Prepare for a Healthy School Year: Back-to-School Immunizations and Checkups
As the summer days wind down and the excitement of a new school year approaches, Arkansas parents are gearing up for the back-to-school rush. Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping for school supplies and new outfits, it’s crucial not to overlook one of the most important steps in preparing your child for a successful academic year: back-to-school immunizations and checkups.
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we understand the significance of ensuring your child’s health and well-being, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Jeremy Porter and the dedicated team of professionals at Healthy Connections clinics.
The Importance
Back-to-school immunizations and checkups play a pivotal role in safeguarding your child’s health and promoting their academic success. These appointments offer a comprehensive assessment of your child’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. Immunizations protect against a range of preventable diseases, ensuring that your child is not only healthy but also meeting school requirements. Regular checkups help monitor growth patterns, detect any potential health concerns, and provide a platform for discussing any developmental or behavioral issues that might affect your child’s learning experience.
Meet Dr. Jeremy Porter
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic in Hot Springs and Malvern, we’re proud to have Dr. Jeremy Porter leading our team. Dr. Porter’s passion for pediatric care and his commitment to your child’s well-being make him the ideal partner in managing your child’s health. With a wealth of experience and a warm, friendly demeanor, Dr. Porter creates a comfortable environment where both parents and children can openly discuss health concerns and receive expert guidance. Dr. Porter speaks both English and Spanish, eliminating communication barriers to your child’s care.
All Healthy Connections clinics are able to provide these services. Our team of doctors, APRNs, and PAs, are experienced in caring for our youngest patients.
We understand that your time is valuable, and scheduling appointments should be hassle-free. That’s why we’ve made it easy to book back-to-school immunizations and checkups at all Healthy Connections clinics. Simply call 888-710-8220 to set up an appointment that fits your schedule. Our staff is dedicated to accommodating your needs and ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
A Positive Experience
We recognize that a visit to the doctor’s office can sometimes be intimidating for children. At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we strive to create a positive and reassuring atmosphere for our young patients. From the moment you step into our clinic, you’ll find a welcoming environment designed to alleviate any anxiety and make the experience enjoyable for your child.
As you gear up for the upcoming school year, don’t overlook the importance of back-to-school immunizations and checkups. Dr. Jeremy Porter and the team at MyKidsPediatric.com are here to support you in ensuring your child’s health, well-being, and academic success. By scheduling an appointment at any of our Healthy Connections clinics, you’re taking a proactive step toward giving your child the best possible start to the school year. Call 888-710-8220 today to make an appointment and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier school year for your child.
A Quarter-Century of Care
In health care, gaps are described as disparities in healthcare access, needs, and medical services when comparing different populations. It may fall along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines. And that is where we thrive.
For more than a quarter-century, Healthy Connections has filled those gaps with high-quality healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and social services. We are a Mena-based nonprofit organization serving the needs of children and adults throughout Central and Western Arkansas. Since our founding in 1998, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed services to families of every lifestyle.
It started from humble beginnings. Based on a community need assessment, Healthy Connections was formed as a home-visiting program to work with new and expectant mothers. This program would provide education, encouragement, education, and resources to ensure these new moms got their babies off to a great start in life.
As needs grew, so did Healthy Connections. First came Western Arkansas Total Community Health, or W.A.T.C.H. as it was known. It grew to a second location in Mount Ida and then to a location at Acorn Schools. De Queen and Hot Springs followed as services were needed.
Today, Healthy Connections is a thriving and growing organization with clinics and services available all over Arkansas. The footprint stretches as far north as Russellville, as far west as Sheridan, as far south as De Queen, and to our home base in Mena.
“We’re driven by the mission that we can provide quality health care to the population in the areas we serve. That is a population that has been neglected in the past,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro. “This population is considered underserved for a lot of services – medical, dental, and behavioral health. We allow them to have easy access, affordable access, to quality health care.”
Healthy Connections providers treat thousands of patients each year who either have no insurance or not have enough insurance to cover essential health, dental, and behavioral health services.
Healthy Connections has become a lot of things to the communities it serves, including primary care providers, dentists, pediatricians, therapists, specialists, and community service workers. But mostly it remains a place the community can receive quality care.
At Healthy Connections, we use our Three Pillars to guide our actions each day.
Community
Community comes first as it is the most visible aspect of the three pillars. We want to serve our communities, but we also want to be part of them. That means high school football Friday nights and local performances downtown. It means community events and positively representing our communities.
Compassion
No one knows what anyone else has been through or is going through. Our employees strive to show compassion to everyone who walks through the doors of our clinics. This means assisting in whatever way possible to ensure that everyone is welcome and comfortable when they visit us.
Excellence
We want to be known as an excellent provider. We want to see five-star reviews from our patients after they visit. It is the expectation that we will provide the highest quality, excellent care to everyone who walks through the doors.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, including ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most forms of health and dental insurance. However, no person will be turned away for lack of insurance. Qualified families will be charged according to their total family income and the total number of persons living in the household. This sliding-fee scale allows many to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.
National Self-Care Day is a day dedicated to reminding us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we understand that self-care is an integral part of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. On this special day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of self-care and explore how our comprehensive mental health services can support you on your journey to improved well-being.
What is National Self-Care Day?
