Top 17 On Your Health Posts of 2017

2017 has definitely been a thrilling and memorable year. From breaking ground on the new INTEGRIS Arcadia Trails Center to introducing the Jim Thorpe Pediatric Adventure Loft and everything in between, heading into the new year has us feeling reflective and excited for what’s to come in 2018.

To wrap up the year, we’ve compiled the top 17 most popular On Your Health posts of 2017. From snakes and baby boxes to kitchen essentials and weight loss success stories, our readers wanted information on the latest health trends and we were more than happy to oblige.

17. Best Cooking Oils for Better Health

Cooking oils are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to have options on hand, depending on what you’re preparing. Juli Johnson, APRN at INTEGRIS, helped us analyze which oils are best for cooking delicious yet healthy meals, without compromising on flavor.

16. Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier: Fried Chicken

In our “Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier” series we looked at everyone’s southern favorite—fried chicken. While fried chicken is usually high in calories, sodium and saturated fat, we found options that’ll let you enjoy this delectable fare with a little less guilt. 

15. Got Questions About Bone Broth? We Have Answers.

INTEGRIS Business Development Manager Kellye Elliott answered your most frequently asked questions about bone broth. Elliot covered its benefits, how it tastes, how to cook it and common alternatives. 

14. Integrative Medicine Minute with Julie Johnson: Sleep Hygiene

Juli Johnson, APRN at INTEGRIS, joined us for another episode of “Integrative Medicine Minute” to discuss how to combat the anxiety that frequently accompanies insomnia. By practicing good sleep hygiene, you can help your body unwind for a more restful, uninterrupted sleep.

13. 7 Kitchen Essentials Every Healthy Home Should Have

Is your kitchen well-stocked to prepare healthy, flavorful and scrumptious meals? From a great set of knives to a sturdy blender, we rounded up the seven kitchen gadgets and appliances essential to making healthy food at home.

12. What You Need to Know About Feminine Leakage

Many women, especially those who have given birth, consider leakage to be a normal part of aging. INTEGRIS’ Dena O’Leary, M.D., discussed female incontinence, how it’s treatable and why women shouldn’t be embarrassed to seek help.

11. 15 Health Gadgets to Add to Your Holiday Wishlist

Being healthy is not only about working out or eating clean. Overall wellness is a fundamental component of living a healthy lifestyle. We compiled the top 15 healthy gadgets to help improve your daily well-being in 2018, no matter where your interests lie.

10. Sepsis: Recognizing the Early Signs Can Save Your Life

Even though sepsis is very common, and can be deadly, sepsis can be prevented by avoiding infections and can be treated successfully in most cases if it’s caught early. In honor of Sepsis Awareness Month in September, we examined the signs of sepsis and how being able to recognize them can save your life.

9. What Oklahomans Should Know About Traveling to Mexico for Weight Loss Surgery

One Ardmore, Oklahoma resident shared her story of receiving gastric sleeve weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico that left her with life-threatening complications after returning to the United States. INTEGRIS’ Hamilton Le, M.D., shared why stories like Brandi’s are all too common and why Oklahomans should think twice before opting to receive weight loss surgeries in Mexico to save money.

8. The Surprising Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a warm, bitter spice used in cooking and is the ingredient used to give some mustards, butters and cheeses their yellow color. INTEGRIS practitioners Juli Johnson, APRN, and Andrew Weil, M.D., explored the many health benefits this unsuspecting spice can provide as well as its full health potential that has yet to be discovered.

7. Kegel Exercises to Prevent Female Leakage

INTEGRIS Physical Therapist Lacey Savage answered commonly asked questions about pelvic floor dysfunction and female leakage. She discussed how Kegel exercises, when done correctly, can strengthen and improve the coordination of pelvic floor muscles to help with incontinence.

6. Using Baby Boxes for Safe Sleep

Baby boxes are showing up around the world, and many are wondering what they are and how a simple box can help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To answer some of these questions, Audrey Goodwin, M.D., gave us the scoop on baby boxes and covered the importance of safe sleep.

5. My 100 Pound Weight Loss Journey

INTEGRIS Social Media Specialist Sarah Johnston shared her story of how Weight Watchers and the community she found at the YMCA-Health Living Center helped her to lose more than 100 pounds and get her health back on track.

4. U-Pick Farms Near Oklahoma City are Waiting for Your Family to Drive Through Their Gates

 You-pick-it farms, also known as u-pick farms, provide an opportunity for your family to pick fresh fruit and vegetables right off the plant. We dove into why fruits and veggies are an important part of your diet and highlighted some local u-pick farms worth visiting.

3. Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier: Fried Okra

In our “Oklahoma Favorite Foods Made Healthier” series, we looked at ways to make one regional favorite healthier and trans-fat-free. Despite being one of three vegetables included in Oklahoma’s official state meal, fried okra is chock-full of saturated and trans fats, making it an indulgence that should be eaten in moderation.

2. National Women’s Health Week Spotlight: What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a topic many women don't feel comfortable discussing. However, it's estimated that more than three million women in the U.S. suffer from this condition. For National Women’s Health Week in May, INTEGRIS’ Dena O’Leary, M.D., discussed pelvis organ prolapse and what women should know.

1. Snakes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s warm climate makes it a preferred home many types of snakes. When the weather rises throughout the state, there are some important things people should know about the types of snakes commonly found in Oklahoma and the dangers they pose. We created a quick guide to help keep you and your family safe.

How many of the top 17 posts have you read? We at INTEGRIS wish you and yours a happy holiday season and are looking forward to all that the new year has in store.