As students return to school and dive into sports, the summer heat poses significant health risks. In this blog, we talked to David Hopkins, D.O., a board-certified family medicine physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Guthrie about the health risks of rising temperatures and the dangers posed to young athletes.
We spoke with Paul Allegra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health in Edmond, about how to recognize a concussion and what next steps to take.
RSV is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, lungs and breathing passages. RSV comes from the Paramyxoviridae family, a group that also includes the mumps and measles. The virus can replicate anywhere in the respiratory tract, mainly the breathing tubes and lungs. This replication then causes swelling and inflammation that makes you sneeze, cough or have trouble breathing.
We provide a guide to help determine if your child is speaking enough for their age and when you should become concerned about a possible delay. Knowing what’s normal and what isn’t can help put your mind at ease.
By the time your infant celebrates their first birthday, they will have had the opportunity to receive 10 vaccinations to prevent them from various diseases and illnesses. For specific shots, such as the flu, it can be difficult to remember when your baby should become vaccinated. This blog will explain the best time for your baby to receive the flu vaccine.
Instead of turning to eggs and other processed meats for protein sources at breakfast, some consumers have ventured into the world of high-protein cereals as an alternative. This blog will explore this growing market and expand on the possible health benefits.
As the cooler months are approaching, your chances of getting sick increase. Luckily, there are several different ways you can support your immune system to get ahead of fall and winter time sicknesses. We share 5 ways you can boost your immune system.
There is a real stigma with discussing weight, whether it’s with friends or family. It’s even harder when you attempt to discuss this with your own children.
Being obese comes with a long list of health risk factors that include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, lung disease and 13 types of cancer. For decades, these effects have been well known. Researchers have discovered a new link between obesity and brain function.
Technology has improved our lives in many ways. But like anything in life, too much can sometimes lead to harm. Have you ever thought about trying a digital detox to give your mind and body a rest? It can be just as beneficial as eating your daily vegetables.
Childhood obesity is a disturbing epidemic in the U.S. The number of children who suffer from it has more than tripled since 1980. This means the future health of our children is dire as they suffer from diseases that were traditionally reserved for adults - diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. The good news is that childhood obesity is reversible.
For people who have food allergies or are simply trying to eat healthier, it can be difficult to come up with a grocery list that is affordable and fulfilling. Instead of overspending on a pint of non-dairy ice cream, we rounded up several recipes to try at home that take just a few minutes to prepare.
It’s long been known that exercise is good for both body and mind, and that certain types of exercise are extra good for calming the mind. There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting kayaking is a double-paddled superstar when it comes to de-stressing. We share what you need to know.
When your baby transitions from milk or formula to solids, baby food purees are typically the first item to grab off the shelves at your local grocery store. However, many parents use baby-led weaning, a process that involves infants learning to feed themselves, as a way to introduce solids. We provide information on when and how to start baby-led weaning and which foods to feed your infant.
Parenting, especially for first timers, can be overwhelming from the start. To help with some of your newborn questions, we compiled some of the most commonly searched topics new parents have to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to survive the newborn phase and raise a healthy child.
Swimming is an amazing cardio workout, it’s known for its calming, meditative effects and it’s a remarkably efficient way to burn calories. Since water supports about 90 percent of your body weight when you’re swimming, it’s often possible to continue to exercise while recovering from an ankle sprain or other injury. Did you know, though, that there are lots of other ways to exercise in water?
Play, a natural part of childhood, is just as important for adults as it is for kids. But you know as well as we do, in the hurly-burly swirl of everyday life it can be all too easy to become so focused on getting things done that we forget to lighten up, loosen up and play.
Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties – the capacity to successfully adapt to a challenging life experience. The American Psychological Association suggests that resilient people use mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility to adjust to external and internal demands.
Trying to feed a toddler can be a headache. One day they will enjoy trying a certain food, the next it will end up on the floor as they throw it in disgust. This blog will provide tips on dealing with a picky eater and offer up easy recipes to serve to your toddler.
The next time you walk past a mirror, take a second to stop and look at yourself – what you see in the reflection is your body image. These thoughts and feelings can either be positive or negative. We will detail the four aspects of body image, how societal norms affect body image and highlight tips on how to keep a positive body image.
