Daylight Savings Time: a shift in time, a big shift in routine. By Dr. Annie Xu On March 8, 2026, Americans will once again “spring forward” as Daylight Saving Time begins, moving clocks ahead one hour from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Unfortunately, this annual shift brings more than just a lost hour of sleep. For many, it also marks a measurable rise in serious health events. In the medical community,
A berry sweet way to a Healthy Heart. By Dr. Annie Xu February brings another opportunity to recognize American Heart Month and to highlight simple, natural ways to support heart health. One of the most effective places to start is understanding how dietary habits influence cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is typically reported as total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and LDL. While HDL is often called the “good” cholesterol and LDL the “bad,” these
By Dr. Annie Xu June is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. As parents and grandparents wonder if their grade school children are forgetting their lessons from the year, they may also wonder if small slips in the day are ordinary signs of an overly busy life or hallmarks of a more serious problem. Dementia is an acquired condition that gradually presents with worsening behavioral changes, such as: If you recognize any of these
One in ten Americans suffers from alcoholism. Is that someone you know? By Dr. Annie Xu April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, aimed to bring awareness to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of alcohol addiction. Currently, 1 out of every 10 American adolescents and adults suffer from alcoholism. Excessive drinking causes 140,000 deaths annually in the United States. Chronic alcoholism can cause many wide-ranging effects including but not limited to: For this
By Dr. Annie Xu March is National Kidney Month! Let’s discuss the importance of maintaining good kidney function and understanding chronic kidney disease. The kidneys are remarkable organs that filter waste and remove excess fluid from the body. In doing so, they balance minerals and electrolytes which are essential for healthy bones, blood pressure regulation, and blood sugar levels. Similar to how skin can heal from minor injuries, initial damage to
Brush up on your heart health. By Dr. Annie XuFebruary is a month where hearts are visible all month long. Not only is this for Valentine’s Day, but it is also for American Heart Month to promote heart health. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One person dies every 33 seconds in America from a heart attack. In 2022, the Centers for Disease
By Dr. Annie Xu Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women, and now one of the most preventable types of cancer. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to 12 specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a generally asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection. All vaccines are engineered to prevent infection; however, the HPV vaccine is the only vaccine that has been shown to prevent cancer due to
Curves in the right places: pear-shaped bodies promote better health than apple shapes. By Dr. Annie XuAs we wrap up 2024 for the history books, folks frequently focus on New Year’s Resolutions. One common resolution after a few months of feasting is weight loss. While planning for a healthier 2025, if your plans include shedding a few pounds, consider the following tips. Sticking to these tips can help you commit
There are many healthy and delicious food options for holiday meals. By Dr. Annie Xu Why is breast cancer screening important? By Dr. Annie Xu With the holidays upon us, many are excited about festivities filled with food, family, and fun. While preparing, I am reminded of the dietary needs of my family and patients living with high blood pressure (hypertension) and high blood sugar (diabetes). Hypertension and diabetes are
Breast cancer screenings help detect cancer in early stages when treatment is most effective. By Dr. Annie XuWhy is breast cancer screening important? 1 in 8 women in America will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer screening with low-dose x-rays (mammograms) helps detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Cancers are caused by mutations in the body’s own cells, resulting in uncontrolled growth. Depending on
Dr. Annie Xu returns to Hot Springs to practice primary care medicine at Hot Springs Internal Medicine Clinic in downtown Hot Springs. Dr. Ann Xu graduated magna cum laude from Rice University in Houston, Texas where she completed her undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Biochemistry. She subsequently earned her Doctor of Medicine degree with honors from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She continued her medical training at her
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“Moku Playland” Photo of Kate Zunick Courtesy of Hot Springs Sister City Kate Zunick relaxes in one of the most beloved features of the Moku Playland exhibit — a giant wooden “hot springs” tub filled with hundreds of smooth wooden balls inspired by the bubbling thermal waters of Hot Springs. Hidden somewhere among the
Moku Playland Pop-Up Opens June 1 with Interactive, Screen-Free Fun for Families Families and visitors to downtown Hot Springs will have the opportunity to experience a unique style of hands-on play this summer as Moku Playland opens June 1 for a special month-long pop-up at 831 Central Avenue. Open Thursday-Tuesday
The Hot Springs Fire Department entry nears the finish line in the 2025 Running of the Tubs. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs The lineup is complete for the 2026 Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races through historic downtown Hot Springs. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday,
Where are we?” Missy Conry and Melissa Stevens By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensCan you spot where we took this picture? Take a selfie in front of the same mural and text to 501-651-0545 for a free drop-in class! You can also text us for hints if you need a clue. As we reflect
