This Thanksgiving Day, we at Healthy Connections give thanks for all of our providers, staff, patients, friends, and families.
To celebrate this year, we asked some of our employees what they are thankful for this year.
Family, Friends, Health, Co-Workers, My job, my church, and all the blessings that the Lord continues to give to me daily.
Mena
This year I’m thankful for many things. My family, my job, and my co-workers are just a few. Yes, it has been a rough year for many of us, but we all can look and see good things that have happened as well. Remember to thank those around you for all they do. Also under all these masks, smile!
Mena
I am so thankful for so many things – friends, family, being an American. But I’d like to especially point out that I’m thankful for my co-workers, people who have come together for the purpose of taking care of other, understanding that even with the risks of working in healthcare the benefits of helping others outweigh those risks. Happy, happy Thanksgiving to my HCI peeps!
Mena
I am thankful that I have such a wonderful work atmosphere where everyone cares about meeting our patient needs. We have something very special here at HCI.
Mount Ida
I am thankful for my Salvation and my Church family, my husband, kids, and family and that they are all healthy and live close, my health, my job, living in a small town where everyone knows everyone and looks after each other, the freedoms we have now in America, Vacations with my husband and family, Pepsi, Sweet Tea, Dressing, Coconut Pie and ziplock baggies.
Malvern
I’m thankful for me and my family staying healthy and well with everything that is going on!
Mena
I am thankful for Latricia Reed & Audra Davidson. They never fail to help me. The Chippewa Clinic has been super informative and the women are amazing.
Hot Springs
Mostly for my salvation, and my God who makes all blessings flow, innumerable to count. The inner joy that carries me through, and the peace that comes from that security. My family, our health, and freedom. Our jobs, my boss, and the amazing dental team. They are an amazing group of people.
Mena
I am thankful for my family (my children) and my work family at HCI! 🙂
Mena
Healthy Connections joins its Community Health Network communities in honoring the critical role of Nurse Practitioners, who are championing the health of our patients, as part of this year’s annual recognition of National Nurse Practitioner week (NP Week).
This year’s NP Week theme is “NPs Moving Forward: Today, Tomorrow, Together.” The 2020 commemoration occurs as NPs combat Covid-19 and the nursing community celebrates the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightengale’s birth.
Healthy Connections utilizes Nurse Practitioners at all of our clinics. They assess patients, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses, and provide treatment — including prescribing medications. Across the state and nation, NPs practice in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and private practices across the country.
Nurse practitioners blend expertise with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs offer a comprehensive perspective to health care. They are the health care providers of choice for millions of people.
Healthy Connections joins the AANP and many others grateful across our communities in recognizing nurse practitioners for their leadership, putting the health of patients ahead of their own. This National Nurse Practitioner Week, we salute you.
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Healthy Connections, Inc., will provide completely free Covid-19 tests on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Hot Springs.
The completely free testing will be done as part of The Giving Team’s October “Food For Thought” event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Corner of Church St. and Malvern Ave. (Parking lot across from Habitat for Humanity).
“The Covid-19 pandemic is not slowing down and we are proud to be able to bring free testing to the communities we serve at events like this,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro.
The Food For Thought event will feature various community resources provided by area community organizations and churches.
Healthy Connections has provided more than 4,000 free Covid-19 tests at pop-up events throughout Arkansas since the pandemic began. This has included more than 30 events in 13 cities and 10 Arkansas counties. See how the test is given and learn more about Healthy Connections’ free testing program at www.GetTestedFree.com.
Healthy Connections is also testing patients at all of its medical clinics in Mena, Little Rock, Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, and De Queen. In-clinic tests are considered medical appointments and patients should call 888-710-8220 to schedule. Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, ArKids 1st, Medicare, and most private health insurance. There is also a sliding-fee scale for patients without health insurance who qualify. Health insurance companies are waiving all copays for Covid-19 testing.
Healthy Connections clinics are open, safe, healthy, and here for the communities they serve. The Healthy Connections community health network is a federally-qualified health center (FQHC). Healthy Connections and Evolve Behavioral Health both accept Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most private health insurance. There is also a sliding-fee scale for patients without health insurance who qualify. Medicaid patients may be required to switch their primary care provider to Healthy Connections before they can be seen. Learn more about Healthy Connections at www.healthy-connections.org
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With the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic still ongoing, it may be more important than ever to get your flu shot – and get it early. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone get their flu shot within the next six weeks.
As seasonal flu overlaps with Covid-19, there may be a surge of sick patients, crowding doctors’ offices, and putting additional pressure on hospitals already treating Covid-19 patients. Researchers are still working on a Covid-19 vaccine, but there is already an effective flu vaccine.
Call 888-710-8220 to make an appointment at Healthy Connections clinics in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Mena, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, or De Queen. Visit www.healthy-connections.org/locations to find a location near you. Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most other health insurance. There is also a sliding-fee scale for patients without insurance who qualify.
Healthy Connections is giving flu vaccinations at all of its Community Health Network clinics throughout Arkansas. *Most patients are eligible to receive the flu shot at no cost depending on their health insurance coverage. Patients who are insured through the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part B, or most other health insurance plans should be able to get the flu vaccine for free. However, before you go, remember that you may still have to pay for the office visit, depending on your coverage. Healthy Connections sliding fee patients will receive their flu shot for $25.
“During the Coronavirus pandemic, everyone needs to get the flu shot – and get it earlier in the year,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc. “We are doing our part by making access to the vaccine easier for patients. Our clinics are open for convenient before- and after-work appointments, and even evening appointments at some locations.”
Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related death in children.
The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in the community since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Children who need two doses of vaccine to te be protected should start the vaccination process sooner because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.
The CDC reports the benefits of the flu vaccination include:
- It can keep you from getting sick with the flu. During some flu seasons, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by between 40 and 60 percent.
- It can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working-age adults, and older adults. In recent years, flu vaccines have reduced the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations among older people on average by 40 percent.
- It is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. The vaccination can reduce worsening and hospitalization for flu-related chronic lung disease, such as persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- It helps protect women during and after pregnancy. Several studies have shown that in addition to helping protect pregnant women, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu for several months after birth when he or she is not old enough to be vaccinated.
- It can be lifesaving in children. A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu.
- It has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients.
- It can protect not only yourself but the people around you. This could include babies, young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Learn more about the flu and the flu vaccination by visiting www.healthy-connections.org/flu for more information.
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Do I have seasonal flu or Covid-19? Or is it just the common cold or allergies? It’s a question our Healthy Connections providers are frequently asked – especially right now.
Similar symptoms exist for all four conditions – especially Covid-19 and flu – making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with a cold, the flu, Covid-19, or just experiencing seasonal allergies.
Call 888-710-8220 to make an appointment with a Healthy Connections primary care provider. Find a central or western Arkansas location near you by visiting www.healthy-connections.org/locations.
Similarities
Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
Differences
The differences are slight but can be telling. Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms associated with both. Covid-19 can differ from the flu with other signs and symptoms that include a change in or loss of taste or smell.
Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Learn more about the flu at www.healthy-connections.org/flu.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Learn more about Covid-19 at www.gettestedfree.com.
If you think you may have either the flu or Covid-19, Healthy Connections can test you at any of our central and western Arkansas clinics. Call 888-710-8220 for appointments. Or visit www.healthy-connectons.org/locations to find the clinic nearest to you.
The common cold also has some similar symptoms to Covid-19 and seasonal flu. Cold symptoms include a mild cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, short fever period, and body aches and pains.
Allergy symptoms may have some of those symptoms but rarely include a cough.
Flu Vaccination
At this time, there is no vaccine for Covid-19. But there is a seasonal flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself, your friends, and your family. It could also help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flu shots are now available at the Healthy Connections clinic location near you. We’ve taken steps to make your visit safe and convenient, so you can feel good about protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Your flu shot may be done at no cost to you. If you are insured through the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part B, or most other health insurance plans, you should be able to get your flu shot for free. However, before you go, remember that you may still have to pay for the office visit, depending on your coverage. Call 888-710-8220 for more information.
It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season (with rare exceptions). Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu.
The flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and death.
Healthy Connections, Inc., is joining Community Health Centers across the nation in marking National Health Center Week (NHCW).
The campaign is an annual celebration to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers for more than five decades. This year’s observation is significantly different from years past due to Covid-19. This year we honor the innovative work of the health centers in addressing the pandemic and the memory of providers, staff, and beloved patients who lost their lives to the virus.
“At Healthy Connections we are driven by the mission that we can provide quality health care to the population in the areas we serve – a population that has been neglected in the past,” Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro said. “This year we were charged with providing mass testing for Covid-19 in both the areas we serve and beyond. We responded by providing more than 4,000 free Covid-19 tests outside of our clinics at pop-up locations from Little Rock to Texarkana.”
Healthy Connections, Inc., which is based in Mena, is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with clinics in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Mena, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, and De Queen. The Healthy Connections Community Health Network includes Evolve Behavioral Health and Medication Management, Little Rock’s Health For Life Clinic, Mena’s Rich Mountain Chiropractic, and Healthy HouseCalls, a new home-visiting program scheduled to debut in 2020.
For most services, Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most private health insurance. There is also a sliding-fee scale for patients without health insurance who qualify. Medicaid patients may be required to switch their primary care provider to Healthy Connections before they can be seen.
Specialties offered include primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, cardiology, podiatry, chiropractic, wound care, addiction treatment, HIV/AIDS care, and hormone therapy for both men and women. Learn more about Healthy Connections at www.healthy-connections.org.
Community Health Centers are the largest primary health care system in the U.S., serving more than 30 million patients. More than 95 percent of health centers can test for the virus and have tested more than 2.4 million people since April. About 14 percent of tests are positive – far higher than the national average because many health center patients are America’s essential workers, people who harvest our food, stock grocery store shelves, or clean public spaces, and who do not have the luxury of telework or paid leave. Health centers serve one–third of all people living in poverty. Two-thirds of patients are members of racial and ethnic minorities.
“As soon as the COVID virus was identified in the U.S. our health centers moved quickly to offer telehealth and to set up thousands of testing sites across the country — both stationary and mobile — while putting their own lives on the line,” said Tom Van Coverden, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Their efforts have been critical to keeping non-emergency cases out of our already overburdened hospitals.”
The 236,000 dedicated staff at health centers have sacrificed greatly for their efforts to save lives: more than 11,300 have tested positive for the virus.
Van Coverden also noted the financial toll that the pandemic has exacted on health center operations. “Thousands of sites have been forced to close. Health centers need at least $7.6 billion to keep their doors open through November; and even more important stabilized operational long-term funding is needed beyond November. Congress has been helpful with limited funding, but, it’s not enough. Many health centers are still at risk.”
The theme for NHCW 2020 is “Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in the Future.” During this week of remembrance, health center advocates will light candles on behalf of community health leaders and patients who were lost in the fight against COVID.
