Health & Wellness 2021 by Fox Press

HEALTH

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Health & Wellness and Financial Fitness Table of Contents Healthy habits................................................................................. 3 Activity suggestions for kids............................................................. 4 Tips on preparing for telehealth appointments................................. 6 Sedentary lifestyle risks.................................................................... 7 Strategies for protecting mental health............................................. 8 Men's middle age health problems.................................................. 9 Early financial planning................................................................. 10 Biggest expenses for seniors........................................................... 14 Credit score tips............................................................................. 15 Eat to improve your energy levels.................................................. 16 Added sugars and their effects on health........................................ 17 Health, Wellness & Financial Fitness Directory.........................20-24 Vicki Kelly

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Healthy habits that can become part of your daily routine A person’s habits can have a strong impact on his or her overall health. Unhealthy habits like smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle can increase a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases. On the flip side, healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep can bolster a person’s immune system and reduce his or her risk for various ailments. Some healthy habits, like daily exercise, can be time-consuming. Busy adults may not have time to exercise vigorously each day, though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges men and women to find time for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. But not all healthy habits take up time. In fact, adults can incorporate various healthy practices into their daily routines without skipping a beat. • Take the stairs. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can have a profound effect on overall health. According to Duke University, climbing just two flights of stairs combined per day can contribute to six pounds of weight loss over the course of a single year. In addition, a study from the North American Menopause Society found that stair

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climbing can help postmenopausal women reduce their risk for osteoporosis and help them lower their blood pressure. • Drink more water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water helps the body maintain a normal temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and helps to rid the body of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Adults who are thirsty can choose water over soda or other sugary beverages. The CDC notes that sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks contain calories but little nutritional value, making water a healthier way for individuals to quench their thirst. • Go for daily walks. Walking benefits the body in myriad ways. For example, the Harvard School of Public Health notes that women who walk 30 minutes per day can reduce their risk of

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stroke by 20 percent and potentially by 40 percent if they walk briskly. In addition, researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than a quarter mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as men who walked less. A 15-minute walk around the neighborhood each morning coupled with a 15-minute walk after dinner can help adults dramatically improve their overall health. • Eat more greens. Eating more greens is another healthy habit that doesn’t require a major overhaul of an individual’s lifestyle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that dark

green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich in vitamins A,C, E, and K. The Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin E alone can help people maintain their vision and promote a healthy reproductive system while also improving the health of the blood, brain and skin. The USDA also notes that green vegetables contain very little carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol. Adults won’t have to reinvent the dietary wheel to incorporate more greens into their diets, and the results of doing so can have a significant, positive effect on their overall health. The right habits can help people live healthier lives, and such habits need not require any major life changes.

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Healthy activities for kids of all ages Children have a seemingly endless supply of energy. Channeling that energy into something positive can benefit kids’ minds and bodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends various amounts of daily physical activity for children depending on their ages and abilities. Adhering to these recommendations is especially important in the wake of what many public health officials fear has become an epidemic of childhood obesity in many nations. For example, the United States-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly 13.7 million children between the ages of two and 19 are presently obese. In Canada, the Childhood Obesity

Foundation reports that childhood obesity rates have hovered around 12 percent for years. Routine physical activity can help children maintain healthy weights, and it also pays dividends for youngsters’ mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, children between the ages of six and 18 who exercise regularly tend to have lower levels of depression, stress and psychological distress. Those findings, part of a 2019 study published in the journal Sports Medicine, reflect the ways exercise affects the mind. And the mental benefits don’t stop there, as the study also found that youngsters who are physically active also have higher levels of positive

self-image, life satisfaction and psychological well-being. The amount of physical activity children need each month depends on their age, and the AAP recommends the following age-based guidelines. • Infants: The AAP recom-

