Coping With Election Season Anxiety

Election Season Stress and Anxiety: Tips from Evolve Behavioral Health to Keep Calm and Connected

Election seasons can be intense and emotional. With the 2024 election just around the corner on November 4, many people are feeling heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Some worry that their preferred candidate might not win; others may be feeling tension in personal relationships due to differing views. And with close races or delayed results, we might not even know the winner immediately on election night. These are common concerns, and at Evolve Behavioral Health, we’re here to help you manage the anxiety that can come with this season. Below, our behavioral health experts share practical ways to stay grounded and connected.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions, Whatever They Are

It’s okay to feel anxious, frustrated, or even angry. Suppressing these feelings often only amplifies them. Instead, allow yourself to acknowledge and accept them without judgment. Journaling, for example, can be a helpful tool for processing emotions. Write down what you’re feeling and identify any physical sensations associated with your emotions—tense shoulders, tight chest, etc. This practice can help you bring awareness to your feelings and manage them more effectively.

2. Limit Your News and Social Media Consumption

The news cycle can be relentless during an election, and constant exposure can heighten anxiety and stress. Set boundaries around when and how often you check for updates. Consider scheduling specific times during the day to catch up on election news, or limit yourself to trusted news sources. Turning off push notifications or using screen-time limits on social media can also reduce the pressure to stay constantly informed. Remember, it’s okay not to be online 24/7.

3. Practice Deep Breathing and Mindfulness Exercises

Simple techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety. Our therapists at Evolve Behavioral Health often recommend the “4-7-8” breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Mindfulness practices, such as focusing on the present moment or taking a walk in nature, can also help you reconnect with calmness and clarity.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

Election outcomes are beyond our individual control, and stressing over these unknowns can feel overwhelming. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can manage. This might mean organizing your daily routine, volunteering, engaging in a creative hobby, or making time for physical exercise. When you focus on what you can control, you reduce feelings of helplessness and gain a sense of agency, which can improve your mood and resilience.

5. Set Boundaries with Friends and Family

Discussing politics with friends and family who hold differing views can be challenging. If you find these conversations heighten your stress or negatively impact your relationships, it’s okay to set boundaries. You might say, “I’d prefer to talk about something else today,” or establish ground rules for respectful dialogue. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to take a break from these conversations to preserve your mental well-being.

6. Create a Plan for Election Night (and the Days That Follow)

For some, election night can bring a rollercoaster of emotions, especially if results are uncertain or delayed. Make a plan for how you’ll spend that evening. Whether watching the coverage with friends or focusing on an unrelated activity, having a plan can provide structure and help reduce stress. If delayed results make it difficult to relax, set up enjoyable activities in the following days as well, giving yourself time to process the news at your own pace.

7. Seek Support if You Need It

If you’re finding it difficult to manage election-related stress, reaching out for support can make a difference. Talking with a behavioral health therapist can provide perspective and coping strategies tailored to your needs. At Evolve Behavioral Health, we specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges. Whether it’s anxiety about the election or managing personal relationships, our team of licensed therapists can help.

How Evolve Behavioral Health Can Help

Evolve Behavioral Health offers a range of mental health services to support you during stressful times. Our team includes expert therapists trained in various evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. We understand that each person’s experience is unique, and we’re here to help you find healthy ways to cope. If you need to talk, call us at 800-409-6250 or visit www.evolvebhs.com to learn more about our services.

Final Thoughts

Election seasons are intense, but you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. Remember, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this time, and there are steps you can take to manage stress. By acknowledging your feelings, setting healthy boundaries, and reaching out for support when needed, you can protect your mental well-being. If you or a loved one needs assistance, the professionals at Evolve Behavioral Health are here to support you. We’re committed to helping our community find calm in times of uncertainty, offering expert guidance and a compassionate space to process emotions.