National Self-Care Day, observed on July 24, serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health. Amidst the fast-paced and often stressful nature of modern life, it is crucial to set aside time to nurture ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is a day to reflect on our individual needs and engage in activities that promote relaxation, joy, and inner peace.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Taking care of your mental health is vital for overall wellness, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Engaging in self-care practices can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, enhance self-esteem, and foster better relationships with others. It is an investment in your well-being that yields long-term benefits.
Discover Evolve Behavioral Health Services
At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional mental health support to individuals seeking a path to personal growth and improved mental wellness. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals offers a range of services designed to meet your unique needs:
1. Individual Therapy:
Personalized one-on-one counseling sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Our therapists employ evidence-based approaches to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
2. Group Therapy:
Connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles in a nurturing group setting. Group therapy offers the opportunity to share experiences, gain insights, and build a strong support network.
3. Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Learn valuable techniques to manage stress and incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. These practices can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Our therapists utilize CBT techniques to assist you in recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns, fostering positive behavioral changes, and improving coping skills.
5. Teletherapy:
For your convenience and privacy, we offer teletherapy sessions, allowing you to receive quality care from the comfort of your own home.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step towards prioritizing your mental health is commendable, and we are here to support you throughout your journey. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our caring therapists, please visit our website www.evolvebhs.com or call us at 800-409-6250.
Conclusion
As we celebrate National Self-Care Day, let us be reminded of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being. At Evolve Behavioral Health Services, we are committed to helping you embrace self-care and empowering you to lead a more fulfilling life. Take the leap and invest in yourself—your mental health matters, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Happy National Self-Care Day!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
Congratulations to our Healthy Connections Shining STAR Employees of the Month for June:
(DRUMROLL)
WEST: AMANDA DUNN
EAST: MANDY ADAMS
Each month across the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, exemplary employees are nominated for this award for representing our Three Pillars: Excellence, Compassion, and Community. These pillars are considered heavily when choosing winners.
As winners of this Shining STAR award, Amanda and Mandy are winners of a $50 gift card to the HC Hub Company Store.
Amanda is Healthy Connections’ Accounting Manager and she has been with the organization since 2021. Mandy is a Laboratory Technician at the Hot Springs Central clinic. She joined Healthy Connections in 2022.
- “Amanda’s work is behind the scenes working in accounting/finance, but she is always more than happy to help. She handles all questions, issues, and problems with patience, professionalism, and care. The accounting/finance team is lucky to have a leader and teammate like Amanda.”
- “Mandy always goes above and beyond to make that we all are comfortable in our jobs. She is always smiling and always has a very positive attitude.”
Congratulations to both Amanda and Mandy.
Thanks again this month to everyone who nominated an employee. There were a lot of great nominations. Do you know who should be our next employees to be recognized? You can nominate them by visiting https://www.healthy-connections.org/nominate.
HIV Testing day. June 27. Annual health awareness concept for banner, poster, card and background design.
On June 27 each year, we observe National HIV Testing Day, a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing in our communities.
The theme for this year’s NHTD is “Take The Test and Take the Next Step.” Get tested to check your status and be in the know. From there, you can take steps to be good to go. Find the HIV testing option that works best for you via your Healthy Connections provider.
HIV FAQ
What is HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system. There is no cure for HIV. Unlike some other viruses, such as the common cold, HIV cannot be cleared from the body. However, there are treatments available. Talk to your Healthy Connections provider and see below for more information.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? Being HIV positive is not the same as having AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a virus that kills CD4 T-cells in the body. Over time, if so many CD4 T-cells are killed that the body has a reduced ability to fight infection, HIV can advance to AIDS.
How is HIV transmitted? HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as semen, vaginal or anal fluids, breast milk, and blood. Contact with these body fluids can occur during unprotected sex or when sharing needles or other items with body fluids on them. Mothers can pass the HIV virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. You CAN NOT transmit HIV through contact with sweat, tears, saliva, bath or pool water, or by sharing dishes or drinking glasses, hugging or shaking hands.
Do you have HIV? In 2019, an estimated 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States did not know they had it. Everyone ages 13 through 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Even if you are in a monogamous relationship, you should find out for sure whether you or your partner has HIV. Healthy Connections offers HIV and STD testing and treatment. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments or learn more at https://healthy-connections.org/stdhiv.
How can I lower my risk? PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed. Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90 percent. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70 percent. The risk of getting HIV from sex can even be lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments or learn more about PrEP by visiting https://healthy-connections.org/prep.
Healthy Connections’ Sarah Thomas and Ann Calandro participated in the 2023 Go Red For Women Health Expo and Luncheon on May 10 in Benton.
Ann Calandro, Director of Pharmacy Services, and Sarah Thomas, Community Relations Specialist, at the Go Red For Women event.
This year’s theme was “Be the Beat For Someone You Love.”
The event spotlights the fight against heart disease and stroke and celebrates the passion and power of women in their fight against these silent and deadly diseases. More than 44 percent of women ages 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease which remains the leading cause of death in women.
Thomas is part of the 2023 Circle of Red, which makes commitments annually to support the Go Red For Women movement and serve as an ambassador for the cause.
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing its mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Together, we can encourage women to make life-saving lifestyle choices and learn how their family history plays a role in their ongoing health. Education and action can save mothers, best friends, and sisters everywhere. For more information on becoming a Circle of Red member, contact carmen.parks@heart.org.