When your mind gets absorbed in a good book, experts say it only takes six minutes for your body to begin to relax. In fact, when reading was tested against many traditional forms of relaxation, it reduced stress by 68 percent and was the highest ranked method among those tested.
It’s easy to have fun in the summer; it can be equally easy for things to go awry and for people to get hurt. Let’s avoid summer maladies and injuries. With just a little bit of forethought, you can add a nice thick layer of safety to the season.
Your self-talk is shaped by your beliefs, experiences and the situations of your daily life. It can be positive, neutral or negative. We share the different types of negative self-talk and tips to help turn it around.
When combined with unhealthy eating habits, hemophilia can become difficult to live with. While there isn’t an official diet to follow for people with hemophilia, there are some general healthy habits that may help. We share what food groups to stay away from and food groups to embrace if you’re living with hemophilia.
Self-image is what you think other people think of you, and also how you want other people to think of you. Self-esteem is what you think of you. How do the two work together? What should you do if they don’t align, or if they’re too low or too high?
Seeing a baby cry excessively can be a difficult image to digest. As a parent, you want to help your child, but these situations can leave you feeling helpless and questioning if you’re a good parent or not. You may also wonder if your child has a more serious health problem. To help put your mind at ease, we examined what causes excessive crying, how long it lasts and some tips on how to handle it.
There’s a common misconception that sugar is only present in foods known for being sweet – sugary drinks, desserts and candy. Yes, these are the obvious culprits. But what about the ketchup you dunk your fries in, the dressing you generously drizzle on your salad or the bread you use for sandwiches?
A well-balanced meal can keep you fueled for as long as four hours, so another pro tip is to eat every four hours or so, to keep a steady flow of energy. What foods give you energy? We share 17 foods that will help keep you fueled.
Learn how you can incorporate more healthy foods into your child’s diet. We discuss how to talk to your child about nutrition, go over which nutrients your child needs to grow and share easy recipes you can try at home.
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.
June is Family Health & Fitness Month, and we are encouraging families to engage in kid-friendly activities that cultivate healthy, active lifestyles as children grow. Yoga is often overlooked as a kid-friendly activity, but it has several benefits for kids and teens.
One in five Americans is affected by mental illness. While common, it can sometimes be difficult to spot in loved ones. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we highlight the signs and symptoms of depression, what to look for in your loved ones and the steps you can take to help if a loved one is depressed.
There are a few parts of your routine that should remain consistent during most situations. Let’s think of them as a framework onto which we can add other things. A good routine is one you can stick with. The more diligent you are about your routine, the more power it will have to calm and center you. We explain the benefits of having a routine and how to get into a new routine post-COVID.
We love the sunny skies and longer, fun-filled days of summer. Swimming, exercising more and spending time hiking and camping just come more naturally when the weather is warmer and there are more hours of daylight. All that sun and fun can do a number on our skin, though. Let’s talk about sunburn, heat rash and bug bites.
Parenting styles and a parent’s mental health impacts their children. As part of Children's Mental Health Week, we discuss how a parent can pass down mental health disorders to children and which behavioral and emotional patterns can have a lasting impact on childhood development.
Nearly 80 percent of high school kids have tried alcohol. While it may not feel like it, parents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions. Kids who grow up with a supportive and nurturing parent relationship tend to make better decisions. The way you talk about alcohol with your kids will change over time. We share a few tips for adapting your messaging to their developmental stages.
Is it safe to enjoy spring break during COVID-19? Many colleges and universities are cancelling spring break entirely, in hopes of lessening outbreaks. We break down the CDC guidelines on how to enjoy a safe spring break this year.
With more screens in more places, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage screen time for kids. How much is too much? What if it’s educational? How does screen time management change as kids get older? We address your biggest screen time concerns for kids of all ages.
Around the world, everyone has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you lost a job, a loved one or simply the comforts of normal life, the past year will have a lasting impact on all of us. Because of these disruptions, there will likely be significant and long-lasting impacts for kids who lived through this unprecedented year.
Some of the best food memories are often found around the dinner table while cooking at home. That’s why, as parents, you should make cooking with your children a priority. We’ll provide you with some pointers on teaching your kids to cook, safety tips to consider and easy recipes your kids will find enjoyable.
