Food brings people together. Whether you gather around the dinner table at Thanksgiving, invite friends over for a home-cooked meal, or experiment with a new recipe, food is a social catalyst. We literally can’t live without it! Nutrition has also been proven to be a critical part of patient care, providing physiological benefits and creating a sense of comfort. A piping hot bowl of chicken noodle soup tastes like heaven when you have a cold.

Nonetheless, nutrition is often overlooked in the clinical setting and in patient education. A balanced diet is typically not the priority of a care plan. Yet, the food is medicine movement has taken off in recent years, raising awareness about the important role food and nutrition have in care management.

Getting kids to brush and floss twice a day can feel as impossible as teaching them microchemistry. They may be teething, and it hurts to brush. They may not want to get ready for bed. They may not grasp why it’s important. But don’t give up. Teaching children to brush and floss early will benefit their oral health and teach them good habits that prevent cavities and tooth decay.

If you were alive in the ‘80s, you probably remember the measles epidemic. Decades later, many of us have forgotten just how sick someone with measles can get. With recent reports in Alaska, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas, it’s important to revisit signs and symptoms and refute the disinformation and misinformation campaigns that are causing a decline in vaccination rates and affecting public health.

RSV season is here, and cases are on the rise, particularly among young children and older adults. Dr. Chad Rodgers, chief medical officer for AFMC and practicing pediatrician, recently spoke on AFMC TV about the significant uptick in cases, particularly among those with respiratory complications, such as asthma and COPD. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies is important to ensure patients stay protected from the virus this year.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are increasingly prevalent in the U.S., affecting adults and adolescents. With more potent and accessible substances, young people face significant risks. Unfortunately, resources are scarce for education, prevention, and treatment of SUDs in this demographic. UAMS clinicians recognized this gap and established the UAMS Health Six Bridges Clinic to address this critical need.

Pregnancy and motherhood should be a time of joy, yet for many women struggling with addictive disorders like substance use disorders (SUDs), it is fraught with stigma and shame. The fear of judgment from healthcare professionals and society often prevents pregnant and postpartum women from seeking the help they desperately need, putting both their health and their babies at risk. The UAMS Women’s Mental Health Program provides a safe, stigma-free environment where these women can access the critical treatment and support necessary for a healthier future for themselves and their children.