Living with one lung may seem like an impossible challenge – the lungs are a key organ that work 24 hours a day to keep us alive – but the human body has an uncanny ability to adapt. Much like living without a pancreas, gallbladder, appendix or spleen, missing out on the functionality of these organs isn’t ideal but it can be done. Learn more about what causes people to have a single lung and how you can still live a healthy life.
Traditional tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals that increase smokers' chances of developing cancer. In fact, smoking is tied to 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As an alternative to smoking, many people have turned to e-cigarettes to vape, including teens and young adults (read our blog on how e-cigarette use is on the rise among teens in Oklahoma). But is inhaling liquid nicotine any safer and is there any risk of cancer associated with vaping?
November is a time when mustaches take center stage, but it's not just about style – it's about striking up conversations and raising awareness for men's health. Movember, a global movement, is dedicated to bringing attention to pressing men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges.
Stomach cancer, though less talked about than other common cancers, poses a significant health risk that deserves more attention. By raising awareness about stomach cancer, the goal is to empower patients and the community with vital knowledge on the facts, causes and prognosis of this disease.
Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. In this blog, we speak to Nathaniel Moulton, M.D., a board-certified interventional pulmonologist at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Baptist Pulmonary Medicine, to learn more.
Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases, but it's still important to be aware of its signs, symptoms, causes and treatment options should you or a loved one be impacted. As part of breast cancer awareness in October, we talk to Samer Hassan, M.D., a board-certified physician in internal medicine, oncology and hematology, with INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common and effective forms of cancer treatment. Despite doing its job of destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy drugs also impact healthy cells and cause a wide range of side effects. In this blog, Brian Geister, M.D., and Agnel Raparthi, M.D., both with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute, weigh in on how chemotherapy affects the body.
When it comes to breast cancer screenings, the word “mammogram” is what most people associate with the testing that plays a key role in diagnosing cancer. But some people may not know there are two types of mammograms – screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
It’s a widely held belief that drinking a glass of wine a day is beneficial to health, but experts say alcohol is a known carcinogen and that any amount of alcohol can increase your risk of negative health effects. In this blog, we talk with Bilal Ahmad, M.D., a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center, to learn more.
Despite being one of the most common types of cancers, the scientific explanation for why breast cancer occurs more often than other types of cancers is unknown in the medical community.
What researchers do know is which factors heighten – or lower – the risk of developing breast cancer. As breast cancer prevalence grows (women have a 13 percent lifetime risk, meaning 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed), having a basic understanding of what puts you at risk can help you prepare for the future.
Reaching the age of 40 is a significant milestone that often comes with a greater focus on health maintenance and prevention. As part of Healthy Aging Month in September, in this blog we talk to Jeffrey Cruzan, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Memorial West, about the medical screenings to keep in mind as we get older.
On Feb. 5, Oklahoma lost a favorite son and icon, Toby Keith, to stomach cancer and Oklahomans are in mourning. We spoke to oncologist, Laila Babar, M.D., about stomach cancer facts, symptoms and treatment.
In terms of skin cancer, where does it rank among fatal cases? This is a common question people ask. We examine how serious skin cancer is and how likely you are to survive if you or a family member recently received a diagnosis.
By making a few easy lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer or improve your chances of beating the disease if you are diagnosed. The recommendations outlined here also lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious ailments, boosting your odds of living a long, healthy life.
One of the first and most pressing questions cancer patients want to know after their initial diagnosis is which stage the cancer is at. The answer to this question can often be the difference between a positive prognosis and an uphill battle full of hurdles. We’re here to walk you through why cancer staging matters, how cancers are classified by stage and how the staging process works.
This article is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of which factors play a role in your prognosis and what you should expect in the coming days, weeks and months following your diagnosis.
What’s the worst that could happen if you avoid the doctor’s office? Better yet, why do you even need a doctor if you’re not sick? The answer: many benign health problems can easily become an issue without proper oversight. We’re here to explore exactly what happens when you neglect your health and why you should prioritize regular checkups.
As a way to promote awareness for colorectal cancer in March, we’ve covered some of the recent changes in preventive screening, outlined what you need to know if you fall in an at-risk category for colorectal cancer and touched on the importance of scheduling a colonoscopy.