Mental health doesn’t discriminate. If you’re a parent, there’s a chance you’ll deal with a child who faces depression. In fact, one in five adolescents will battle with depression during their teen years. We discuss some ways your teen may be asking for help without ever saying it.
Today, many toys are digital and can talk, interact, sing and dance along with your child. But, heavy use of electronic media may be too much for your little toddler's developing brain. We explain the purpose of toys and how to introduce ones that encourage children to use their imagination.
There are many types of vaccines, and keeping up with them can be a tedious process for some. That’s why we created a comprehensive guide, including expert advice from Vibitha Mani, M.D., a pediatrician at INTEGRIS Family Care Council Crossing, to walk you through when and which vaccinations your child should receive.
It’s estimated that between six and 12 million children between the ages of 3 and 11 get head lice each year in the United States. We share how to spot lice, what it feels like and CDC recommendations to get rid of lice.
You may be wondering whether store-bought or homemade baby food is best. We've outlined the benefits of each, and we provided tips for making your baby food at home so you can make educated decisions that are best for your family.
October is National Children’s Health Month, which brings awareness to protecting and developing children’s health with holistic lifestyle choices and pediatric medical care. When we think of children’s health, many think of vaccinations, dental hygiene and healthy nutrition. While those things are essential, we often overlook a key aspect of every child’s wellbeing: playing outside.
All school-aged kids and teenagers need nutrition that supports their growth and activity level, which is why it’s important to replenish their calories and nutrients after sports practices. If you’re looking for a healthier option to give your kids after sports practices, it comes down to understanding their nutrition and finding quick and portable options you can pack.
OCD Awareness Week is October 11-17. Most people experience obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors during their lives, but for a person suffering from OCD, those behaviors and the cycle of obsession and compulsions becomes so extreme that it disrupts normal life. Luckily, treatments are found to be helpful in treating this disorder.
Happy Children's Health Month! To mark the occasion, we talked with Dr. Craig Kupiec, a pediatrician at INTEGRIS, for his thoughts on why strep throat occurs so often in children. He also discusses pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, known as PANDAS, a mysterious disorder that some think might be associated with streptococcal infections.
Cancer in children is more common than you may think, as it accounts for the second-leading cause of death behind accidents. While a cancer diagnosis, or even the thought of your child developing cancer one day, is overwhelming, modern medicine has greatly improved survival rates.
Oftentimes patients find it difficult to grasp the right words to describe pain, or they worry they’ll unintentionally exaggerate it or minimize it through the words they use. Inaccurate descriptions can lead to misdiagnoses, misaligned treatments to manage the pain or an ailment going undiagnosed altogether. To arm you with the vernacular you need to describe pain during your next doctor’s visit, we put together a guide to help you and your physician see eye to eye on your pain level so you can get to work alleviating or managing it.
When you're struggling with your mental health, finding the treatment and practitioner right for you can be daunting, which is why we’ve broken down the different mental health professionals by their treatment processes and licensures.
There is a lot of information swirling around, and it’s difficult to sort through it all sometimes, but one thing is clear: wearing a mask helps stop the spread of the virus. It is well worth your effort to teach your children to embrace this important change in their lives.
If you have tried the Keto Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Atkins Diet or any of the others that call for a high protein intake, you may have wondered just how much protein is too much. We’ve asked an expert for the answer.
While it seems everyone is always trying to lose weight, there's a significant number of people who want to gain weight, too. Being underweight can be just as dangerous as being obese, but if you do need to gain weight, what's the best way to do it healthily? An INTEGRIS dietitian explains.
It's Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is a good time to talk about navigating the birth of your baby and your options for breastfeeding during the pandemic.
When it comes to arthritis, the picture of an elderly person might come to mind. But arthritis affects children, too. At any point before your child matures into an adult, his or her body may experience a chronic inflammatory response that causes joint pain, skin rashes or more complex internal organ issues. The quicker you obtain a diagnosis, the more proactive doctors can be with treatments that can allow your child to live a long, healthy life.
Families are very ready to get out of the house and venture out for a little summer fun. While this summer is certainly different from a “normal” one in the city, the good news is there are many summer activities that remain quite safe with a little advance planning.
