SKIP TO CONTENT

INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

Check back to the INTEGRIS Health On Your Health blog for the latest health and wellness news for all Oklahomans.

Image

Back-to-School and Extreme Heat

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.

STAFF

Image

What are the Six Stages of Concussion Recovery?

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.

STAFF

Image

Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Is My Child Talking Enough For Their Age?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

When Should My Child Get Their First Flu Shot?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

High-protein cereals: A Healthier Breakfast Alternative?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

How to Discuss Exercise and Weight With your Child in a Healthy Way

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Is There a Link Between Obesity and Brain Function?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Do You Need a Digital Detox?

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.

STAFF

Image

How Dangerous is Childhood Obesity?

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.

STAFF

Image

Easy Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipes to Try at Home

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Stressed? Get Your Paddle On!

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Baby-Led Weaning: Which Foods to Feed Your Infant

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

The Newborn Guide: Answering Common Questions For Your New Baby

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Taking it to the Water: An Aquatic Exercise Primer

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?

Lainey Townsend

Image

The Power of Play: For Kids and Adults

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Tips for Raising Resilient Children and Teens

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

How to Get a Picky Toddler to Eat

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

How Does Body Image Affect Mental Health?

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Reading Books is Good for Your Mental Health

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.

STAFF

Image

Stay Summer Safe: How to Keep Hot Weather Fun from Turning Hazardous

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Learn to Quash the Negative Self-Talk: It May Be Harming Your Health

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Foods To Avoid With Hemophilia

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

What is Self-Esteem and How Can We Improve it?

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?

Lainey Townsend

Image

Why Is My Baby So Fussy? Common Causes of Excessive Crying in Infants

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.

Lainey Townsend

Image

Sneaky Sources of Added Sugar

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?

Lainey Townsend

Image

Foods That Give You Energy

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.

STAFF

Image

Nutrition for Kids: How to Incorporate Healthy Foods

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.

STAFF

Image

What Happens When You Neglect Your Health?

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.

STAFF

Image

Eat for Hydration: 20 Water-packed Foods to Enjoy

Did you know, good hydration also helps with mood, sleep and cognition? Learn what foods you can eat to help with hydration.

STAFF

Image

Remedies for Taming Nausea

We share causes of nausea, at home treatments and the warning signs that your nausea may require medical attention.

STAFF

Image

Benefits of Yoga for Kids and Teens

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.

STAFF

Image

How to Spot Depression in Loved Ones

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.

STAFF

Image

Finding a Post-COVID Routine

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.

STAFF

Image

Summer Skin Challenges and Tips

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.

STAFF

Image

How Parents Affect Their Child's Mental Health

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.

STAFF

Image

How to Talk to Your Kids About Alcohol

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.

STAFF

Image

Spring Break in the COVID-19 Age

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.

STAFF

Image

Managing Your Child’s Screen Time

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.

STAFF

View more