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.
Leslie Collie, APRN, Now Serving Full-Time at Healthy Connections’ Haskell Clinic
We are excited to announce that Leslie Collie, APRN, is now seeing patients full-time at the Healthy Connections Haskell Clinic. Leslie brings over 20 years of nursing experience to the clinic, specializing in nursery, labor, and delivery, and is also an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
A Commitment to Comprehensive Care
Leslie’s career in healthcare began right out of high school when she became an LPN and later transitioned into nursing school, focusing on labor and delivery for 22 years. In 2019, she decided to advance her education further, earning her Nurse Practitioner certification in 2021. “I’ve always been passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through healthcare,” Leslie shared during a recent interview. “Joining Healthy Connections allows me to extend that impact to more individuals and families.”
Leslie is dedicated to offering comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Her extensive background in labor and delivery has given her a unique perspective that informs her practice today, especially when working with women and families. “I really will use that background in my practice to help the women’s health group. I want that eventually to be my focus and to help those women in their teens and adult life,” she said.
Building Stronger Connections in Haskell
A native of Arkadelphia, Leslie has deep roots in the community and is committed to extending her healthcare services to residents in Haskell. While she initially joined Healthy Connections at the Arkadelphia and Malvern clinics, she is now excited to be full-time at the Haskell Clinic, where she continues her mission to provide accessible and compassionate care. “Healthy Connections, I think, will provide a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a provider and as a person,” she said. “Their mission is great—to see people from infants all the way up to the elderly and take care of everything along the way.”
Leslie’s unique qualifications, including her certification as a lactation consultant, enhance her ability to support women’s health in the Haskell community. She is also a strong advocate for preventative health screenings and encourages patients to make time for routine exams such as cancer screenings, mammograms, and hypertension checkups. “I get it—everybody’s busy, but those screenings are so important,” she emphasized.
Supporting the Local Community
Leslie’s passion for community health is evident both inside and outside the clinic. As a family-oriented individual, Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband of 21 years and their two children. She looks forward to serving the Haskell community with the same dedication she has always brought to her work. “Healthy Connections is a place where we truly care for all walks of life, and I’m excited to be part of that,” Leslie added. “If you have any questions or if you have any problems, please give us a call and let us help you work through those.”
To schedule an appointment with Leslie Collie, APRN, or to learn more about the services offered at Healthy Connections Haskell Clinic, call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org/haskell. The clinic is located at 2323 AR-229 Suite B, Haskell, AR 72015. We are proud to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare anchored by our core values of community, compassion, and excellence.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
Experience Matters: Trust My Kids Pediatric Clinic for Your Child’s Health
When it comes to your child’s health, experience matters. At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, we are proud to offer the most experienced and dedicated pediatric providers in the area. From wellness visits to sick visits, immunizations, and physicals, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care that keeps your children healthy, happy, and thriving.
Your Children’s Health, Our Pediatric Experts
Dr. Tracy Rowe
Choosing the right healthcare provider for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. My Kids Pediatric Clinic is here to make that decision easier. Our experienced team includes board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners who are passionate about pediatric care and have the expertise to handle a wide range of health needs for children of all ages.
“Children deserve the very best in healthcare,” says Dr. Tracy Rowe, MD, who serves children at our Hot Springs, Malvern, and Arkadelphia locations. “Our goal is to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of each child, ensuring they receive the highest quality treatment possible.”
Matt York APRN
Parents who visit our clinic often share their satisfaction with the care their children receive. Here are just a few reflections from families who have experienced the quality of care at My Kids Pediatric Clinic:
- “Professional, excellent with children, listens and answers all questions.”
- “Can’t ask for a better team for your child’s health care. The team from nurses to reception is fantastic!”
- “Best pediatric clinic I have ever been to. The staff is amazing with my kids. They are excellent at explaining things that you don’t understand and always take time to listen to any and every question you may have. They go above and beyond to make sure your child gets the best care possible.”
Dr. Jeremy Porter
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we understand that life is busy, and getting your child to the doctor can be challenging. That’s why our clinics are open from 7:45 am to 6 pm, offering convenient before- and after-school appointment slots. We also accept walk-ins because we know that sickness doesn’t always schedule itself in advance. Whether you’re in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, or Hot Springs Village, our doors are open to you.
Comprehensive Pediatric Services from Experienced Providers
Matthew Huskey APRN
Our team at My Kids Pediatric Clinic offers a full range of pediatric services to ensure your child receives comprehensive care. From routine wellness visits and immunizations to sick visits and physicals, we are equipped to handle all your child’s healthcare needs.
“Our approach is to provide care that is not only medically excellent but also compassionate and family-centered,” says Matt York, APRN, who sees patients in Hot Springs. “We strive to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families, so they feel supported and confident in the care their children receive.”
Melanie Newman APRN
In addition to our standard pediatric services, we also offer specialized care for children with complex health needs. Our team is experienced in managing chronic conditions and providing ongoing support to ensure your child’s health is closely monitored and well-managed.
Accessible, Affordable, and Inclusive Care
At My Kids Pediatric Clinic, we believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their family’s financial situation. That’s why we proudly accept Medicare, ArKids 1st, and are in-network for most health insurance plans. For families without insurance, we offer a sliding-fee scale to ensure care is affordable for those who qualify.
As part of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, we are committed to serving our communities with compassion and excellence. We understand that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all, and we take the time to listen, understand, and address the unique needs of each child we serve.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Your child’s health is our top priority. With locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida, and Hot Springs Village, we are here to serve your family with the highest standard of pediatric care. To schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.mykidspediatric.com.
Experience matters when it comes to your child’s health. Trust My Kids Pediatric Clinic—your local pediatric experts—for comprehensive, compassionate, and convenient care.
Chronic Care Management at Healthy Connections
At Healthy Connections, we understand that managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re proud to offer Chronic Care Management (CCM) services to help you stay connected and in control of your health. Whether you’re dealing with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or any other chronic condition, our team is here to provide you with the support and resources you need.
Our CCM services are designed to ensure that you receive coordinated care tailored to your individual needs. With CCM, you’ll have access to a dedicated healthcare team that works closely with you to manage your condition, monitor your progress, and make adjustments to your care plan as needed. This connected care approach helps prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and improve your overall quality of life.
By enrolling in our Chronic Care Management program, you’ll benefit from:
- Personalized Care Plans: Our providers work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your unique health needs and goals. This plan includes regular check-ins, medication management, and coordination with specialists to ensure you’re receiving comprehensive care.
- 24/7 Access to Support: With CCM, you’re never alone in your healthcare journey. Our team is available around the clock to answer questions, provide guidance, and address any concerns you may have.
- Proactive Health Management: We believe in taking a proactive approach to healthcare. Our CCM services focus on early intervention and preventive care, helping you stay ahead of potential health issues.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing high-quality care to our patients, and our Chronic Care Management services are an extension of that commitment. If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition, we encourage you to learn more about how CCM can help you live a healthier, more connected life.
To find out more about our Chronic Care Management services or to schedule an appointment, call 888-710-8220 or visit our website at healthy-connections.org/chronic.
Take the next step towards better health and get the connected care you need with Healthy Connections.