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three hours of physical activity every day. Free play outside and daily neighborhood walks are some examples of appropriate physical activities for children in this age group. • Preschoolers: Three-plus hours of physical activity, including one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise, is recommended for preschool-aged youngsters. Tumbling, throwing and catching are some of the activities recommended by the AAP. • Elementary school students: School-aged children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The AAP recommends giving children in this age group ample opportunities for free play but also notes that organized sports focused on fun can be great outlets for kids in elementary school. Parents can speak with their children’s pediatricians about appropriate muscle/bone strengthening activities, which the AAP recommends three days a week for kids in this age group. • Middle school students: Students in this age group need the same amount and types of exercise that elementary school students need. But the AAP advises parents to guide children toward physical activities that encourage socialization and to avoid having kids this age specialize in a single sport. • Teenagers: Teenagers need an hour or more of physical activity most days of the week. Muscle/bone strengthening activities should be included three days per week. Activities that encourage socialization and competition are beneficial to teenagers’ development. Physical activity can benefit kids in myriad ways and should be a vital component of their daily lives.

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How to prepare for telehealth appointments Change was a big part of life in 2020. As the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, changes had to be made to keep people safe and prevent the virus from spreading. Some of those changes will no doubt prove temporary, while others may have staying power. An increased reliance on telemedicine is one notable change to take place during the pandemic that figures to stick around long after people have gotten rid of their masks. When in-person doctor visits became risky, many doctors increased their telemedicine offerings, allowing patients to call in and discuss issues or symptoms over the phone. In many instances, doctors can prescribe medications or recommend treatments without seeing patients in their offices, and patients may appreciate that convenience even after the pandemic has ended. Some people may have been hesitant to embrace telemedicine, and reports during the pandemic’s

early stages reflect that hesitation. Data from the National Cancer Institute indicates that screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer dropped by roughly 89 and 85 percent, respectively, in the first couple of months after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Though cancer screenings typically must be conducted in person, the decline in screenings suggests patients were not speaking with their physicians during the early months of the pandemic. Had patients been more willing to speak with their physicians over the phone or via video conferencing apps like Zoom, the decline in cancer screenings likely would not have been so significant, as doctors would have emphasized the importance of screenings, even during a pandemic. Telehealth appointments can be valuable for anyone, and patients can take steps to ensure their telemedicine sessions with their physicians are as productive as possible.

• Write down questions. Prior to an appointment, patients can write down any questions they have for their physicians. This helps ensure nothing is forgotten during the appointment. Writing down questions is especially important for telehealth appointments, as it can be easy to be distracted when calling in from home. • Keep a health diary. A health diary can help patients point to symptoms or other persistent issues they’ve faced in the weeks or months leading up to their telehealth appointments. Jot down everything from the severity and frequency of symptoms to fluctuations in weight to any reactions to medications. No detail is too minor, as the more informed patients are the more fruitful their discussions with physicians can be. • Photograph any extraordinary symptoms. Physical examinations are vital components of preventive health regimens, but many people have delayed or skipped annual

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The risks of an overly sedentary lifestyle Health experts call it “sitting disease.” It refers to when people spend more of their time behind a desk or steering wheel of a car or planted in front of a television than they do engaging in physical activity. According to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased by 83 percent since 1950, and technology has reduced

many people’s need to get up and move. Inactivity is taking a considerable toll on public health. A study from the University of Cambridge equated inactivity with being obese. The Mayo Clinic advises that research has linked sedentary behavior to a host of health concerns, and found those who sat for more than eight hours a day with

no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of fatality linked to obesity and smoking. Increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat all can be attributed to inactivity. Mental health can be adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle as well. Australian researchers

surveyed more than 3,300 government employees and found men who sat for more than six hours a day at work were 90 percent more likely to feel moderate psychological distress, such as restlessness, nervousness or hopelessness, than those who sat for less than three hours a day. See LIFESTYLE Page 10

physicals during the pandemic. If any unusual symptoms or issues like rashes arise, document them by taking photos and measure the size of any lumps. Any symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately, but documentation like photographs can ensure nothing is lost in translation during telehealth appointments. Telemedicine figures to play a bigger role in health care in the years to come. Embracing strategies to make telehealth appointments more successful can help patients adapt to the changing health care landscape.

