We offer leading-edge cancer and bleeding disorder services on an outpatient basis. To learn more about our pediatric oncology care, please contact our hematology and oncology department at (912) 350-5646.

Our wellness program addresses childhood weight problems and weight-related conditions, such as obesity, prediabetes and liver problems. Being obese or overweight is determined by your body mass index (BMI), which is an estimation of your body fat percentage based on your height and weight.

We aim to improve your child's long-term health by helping them lose excess weight and learn how to maintain a healthy weight as they enter adulthood. For more information about our weight management program, please call (912) 350-6600. Please speak with your doctor for a referral to our program.

Our services

The goal of our wellness program is to help prevent and treat obesity in children and adolescents. Our dietitians involve the whole family, meeting regularly to develop and implement the care plan for your child, which may include:

• Child-specific health goals
• Exercise goals
• Family-focused healthy lifestyle choices
• Grocery shopping
• Meal planning and preparation

We work to reach as many families as we can through community engagement opportunities, our culinary medicine program and our school nutrition program.

Community involvement

Our pediatric specialists attend health fairs and community events to discuss how to make smart food choices. To request a presentation at your school, ask us to join your event or have us provide further education, contact us at (912) 350-6600 or email Children's Wellness.

Culinary medicine program

Our children's hospital's culinary medicine program combines the science of nutritional benefits with hands-on education. This program combines the expertise of a registered dietitian and a child life specialist. During the program, families get to taste, prepare and learn about healthy food choices.

We are proud to participate in The Charlie Cart Project, which emphasizes the importance of nutritional education. Using cooking equipment, lesson plans and fun recipes, we help families learn how to prepare and cook healthy recipes under the supervision of our wellness team.

School nutrition program

In this program, our registered dietitians teach school cafeteria workers how to implement the values of smart food choices and create a healthier environment in the lunchroom. Simple changes such as asking, “Would you like broccoli or carrots today?” instead of, “Would you like a vegetable today?” can make a difference.

We also visit classrooms to share ideas for healthy snacking and exercise, in addition to working with school nurses and teachers to share ideas for healthier school celebrations and smart food choices.

Your child’s growth and development are important to us. If your baby was born prematurely or was sick at birth, they are at a higher risk for developmental delays. It may take longer for your child to sit, stand, walk, talk, play or reach other milestones. Developmental delays can be influenced by:

• Heart disease
• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Low birth weight
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
• Premature birth weight

In our neonatal development care clinic, we monitor your child’s development closely. If delays are found, we’ll refer your child for additional care. Finding and treating the problem early may help your child catch up with their peers. Your baby may be referred for:

• Community services
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech language therapy
• Support programs