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.
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.
Thanks to everyone who came out for our Healthy Connections 2023 Community Easter Egg Hunt at our Mena clinic on Fiday, April 7.
The 2023 event was a huge success with double the eggs and double the fun.. Thanks to our Healthy Connections co-workers who put together and staffed the event. Thanks to community businesses who donated the many prizes we were able to give away. Thanks to Arvest Bank for providing and cooking the food. And thanks to KENA for brroadcasting live.
We were also able to promote and give Covid-19 vaccines and boosters to anyone who wanted one.
Healthy Connections was founded in Mena 25 years ago and continues to call Polk County home.
Check out the photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Healthy Connections is excited to announce our second annual Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held Friday, April 7 in Mena.
This year we’ve got DOUBLE THE EGGS for you to find at this this FREE event. Join us on the Healthy Connections campus at 136 Health Park Lane. Festivities will get under way at 10 a.m. There will be snacks and refreshments and prizes donated by local businesses. Plus, you can win the grand prize if you find the HCI Egg.
We will also be providing Covid-19 vaccines and boosters to the community.
We hope to see you in Mena on April 7 for some fun.
What: Easter Egg Hunt
When: 10 a.m. on Friday, April 7
Where: 136 Health Park Lane, Mena
Ages: 0-12
A look back at our 2022 event.
Healthy Connections, Inc., held a special event on Tuesday to celebrate the retirement of Director of Nursing Phyllis Cunningham.
She has spent the past 14 years with Healthy Connections and the past 32 years in nursing. She has been an amazing leader to us all and we wish her the best in the next chapter of her life.
“Kindness is so critical to our success and to making our workplace happy. I love Maya Angelou’s quote: ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ I’ve always tried to live by that,” Cunningham said. “I don’t know that I bring a lot of skill but I do try to bring that. Being kind and loving people and caring about people makes all of our work every day so much easier.”
Cunningham has been a part of tremendous growth for Healthy Connections in her 14 years with the organization. When she started, Healthy Connections had just two clinics – Mena and Mt. Ida. There are now 13 clinics in nine communities stretched from Little Rock to De Queen.
“From the staff and everyone at Healthy Connections, we want to let Phyllis know how much we appreciate you,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “I think everyone is aware of how large we have gotten and Phyllis has gone along with the paces the entire time. In everything we have done, she has stepped up.”
Cunningham is known for her sense of humor and sayings that bring smiles to the faces of her co-workers. One of her favorites is, “We choose our attitude every single day.”
“This has been a great place. There are so many opportunities here,” Cunningham said.
Thanks, Phyllis for all you’ve done for our patients, co-workers, and communities.
