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.
While supplementing your sleep here and there with a small amount of melatonin is unlikely to result in any negative consequences, just how much is too much when it comes to heavier doses? This blog will explore melatonin’s safety and outline symptoms to be aware of.
Believe it or not, dietitians often rely on non-culinary images such as tennis balls and hockey pucks for portion control references. Once you master those, you’ll soon have more than a "sporting" chance of perfecting portion control.
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.
Have you ever lost your appetite before a big presentation or event? Our emotional brains and our physical bodies communicate constantly and what happens to one certainly affects the other. It's called the gut-brain connection, and it’s very real. We explain what you should know.
In a world full of culinary choices, many people simply don’t like to eat fruits and vegetables. Instead of losing out on vital nutrients necessary to carry out bodily functions, powdered versions of these whole foods have found their way onto store shelves and online marketplaces as a way to bridge the gap.
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.
Bloating, specifically the abdominal variety, affects as much as 30 percent of the population. What can cause bloating and distention? Many things. We share 13 common culprits.
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.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a disruption in the lives of many Americans. With less of a focus on certain aspects of life, simple things such as your own physical health have suffered. As a way to get your health back on track in 2022, we are highlighting the importance of preventive health and why you should prioritize your well being by visiting a primary care physician in the new year.
Plant compounds called flavonoids are the latest trendy topic believed to have heart-healthy benefits. We will discuss what flavonoids are, which foods you can find them in and how they may impact blood pressure.
Roadblocks in your blood vessels make it tough for blood to pass through, particularly when that blood is traveling relatively far, making its way to the parts of your body that are the greatest distance from your heart ― your hands, fingers, feet and toes. When cells don’t have the oxygen they need, they can’t function well.
You may not be able to see them, but germs are everywhere. They can be in the air you breathe, the dirt you walk on, the water you drink and the surfaces you touch. We highlight the importance of infection prevention and how to help eliminate the spread of harmful germs.
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.
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.
Being stuck at home in quarantine can be rough, but there are simple things you can do to manage your anxiety. We'll explain how you can incorporate positive affirmations or meditation into your day to help reset your outlook.
In the third installment of our “Monday Mindfulness” series, meditation expert Sarah McLean teaches us how to be fully present in our conversations with others.
In the second installment of our “Monday Mindfulness” series, meditation expert Sarah McLean shows us how to reclaim our life from everything that’s hijacking our focus and attention.
In the first installment of the series, meditation expert Sarah McLean teaches us how to practice mindfulness in a chaotic world and how to take a few minutes every day for yourself.
Remember Chia Pets? Those very same chia seeds are a whole grain superfood packed with fiber and protein that can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Tai Chi is known as "meditation with movement." It's great for people of all fitness levels who want to improve their health. Here is what to expect from your first class.
Think yoga is only for the young and beachy? Think again! Practicing yoga is great exercise at any age, but seniors especially benefit from moves that bring improved posture, sleep quality and pain relief.
The expression “leaky gut” is getting a lot of attention on blogs and alternative health sites, although science is still debating what, exactly, it is. Some believe leaky gut can lead to a weakened immune system and autoimmune conditions.
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.
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.
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.
How do you know when your need for alcohol becomes abnormal? When does a craving for a drink signal an alcohol addiction? What should you do if you think you have a problem?
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?
Life is filled with important events, but perhaps none are as important as decisions about your health care if you can't speak for yourself. Do you want to be kept alive with machines and medications or do you wish to pass away without extreme measures being taken? While difficult to talk about, these important questions should be answered years BEFORE you get sick. In Oklahoma, it's as easy as filling out a form so that your family and your doctors know what matters to you. Completing an advanced care directive gives you confidence that if you get to the point where you're not able to communicate, your wishes will be honored.
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.