To help highlight Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, we checked in with Dr. Silverstein, who is now retired, and Brian Geister, M.D. a board-certified oncologist and internal medicine doctor, to learn more about pancreatic cancer, why it’s so deadly and what the future holds.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here is what you need to know about dense breast tissue. While having dense breasts is normal, it does pose challenges in detecting breast cancer.
An estimated five to 10 million were exposed to DES in the womb from 1938-1971. Today, many women might not even know they are at risk, but scientists are calling them the “DES Daughters.”
Radon exposure is the top cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The EPA estimates radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, the number two contributor behind smoking.
The first four cases of serious lung injury related to e-cigarettes have been confirmed in Oklahoma. Nationwide, 26 people have died so far. While the investigation is ongoing, the CDC recommends that people refrain from using e-cigarette products.
If ongoing studies on brown fat show the same results in humans as they did in mice, fat tissue and hormones may hold a very important key to effective weight loss.
While scheduling a yearly check-up with a doctor is vital, men can also take charge of their health by doing quick self-exams at home, so they can learn what’s “normal” for their bodies and what isn’t.
Studies have shown guided imagery can help the mind and body relax. It has also been shown to help manage anxiety, stress and depression, to reduce pain, lower blood pressure, lessen nausea and give patients a better sense of control and well-being. If you are healing from cancer or feel anxiety or stress, this complementary therapy might be good for you.
You might already know about macronutrients and micronutrients, but did you know that hidden within foods such as turmeric, tomatoes and blackberries are active compounds called mesonutrients that might play a big role in making these foods so good for you? Many health publications and websites are proclaiming mesonutrients as the newest health trend of 2019. So, why are mesonutrients so important?
Rubbing areas that hurt is a natural human response. But beyond easing tension and sore muscles, did you know therapeutic massage lowers blood pressure, improves weight gain in preterm infants, can relieve migraine headache pain and even reduce scar tissue and stretch marks? Plus so much more!
Many cultures throughout Asia have harnessed the healing powers of green tea for thousands of years, but the Western world has gone crazy for green tea only in the last few decades. Lately it seems you can't pick up a newspaper or visit a health website that doesn't proclaim the supposed health benefits of green tea, from weight loss to preventing colds to fighting cancer. But should you believe the hype?
As the largest organ of your body, your skin acts as a defense mechanism protecting you against outside pollutants and harsh UV rays. While your skin works hard for you, you need to do the same in return. You can start by knowing some of the basic benign skin conditions and when to seek treatment.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. To help bring prostate cancer to the forefront as a serious health issue for Oklahomans, common treatment questions are answered by an INTEGRIS radiation oncologist.
If caught early, ovarian cancer has a high rate of survival. However, the insidious nature of this cancer means that it often remains undetected until it has progressed rapidly. Fortunately, there are ways to educate yourself on ovarian cancer and learn how to recognize the signs of this disease.
INTEGRIS liver transplant recipient Karen Hoyt spent 300 days on the transplant waiting list. Since her transplant, she went on to compete in the 30th World Transplant Games and won gold!
For children with sensory sensitivity, every aspect of life can be a challenge. Noisy crowds, bursts of light and uncomfortable clothes are often overwhelming, and parents are left wondering what to do with their children outside of the house. Luckily, some businesses in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas are working to create sensitive environments and accommodations so all families and children can participate.
Since we've come to the end of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let's talk about something potentially unpleasant and embarrassing: colonoscopies. An INTEGRIS employee demystifies her recent colonoscopy to encourage others to undergo this important, life-saving screening.
It's early in 2018, which means it’s time for America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report. The report, recently released by the United Health Foundation, ranked Oklahoma number 43 in the U.S. in terms of health. We’re breaking down the data and highlighting some interesting facts about Oklahoma.
It’s time for Oklahomans to toss those cigarettes -- at least for one day. This Thursday, Nov. 16, smokers in Oklahoma and across the country are challenged to quit smoking for one day during the annual Great American Smokeout. Hopefully, this one-day success will show smokers they can kick the habit for good.
Most forms of skin cancer are curable if found and removed early; however, skin cancer can also lead to disfigurement and death. A simple way to help catch skin cancer in its early stages is to perform regular self-checks of your skin.
If you’ve been reading or watching health news lately, chances are, you’ve seen a wave of news stories about cancer diagnoses on the rise in younger generations. More people in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with colon cancer than ever before.
Current medical research is confirming what has been understood in India and Asia for thousands of years. Turmeric may offer a large number of health benefits for your body and brain.
