5 Key Reasons to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit Today

At Healthy Connections, we understand how easy it can be to put off your annual wellness visit. Life gets busy, and when you’re feeling fine, it might seem unnecessary. However, making time for this vital check-up is essential to staying on top of your health and preventing future problems. It’s time to take charge of your health and make this year better than ever.

At Healthy Connections, we strive to make healthcare simple, accessible, and tailored to your unique needs. Here are five important reasons to prioritize your annual wellness visit:

1. It’s Time for Your First Check-Up in Over a Year

If you can’t remember the last time you saw your healthcare provider, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Annual wellness visits go beyond routine check-ups—they’re a proactive way to maintain your overall health. During these visits, we track your progress, monitor potential risks, and help you stay on the right path to better wellness.

2. Don’t Ignore New or Unexplained Symptoms

Persistent fatigue, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches might seem minor, but they could indicate underlying health concerns. Annual wellness visits provide the perfect opportunity to address these symptoms, voice your concerns, and develop a plan to restore your health before small issues become big problems. A better life starts with better care.

3. Protect Your Health Against Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can run in families. If these conditions are part of your family history, annual check-ups play a crucial role in assessing your risks. At Healthy Connections, we work with you to identify these risks and implement preventive measures to protect your future health. Together, we can build a better plan for your wellness.

4. Stay Current with Screenings and Vaccinations

Preventive care is the cornerstone of good health. During your wellness visit, we ensure you’re up to date on essential screenings—including blood pressure, cholesterol, and age-specific cancer checks. We also review your vaccination schedule, including flu shots and other recommended immunizations, to help keep you healthy. Staying on top of these steps is a better way to safeguard your health.

5. Take Control of Your Health Today

Managing stress, improving fitness, or addressing chronic conditions often starts with an annual wellness visit. Together, we’ll develop a personalized care plan that supports your goals and helps you feel your best. A better you begins with a better health plan.

Are Annual Wellness Visits Covered by Insurance?

In many cases, annual wellness visits are fully covered by insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans, including Medicare, provide coverage for preventive services like wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations without requiring a co-payment. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific benefits. By scheduling your wellness visit, you’re making a smart, cost-effective investment in your health.

Why Choose Healthy Connections?

Healthy Connections is your trusted partner in health and wellness. With convenient clinic locations throughout Arkansas and compassionate providers who genuinely care about your well-being, we make it easy to stay proactive about your health. From preventive screenings to personalized care plans, we’re here to support every step of your wellness journey. Better care, better support, and a better you—it all starts with us.

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas. We’ve been caring for our communities with quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services for more than 25 years. Call us today at 888-710-8220 to schedule your annual wellness visit and make this year your best and healthiest yet.

Lindy Jumper Featured on THV11’s The Vine

 

 

Healthy Connections Family Nurse Practitioner Lindy Jumper, APRN, was a special guest on THV11’s The Vine at 9 program, where she shared insights about the exceptional care and services offered at Healthy Connections. Lindy, based at our Mena clinic, exemplifies the dedication and compassion that define our Community Health Network.

Call 888-710-8220 to schedule an appointment with Lindy at our Mena clinic or with any of our providers across Arkansas. Let Healthy Connections be your trusted partner in health!

Mandilyn Cottingham Seeing Patients In Texarkana

Healthy Connections Welcomes Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN, to Texarkana Clinic

Texarkana, AR — Healthy Connections is proud to announce the addition of Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN, to its Texarkana clinic at 903 Arkansas Boulevard. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, Mandilyn brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Her arrival also marks a milestone as the Texarkana clinic becomes a designated HIV Center of Excellence, providing expanded services to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Mandilyn specializes in family practice, offering care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Her services include managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, addressing acute illnesses, and focusing on preventive care to keep patients healthy.

“I’ve pretty much worked everywhere in nursing you can work,” Mandilyn shared. “What I love most is family practice because it allows me to care for anyone, from birth to end-of-life, managing everything from acute issues to chronic conditions.”

The Texarkana clinic’s designation as an HIV Center of Excellence reflects Healthy Connections’ dedication to providing specialized services. Mandilyn will lead efforts in HIV treatment and prevention, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. “Texarkana has a critical need for affordable, quality healthcare,” Mandilyn explained. “This clinic is in a central location, accessible to many patients, including those who rely on public transportation. Our goal is to deliver care that meets patients’ needs before problems escalate.”

Mandilyn’s extensive background includes roles in emergency medicine, critical care, home health, and hospice, in addition to family practice. Her broad experience equips her to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of health concerns. “I treat my patients as I would expect my family to be treated,” Mandilyn said. “Getting to know my patients and their circumstances helps me create better, patient-focused care.”

Healthy Connections Texarkana Clinic: Accessible and Patient-Focused Care

The Healthy Connections Texarkana clinic is designed to meet the healthcare needs of the local community. Located at 903 Arkansas Boulevard, the clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, offering extended hours to accommodate working families. Its central location makes it convenient for patients who rely on public transportation or live in nearby neighborhoods.

“Texarkana is a vital part of our mission to provide quality, compassionate healthcare across Arkansas,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “We’re excited to have Mandilyn join our team. Her extensive experience and deep connection to this community make her the perfect fit to lead the clinic. We’re confident her expertise and dedication will positively impact the lives of our patients and their families.”

