Allison's first-grade son has been losing focus in school, fidgeting, and misplacing things. Despite an ADHD diagnosis and prescription medications, his symptoms are not improving. Allison's son may have a condition that falls under the umbrella of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, or FASDs. FASDs represent a group of conditions that, despite their significant impact, often fly under the radar. Shaneca Smith, a dedicated RN with 17 years of experience in maternal and pediatric quality improvement and a fervent advocate for FASD awareness in Arkansas, recently appeared on AFMC TV to shed light on this critical issue and the efforts being made to combat it.

While common, headaches present a significant challenge in the medical community due to their complex nature and the considerable disability they cause many patients. Dr. Anthony Davis, a board-certified neurologist at UAMS specializing in dementia and headaches, recently appeared on AFMC TV to share his insights on the difficulties of treating headaches and the latest advancements in headache medication.

As we approach the respiratory vaccine season, conversations around the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine grow stronger. RSV, a virus causing cold-like symptoms, is particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can become very serious for people with high risk. With the CDC’s new RSV recommendations, it’s crucial to stay informed. Heather Mercer, executive director of ImmunizeAR, provides patients and professionals in the healthcare community with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the RSV vaccine.

Mental health support groups combine empathy, understanding, and guidance to create a safe space for those dealing with the grief of losing someone to suicide. It takes a unique set of skills to facilitate these support groups and ensure every attendee has a chance to deal with their loss however they feel comfortable. The Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers two suicide bereavement support group trainings, one for facilitators of veteran support groups and one for facilitators of support groups for the public. The AFSP Facilitator Training Program offers organizers a way to create and facilitate a community support group for suicide loss survivors in the aftermath of suicide.

Restorative sleep, a crucial, yet often overlooked element of health, has a profound impact on children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. The Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) has dedicated over 40 years to researching, analyzing, and treating pediatric sleep disorders. Dr. Supriya Jambhekar is the Medical Director of the ACH Sleep Disorders Center, ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve optimal health through the transformative power of sleep.

A single scroll, like, or share can spark joy or ignite controversy. Researchers are still determining the impact of social media on mental health. For pediatricians and other healthcare specialists, navigating social media usage with parents and their families can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Dr. Chad Rodgers, AFMC’s chief medical officer and board-certified pediatrician at Little Rock Pediatric Clinic, shares expert advice and personal wisdom to help you have more constructive, non-judgmental conversations about social media with your patients. Whether you’re a seasoned pediatrician or a newly minted healthcare professional, get ready to arm yourself with knowledge and strategies that make a difference in the digital well-being of the families you serve.