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.
Stomach cancer, though less talked about than other common cancers, poses a significant health risk that deserves more attention. By raising awareness about stomach cancer, the goal is to empower patients and the community with vital knowledge on the facts, causes and prognosis of this disease.
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?
Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. In this blog, we speak to Nathaniel Moulton, M.D., a board-certified interventional pulmonologist at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Baptist Pulmonary Medicine, to learn more.
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.
In the quest for healing from trauma, somatic therapy is a unique alternative that emphasizes the connection between mind and body. While this therapeutic approach may not be suitable for everyone, it offers benefits for individuals dealing with PTSD and other mental health conditions by focusing on physical sensations and body awareness.
Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases, but it's still important to be aware of its signs, symptoms, causes and treatment options should you or a loved one be impacted. As part of breast cancer awareness in October, we talk to Samer Hassan, M.D., a board-certified physician in internal medicine, oncology and hematology, with INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center.
October is Depression Awareness Month. In this blog, we speak with Cassandra Deford, director of clinical programs behavioral health, about depression and mental health conditions to learn more.
By understanding the common types of infections that can occur after surgery and implementing effective prevention strategies, patients can enhance their recovery journey and achieve better outcomes. Being informed and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of infection. In this blog, we speak to Rebecca Lewis, system director of infection prevention, to learn more.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common and effective forms of cancer treatment. Despite doing its job of destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy drugs also impact healthy cells and cause a wide range of side effects. In this blog, Brian Geister, M.D., and Agnel Raparthi, M.D., both with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute, weigh in on how chemotherapy affects the body.
If you or someone you know is going through physical, recreational, occupational or speech therapy, you probably already know how challenging it can be. But did you know that joining a support group can make a world of difference?
When it comes to breast cancer screenings, the word “mammogram” is what most people associate with the testing that plays a key role in diagnosing cancer. But some people may not know there are two types of mammograms – screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
It’s a widely held belief that drinking a glass of wine a day is beneficial to health, but experts say alcohol is a known carcinogen and that any amount of alcohol can increase your risk of negative health effects. In this blog, we talk with Bilal Ahmad, M.D., a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center, to learn more.
Despite being one of the most common types of cancers, the scientific explanation for why breast cancer occurs more often than other types of cancers is unknown in the medical community.
What researchers do know is which factors heighten – or lower – the risk of developing breast cancer. As breast cancer prevalence grows (women have a 13 percent lifetime risk, meaning 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed), having a basic understanding of what puts you at risk can help you prepare for the future.
Heart health is paramount to living a full and vibrant life. The good news is there are preventive measures that can safeguard your cardiovascular well-being. Advancements such as calcium heart scans provide valuable insights into your heart's condition.
Reaching the age of 40 is a significant milestone that often comes with a greater focus on health maintenance and prevention. As part of Healthy Aging Month in September, in this blog we talk to Jeffrey Cruzan, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Memorial West, about the medical screenings to keep in mind as we get older.
There's a growing trend on YouTube of misinformation about sleep medicine, including tips and advice on improving sleep disorders. In this blog we visit with Viral Doshi, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, to examine how watching these videos for information can harm your sleep health.
In today's fast-paced world filled with constant stimuli, distractions and stressors, the practice of mindfulness meditation is a way to discover your true inner self. Mindfulness meditation offers a journey toward inner clarity and balance, one that embraces the power of the present moment and deepens self-awareness. We unravel the transformative effects of mindfulness meditation on enhancing emotional well-being and how to foster a deeper sense of presence in your day-to-day routine.
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?
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.
As football season kicks off, so does the tradition of tailgating. The hours leading up to kickoff is a time to gather with friends and family and indulge in food. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be sidelined in favor of game-day treats. We'll show you how to keep the flavor and fun alive while making smarter choices. Our tips and recipes will help make your tailgate both enjoyable and nutritious.
Building resilience and developing effective coping strategies are essential skills for navigating life's challenges with grace and strength. In this blog, we define what it actually means to be resilient, explore how building resilience can empower you to face adversity head-on and provide tips on how to put these skills into practice.
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.
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?
Sadness is a common but unpleasant emotion – it’s one of the six basic emotions alongside fear, happiness, anger, surprise and disgust. Sadness is also inherently viewed as negative, but as science has indicated, it’s not always a bad thing. Take music, for example – the brain is actually capable of receiving pleasure from sounds and lyrics that focus on sadness.
Paul Allegra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Orthopedics Central, warns that “shoulder pain can be secondary to a multitude of factors, including multidirectional instability, rotator cuff tendinitis, subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tears.” He says if symptoms persist, you should seek treatment from a medical professional.
There are four stages of heart failure, and knowing these stages can provide insight on how to manage it and how to slow down the progression to live an enjoyable life. Luke Cunningham, M.D., an advanced heart failure, transplant and mechanical circulatory support cardiologist for INTEGRIS Health, shares insight on the four stages of heart failure and how to manage it.
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.
You can glean valuable information simply by looking at someone’s face. Whether it’s facial expressions to indicate happiness or sadness or changes in skin color and texture to indicate illness, the face can offer insights into how you’re feeling.