A Connection to Texarkana

A native of Hope, Arkansas, Mandilyn has lived in Texarkana for more than two decades. She and her husband, Jacob, have four children, ranging from college age to kindergarten. Outside of work, Mandilyn’s life revolves around her family. “You can usually find me at a ballpark, gym, or football field cheering on my kids,” she said. “We also love camping, boating, and spending time with friends.”

Comprehensive Services at Texarkana Clinic

Healthy Connections Texarkana clinic provides a full range of services, including:

  • Family Practice: Care for patients of all ages.
  • HIV Treatment and Prevention: Including PrEP.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
  • Chronic Condition Management: Including diabetes and hypertension.
  • Preventive Care: Wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations.

Healthy Connections invites the Texarkana community to visit the clinic and meet Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN. “We’re here for you, Texarkana,” Mandilyn said. “Come see us and let us take care of your healthcare needs.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.healthy-connections.org/texarkana or call 888-710-8220.

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities across Arkansas for more than 25 years. Committed to community, compassion, and excellence, Healthy Connections ensures that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.

2024 Clinic Holiday Schedule

As the holiday season approaches, Healthy Connections is committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they need while allowing our dedicated staff to enjoy time with their families. During the weeks of December, some of our clinic locations will observe adjusted schedules to accommodate the holidays. Please take note of these changes and plan your visits accordingly. Our team remains available to assist with any urgent needs and to answer questions about appointments or services during this time. Below, you’ll find a detailed schedule for each clinic, including holiday closures and adjusted hours.

ClinicMonday, Dec. 23Tuesday, Dec. 24Wednesday, Dec. 25
Thursday, Dec. 26Friday, Dec. 27Saturday, Dec. 28Sunday, Dec. 29Monday, Dec. 30Tuesday, Dec. 31Wednesday, Jan. 1Thursday, Jan. 2Friday, Jan. 3
Arkadelphia7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed*Closed
BryantClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed
De Queen7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Haskell7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed
Hot Springs Central7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs Chippewa7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Hot Springs McAuley7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed
Hot Springs Village7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed*
Little Rock Midtown7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Malvern Pinnacle7:45 am-6 pm8:00 am-5 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm8 am-12 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm8 am-12 pm
Malvern Teeter Plaza7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Mena7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pm
Mena Pharmacy8:00 am-6 pmClosedClosed8:00 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed8:00 am-6 pmClosedClosed8 am-6 pmClosed
Mount Ida7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed
Russellville
7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pm8 am-Noon
Sheridan7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed
Texarkana7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-4 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosedClosedClosed7:45 am-6 pm7:45 am-6 pmClosed7:45 am-6 pmClosed

Brandi Webb APRN Now In Sheridan

Healthy Connections Welcomes Brandi Webb, APRN, to Sheridan Clinic

Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Brandi Webb, APRN, has joined the team at our Sheridan clinic. A native of Sheridan, Arkansas, Brandi brings extensive nursing experience and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the community she calls home.

Local Expertise with a Holistic Approach

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Brandi Webb specializes in family practice and focuses on holistic, evidence-based care. Her passion for healthcare stems from her seven years of nursing experience, including roles in family practice, intensive care, cardiac care, and hematology/oncology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandi’s time in the ICU inspired her to further her education and become a nurse practitioner to help patients better manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

“I saw firsthand how chronic conditions impact patients’ lives, especially those without access to regular care,” Brandi shared. “My goal is to empower patients with the tools and knowledge they need to stay well and prevent serious complications.”

Comprehensive Services for Sheridan Patients

Healthy Connections Sheridan clinic offers a full spectrum of primary care services, including wellness visits, sick visits, physicals, and chronic disease management. While Brandi Webb is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, her background in critical care has equipped her with a unique perspective on the importance of preventative health and wellness.

In addition to primary care, the Sheridan clinic connects patients to an expansive network of healthcare services provided by Healthy Connections, including behavioral health, dental care, and specialty services available at nearby locations. Brandi is also pursuing certifications in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and DOT physicals to expand her services for Sheridan residents.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brandi Webb to our Sheridan clinic,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Her dedication to patient-centered care and her passion for improving the health of our communities align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the lives of her patients.”

A Commitment to Community

As a lifelong Sheridan resident, Brandi Webb is deeply connected to the area and its people. She attended school in Sheridan and continues to contribute to the community through her involvement with the Sheridan Girls Softball Association, where she serves as a board member and secretary.

“My family has been part of Sheridan for generations,” Brandi said. “It’s a privilege to care for neighbors, friends, and families in this close-knit community. Healthy Connections’ mission of community, compassion, and excellence aligns perfectly with my philosophy of care.”

Family-Oriented Care in Sheridan

Brandi is the proud mother of two daughters, ages seven and four, and enjoys spending her free time at the lake, camping, and cheering for the Razorbacks. She and her family are active members of the Sheridan Church of Christ and are passionate about making a positive impact on their hometown.

The Healthy Connections Sheridan clinic is located at 1409 S. Rock St., Suite B. Appointments with Brandi Webb, APRN, or any of the dedicated providers at Healthy Connections can be made by calling 888-710-8220. Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans, with a sliding-fee scale available for qualifying patients without insurance.

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services across Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. Guided by the pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, Healthy Connections is committed to ensuring access to exceptional care for all.