician
🚨If the reaction causes swelling, especially to the throat or eyes, seek emergent care

For more information about bites from ticks and snakes, visit the link the comments.

Don't miss work just because your child is a little too sick for school! A service at Candler Hospital allows you to kee...
10/21/2025

Don't miss work just because your child is a little too sick for school! A service at Candler Hospital allows you to keep working knowing your child will be cared for.

Bearly Sick is more than just a childcare program. It's a dedicated part of the community, supporting families when they need it most. We understand how challenging it can be to balance work and family, even more when your child isn't feeling well. That's why our experienced, certified staff treats every child with the same love and care we would give our own, ensuring they’re nurtured, comfortable and on the road to recovery.

The daily rate for Bearly Sick is $28 for the general public. Savannah Business Group members and SJ/C co-workers with SJ/C insurance can access the service at no cost, providing an accessible option for working parents. Learn more at https://www.sjchs.org/services/mary-telfair-women's-hospital-at-candler/pediatric-services/bearly-sick

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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