With summer in full swing, many residents want to know if it’s safe to visit public and community pools. We are breaking down the CDC guidelines on how to enjoy the pool safely this summer.
With kids stuck at home, many Oklahoma parents are wondering what their kids are going to do all day. If you’re running low on ideas to keep the kids busy, here are some ideas we’ve put together for activities that can help kids stay engaged.
As an adult, one of the most important things we can do is to help the young people in our lives cope with COVID-19. We are sharing some helpful tips, guidelines and resources. Remember – you don’t have to be perfect, just try your best.
To recognize 2019 — and as a way to usher in 2020 — we've 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.
Staying healthy during the holidays takes a little pre-planning, but it can be done. See our 10 tips on how to keep your health (and sanity) whether you’re driving in a car, taking a train, flying in a plane or just spending time with family and friends.
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.
With telemedicine innovations like INTEGRIS Virtual Visit, patients can access health care straight from their homes with only the internet and a screen!
Don’t rely on old wives’ tales to keep your kids healthy this flu season! With an estimated four billion sick days taken in the U.S. each year, following medically sound practices to prevent the spread of germs goes a long way toward helping your child have fewer missed school days, fewer infections, fewer trips to the doctor and lower medical costs.
While accidents can happen, creating a safe environment and doing a little advance planning can significantly reduce the chances of your Halloween festivities having a mishap.
Today’s teens are exposed to millions of images and messages – often negative, confusing or conflicting – from their peers, from television, the internet and especially on social media, where truth can be misleading. When you couple typical teen issues with more serious concerns like family problems, substance abuse or depression, it’s no surprise mental health issues are so common in adolescents today.
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.
Being able to smell a rose is something most people take for granted. Losing your sense of smell impacts not only your ability to detect odors, but also many other areas of your life. For instance, your sense of smell is directly related to your ability to taste. How many people suffer from a smell or taste disorder, and is there any treatment?
You've probably seen all the news recently about the closing of the Smart Saver in northeast Oklahoma City, which was the last grocery store in the area. But why does it matter, and how does it impact both the hunger and the obesity epidemics in Oklahoma?
Fruits and vegetables are the superstars of summer eating. The summer cornucopia is full of “superfoods” that taste like sunshine and are filled with life-nourishing vitamins and minerals our bodies need.
Before you send your kids back to school, make sure you know the symptoms of bacterial meningitis, which can kill quickly or cause permanent disabilities.
When they are breastfeeding, many new mothers may wonder if they are producing enough milk. They may look for ways to naturally boost their milk supply so that their baby gets all the nutrition and antibodies that breast milk can provide. Luckily for breastfeeding mommies, there are ways to maintain and boost your milk production, including recipes.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! You spend nine months taking birthing classes, building the perfect registry and organizing your nursery. Yet many new moms don’t prepare for breastfeeding. It seems like a natural thing, so it should come easy, right? Unfortunately, natural instinct can only go so far. We can help.
For many Americans living with food intolerances or allergies, finding tasty alternatives to items like dairy or wheat can be an ongoing scavenger hunt. Luckily, lots of options are being developed. Here is a quick guide to alternative products for food intolerances, with recipes!
Did you know it's possible to be thin and prediabetic, or obese and never get diabetes? It depends on your genes. Anyone who develops diabetes has a gene that allows insulin resistance to happen. Our genes load the gun but more importantly, our lifestyle pulls the trigger. Certified diabetes educator Brent Wilson explains.
People who work or play outside during the extremely hot Oklahoma summer run the risk of several heat-related injuries. The most serious is heatstroke, which can cause organ damage or even death. Dr. Layne Keathly gives symptoms to watch for so you can keep your family cool this summer.
All children need a healthy bedtime routine to perform their best in the classroom. As summer winds down this month, start getting them into school-year sleep mode now!
When was the last time you went an entire day without using your phone to scroll through social media, snap a photo, check your email or play a game? The convenience of a smartphone makes it hard to put down. Researchers have noticed the uptick in smartphone use and some are asking, “Do smartphones cause more problems than they solve?”
After staring at a computer for hours, who hasn’t felt like their eyes were tired and dry? But can the blue light given off by screens, smartphones and other digital sources actually cause damage to your body?
Every living creature deserves kindness, and it’s important that your children know the safe way to interact with our furry, scaly and feathered friends.
