Navigating the world of motherhood brings countless questions, and for many new moms, one of the pressing topics is about the consumption of caffeine while breastfeeding. As you savor your morning coffee, afternoon tea or soft drink, you might wonder how these beverages could affect your nursing journey.
Whether you’re expecting your first bundle of joy or settling into the rhythm of new parenthood, creating a quiet, calm and safe sleep area for your baby is essential. But did you know breastfeeding can be incorporated into your safe sleep routine?
We learn from Mitchell West, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) specializing in women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Women's Baptist in Oklahoma City, about why thyroid issues happen, what complexities can develop and how to treat these conditions.
The words “pap smear” can be a cringe-worthy phrase for many women, especially young women who have yet to experience their first cervical cancer screening. While this test is an important part of women’s health that can mean catching precancerous cells and other abnormalities early, the uncertainty and personal barriers associated with a pap smear can leave many women scared or hesitant to schedule a visit with their OBGYN.
Mothers who begin breastfeeding often experience a newfound sensation – the hunger for more food. Breastfeeding is hard work, and you can expect to burn several hundred more calories per day. But there are also other reasons why breastfeeding makes you hungry. Read more to find out why these changes occur and which foods to eat to replenish the lost calories.
Postpartum anxiety describes anxiety – intense, excessive and persistent worry – that mothers or new parents experience in the first 12 months after the birth of their child. Many parents worry about their newborn, whether it’s health or development.
Yeast infections, a type of fungal infection, are one of the more common ailments you can deal with during pregnancy. This blog will shed light on what causes these infections and how you can safely treat them without worrying about harming your baby.
Urinary tract infections are common among women, so common that many think they can treat them at home and go about their day. But are at-home treatments enough or do antibiotics provide the best remedy? This blog will explore why it’s important to treat UTIs early, which bacteria causes UTIs and which antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an infection.
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.
You may not think twice about the skin cream you rub on your face, the eyeliner you apply before work or the shampoo you lather up in your hair. These products, which seem relatively safe in theory, typically contain dozens of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce and even harder to spell. But just what are these chemicals, some of which can be considered toxins, and what do they mean for your health? We compiled a list of some of the most common ingredients and which products you can find them in.
Perimenopause is the stage between fertility and menopause. It marks the beginning of the end of your reproductive years. Perimenopause is also sometimes called the menopausal transition. We explain what perimenopause is and symptoms to look out for.
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.
To learn more about what high risk breast cancer means, we sought out information from Nicole Sharp Cottrell, M.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at INTEGRIS Breast Surgery.
How often do you think about petroleum jelly? It’s very useful. It’s an effective moisturizer and works by serving as a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, trapping moisture. There are many uses for purified petroleum jelly. We share what you should know.
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.
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.
We explore common causes of frequent urination, how certain medications increase your trips to the bathroom and what you can do to limit frequent urination at night.
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.
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.
Living with endometriosis is more than just a painful menstrual cycle. This condition, which occurs in 10 percent of women, can impact your sex life, ability to have children and alter your day-to-day life. This blog will address how some simple dietary changes, along with certain medical treatments, can help you live a more enjoyable life with endometriosis.
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?
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.
A wellness trend based on this concept has sprung up in the past couple of years. It’s called facial yoga, a combination of massage therapy, acupressure, exercise and relaxation. This free, non-toxic, non-invasive technique stimulates muscles, tightens skin and eases tension.
We discuss how walking can improve various aspects of your mental and physical health and how many steps per day you should take to experience benefits.
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.
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.
Premature aging can happen as a result of common lifestyle factors and behaviors, all of which can be corrected or altered. We’ll explain how premature aging can affect you and discuss some simple tips on how you can avoid it.
If eating green vegetables is good for you, then ingesting a condensed form of the substance that makes your greens green must be really good for you, right? Let's find out.
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.
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.
Dr. Dena O'Leary, an INTEGRIS Health urogynecologist, discusses female incontinence. It's highly treatable, although many women are too embarrassed to speak to their doctors about it.
Conceiving a child is a complex physiological process. There are several intertwined parts that work together to produce a baby. To help highlight Fertility Awareness Week, we spoke to Andrea Partida, D.O., an OB-GYN at INTEGRIS Women’s Health Enid, to outline what causes infertility, how to manage infertility in women and how to cope with this difficult condition.
If you are struggling with infertility, you are not alone. About 12 percent of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. There are several services to help women get pregnant, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, freezing of embryos or sperm, genetic testing and in vitro fertilization (IVF). To help clarify some of the options, we break down what you need to know about IVF.
Peer pressure doesn’t go away. What does go away are many of the excuses you could make as a teen or young adult. As an actual adult, there are fewer excuses, so what do you do? We share tips on dealing with adult peer pressure.