For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our therapists are available to provide the help you need to manage election-related stress and beyond.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips From Our Experts

Top Halloween Safety Tips for a Fun and Spooky Night: Keep Your Little Ghouls Safe

Halloween is an exciting time for children and parents alike—a night filled with costumes, candy, and spooky adventures. As we enter Halloween week, it’s essential to ensure that the festivities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. At My Kids Pediatrics Clinic, with locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, and Hot Springs Village, we are committed to the health and safety of your children. Remember, we see children at all our clinic locations, and our pediatric experts are here to provide you with practical Halloween safety tips that go beyond the obvious.

1. Choose Safe and Comfortable Costumes

Selecting the right costume is crucial for a safe Halloween night:

  • Opt for Flame-Resistant Materials: Choose costumes made from flame-resistant fabrics to reduce fire hazards near open flames like candles and jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Ensure Proper Fit: Ill-fitting costumes can cause trips and falls. Make sure costumes and shoes fit well and are comfortable for walking.
  • Avoid Obstructive Masks: Masks can limit vision and breathing. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead.
  • Test Makeup First: Apply a small amount on your child’s skin beforehand to check for allergic reactions.

2. Enhance Visibility in the Dark

Visibility is key to keeping your child safe after dusk:

  • Add Reflective Elements: Attach reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags to make your child more visible to drivers.
  • Carry Light Sources: Equip your child with a flashlight or glow sticks to illuminate their path and make them more noticeable.
  • Choose Bright Colors: If possible, select costumes in lighter or brighter colors.

3. Safe Trick-or-Treating Practices

Ensure your child knows how to navigate the neighborhood safely:

  • Plan a Route in Advance: Stick to well-lit, familiar areas and establish a route beforehand.
  • Adult Supervision: Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should travel in groups and have a set curfew.
  • Obey Traffic Rules: Cross streets at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. Teach children to look both ways before crossing.
  • Stay on Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

4. Inspect Treats Before Indulging

Not all treats are safe:

  • Examine All Candy: Check for signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance, discoloration, or tiny holes in wrappers.
  • Be Allergy Aware: Remove any treats that may contain allergens if your child has food allergies.
  • Homemade Treat Caution: Discard homemade treats unless you know the person who provided them.

5. Home Safety for Trick-or-Treaters

If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home:

  • Clear Pathways: Remove obstacles like garden hoses, toys, or decorations that could cause trips.
  • Provide Ample Lighting: Ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit to prevent accidents.
  • Secure Pets: Keep pets restrained to prevent them from jumping on or biting visitors.
  • Use Safe Decorations: Opt for battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins.

6. Stay Mindful of Health Precautions

Keep health considerations in mind:

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage handwashing or use of hand sanitizers before consuming treats.
  • Stay Home if Unwell: If your child is feeling sick, it’s best to skip the festivities to protect others.
  • Avoid Crowded Places: Try to maintain social distancing where possible.

7. Emergency Preparedness

Prepare for unexpected situations:

  • Identification: Have your child carry identification with your contact information.
  • Establish Check-In Times: If your child is old enough to go out without you, set specific times to check in.
  • Teach Stranger Safety: Remind your child not to enter homes or cars of strangers.

8. Open Communication

Ensure your child feels comfortable communicating:

  • Discuss Expectations: Talk about safety rules and expectations before heading out.
  • Encourage Questions: Let your child know they can ask questions if they’re unsure about something.

Convenient Pediatric Care When You Need It

At My Kids Pediatrics Clinic, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. We accept Medicaid, ARKids First, and are in-network with most health insurance plans. We also offer a sliding-fee scale to accommodate all families. While we love when parents make appointments, you can also walk in, and we’ll work you in as quickly as possible. Most of our clinics are open from 7:45 am to 6 pm, providing convenient before- and after-school appointment times.

Our dedicated pediatric team is here for you:

  • Dr. Jeremy Porter (Hot Springs)
  • Dr. Tracy Rowe (Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Malvern)
  • Melanie Newman, APRN (Hot Springs)
  • Matt York, APRN (Hot Springs)
  • Matthew Huskey, APRN (Hot Springs Village)

Remember, we see children at all our clinic locations, and we’re committed to providing comprehensive care for your family.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Halloween!

