The Top 19 Blog Posts of 2019
It was another big year for us at INTEGRIS. To list just a few of the exciting developments, we welcomed many new doctors to our team, celebrated the debut of Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Center for Addictions Recovery, and saw four new community hospitals open in Oklahoma City, OKC West, Del City, and Moore.
To recognize 2019 — and as a way to usher in 2020 — we collected the 19 most popular On Your Health blog posts of 2019. From new food fads and trends to specific male and female issues, readers were interested in a variety of preventive methods to assist in overall health and wellness.
19. Should You Buy Organic Fruits and Vegetables?
Trips to the grocery store produce a common question when you hit the produce aisle — ‘Do I really need to spend the money on organic products?’ Not everyone has an expendable income, so we outlined which fruits and vegetables are best suited to buy organic and which foods are low in pesticides that may not require the extra spending.
18. Oklahoma State Fight Song Helps Cancer Survivor Celebrate Her Strength
Need a feel-good story to cheer you up? Then this is for you. It depicts a cancer patient and a Wellness Director at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute who were former cheerleading teammates at Oklahoma State University. Last spring, they celebrated cancer remission by dancing and singing to the OSU fight song, only for a video of their moves to go viral.
17. The Truth About "All Natural" Skin Care and DIY Products You Can Make at Home
We heard plenty of discussion about all-natural skincare, so we took a dive into what it all means and if it’s worth the cost. Plus, we provided DIY tips and tricks for you to make natural skincare products at home.
16. Don't Fear Your Colon Cancer Screening (or the Prep, Either)
Colonoscopies become a part of your normal health screening once you hit the half-century mark (the American Cancer Society recently suggested screenings by the age of 45). While colonoscopies may not exactly top the fun list of things to do, the procedure can save lives. We outlined what to expect with your prep and the actual screening.
15. Your Guide To Oklahoma Float Trips This Summer
It’s winter, so we’re not exactly thinking of outdoorsy activities, but this post from the spring helped travelers get a better idea of what to expect when you float down a river. If you’re already making 2020 plans, you can use this as a checklist to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
14. Know Your Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
How many times do you walk past brush or a wooded air and wonder if you’ve stepped in something hazardous? It probably happens more often than you realize. We put together a guide on how to identify and treat poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.
13. What is Cryotherapy? Is it Safe? Does it Work?
The next time you have an ache or ailment, you may look to cryotherapy. Before you test these frigid waters, check out our informative breakdown of what it is and how it works (or doesn’t work — because there aren’t many scientific findings of its potential benefits).
12. Myths About Men and Fertility
You may commonly associate fertility or infertility with women. But men can have real issues when it comes time to start a family. We debunked some common myths and highlighted several notable facts you’ll find helpful in your day-to-day life.
11. A Guide to Healthy Cholesterol
Do you love food, especially things like red meat, cheese and whole milk or do you have family issues surrounding high cholesterol? Well, then we urge you to read this. We explain the different components of cholesterol and what healthy levels look like. We also run through several ways to reduce your levels.
10. Preparing for Emergencies: Oklahoma Tornado Season
Tornado season is every day in Oklahoma, or so it seems. These fast-moving storms can strike at a moment's notice, so we always stress preparation to our readers. From properly stocking your storm shelter with essentials to mapping out a communication plan with loved ones, it’s never too early to think about tornado season.
9. When a Hospice Patient Stops Eating or Drinking
It’s hard to process seeing a terminally ill family member suffer under Hospice care. It can be even more upsetting when they stop eating or drinking. Instead of feeling helpless, here are some pointers to consider when helping a loved one in their final weeks or days.
8. 25 Things Every Woman Over 50 Should Know
Your health should always be a priority, but we owe it to our bodies to pay closer attention as we age. We provided 25 facts women should keep in mind to help them live long and enjoyable lives. From health screenings and hot flashes to eating trends like almond milk and superfoods, we covered it all.
7. How Common Are Snake Attacks in Oklahoma?
Snake bites are rare in Oklahoma, but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen to you. We took a look at the venomous snakes in the state, how you can identify them, and what you should do if you have a snake bite.
6. The Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction
You may enjoy indulging in a glass of wine or a beer to wind down the night or to celebrate with friends on the weekend. But when does too much alcohol use become a problem? More than two or three per day, depending on your sex, could be a warning sign. Here are some things to monitor and solutions should you or a loved one need help.
5. The Health Benefits of Superfoods
Superfoods are all the rage these days. What are they and how can they help you in your healthy living journey? We went over 44 superfoods — ranging from fruits, vegetables, and nuts — to incorporate into your diet.
4. Which Type of Milk is Healthiest?
Speaking of food trends, cow’s milk isn’t the only thing on our breakfast tables in the morning. Milk alternatives are becoming more popular. We analyzed the health benefits of traditional milk against other options like almond milk, soy milk, and rice milk.
3. Nasal Congestion: How To Clear Your Baby's Nose Naturally
If you’re new to parenting, you’ve likely wondered about the best way to rid a baby’s nose of congestion. We find natural remedies are the best option when doing so. Here are some ways to get rid of nasal congestion without medication.
2. Why the Spare Tire Happens and What It Means for Men
No, we aren’t referring to a car tire. Rather, this term describes the belly fat men can accrue over time, mainly due to inactivity and poor eating habits. It doesn’t just affect your appearance, either. There are health risks associated with having too much excess fat.
1. Female Bleeding: When Should You See a Doctor?
When it comes to your period, it can be hard to decipher what is normal and what should raise red flags. As a way to avoid these unnerving, lingering questions, we sought out the expert opinion of INTEGRIS OB-GYN Dr. Elise Schrop. She helped explained what to look for, the causes of female bleeding, and how to treat these episodes.
These 19 posts are just a snippet of the overall health trends and topics we covered in 2019. Check out the On Your Health blog to read informative articles and expert doctor opinions from the staff at INTEGRIS. Enjoy a safe and happy holiday. We look forward to ringing in 2020 with you.