Celebrate Healthy Weight, Healthy Look Day on January 9
At Healthy Connections, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a goal—our services are available across Western and Central Arkansas, ensuring that you can access the support you need close to home. It’s a vital step toward living your best life. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate Healthy Weight, Healthy Look Day on January 9. This is your opportunity to focus on your health goals and begin a journey toward a healthier lifestyle with the support and guidance of our expert team.
Weight management is about much more than appearance. It’s about boosting your energy, improving your mood, preventing chronic conditions, and feeling confident in your skin. Healthy Connections is here to empower you with the tools and resources to take control of your health, every step of the way.
Why Healthy Weight Matters
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a crucial role in preventing and managing a range of health concerns, including:
- Diabetes: Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Heart Disease: Reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- High Blood Pressure: Support cardiovascular health.
- Joint Pain: Relieve strain on joints, improving mobility and comfort.
Beyond preventing illness, a healthy weight means more energy, better sleep, enhanced mood, and increased self-esteem. Together, these benefits create a happier, healthier you.
How Healthy Connections Supports Your Weight Loss Journey
Weight loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Healthy Connections, we provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced team is here to help with:
- Personalized Goal Planning: Work with us to create a plan that aligns with your unique needs and health objectives.
- Behavioral Health Support: Address emotional and behavioral factors that may affect your weight loss journey.
One of our patients recently shared their experience: “The team helped me with my diagnosis and achieving my weight loss goals. Thank you!”
At Healthy Connections, we focus on your overall well-being, not just the number on the scale. Our approach ensures you’ll build sustainable, healthy habits that last.
Make Healthy Choices This Year
January is the perfect time to reflect on your health goals and take actionable steps to achieve them. Start small with habits like:
- Drinking more water.
- Adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals.
- Taking short, regular walks.
Small, consistent changes lead to lasting results. Weight loss isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating a lifestyle that works for you.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You
Let Healthy Connections be your partner in this journey. Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking additional guidance, we’re here to help you achieve your weight loss and healthy living goals.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward a healthier you today! Schedule your appointment today by calling 888-710-8220 or visiting us online at [healthy-connections.org](https://healthy-connections.org). Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you feel your best.
Additional Resources to Support Your Journey
Let’s make this year the start of something amazing. With comprehensive care and a supportive team, Healthy Connections is your trusted partner for achieving lasting health and wellness.
Healthy Connections, Inc. is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities throughout Western and Central Arkansas. For more than 25 years, we have focused on Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Call us today at 888-710-8220 or visit healthy-connections.org to learn more.
At Healthy Connections, we understand how easy it can be to put off your annual wellness visit. Life gets busy, and when you’re feeling fine, it might seem unnecessary. However, making time for this vital check-up is essential to staying on top of your health and preventing future problems. It’s time to take charge of your health and make this year better than ever.
At Healthy Connections, we strive to make healthcare simple, accessible, and tailored to your unique needs. Here are five important reasons to prioritize your annual wellness visit:
1. It’s Time for Your First Check-Up in Over a Year
If you can’t remember the last time you saw your healthcare provider, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Annual wellness visits go beyond routine check-ups—they’re a proactive way to maintain your overall health. During these visits, we track your progress, monitor potential risks, and help you stay on the right path to better wellness.
2. Don’t Ignore New or Unexplained Symptoms
Persistent fatigue, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches might seem minor, but they could indicate underlying health concerns. Annual wellness visits provide the perfect opportunity to address these symptoms, voice your concerns, and develop a plan to restore your health before small issues become big problems. A better life starts with better care.
3. Protect Your Health Against Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can run in families. If these conditions are part of your family history, annual check-ups play a crucial role in assessing your risks. At Healthy Connections, we work with you to identify these risks and implement preventive measures to protect your future health. Together, we can build a better plan for your wellness.
4. Stay Current with Screenings and Vaccinations
Preventive care is the cornerstone of good health. During your wellness visit, we ensure you’re up to date on essential screenings—including blood pressure, cholesterol, and age-specific cancer checks. We also review your vaccination schedule, including flu shots and other recommended immunizations, to help keep you healthy. Staying on top of these steps is a better way to safeguard your health.
5. Take Control of Your Health Today
Managing stress, improving fitness, or addressing chronic conditions often starts with an annual wellness visit. Together, we’ll develop a personalized care plan that supports your goals and helps you feel your best. A better you begins with a better health plan.
Are Annual Wellness Visits Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, annual wellness visits are fully covered by insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans, including Medicare, provide coverage for preventive services like wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations without requiring a co-payment. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific benefits. By scheduling your wellness visit, you’re making a smart, cost-effective investment in your health.