By following these practical tips, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun, memorable, and safe experience for your children. If you have any concerns or need medical advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.mykidspediatric.com.

September Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections September 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections announces the September 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month: Ilenee Tedford, LPN, of the Hot Springs McAuley Clinic, representing the East Communities, and Stacy Standridge, a remote Medical Coding Specialist representing the West Communities. These employees exemplify Healthy Connections’ pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence in their daily work.

Ilenee Tedford, Hot Springs McAuley Clinic (East Communities)

Ilenee recently transitioned from family practice at the Malvern Teeter clinic to behavioral health at the McAuley clinic. Since joining Healthy Connections in 2023, Ilenee has demonstrated consistent professionalism and empathy. Her coworkers describe her as knowledgeable and kind, saying, “Ilenee ensures everyone she encounters feels welcome and important, patients and co-workers alike!” Her approach to nursing is well-suited to her new role in behavioral health, where she continues to contribute positively to the team and her patients.

Stacy Standridge, Remote Employee (West Communities)

Stacy Standridge has been with Healthy Connections since 2015 and serves as a Medical Coding Specialist. Her role involves creating invoices for patient services to ensure accurate and timely payment. Stacy is recognized for her dedication to forming strong relationships with coworkers and maintaining clear communication across departments. Her colleagues note, “Stacy strives for excellence in everything she does, and it is apparent to everyone that has the pleasure of working with her.”
Healthy Connections values the commitment and professionalism of employees like Ilenee and Stacy. Their efforts reflect the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality care and fostering a compassionate community.

August Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month

Healthy Connections is excited to announce our August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month: Casey Chambers from the Russellville Clinic (East Communities) and Valerie Cureton from the Mena Clinic (West Communities). Both of these exceptional Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) were nominated by their peers and selected by senior management for their outstanding dedication to patient care and their embodiment of our Three Pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence.

Casey Chambers – Russellville Clinic (East Communities)

Although Casey Chambers has only been with Healthy Connections for four months, she has quickly become an essential part of the Russellville Clinic team. Her co-workers describe her as a naturally caring and reliable person who is always willing to lend a hand. One of her peers shared, “Patient care is definitely what Casey was meant to do; she is such a naturally caring person! Casey is so reliable and dependable, if you need anything you can call her and know she will be there to help. In the short time Casey has worked at HCI, she has made such a positive impact! I’m very proud to call Casey my coworker.” Casey’s dedication and compassion have had a remarkable impact, and we are proud to honor her with this recognition.

Valerie Cureton – Mena Clinic (West Communities)

Valerie Cureton, who has been with Healthy Connections since 2023, serves as an LPN at the Mena Clinic. Her commitment to going above and beyond in providing excellent patient care has not gone unnoticed. Valerie’s colleagues note that she forms personal connections with each patient, knowing them by name and providing individualized care. One co-worker shared, “She goes above and beyond what is asked of her, she provides the best patient care possible. She knows her patients by name and makes sure to make personal connections with them.” Valerie’s genuine compassion and dedication to her patients are what set her apart, and we are thrilled to recognize her contributions to our Mena Clinic and the community.

Each month, Healthy Connections selects one employee from the East and West Communities of the organization who exemplifies our core values of Community, Compassion, and Excellence. This month, we are especially proud to highlight the work of two remarkable LPNs, Casey Chambers and Valerie Cureton. Please join us in congratulating them on being our August 2024 Shining STAR Employees of the Month!

For more information on Healthy Connections and the services we provide, visit www.healthy-connections.org or call 888-710-8220.

Flu Shots Available At All Healthy Connections Locations

 

Protect your loved ones.
Get the flu shot.

 

Stay Healthy This Flu Season: Why You Should Get the 2024 Flu Vaccine

As the seasons change and cooler weather approaches, flu season is right around the corner. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu is more important than ever. At Healthy Connections, we’re here to help you stay healthy with the 2024 flu vaccine, now available at all of our clinics.