Oklahoma has the seventh highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the country. But it doesn't have to be this way! With lifestyle changes, it can be controlled and even reversed.
Diagnoses of gastrointestinal disorders are on the rise for children, and can include infantile colic, recurrent abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, nutritional intolerances, celiac disease, malabsorption syndromes, acute diarrhea, persistent diarrhea, chronic constipation and more. Luckily, the treatment and management of these pediatric conditions are getting more sophisticated. When it comes to deciding whether it’s time for a child to see a GI specialist, Dr. Shambayati says to "trust your gut."
To mark National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, Dr. Charles Morgan, a neurologist at INTEGRIS, explains the science behind migraines and how to help manage and treat symptoms.
Whether you’re walking a trail in the woods, trimming brush in your backyard, or pitching a tent in one of Oklahoma’s campgrounds, you may come across poison ivy this summer – and before you know it, you might be sporting a red, itchy rash. The best way to avoid poison ivy is to recognize it when you see it. Here’s how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac so you can avoid all of them!
Fireworks are likely a part of your Fourth of July celebration, but that doesn’t mean they are safe! The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates an average of 250 people make a trip to the emergency room each day of the month with a firework-related injury around the holiday. What areas of the body get the most damage?
A common rite of passage into parenthood is clearing out your baby’s nose for the first time. It can be scary and there are often tears involved. These natural home remedies can help make the experience a little less stressful and help you clear your baby’s nose like a pro.
The tragic news that country singer Granger Smith's 3-year-old son drowned at home has many parents worried about swimming safety for their infants and toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists drowning as the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. However, the AAP suggests that swim lessons can be beneficial for children and may decrease drowning rates. Local YMCA locations in the OKC metro have a swim lesson program aiming to get toddlers and infants into the pool at a very young age, starting at just six months.
Keep kids healthy and engaged this summer for personal and academic growth. Active bodies and minds over the break can enhance school performance in the fall.
When a child is truly involved in the food – planting the seed, getting their hands in the dirt and harvesting – that’s when the connection to food really ignites.
Many common commercial cleaners are filled with toxic substances that can also produce environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal. But with a few small changes, anyone can switch out harsh cleaning products for more natural options that make a home sparkle without damaging the environment or affecting a person's health.
Floating the Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma is a weekend well spent in the outdoors and we bet many of you are planning a float trip this summer. Here's what you need to remember to stay safe.
Remember the freedom you felt as a child when you hopped on your bike, pedaled down the street and let the wind hit your face? That childhood joy isn’t just for kids. Today, millions of adults and children still revel in the fun of bike riding both for pleasure and for health. Why not see what you've been missing and try out these OKC bike trails?
Residents across Oklahoma recently watched a terrifying video that showed a large snake biting an unsuspecting Lawton man directly in the face. But just how common are snakes in Oklahoma? How poisonous are they? Should you be worried that one might be lurking in your mailbox? It's important to know which snakes are most dangerous and what to do if a loved one gets bitten.
Learn more about this fast and fun workout, whether you’ll be sitting pretty on an indoor rowing machine or enjoying the fresh air with an outdoor row at the state-of-the-art OKC Boathouse District.
Babies can communicate with signs even before they learn to talk, making it easier for caregivers to understand their needs, helping their vocal speech development and boosting their cognitive growth.
Is that cramping, abdominal pain or bloating simply indigestion, or could it be something more? April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, so learn to identify the FODMAPs that may be causing your IBS.
Oklahoma City is ranked 18th in the nation for "Most Challenging Places to Live with Spring Allergies." What is the main culprit for Oklahoma City having a bad allergy season?
Poison is the leading cause of unintentional injury death, surpassing motor vehicle crashes. According to the American Association of Poison Control, more than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the nation’s poison centers and 90 percent of those happen at home. Here's how to keep you kids and pets safe.
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?
Spring break is here, but you don’t have to hit the beaches or even travel far to enjoy a healthy and fun week in March. Oklahoma offers numerous opportunities to get outside, get moving, take in healthy activities and have a ball all within the state boundaries.
While adults may have heard about the benefits of using probiotics, the question of whether probiotics are safe for use in children hasn’t been discussed as often.
