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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.

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Fun Family Activities to Do During Christmas

Christmas time in Oklahoma City can be a magical experience when done right, as the city has many traditions and events that provide festive options for residents and visitors alike. Use this blog as a guide to schedule family-friendly events this holiday season.

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Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?

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?

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American Diabetes Month: Complications, the Importance of Screenings and How to Lower Risk

American Diabetes Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of diabetes through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise and weight management. Equally vital is the role of regular diabetes screenings, which can lead to early detection and more effective management of the condition.

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What Is the Difference Between Urgent Care and an Emergency Room?

Emergency and urgent care medicine both serve an important purpose in health care, but what exactly does each facility do and how should you decide which one to use for medical problems?

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How Do I Find a Primary Care Physician?

Choosing the right primary care physician (PCP) is a crucial step in managing your health care journey and living a healthier life. A PCP acts as your main health advocate, coordinating care, managing chronic conditions and offering preventive services tailored to your needs.

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Who Needs Platelets and How to Help

When we think about our blood, it’s easy to focus on red blood cells, but did you know there are actually three other main components that make our blood… blood? In addition to red blood cells, we have plasma, white blood cells and platelets running through our veins. Plasma is easy enough to remember – that’s the liquid part. White blood cells help our bodies fight off infections and diseases. But what about platelets?

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Is COVID Making a Comeback?

In this blog, David Chansolme, M.D., the medical director of infection prevention at INTEGRIS Health, gives us an update on the recent uptick in COVID cases across the country and in Oklahoma.

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National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance in August to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages and how they help to prevent and protect us from serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illness.

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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.

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Improving Your Health With Laughter

Boost your health with laughter! It's a free, fun, and easy way to cope with challenges, enhance relationships, and promote physical and emotional well-being.

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Dehydration Symptoms, Causes and Tips for Avoiding It: We’ll Drink to That

Summer in Oklahoma is hot and it’s all too easy to become dehydrated. It’s simple enough to reverse mild, or even moderate dehydration by increasing fluid intake and making sure to drink enough liquids and eat enough hydrating foods daily. We share symptoms of dehydration and tips to stay hydrated in hot weather.

Lainey Townsend

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Fun Summer Activities in Oklahoma City

From exploring the natural beauty of its landscapes to indulging in thrilling outdoor adventures, the Sooner State's capital has something to cater to every taste and age group. In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the top summer activities in Oklahoma City that will make your vacation and weekend a memorable and delightful experience.

Lainey Townsend

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How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

The summer season is filled with warm weather, days by the pool and increased sun exposure. Protecting your skin while enjoying time outdoors will allow you to enjoy the sun while also keeping your skin healthy.

Lainey Townsend

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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

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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.

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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.

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Oklahoma City Walking Trail Resources

Oklahoma is one of the more diverse states in the country due to its wide-ranging topography – some areas of the state are flat with scenic prairies while others are mountainous and full of canyons, forests and mesas. In between, Oklahoma is home to many rivers and lakes.

Lainey Townsend

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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

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How to Reduce Spring Allergy Symptoms

Enjoying warmer weather and the gorgeous scenery of spring without the annoyance of itchy, spring allergies is not out of reach. We have several tips to help you manage springtime allergies and reduce your sneezing and itchiness.

Lainey Townsend

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Sinus Massage Techniques That Reduce Congestion

Whenever you’re sick, the sinuses become obstructed with mucus. This blockage causes congestion and can lead to intense pressure and headaches. While there are nasal sprays and medications to treat symptoms, some simple massage techniques at home can provide you with relief.

Lainey Townsend

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Types of Burns and How to Treat Them

Burns are categorized by their degree of severity. Health care professionals determine the degree of a burn based on how deep the injury goes. The recommended treatment depends on the cause and severity, though all burns should be kept clean and bandaged. Learn more about the three classifications of burns and how to treat each one.

Lainey Townsend

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INTEGRIS Health @ Home: We Bring the Hospital to YOU

INTEGRIS Health @ Home is a brand-new service that brings the level of care, equipment, services and medical experts of a hospital to you right in your home. It’s no secret that most of us would rather be cared for in the comfort of our own homes. Many illnesses and injuries make a hospital stay necessary, but now, under certain situations, hospital-level care can come to you.

Lainey Townsend

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Steps for a Healthier Heart

A healthy heart is the foundation for a healthy life. No matter your risk factors, there are steps you can take now to reduce your risk of developing heart disease or improve your heart health if you already suffer from heart disease.

Lainey Townsend

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What Is the Lymphatic System and How to Get it Moving

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that plays an important role in your health. We’ll explain what the lymphatic system does, which organs play a role in its function and how to get it moving.

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Is an Air Purifier Worth It?

With Americans spending 90 percent of their time indoors, coupled with an increased focus on respiratory health due to COVID-19, air purifiers and air purification systems have become increasingly popular. These filtration systems have many names and use various technologies. But, are they worth the price and can they alleviate any health risks?

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Highlighting INTEGRIS Health Respiratory Therapists

You may not realize it, but when it comes to caring for COVID-19 patients, respiratory therapists handle much of the day-to-day care, alongside nurses, doctors and other staff. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of our dedicated, compassionate respiratory therapists, ask them how they are doing and celebrate them for everything they do.

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September is National Recovery Month

Most of us know someone with substance use disorder. Many of us even know someone who has lost a friend or family member to it. It’s a disease that affects people from all walks of life and of all ages.