Why Is the Flu Vaccine Important?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic health conditions. Each year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States alone.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. The 2024-2025 flu vaccines have been specially designed to protect against three influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common this season.

The Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

  1. Prevention of Illness: The flu vaccine is your best defense against contracting the flu. It significantly reduces the risk of flu illness, which can keep you from missing work, school, and other important activities.

  2. Reduction in Severity: Even if you do contract the flu after vaccination, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of the illness, making it less likely that you’ll need to be hospitalized.

  3. Protection of Vulnerable Populations: By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re also helping to protect those around you who may be at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

  4. Decrease in Healthcare Burden: Flu vaccines help to reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system by preventing hospitalizations and deaths due to flu-related complications. This is especially important during the ongoing challenges of healthcare capacity.

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

It’s best to get your flu vaccine in early fall before the flu begins spreading in your community. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so early vaccination ensures you’re protected when flu activity starts to increase.

Convenient Flu Vaccination Options at Healthy Connections

At Healthy Connections, we make it easy for you to get vaccinated. Flu shots are now available at all of our clinics. You can schedule a convenient appointment by calling 888-710-8220, with options available both before and after work. Or, if you prefer, you can simply walk in, and we’ll work you in as soon as possible.

The flu vaccine is available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Get Vaccinated—Stay Healthy!

Don’t wait—take the important step of getting your flu vaccine today. It’s the most effective way to protect yourself and those you care about from the flu. For more information about the flu vaccine and to find a Healthy Connections clinic near you, visit https://healthy-connections.org/locations.

Remember, by getting vaccinated, you’re doing your part to help reduce the burden of flu illness in your community. Let’s work together to stay healthy this flu season!

Healthy Connections Earns Four Quality Badges

Healthy Connections Earns Prestigious National Recognition with Four CHQR Badges and PCMH Status

Healthy Connections is proud to announce its recent recognition by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with four Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, as well as achieving the esteemed Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) status. These accolades underscore Healthy Connections’ commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and patient-focused care across Arkansas.

The CHQR badges recognize health centers that have made notable quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, and health information technology based on the most recent Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period. Healthy Connections has been awarded the following CHQR badges:

  • Access Enhancer: Recognizes health centers that achieve Health Center Quality Leader or National Quality Leader recognition and demonstrate a 5% increase in total patients for consecutive years, including those receiving mental health, substance use disorder, vision, dental, or enabling services.
  • Health Disparities Reducer: Awarded to health centers that, in addition to meeting the criteria for the Access Enhancer badge, demonstrate at least a 10% improvement in clinical quality measures for specific conditions such as low birth weight, hypertension control, and uncontrolled diabetes among one or more racial/ethnic groups while maintaining or improving overall clinical quality.
  • Addressing Social Risk Factors: This badge is given to health centers that collect data on patient social risk factors and have increased the percentage of patients receiving enabling services over the last two UDS reporting years.
  • Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality: Recognizes health centers that have adopted an electronic health record (EHR) system, offered telehealth services, exchanged clinical information online with key providers, engaged patients through health IT, and collected data on patient social risk factors.

In addition to the CHQR badges, Healthy Connections has earned PCMH status, a model of care that places the patient at the center of the healthcare experience. This recognition emphasizes the importance of the relationship between patients and their care teams, which include physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and social workers. The PCMH model focuses on providing comprehensive care that meets the physical and mental health needs of patients while respecting their preferences, values, and cultural needs.

Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc., expressed his gratitude to the staff and the community for their roles in achieving these honors. “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. I want to personally thank each member of our staff for their commitment to excellence and for going above and beyond to ensure our patients receive the best care possible,” said Calandro. “We are also deeply grateful to our community for their unwavering support and trust in us. It is this partnership that drives us to continually improve and innovate in the delivery of healthcare.”

For more than 25 years, Healthy Connections has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Arkansas, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services. The organization is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or financial situation. With the recent recognitions, Healthy Connections continues to lead the way in healthcare excellence.

For more information about Healthy Connections and its services, visit https://healthy-connections.org.