Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Healthy Connections
My Kids Pediatric Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Make a Payment
Evolve Behavioral Health Services
Healthy Connections
My Kids Pediatric Clinic

CALL US: 888.710.8220

Your Journey to a Healthier You Starts Here

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.

5 Key Reasons to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit Today

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.

Mandilyn Cottingham Seeing Patients In Texarkana

Healthy Connections Welcomes Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN, to Texarkana Clinic

Texarkana, AR — Healthy Connections is proud to announce the addition of Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN, to its Texarkana clinic at 903 Arkansas Boulevard. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, Mandilyn brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Her arrival also marks a milestone as the Texarkana clinic becomes a designated HIV Center of Excellence, providing expanded services to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Mandilyn specializes in family practice, offering care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Her services include managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, addressing acute illnesses, and focusing on preventive care to keep patients healthy.

“I’ve pretty much worked everywhere in nursing you can work,” Mandilyn shared. “What I love most is family practice because it allows me to care for anyone, from birth to end-of-life, managing everything from acute issues to chronic conditions.”

The Texarkana clinic’s designation as an HIV Center of Excellence reflects Healthy Connections’ dedication to providing specialized services. Mandilyn will lead efforts in HIV treatment and prevention, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. “Texarkana has a critical need for affordable, quality healthcare,” Mandilyn explained. “This clinic is in a central location, accessible to many patients, including those who rely on public transportation. Our goal is to deliver care that meets patients’ needs before problems escalate.”

Mandilyn’s extensive background includes roles in emergency medicine, critical care, home health, and hospice, in addition to family practice. Her broad experience equips her to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of health concerns. “I treat my patients as I would expect my family to be treated,” Mandilyn said. “Getting to know my patients and their circumstances helps me create better, patient-focused care.”

Healthy Connections Texarkana Clinic: Accessible and Patient-Focused Care

The Healthy Connections Texarkana clinic is designed to meet the healthcare needs of the local community. Located at 903 Arkansas Boulevard, the clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, offering extended hours to accommodate working families. Its central location makes it convenient for patients who rely on public transportation or live in nearby neighborhoods.

“Texarkana is a vital part of our mission to provide quality, compassionate healthcare across Arkansas,” said Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections. “We’re excited to have Mandilyn join our team. Her extensive experience and deep connection to this community make her the perfect fit to lead the clinic. We’re confident her expertise and dedication will positively impact the lives of our patients and their families.”

A Connection to Texarkana

A native of Hope, Arkansas, Mandilyn has lived in Texarkana for more than two decades. She and her husband, Jacob, have four children, ranging from college age to kindergarten. Outside of work, Mandilyn’s life revolves around her family. “You can usually find me at a ballpark, gym, or football field cheering on my kids,” she said. “We also love camping, boating, and spending time with friends.”

Comprehensive Services at Texarkana Clinic

Healthy Connections Texarkana clinic provides a full range of services, including:

  • Family Practice: Care for patients of all ages.
  • HIV Treatment and Prevention: Including PrEP.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
  • Chronic Condition Management: Including diabetes and hypertension.
  • Preventive Care: Wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations.

Healthy Connections invites the Texarkana community to visit the clinic and meet Mandilyn Cottingham, APRN. “We’re here for you, Texarkana,” Mandilyn said. “Come see us and let us take care of your healthcare needs.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.healthy-connections.org/texarkana or call 888-710-8220.

About Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections is a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to communities across Arkansas for more than 25 years. Committed to community, compassion, and excellence, Healthy Connections ensures that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.