Why Choose Healthy Connections?
Healthy Connections is your trusted partner in health and wellness. With convenient clinic locations throughout Arkansas and compassionate providers who genuinely care about your well-being, we make it easy to stay proactive about your health. From preventive screenings to personalized care plans, we’re here to support every step of your wellness journey. Better care, better support, and a better you—it all starts with us.
Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas. We’ve been caring for our communities with quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services for more than 25 years. Call us today at 888-710-8220 to schedule your annual wellness visit and make this year your best and healthiest yet.
As the holiday season approaches, Healthy Connections is committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they need while allowing our dedicated staff to enjoy time with their families. During the weeks of December, some of our clinic locations will observe adjusted schedules to accommodate the holidays. Please take note of these changes and plan your visits accordingly. Our team remains available to assist with any urgent needs and to answer questions about appointments or services during this time. Below, you’ll find a detailed schedule for each clinic, including holiday closures and adjusted hours.
| Clinic | Monday, Dec. 23 | Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Wednesday, Dec. 25
| Thursday, Dec. 26 | Friday, Dec. 27 | Saturday, Dec. 28 | Sunday, Dec. 29 | Monday, Dec. 30 | Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Thursday, Jan. 2 | Friday, Jan. 3 |
| Arkadelphia | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed* | Closed |
| Bryant | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| De Queen | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Haskell | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs Central | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Hot Springs Chippewa | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Hot Springs McAuley | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed |
| Hot Springs Village | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed* |
| Little Rock Midtown | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Malvern Pinnacle | 7:45 am-6 pm | 8:00 am-5 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 8 am-12 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 8 am-12 pm |
| Malvern Teeter Plaza | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Mena | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm |
| Mena Pharmacy | 8:00 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 8:00 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 8:00 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | 8 am-6 pm | Closed |
| Mount Ida | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed |
Russellville
| 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 8 am-Noon |
| Sheridan | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed |
| Texarkana | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-4 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | Closed | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed | 7:45 am-6 pm | Closed |
Healthy Connections Welcomes Brandi Webb, APRN, to Sheridan Clinic
Healthy Connections is proud to announce that Brandi Webb, APRN, has joined the team at our Sheridan clinic. A native of Sheridan, Arkansas, Brandi brings extensive nursing experience and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the community she calls home.
Local Expertise with a Holistic Approach
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Brandi Webb specializes in family practice and focuses on holistic, evidence-based care. Her passion for healthcare stems from her seven years of nursing experience, including roles in family practice, intensive care, cardiac care, and hematology/oncology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandi’s time in the ICU inspired her to further her education and become a nurse practitioner to help patients better manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
“I saw firsthand how chronic conditions impact patients’ lives, especially those without access to regular care,” Brandi shared. “My goal is to empower patients with the tools and knowledge they need to stay well and prevent serious complications.”
Comprehensive Services for Sheridan Patients
Healthy Connections Sheridan clinic offers a full spectrum of primary care services, including wellness visits, sick visits, physicals, and chronic disease management. While Brandi Webb is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, her background in critical care has equipped her with a unique perspective on the importance of preventative health and wellness.
In addition to primary care, the Sheridan clinic connects patients to an expansive network of healthcare services provided by Healthy Connections, including behavioral health, dental care, and specialty services available at nearby locations. Brandi is also pursuing certifications in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and DOT physicals to expand her services for Sheridan residents.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brandi Webb to our Sheridan clinic,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “Her dedication to patient-centered care and her passion for improving the health of our communities align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the lives of her patients.”
A Commitment to Community
As a lifelong Sheridan resident, Brandi Webb is deeply connected to the area and its people. She attended school in Sheridan and continues to contribute to the community through her involvement with the Sheridan Girls Softball Association, where she serves as a board member and secretary.
“My family has been part of Sheridan for generations,” Brandi said. “It’s a privilege to care for neighbors, friends, and families in this close-knit community. Healthy Connections’ mission of community, compassion, and excellence aligns perfectly with my philosophy of care.”
Family-Oriented Care in Sheridan
Brandi is the proud mother of two daughters, ages seven and four, and enjoys spending her free time at the lake, camping, and cheering for the Razorbacks. She and her family are active members of the Sheridan Church of Christ and are passionate about making a positive impact on their hometown.
The Healthy Connections Sheridan clinic is located at 1409 S. Rock St., Suite B. Appointments with Brandi Webb, APRN, or any of the dedicated providers at Healthy Connections can be made by calling 888-710-8220. Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans, with a sliding-fee scale available for qualifying patients without insurance.