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3 strategies to protect mental health Improving one’s overall health and maintaining that health over the long haul can have a profound impact on quality of life. For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that regular exercise can slow the natural decline in physical performance that occurs as people age. That means routine exercise can serve as something like a fountain of youth that allows people to keep their cardiovascular fitness, metabolism and muscle function on par with their younger counterparts. When attempting to improve longterm health, it’s important that people emphasize mental health as much as they do their physical health. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America notes the importance and effectiveness of preventive efforts in relation to depression and anxiety. In regard to mental health, prevention efforts can function in much the same way that exercise serves physical health. Routine exercise helps people to maintain healthy weights, reducing their risk for various conditions and diseases. Preventive efforts designed to

improve mental health can significantly reduce a person’s risk for anxiety and depression. Various techniques and strategies can be utilized to promote mental health, and these three are simple and highly effective. 1. Get enough sleep. According to the Primary Care Collaborative, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to advancing an effective and efficient health system, sleep and mental health are intimately related. Sleep loss can contribute to emotional instability. The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for humans’ emotional responses. When an individual does not get enough sleep, his or her amygdala goes into overdrive, leading to more intense emotional reactions. The prefrontal cortex is another part of the brain that needs sufficient sleep to function properly. Without it, the prefrontal cortex, which is integral to impulse control, cannot function properly. Adults can speak with their physicians about how much sleep they should be getting each

night. Those needs change as individuals age. 2. Eat a balanced diet. A balanced, healthy diet doesn’t just benefit the waistline. According to the ADAA, a balanced diet that includes protein, healthy non-saturated fats, fiber, and some simple carbohydrates can reduce the likelihood that mental health issues like fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability will arise during the day. 3. Volunteer in your community. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteered in the past were more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as much better than people who didn’t volunteer. Perhaps the most noteworthy finding in the study was that people who began volunteering with lower levels of well-being tended to get the biggest boost from volunteering. Volunteering provides opportunities to socialize, which can help ward off the loneliness that can sometimes contribute to anxiety and depression.

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Health problems men may face in middle age The human body requires constant upkeep in order for people to maintain their health over the long haul. An encouraging annual physical should inspire people to keep up the good work, while one that uncovers certain issues should spark changes designed to promote optimal health for years to come. Men who work hard to keep themselves healthy should know that their hard work may not prevent certain issues. That’s especially so for men in middle age, as men’s risk for various conditions increases with age.

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Blood vessels naturally become less flexible as the body ages. WebMD notes that this decreased flexibility puts pressure on the system responsible for carrying blood throughout the body. That’s one reason why high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is more common among aging adults. In fact, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that even people who do not have hypertension by age 55 to 65 still have a 90 percent chance of developing it at some point. The Mayo Clinic reports that, until age 64, hypertension is more common in men, so middle-aged men should take steps to reduce their risk even if retirement is still a long way off. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that shedding excess weight, reducing alcohol consumption, becoming more physically active, and reducing stress are just some of the ways adults can reduce their risk for hypertension.

Heart disease

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a growing number of middle-aged Americans are dying from heart disease. Researchers at the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics found that, between 2011 and 2017, the rate of deaths from heart disease for adults between the ages of 45 and 64 increased by 4 percent. The American Heart Association notes that a significant percentage of heart disease cases are linked to obesity, so men in middle age can make a concerted effort to lose weight if they’re already overweight or obese. Middle-aged men who are currently maintaining healthy weights can continue to do what they’re doing while also recognizing that they may need to alter their diets and exercise regimens in the years ahead.