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.
The makers of collagen supplements and creams happily tout the amazing results their products promise us: plump, dewy, youthful skin, strong, smooth nails and hair and even healthier, stronger bones and joints. Can it be true, though? We’ll break down the basics of collagen.
A certain amount of hair loss is normal. Most of us lose 50 to 100 hairs each day, with new hairs taking their place quickly enough that we overlook the ones we've shed. The problems start when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out. We explain potential causes and provide tips to help combat hair loss.
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.
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.
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.
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.
INTEGRIS Health supports three social interventions that have proven to slow the spread of the virus. These include social distancing, hand hygiene and community masking. If local government officials were to issue mask mandates, we would support the effort.
There has been much debate about wearing masks and misinformation has spread online. Let’s clear the air (so to speak) about the most common misconceptions regarding masks.
Pregnancy is a time of great hope and anticipation, but it can also be a time of anxiety as some women worry their baby may have health problems. For mothers who want details about their baby’s health or potential for health problems, prenatal screenings are an option.
February is American Heart Month, an event to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. Because women sometimes have misleading symptoms, it’s especially important for them to be aware.
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that helps your body make new cells like skin cells, hair and nails. More importantly, folic acid helps form the neural tube in the early development of babies. Let’s learn why folic acid is such a vital vitamin for women.
Your diet affects the colony of microbes (aka bacteria) found in your gut, which has the potential to influence your sleep, weight, food allergies, your likelihood for developing certain diseases and more. This colony is called your microbiome. But, just what exactly is a microbiome and how can you ensure yours is healthy and balanced?
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.
Winter-related slips and falls not only cause countless injuries but also result in lost work, increased insurance costs and just a whole lot of pain. Here are some of our best tips on how to stay safe from falls in icy weather.
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.
Instead of splurging on boxes of candy or gift cards, why not find presents that will bring health and wellness to those you love the most? Helping them feel healthy is one of the best gifts you can give. Check out seven of our favorite good-for-you gift themes below. Don’t feel guilty about giving yourself some of these healthy goodies as well!
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.
With telemedicine innovations like INTEGRIS Virtual Visit, patients can access health care straight from their homes with only the internet and a screen!
Sciatica nerve pain ranges from a dull ache to a burning and excruciating pain. Sometimes, the pain hits like a sudden shock when you sneeze or cough, and some patients may experience numbness, muscle weakness or tingling along the affected leg. So, what exactly is sciatica and how can it be treated?
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.
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a workout where you give 100 percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short recovery periods. This type of training gets your heart rate up and burns more calories in less time.
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?
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.
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.
According to the Oklahoma City County Health Department, one in six adult Oklahomans has high cholesterol, one of the leading causes of heart disease in the U.S. Heart attack, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and other conditions can be caused by high cholesterol. We’ve broken down the basics to help you improve your healthy cholesterol levels.
Happy Yoga Month! While "sitting is the new smoking" might be an exaggeration, extended sitting really does have damaging health effects. But by simply standing and stretching (using these handy desk yoga poses) you can have a profound effect on lessening the negative effects of sitting.
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.
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.
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?
It might not be the most exciting part of working out, but stretching is just as important as cardio and strength training. Incorporating these stretching exercises will help you improve flexibility, reduce tightness and make your workouts safer.
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.
There is life after stroke. With time and repetition, new routines will become familiar. Rehabilitation can build your strength and confidence and can help you continue your daily activities despite the effects of stroke.
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration and a way of honoring America’s independence. The holiday is synonymous with backyard barbecues, red-white-and-blue celebrations, sparklers and fireworks, but those booming firecrackers can trigger added stress, especially to military veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. While the statistic is sobering, there’s even more dire news: that number is expected to double by the year 2050. Dr. Lane Tinsley, a neurologist at the INTEGRIS Neuroscience Institute in Oklahoma City, shares important facts you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease.
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?
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.
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?
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.
You might be surprised to learn how few women are familiar with their own reproductive system. In a recent study, only 44 percent of women were able to correctly identify the cervix. Let’s start at the beginning and have an open discussion about what the cervix is, where to find it, and how to keep yours healthy.
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.
It’s been estimated that up to 15 percent of all couples attempting to have children face some form of infertility. To mark National Infertility Awareness Week, we're discussing male infertility to debunk some common myths and reinforce some facts.
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?
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?
Maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm is crucial for healthy sleep. To mark National Sleep Awareness Week, here's why your internal clock is so important, plus tips to keep yours humming along seamlessly.
Reality check: prepping for your colonoscopy is easy. Dr. Arun Sachdev, a gastroenterologist at INTEGRIS, dispels some myths about the feared procedure and weighs in on the new mail-in test that you can do at home.