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What’s an Algae Bloom?

You may be hearing news reports about algae blooms in area lakes or other bodies of water. That sounds ominous, but is it? Can an algae bloom make water unsafe to drink or swim in? Is this something normal?

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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.

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Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Second COVID-19 Vaccine

Does missing your second dose really make a difference? In short, yes. To help further this point, we addressed several common topics and questions people have about the importance of not skipping your second COVID-19 vaccine.

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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.

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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.

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Highlighting INTEGRIS Health Frontline Nurses

Nurses are the backbone of health care and often serve as the first line of defense to help diagnose and manage patient care. To mark national Nurses Week, we spoke with three INTEGRIS Health nurses. They shared their stories of what it’s like working as a nurse, how COVID-19 impacted the nursing profession and the lessons they’ve learned in the past year.

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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.

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Preventive Health Care Appointments You Should Have Each Year

Preventive health care appointments are critical in helping detect and diagnose certain diseases, disorders and cancers.

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Why It's Important to Allow Yourself to Rest

With the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic weighing on people over the last year, it’s more important than ever to advocate for mental health resources and daily routines that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

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Tips For Healthy Lungs

Every second your lungs are hard at work. They perform 24/7 behind the scenes to ensure your body receives the oxygen it needs to survive. That translates to about 12 to 15 breaths per minute, or 17,000 breaths per day, according to the American Lung Association. Put simply, your lungs never clock out. Considering their importance, it’s easy to see why you should practice healthy habits to keep your lungs performing at an optimal level.

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Impacts of Chronic Marijuana Use

While there are benefits of medical marijuana, it’s important to understand the long-term effects of chronic marijuana use. Jedidiah Perdue, M.D., medical director at Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Center for Addiction Recovery, offers his expertise and shares what you should know about how marijuana impacts the body and mind over time.

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Common Orthopedic Injuries in Winter

To help keep you and your family safe this winter, David B. Parker, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, provides information and insight into common orthopedic injuries during the colder months some tips on how to stay safe.

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How Teenagers Ask for Help Without Actually Saying It

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.

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Mind-Blowing Facts About the Human Body You Never Knew

While most of us understand the basic bodily functions that keep us going, you might not be aware of some of the more incredible functions your body carries out. We’ve gathered up seven facts about the human body and some of its crazier processes that might just blow your mind.

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The Importance of Donating Blood During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Donating blood is a critical piece of the American health care system. Since January is Blood Donor Month, we partnered with Oklahoma Blood Institute and spoke with Chief Medical Officer Tuan Le, M.D., to find out why donating blood and convalescent plasma is so important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Managing Dry Skin During the Winter

Dry skin is common in the winter, as temperatures drop and the whipping winds zap moisture from your skin. We explain why your skin becomes so dry, provide you with tips to treat your skin and give you guidance on how to deal with more severe conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

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Is Sparkling Water Bad for You?

As the popularity spikes, the question has come up if sparkling water can be bad for you. We decided to delve into that topic and provide you with the truth about sparkling water. Along the way, we busted some myths and rounded up some tips so you can continue to enjoy the bubbles.

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The Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Like everything else this year, the holidays will be different than normal due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are surging around the world, making this holiday season even more uncertain. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released guidelines to help you assess the risk level of various holiday celebrations, so you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

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How to Enjoy Important Moments During the Pandemic

For lots of us, pandemic life has some crystal-clear parts and also some blurry spots. Time may feel fluid. Celebrations, which help us mark the passing of time are inconsistent. We share ways to help make the most of important moments amidst a pandemic.

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How to Build a Home Fitness Studio

Working out at home can be a great alternative to help maintain your fitness goals without breaking the bank. To help you get started, we'll go over home gym essentials, including what equipment you'll need, how to combine design with functionality and where to buy equipment for your home fitness studio.

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How the Environment Affects Your Child's Wellbeing

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.

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Healthy Post-Sport Snacks for Kids

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.

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Differences Between the Flu and COVID-19

We'll break down the differences between symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 as well as what other similarities and differences exist between the two viral diseases so you’re as prepared as possible heading into flu season.

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Treatment for OCD

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.

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What You Should Know About Dense Breast Tissue

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.

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Strep Throat in Children

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.

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Different Types of Childhood Cancer

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.

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What Are Triglycerides and Why Is It Important to Keep Your Levels Low?

Like high blood pressure or bad cholesterol, having high triglyceride levels increases your risk for heart disease. However, the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too. Here are some tips.

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The Role of Art Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Art therapy is one of the many tools Arcadia Trails uses to address addiction and recovery at its 40-bed in-patient treatment facility. Unlike many other substance abuse centers, Arcadia Trails uses practices ranging from art therapy and mindfulness practices to traditional therapy and group support. Incorporating expressive arts isn’t just a creative process for the patients — it’s vital to their recovery.

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Methamphetamine: The Overlooked Addiction Epidemic in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, meth addiction and meth-related deaths are on the rise, and now play a role in more deaths than all opioids combined, including painkillers, heroin and fentanyl, according to a report from the CDC.

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How To Talk To Your Doctor About Pain

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.

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What Does a Pain Management Doctor Do?

Many patients don’t know what a pain specialist does. Contrary to myth, it's much more than prescribing pain medication. A pain specialist will work with your other physicians to provide you with a multidisciplinary plan, whether it's physical therapy, injection therapy, appropriate medication or surgery.

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Different Types of Mental Health Providers

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.

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