Prostate problems

WebMD notes that the prostate begins to enlarge as men age. In fact, that process slowly begins around age 25. Enlargement of the prostate is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and it’s entirely normal. However, around age 50, BPH can begin to produce some uncomfortable side effects. More frequent trips to the bathroom and difficulty with urination may begin around this time, and that’s a result of the prostate growing larger. Various organizations recommend men, beginning around age 40, start speaking to their physicians about their family history in regard to the prostate. Lifestyle changes like cutting back on caffeine See MEN Page 11

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Start thinking about LIFESTYLE financial planning now Continued from Page 7

Financial planning has become a catchphrase in recent years, and it’s something many consumers may not fully understand. Learning some key components of financial planning can help people have more capital on hand to help them achieve their shortand long-term goals. A 2018 study commissioned by GuideVine that polled 1,000 Americans 30 and older about their finances found that many lack knowledge of basic financial terms. In addition, the study found that numerous people feel completely lost in regard to having a solid plan with their money. Financial planning can be intimidating, but learning the basics of sound money management can help people secure their financial futures. According to the online learning resource WiseGeek, financial planning is a process of setting objectives, assessing assets and resources, estimating future financial needs, and making plans to achieve financial goals. Investing, risk management, retirement planning, tax requirements, and estate planning are key components of financial planning. To get started with finan-

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cial planning, the financial guide and online resource Ramsay says individuals will need to see where they stand financially, establish financial goals and create a plan to reach those goals. While a person can create his or her own financial plan, oftentimes the help of a financial planner can make sure that all avenues are being explored, especially for financial novices. It’s important to note that financial planning may mean different things to different people. For some, planning may revolve around saving for a child’s college tuition but still having enough money left to retire. Another person may be looking to save extra money to invest in a business venture. Others who are living paycheck to paycheck may need help reevaluating their spending so they can grow their savings. One of the key components of financial planning is to begin doing it as soon as possible. A financial plan can be instituted at any age, and goals can be revisited as life changes occur. Financial planning strategies are something anyone can learn and utilize to secure their financial futures.

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In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase a person’s risk for various types of cancer. A German meta-analysis of 43 studies involving four million people indicated those who sit the most have higher propensities to develop colon cancer, endometrial cancer and lung cancer. Johns Hopkins Medical Center says research shows that high levels of exercise at some point in the day can lessen some risk, but it’s not entirely effective if most of the rest of the day a person is inactive. Risk for cardiovascular disease increases significantly for people who spend 10 hours or more sitting each day. Various medical organizations recommend individuals get up and move at any opportunity to help reduce risks of inactivity. Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S., associate director of preventive cardiology at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, advises people who are very sedentary to aim for 4,000 steps per day. Such individuals can then build up to a target of 10,000 steps daily. The Mayo Clinic recommends these strategies to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting. • Stand while talking on the phone or watching television • Invest in a standing desk • Get up from sitting every 30 minutes • Walk at lunch or during meetings Sedentary lifestyles can affect health in many negative ways. But there are various ways to get up and go over the course of a typical day.

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Did you know? The exact causes of many headaches continues to confound medical researchers. Though the Cleveland Clinic notes that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens or strong odors from household chemicals, can trigger headaches, the mechanism that causes muscles or blood vessels to swell or tighten remains something of a mystery. During a headache, the mysterious mechanism activates specific nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels, and these nerves then send pain signals to the brain. Harvard Medical School notes that tissues that surround the brain and some major nerves in the brain also can signal pain. HMS also reports that while there are more than 300 types of headaches, only about 10 percent of them have an identifiable cause. And what triggers a headache in one person will not necessarily do so in another. However, HMS notes that people who suffer from migraines, an especially severe type of headache that can increase a person’s risk of heart attack, tend to remain sensitive to the same triggers. That’s good news, as it means that people who can identify their headache triggers can then take steps to avoid those triggers in the future in the hopes of reducing the frequency of their headaches.

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and alcohol consumption may help reduce the side effects of an enlarging prostate by decreasing the number of times men

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Evaluating seniors’ biggest expenses New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children. Adults go though many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food, and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement. According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68 percent of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care. Professionals approaching

retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index - Elderly (CPIE). It is a good reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62. Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older. Here’s a look at some key categories. • Housing: According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing

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Behaviors that can hurt your credit score Credit plays a vital role in helping people realize their personal and financial goals. A good credit score can help people qualify for favorable home loan terms, ultimately paving the way for them to move into their dream homes. Strong credit histories also can help consumers earn perks, and young people who learn to use credit wisely can avoid potentially costly interest charges that tend to hamper many young adults’ financial freedom. Many consumers struggle with managing credit. According to FICO®, a data analytics company that developed the FICO score that many lenders use to determine consumer credit risk, more than 10 percent of consumers