It definitely feels good to laugh, but did you know there are a surprising number of mind and body health benefits? Laughing has been shown to improve your immune system, relieve pain, reduce stress and boost your mood. In fact, there is a mind/body practice based on the concept, called “laughter yoga,” which is gaining popularity across the globe. The practice is a combination of laughing exercises and yoga breathing. Have you tried it yet?
Macro tracking, when done correctly, can be an effective alternative to restrictive dieting. While it may not be right for everyone, tracking your macronutrients can help you maintain a proper caloric intake for your goals and change your body composition without being restrictive or making you feel sluggish and hungry.
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?
Why have people been crazy about tea for so long? It turns out teas were originally used for medicinal purposes, and are still highly acclaimed for a wide array of health benefits that have withstood the test of time.
Eating nutrient-dense foods can not only make you feel great, but may even reduce your risk of certain chronic health conditions while providing multiple health benefits. It's like they say: "Food IS medicine."
When you first start out, it may take a few weeks to really establish your food prep routine, but once you get familiar with the process, it will reduce stress and help you throughout the week – not burden you with an extra chore.
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.
In celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17, you can join thousands of people across the country who are choosing to make the world a better place – and getting healthier while doing it!
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?
Recent studies have suggested the health benefits of nature are substantial and the stresses of city life can cause negative side effects both physically and emotionally.
By the time you reach the half-century mark, you have seen and done a lot, but there are also plenty of things you might not know. Here are 25 excellent pieces of information, curated just for you.
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can leave many feeling stressed, tired and unable to enjoy themselves. It’s important to take time for yourself to recharge your body and mind. We’ve compiled our top tips for putting the “me” back in merry this holiday season.
This holiday season, give the gift of health. It’s incredible how far technology has progressed to bring healthy living into our homes through fun gadgets. Check out some of our favorites.
Yoga is everywhere these days, and its health benefits are touted all over health websites and fitness magazines. More than 36 million Americans practice yoga, according to a 2016 survey. One of the most trendy types is something called "hot yoga." Fans claim hot yoga offers increased benefits, such as cleansing impurities from the body. But is it safe?
Volunteering is often called the “helper’s high” because it positively impacts lifespan and mood. While volunteering, connections are built that spark feelings of energy and happiness. People feel those and many other positive vibes when they encounter a very special INTEGRIS volunteer, Molly the Therapy Dog.
For years, women have turned to hormone replacement therapy to help balance the effects of menopause. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become trendy in recent times, marketed as a more natural solution to hormone therapy. We’re here to help explain exactly what BHRT is and how it compares to standard hormone replacement therapy.
Spring has most definitely sprung in Oklahoma, which means it's prime gardening time! Some might assume our hot climate and severe weather make gardening too difficult, but these gardening experts tell you what plants work best in Oklahoma and how to make them thrive.
The Boathouse District has become a go-to destination for families, athletes, adventurers and thrill seekers. Located right in the center of Oklahoma City, the district is home to boathouses, a high-performance training center and the RIVERSPORT Adventure Center.
Peanut butter is a staple in most American kitchens but many people don’t realize there are a wide variety of nut butters made from other nut varieties. When it comes to health benefits, peanut butter just can’t compete with the healthy ingredients found in other nut butters.
If you suffer from painful arthritis or live with an autoimmune disease, dealing with inflammation is a part of life. While some of your favorite seasonal foods may be triggers, you can still enjoy a healthy season full of flavor and inflammation-fighting foods! With a little research and culinary inspiration, you can create a wonderful holiday meal.
You might have seen them in the news and on your Facebook feed. Celebrities sing their praises and your friends are distributors. But are essential oils as beneficial as people say? Are there any health risks you should know?
Being healthy is not only about working out or eating clean. Overall wellness is a fundamental component of living a healthy lifestyle. Check out these wish-list-worthy gadgets to improve your daily well-being in so many ways.
Welcome to your final Integrative Medicine Minute, a new series where an expert explains Integrative Medicine therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, meditation and diet in short, informative videos.
