You At Your Best

By kaREN RICE In 1982, a congressional resolution designated May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. A few years later, in 1990, the American Nurse Association (ANA) expanded the recognition to create National Nurses Week, May 6–12. This year, the ANA expanded Nurses Week into Nurses Month. Then the World Health Organization went a step further, declaring 2020 the YEAR of the Nurse and Midwife, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Thanks to her strict use of hand- washing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale and her helpers reduced the death rate from 42% to 2%, and ushered in nursing as we know it today. "As the largest group of health care professionals in the U.S. and the most trusted profession, nurses are with patients 24/7 and from the beginning of life to the end," states ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. Nurses have always played a major role in healthcare delivery, community education and more, but their contributions are often overlooked. Because of them, we all live in a world that's happier and healthier. And, in the midst of our worldwide health crisis, nurses are among the health care professionals on the front line, inspiring us with their selfless efforts on behalf of others. So, take the opportunity today, this week, this month, this year, or anytime you get the chance, to say thanks to nurses for the important role they play in our lives. #thankanurse A day, that became a week, that became a month, that became a year sPONsOR CONTENT Have you ever wondered if you or your child are predisposed to develop a medical condition? Or maybe why you or your child were born with a certain medical condition? If so, the UAMS genetics clinics in Northwest Arkansas can help. G. Bradley Schaefer, M.D., who became Northwest Arkansas' only medical geneticist when he moved to the region two years ago, can use genetics testing to pinpoint the cause of certain conditions. Knowing these specifics can help people develop preventive plans or help them adjust to the realities of living with a medical condition. Knowing the genetic cause of a disease can also help health care providers develop the right treatment plan. Dr. Schaefer is a professor of genetics and pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Schaefer came to UAMS in 2008 to start the Division of Medical Genetics. The program began with two medical geneticists and three genetic counselors. The program has grown to become the largest in a 20-state area and includes eight medical geneticists and 20 genetic counselors at 32 clinics across the state. In addition to Dr. Schaefer, UAMS has three genetic counselors in the area. A fourth genetic counselor is on staff at UAMS affiliate Highlands Oncology Group. Dr. Schaefer sees patients at a pediatric clinic at Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale and at an adult clinic at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus. He also sees patients virtually in Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado via a telemedicine clinic at the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center in Lowell. Genetic testing key to prevention & treatment Adult Genetics Clinic 1125 N. College Ave., Fayetteville 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays Pediatrics Genetics Clinic 2601 Gene George Blvd., Springdale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays Referrals and self-referrals are accepted. For appointments or to learn more, contact Michelle Haygood at 501-526-4020 G. Bradley schaefer, M.D. sUNDay, aPRIL 26, 2020 | May - #THaNkaNURsE NWaDG.COM/yOUaTyOURBEsT | yOU aT yOUR BEsT | 7 Our genetic clinics are staffed by the only clinical geneticist and genetic counselors in the area to help you understand potential risks. Clinics include the Adult Genetics Clinic, UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center and Pediatric Genetics and Metabolics Clinic. Referrals and self-referrals accepted. For appointments, contact Michelle Haygood at 501-526-4020. Funds provided for by the UAMS Cancer Institute Auxiliary from the sale of the UAMS Partners Card to benefit cancer patients. Prevent Your Family's Cancer History from Repeating Itself. Learn your inherited cancer risks with UAMS Cancer Genetic Clinics. Breast Cancer Colorectal Cancer Ovarian Cancer Prostate Cancer

• Cover