DOUG COLEMAN, M.D.

t u p e W our

in the United States have credit scores lower than 550. Any score below 550 is considered very poor. No two consumers are the same, but many struggling to establish good credit histories may engage in certain behaviors that can hurt their credit scores. • Taking out too many lines of credit: Consumers without much experience managing their finances, such as college students and young adults, often find credit offers hard to resist. Retailers may offer significant discounts at checkout counters to shoppers willing to sign up for store credit cards. Inexperienced consumers may not recognize that such cards often

requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge the gap in expenses that government-run plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account (HSA) when employed also can create extra cash on hand for retirement expenses. Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future.

See CREDIT Page 18

MARK RAMIRO, M.D.

STACIE HIPP, APRN

into caring for your family’s medical needs.

That’s what we do best!

White Hall Family Medicine Associates

Patient Portal Available:

Offering Text, Email and Telephone reminders

Phone: 870-247-9499 • 1400 Claud Rd | Fax: 870-247-9495 www.whitehallfamilymedicine.com | Patient Portal: myhealthrecord.com | Email: clinic@whfm.net 15

How to eat to improve your energy levels A little extra energy during the day could benefit just about anyone. Late morning mental fatigue and the post-lunch yawns may seem unavoidable, but there are plenty of ways to improve energy levels throughout the day. One such means to getting an extra hop in your step involves utilizing food. The health care experts at Kaiser Permanente® note that every part of the body, including the brain and heart, require energy to work. The body gets that energy from food. According to the National Health Service, the publicly funded health care system of the United Kingdom, a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to maintain sufficient energy levels throughout the day. A dietary approach

rooted in eating to energize can change the way people eat, potentially helping them avoid unhealthy foods that won’t give them the boost they need. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics echoes the sentiments of the NHS, noting that eating better is an effective way to improve energy levels. The AAND also recommends additional strategies for people looking to foods to provide an energy boost. • Eat every three to four hours. The AAND notes that eating every three to four hours helps to fuel a healthy metabolism. This approach also can prevent the between-meal hunger pangs that compel many people to reach for whatever food is readily available,

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1220 W 42nd • Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (Professional Building) • 870-535-2200 16

THINK HEALTHY even if it’s unhealthy. When eating every three to four hours, remember to prepare smaller portions than you would if you were eating three meals per day. The AAND points out that feeling comfortably full but not stuffed is a good indicator that you’ve eaten enough. • Aim for balance. A balanced plate should include foods from multiple food groups. The AAND notes that even a small amount of fat can find its way onto your plate, which should

Touching

include a combination of whole grains, lean protein, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat dairy. If that’s too much for a single sitting, ensure these food groups are represented on your plate at some point during the day. • Avoid added sugars. Added sugars can adversely affect energy levels. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that consuming too many added sugars, which are found in sugar-sweet-

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ened beverages like soda and iced tea and sweet snacks like candy, increases a person’s risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The AAND notes that the energy provided by foods with added sugars is typically misleading, as it wears off quickly and ultimately leads to an energy crash. If you’re looking to eat and drink for energy, then choose water or low-fat milk instead of coffee and soda and replace sweet snacks with fruit. • Choose the right snacks. The AAND recommends snacks have lean protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates. Low-fat Greek yogurt, apples, a handful of unsalted nuts, and carrots are some examples of healthy snacks that will provide an energy boost between meals. How people eat can help them overcome fatigue or exacerbate existing energy issues.