Working your child into your fitness routine is easy when you know where to go! Here is a list of Mommy and Me classes in the OKC and Tulsa metro areas.
The last week of February is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. You might not know who could be silently struggling with disordered eating. Here are hidden signs.
There is a lot to think about when you're busy growing a human. Since we are winding down February’s Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, we want to share food safety tips and information for pregnant women to reference whenever they need it.
Cryotherapy spas have been growing across the U.S. in the last few years. At the spa, a person will sit or stand in a booth cooled to subzero temperatures for a few minutes. Supposedly, there are mental and physical health benefits. But is it safe?
Most of the time your period will come and go without causing much fuss. But what about those times when your cycle gets thrown out of whack and you have abnormal bleeding? Should you be concerned? When period changes happen – such as a heavier or lighter flow or timing abnormalities – it can be hard to decide if you need to call your doctor or if what you’re experiencing is in the range of normal.
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.
Whole, non-fat, reduced, skimmed, almond, soy, rice — the grocery store milk aisle keeps expanding. We've come far from the days of simply choosing plain or chocolate! The many options can seem overwhelming when all you want is something to pour over your morning cereal or put in your coffee. So, what’s the skinny on milk?
In the fall of 2018, Oklahoma’s laws concerning alcohol officially changed for the first time in decades. Whether or not you supported the state question, now that stronger wine and beer are more readily available for purchase, we think it’s important to educate you on the changes that may affect how you consume them.
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?
Finding time to exercise can be challenging, so convenience is key. While a fancy gym membership can be fun, it's not necessary to stay in shape. A resistance band can work your entire body. And the best part? You can use it anywhere.
Technology can tempt us to be sedentary. It's so easy to sit on a couch and binge Netflix or spend hours glued to our phones, but don’t lock your devices away just yet. Smartphones and watches are quickly becoming handheld personal trainers. Fitness-focused apps are readily available for both iPhones, Androids and other smart devices.
Open a magazine, read a blog or log in to your social media. If you’re a woman, you’ve probably noticed you’re being targeted. Smooth this, firm that, tone this and take these supplements for younger looking skin. Dr. Scott Shadfar, a dual board certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, explains which options are safe and effective.
Ugh, hot flashes. You'll know it when you feel it. What’s actually happening is not fully understood, but some likely causes are changes in reproductive hormones or to the hypothalamus. Fun fact: not every woman gets them, but some women endure them for years. Dr. L. Wayne Houk sheds some light on remedies that do or don't work to relieve symptoms.
Matrescence can feel like a big swirl of emotion, but much of it is physically rooted in hormone changes, just like adolescence. INTEGRIS OB-GYN Dr. Katherine Shepherd talks about the physical and mental journey women go through on the way to becoming a mother.
As women continue to make the decision to “go green,” organic tampons and sanitary pads are becoming increasingly popular. But there’s speculation as to whether they’re better for your health than traditional options. Is the higher price tag typically associated with organic tampons and pads worth it?
Did you know 60 is the new 40? We’ve all got to take care of ourselves so we can live healthier as well as longer. Adding something called “functional fitness” into your exercise mix yields unique healthy aging benefits.
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.
A variety of factors will likely determine the right kind of birth control for you. Common considerations include effectiveness, cost, existing health issues, cycle length and severity, lifestyle habits and even acne concerns. In this blog post, we're examining permanent contraception.
A variety of factors will likely determine the right kind of birth control for you. Common considerations include effectiveness, cost, existing health issues, cycle length and severity, lifestyle habits and even acne concerns. In this blog post, we're examining hormonal contraception.
A variety of factors will likely determine the right kind of birth control for you. Common considerations include effectiveness, cost, existing health issues, cycle length and severity, lifestyle habits and even acne concerns. How do you choose the best option? This blog explains barrier methods.
One Oklahoman dies every day from an opioid overdose. Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day, dedicated to remembering those who lost their battle with addiction and acknowledging the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of an overdose. Most importantly, this day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
Imagine having bones so fragile even a sneeze can lead to a painful fracture or break. For people living with severe osteoporosis, avoiding a situation like this is an everyday challenge. Fortunately, for many who are at risk for developing osteoporosis, preventive exercises can help keep bones in good shape.
Vitamins and nutrients are essential to help your body fight illness and stay in good health. Unlike most vitamins found in nutrient-rich foods, getting the proper amount of vitamin D is a little trickier.
Did you know the hot Oklahoma sun can do serious damage to your skin in as little as 10 minutes? Take a look at these unexpected triggers that might cause you to burn in the sun before you know it.
Did you know 25 percent of women of reproductive age, and 40 percent of postmenopausal woman, suffer from urinary incontinence? Dr. Root explains treatment options in this short, informative video.