About Healthy Connections
Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services across Western and Central Arkansas for more than 25 years. Guided by the pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence, Healthy Connections is committed to ensuring access to exceptional care for all.
Healthy Connections November Employees of the Month: Teressa Hughes and Lisa England
At Healthy Connections, we are proud to recognize two exceptional team members as our November Employees of the Month: Teressa Hughes from the Arkadelphia Clinic and Lisa England from Mena Street. These individuals exemplify the pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence that form the foundation of Healthy Connections’ philosophy. Each month, Employees of the Month are nominated by their peers and selected by senior management in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Teressa Hughes – Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Arkadelphia Clinic
Since joining Healthy Connections in May 2023, Teressa Hughes has been a vital member of the Hot Springs Central Clinic team and currently serves at the Arkadelphia Clinic. Her colleagues describe her as a beacon of positivity and professionalism, sharing:
“Teressa shows up every day putting her best foot forward! She brings a smile and quality care to every patient every time! We are so thankful for Teressa!”
Teressa’s dedication to providing quality care and her unwavering kindness make her a model of excellence in patient care. Her ability to brighten the day for both patients and colleagues demonstrates her commitment to fostering a compassionate and welcoming environment.
Lisa England – Medical Records Lead, Mena Street
Lisa England, who joined Healthy Connections in January 2023, serves as the Medical Records Lead at Mena Street. Her colleagues highlight her reliability, kindness, and unwavering dedication:
“Lisa is the glue for HCI! She makes sure provider teams have what they need in the chart. She also makes sure that patients and outside sources get what they need timely and safely as well. She is dependable and always does for others before doing for herself. She is always kind and sets such a good example for others.”
Lisa’s attention to detail and selfless nature ensure that both patients and providers receive the support they need. Her role is critical in maintaining the seamless operations of Healthy Connections, and she consistently sets an example of excellence through her commitment to serving others.
Celebrating Excellence
As Employees of the Month, Teressa and Lisa will each receive a $50 credit to the HC Hub Company Store. Their dedication and service not only uphold the mission of Healthy Connections but also inspire their peers to continue striving for excellence.
We thank Teressa and Lisa for their hard work and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition! Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible team members who make Healthy Connections a leader in compassionate and quality healthcare.
Get Covered This Open Enrollment: Healthy Connections is Here to Help with Medicaid Applications in Arkansas
The Medicaid Open Enrollment period in Arkansas is here, providing a crucial opportunity for uninsured residents to gain access to affordable healthcare coverage. This period runs from November 1 through January 15. For coverage starting January 1, applications should be submitted by December 15. Healthy Connections is ready to support both new and current patients throughout the application process to ensure access to high-quality, affordable care.
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, many people who apply for health coverage may qualify for significant financial assistance, lowering monthly premiums for Marketplace plans. At HealthCare.gov, 4 out of 5 applicants find plans for $10 per month or less, making this an ideal time to secure comprehensive health insurance. Coverage through Medicaid and the Marketplace includes a wide range of services, from routine check-ups and preventive care to emergency services, prescription drugs, and behavioral health care.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid at all our clinic locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas, offering essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all eligible patients. Our certified application counselors, also known as Assisters, offer free guidance and are here to help you complete your application and review your options.
How to Connect with a Medicaid Assister at Healthy Connections
If you’re interested in applying for Medicaid, Healthy Connections makes it easy to get started. Our financial counselors are certified by the state to guide patients through each step of enrollment. Here’s how to connect with one of our Assisters:
- Call Healthy Connections – Dial 888-710-8220 and ask for extensions 121 or 428. If our Assisters are unavailable, please leave a voicemail; they will return your call the following day.
- Get Step-by-Step Assistance – Our Assisters can answer your questions, guide you through the process, and ensure your application is complete and submitted successfully. This assistance is available to both new and current patients, including those who may have recently lost insurance.
- Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Available Year-Round – Even outside of the Marketplace Open Enrollment window, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) accept applications at any time of the year. Our Assisters can also assist with these programs for qualifying families.
Why Apply for Medicaid?
Medicaid provides access to critical healthcare services, from routine check-ups to specialized care. At Healthy Connections, we accept Medicaid for all eligible services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental services, and more. Our clinic network also offers extended hours to make healthcare accessible for your schedule.
The Medicaid Open Enrollment period won’t last long, so act today. With immediate openings at Healthy Connections clinics, now is the perfect time to secure the coverage you need to access quality care. If you or someone you know is uninsured or in need of healthcare, contact Healthy Connections and take the first step toward better health and well-being.
Call Healthy Connections at 888-710-8220 (extensions 121 or 428) to connect with an Assister and start your Medicaid application today.
