While breast cancer mortality has declined overall in the last 30 years, according to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of breast cancer in women under 50 has increased. Disparities still exist among Asian American and Pacific Islanders of all ages. These setbacks have led to new advancements, regulations, and screening techniques to improve early detection and treatment.

Happy Holidays from AFMC! We appreciate your viewership and support over the last year. Please enjoy snippets of our most popular blog posts from 2024. We hope to bring you more engaging and insightful content in 2025!

Dementia is a complex term that encompasses a range of cognitive impairments that can significantly impact daily life. At Alzheimer’s Arkansas, executive director Stephenie A. Cooke and education and family support specialist Carolyn Berry help people understand dementia, its distinctions from other conditions, and the critical role of mental health assessments.

AFMC’s Practice Transformation team has been making significant strides in transforming patient care, particularly through initiatives focused on preventive screenings and effective healthcare navigation. Rhelinda McFadden and Stacey George, manager and supervisor of the Practice Transformation department at AFMC, have seen its positive impact on health outcomes within our state.

Osteomyelitis may not be a household term, but this bone infection is more common than many people realize, affecting thousands of people each year. Imagine a silent invader that can turn a simple cut or injury into a life-altering condition, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immune systems. Understanding osteomyelitis is crucial not only for you but also for your patients. Dr. Amanda Novack, infectious disease specialist at Baptist Health, will help uncover more about this condition so that you can learn when a cut or broken bone requires common treatment or something more serious.

Addressing mental health challenges requires more than awareness; it demands action and innovation, especially within Arkansas. Dr. Laura Dunn is chair of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Psychiatry and director of the Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI). With a growing emphasis on improving mental health support, she leads efforts to develop innovative strategies that meet the unique challenges faced by individuals in our state. From enhancing access to care to researching effective treatment options, the PRI is dedicated to advancing mental health services in Arkansas. Dr. Dunn has seen firsthand how their initiatives are making a difference for individuals and families in need of support.