Added sugars and their effects on weight loss efforts Added sugars could be compromising people’s effort to lose weight and get fit. A 2009 report from researchers with the American Heart Association urged people to limit their intake of added sugars while noting that Americans get most of their added sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages, including sodas. A 2010 study led by a researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health noted that consumption of such beverages has increased considerably in recent decades, which has tracked positively with rising rates of obesity over that time. But pinning the bulk of the blame for rising obesity rates on sugar-sweetened beverages would be a mistake, as such drinks are not the only popular source of added sugars. Candy, baked goods, sugary cereals, and even some dried fruits contain significant amounts of added sugars. Added sugars are considered empty calories, which means they’re high in calories but not in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Anyone attempting to lose weight and keep lost weight off should examine the foods and beverages they consume to determine if these items, which may be marketed as

healthy or at least considered so by unsuspecting consumers, are high in added sugars. Simply checking ingredients labels for the term “added sugars” may not be enough, as the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion notes that added sugars go by many different names, including: • brown sugar • corn sweetener • corn syrup • dextrose • fructose • glucose • high-fructose corn syrup • honey • invert sugar • lactose • malt syrup • maltose • molasses, • raw sugar • sucrose • trehalose • turbinado sugar The ODPHP notes that these sugars may be found in foods people wouldn’t otherwise see as potentially unhealthy, such as pasta sauces. That only underscores the importance of reading labels carefully and learning what to look for on such labels. Losing weight and keeping weight off is no small task. And that tasks becomes considerably taller when people consume significant amounts of added sugars.

178 W. College St. Monticello, AR 71655

870-367-4333

We accept children ages 6 months to 5 years who qualify for Early Intervention Services Voucher Essential Worker Voucher The mission of Advantages of Southeast AR, Inc. is to provide a community based system of individualized instruction and support geared toward maximizing independence, self-support, employment opportunities, and normal living for persons with developmental disabilities in our 14 county service area.

168 W. College St. Monticello, AR 71655

870-367-8475

CREDIT

Continued from Page 15

feature inflated interest rates, especially when compared to more consumer-friendly cards. Avoid opening too many credit accounts, as doing so can adversely affect your credit score and make it easy to lose track of spending. • Letting interest charges pile up: Paying interest on consumer debt like credit cards will not help consumers improve their credit scores, so pay balances off immediately. That’s easier to do if you only have one or two lines of credit that you monitor regularly. • Using credit for daily purchases: Credit is not cash in your pocket and it isn’t money withdrawn directly from a checking or savings account, which is the case when using a debit card. So it’s easy for consumers to lose track of their daily

spending if they’re doing that spending with a credit card. Balances can quickly pile up and, if they can’t be paid off in full when the bill comes due, interest charges will begin to accumulate. This trap can be avoided if consumers commit to using credit only in emergency situations or when purchasing big-ticket items that they know they can pay off when the credit card bill is due. • Failing to monitor credit score: It’s now easier than ever for consumers to track their credit scores. In fact, many credit card companies provide free monthly

updates to card holders, who won’t have to lift a finger to see if their scores have improved or worsened over the last 30 days. Consumers should take advantage of this relatively recent perk so they can see just how their use of credit is affecting their overall scores. They can then use

that knowledge to improve their scores going forward. Certain behaviors can negatively affect consumers’ credit scores. By learning about such behaviors and taking steps to avoid them, consumers can take a big step toward realizing their short- and long-term financial goals.

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Specialty Services

Senior Living

Health, Wellness & Financial Directory

For a full list of physicians visit drewmemorial.org

Transitions (870) 460-4840 Delivering outpatient counseling services especially for senior adults.

Reflections (870) 460-4808 Senior Behavioral Health Unit. Providing care to the senior population with primary psychiatric diagnoses.

Preschool program for children ages 6 months to 5 years old who have been determined to have a developmental disability.

Dr. Alan Wilson, General Surgeon

Comprehensive care for women 750 HL Ross Drive | Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 367-9700

See what we have to offer! Go to www.advantageseark.org 168 W. College St. 870-367-8475 For individuals that have been determined to have a developmental disability with the onset prior to age 21.

Dr. Kelly D. Shrum, OB/GYN

Women’s Services

Skills Center

Althea Conley, M.D., Ph.D.

778 Scogin Drive Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 460-3515

Surgical Services

Senior Services

Dr. Francisco Bravo, General Surgeon