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.
Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Studies show 90 percent of people believe talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important, but only 27 percent have actually had the conversation.
Did you know a healthy expectant mother can be diagnosed with a heart condition that can be fatal, mere days before giving birth? Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an uncommon yet sometimes fatal form of cardiac disease, in which the heart muscle thins and weakens late in pregnancy and following childbirth. Dr. Zeeshan Khan, an interventional cardiologist., tells you how to recognize the signs.
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 never too early (or too late) to start thinking about healthy aging. Even if you didn’t learn healthy living and aging habits when you were young, now is the perfect moment to take charge and be on your way toward a healthier life. Dr. S. Christopher Shadid, a family medicine physician at INTEGRIS, answers your most pressing questions about aging.
One of the best ways to establish a new habit is to write it down. As you look forward, consider creating a workout calendar to help keep your healthy habits on track. Here are a few of our favorite tips to build an effective game plan.
For expectant mothers, keeping your baby safe is the top priority. That’s why it’s important to be aware of potential risks that could put your baby in harm’s way. Contracting an infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women because infections can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy, while giving birth or even while breastfeeding.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from your uterus to your legs. It connects the spinal cord to your leg and foot muscles. When you’re pregnant, the most sensitive area of the sciatic nerve can become inflamed. Although this inflammation is very common during pregnancy, it can cause major discomfort in the lower back and legs.
Nightshades like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants have a bad reputation. Even the name "nightshade" sounds ominous. For some people, nightshades have been known to cause digestive issues and even aches and pains. Before you cut these healthy foods out of your diet, here is some information about nightshades and how they can affect your gut.
News sources across the country say this year’s flu season is a particularly rough one. In fact, there are mandatory school closings in more than a half dozen schools in Oklahoma right now because of virulent flu outbreaks. The CDC recommends everyone older than six months receive a flu shot, particularly those who may have a high risk of a severe reaction to the illness, such as young children and pregnant women.
Since January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to take this quiz to see how much you know about your cervical health. Did you get a low score? Read on to learn some fast facts to help you protect yourself and your daughters.
At the end of 2017, many Oklahomans spent time reflecting on the past year while planning resolutions to create a better life. Now that we have entered into the new year, why not add volunteer to your list of 2018 resolutions and benefit those in your community, as well as yourself? Bonus: you just might live longer.
It can be easy to beat yourself up after years of failed New Year’s resolutions, but there may be more to it than lack of motivation. New Year’s resolutions are nothing more than creating new habits, but you need to retrain your brain to create them.
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.
If one of your close relatives has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have an increased risk yourself. Knowing your genetic red flags that might increase your risk of inherited breast cancer is key and will help you decide if genetic testing is a good choice.
Between 14 and 23 percent of pregnant women experience clinical depression during pregnancy. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of antepartum depression and what treatment options are available to you throughout your pregnancy.
Sarah's determination to help others through the healing process led her to start a local non-profit called Project31 that offers a variety of monthly support groups and services to embrace, equip, and empower those affected by breast cancer.
Reading is a great way to keep your mind active while your body rests during breast cancer treatment. Here are 11 motivating, heart-wrenching and hilarious books written by or for women with breast cancer.
We’ve brought in Courtney A. Seacat, M.D., an OB/GYN practicing women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Edmond, to explain exactly what menopause is and what pre-menopausal women should expect.
Welcome to your Integrative Medicine Minute, a new series where an expert explains Integrative Medicine therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, meditation and diet in short, informative videos.
Did you know babies receive disease immunity from their mothers during pregnancy? Antibodies from the mother are passed to her unborn baby through the placenta. But is it safe for mothers to get vaccines while they are pregnant? It depends on the vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding pacifiers for the first four weeks of life, until breastfeeding is well-established. Why is this?
It's a personal decision to make for your family, but cord blood banking has many advantages and can potentially protect your little one against several diseases and disorders in the future.
Hospitals take security guidelines very seriously and there are numerous anti-abduction protocols in place, but there are also guidelines parents can follow to help prevent baby abductions while in the hospital and immediately after going home.
For National Women's Health Week, INTEGRIS Health urogynecologist Dr. Arielle Allen answers the pelvic health questions readers submitted over social media.
Dr. Dena O'Leary, an INTEGRIS urogynecologist, tells you what you need to know about the hidden medical epidemic estimated to afflict 40 percent of all women.
NFL reporter Erin Andrews recently revealed her secret battle with cervical cancer. Do you know everything you should about this type of cancer, which is highly treatable if caught early?
As we age, there are different preventive screenings doctors recommend by age group. Regular screenings and tests at the right time in your life give you the opportunity to prevent diseases and major health events, like cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