In this blog, we talked to Whitney Crowe, M.D., a family medicine physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Great Plains in Oklahoma City to learn why a nourishing diet contributes significantly to skin health and explore which nutrient-rich foods can help you attain and maintain healthy skin.
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.
Let’s explore what chronic wounds are, what causes them and why they can be challenging to deal with. Whether you’re personally dealing with one or just curious, read to learn more about chronic wounds.
In this blog we talk to Brian Herritt, M.D., a bariatric surgeon at INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center about Ozempic and whether it is a safe option for weight management.
As effective as antibiotics are, they can just as easily be ineffective when misused or not taken properly. Bacteria are smarter than we give them credit for, and they’re adept at becoming resistant to various antibiotics. By knowing the proper use of antibiotics, you can help preserve their effectiveness and help combat bacterial infections in the future.
There isn’t a cure for chronic pain, so many times, patients will turn to medications for chronic pain relief, such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids. But more conservative treatments such as physical therapy can help without being tied to as many side effects as medications – long-term NSAID use can cause gastrointestinal problems and prescription painkillers have addictive properties.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a national movement observed in May to address stigma, give support, educate people and advocate for policies about mental health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental health issues.
As part of National Stroke Awareness Month in May, we explore the wide-ranging impact a stroke can have on the body, from muscular difficulties and visual impairments to speech and sensory changes.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common but preventable types of cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2024. Simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk.
Gastric cancer, a malignant disease affecting the stomach, has been closely associated with the presence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can colonize the stomach lining and induce chronic inflammation. In this blog, we speak to Samer Hassan, M.D., a physician at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center, to learn about the link between stomach cancer and Helicobacter pylori infection, how to lower your risk and why effective treatment is so important.
Therapy dogs play a vital role in providing comfort, support and companionship to people in need. You can find these furry heroes bringing smiles and warmth to hospitals, nursing homes and even schools. We will explore the impact therapy dogs have on the well-being of patients and how their presence can make a difference in healing.
We learn from Brian Couey, Psy.D., the executive director of INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery, about what happens when you quit drinking for a month.
The decision on when to get knee replacement surgery is a topic many Americans struggle with. In 2020, Northwestern Medicine published a study that found 90 percent of people waited too long to fix their knee with joint replacement surgery, and 25 percent of people who had it done did so prematurely.
Smartwatches have become increasingly popular for their health-tracking features. But they can also cause skin irritations and rashes for some people. These skin issues, known as contact dermatitis, are a common issue associated with wearing smartwatches. Learn more about contact dermatitis and how to alleviate irritated skin.
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.
As we wrap up Colorectal Awareness Month this March, it is important to know that a regular screening colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer by catching and removing precancerous polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. By getting screened routinely, you can proactively address these growths and decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The beginning of spring calls for barbeques and pasta salads, but they often pack a calorie punch. The good news is you can still enjoy healthier pasta salads by paying close attention to which ingredients you use in your recipe. We compiled a list of recipes and tips to use this season.
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.
The rapid growth of urgent care centers in the U.S. is evident by the fact that more than 10,000 clinics exist nationwide. Yet despite the exposure, many people are still unsure what urgent care centers treat and what their capabilities are. This blog will address some of the most common questions about which types of tests and exams urgent care can perform.
What benefits are associated with mushroom coffee? This blog explores the types of mushrooms used, how the caffeine content compares to traditional coffee and the impact it may have on your health.
Any heart attack can prove fatal but heart attacks resulting from blockages in the left anterior descending artery can cause what is called a widowmaker heart attack. This is because the left anterior descending artery is a major pipeline to the heart and a blockage in this location creates a life-threatening situation. We will explore why it’s so dangerous and if there are ways to treat it.
You’ll visit your primary care doctor for most medical needs, including wellness visits and routine preventive screenings, non-emergency illnesses like colds and sore throats. This is the person to whom you can comfortably ask questions about your health or voice concerns. We speak with Nathaniel Yokell, M.D., a physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Yukon, about the importance of maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider.
In recent years, the wellness industry has seen a surge in interest surrounding gut health that has driven the development of products aiming to support a flourishing microbiome. We explain what prebiotic soda is and if it has health benefits.
On Feb. 5, Oklahoma lost a favorite son and icon, Toby Keith, to stomach cancer and Oklahomans are in mourning. We spoke to oncologist, Laila Babar, M.D., about stomach cancer facts, symptoms and treatment.
We will delve into the concept of negative self-talk, explore its various forms and discuss the detrimental effects it can have on your mental health and daily life. We will also provide strategies to recognize, manage, reframe and ultimately transform negative self-talk into a more positive and constructive inner dialogue.
Even if illness may often seem inevitable, are there ways to better prepare your body for a potential onslaught of invaders? Yes and no. You won’t find a magic immunity pill anywhere, but we’ll provide tips on how you can boost your immune system naturally.
Understanding the differences between lice and dandruff is important for effective identification and treatment. This blog will identify how to distinguish dandruff from head lice and what sets them apart from each other.
Stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract have risen in popularity among non-nutritive sweeteners. Both of these options offer a sweet taste without adding extra calories or affecting blood sugar levels, but they do have some distinctions.
Winter in Oklahoma may not bring the heavy snowfalls seen in some northern states, but that doesn't mean the Sooner State lacks winter fun. Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor seeking unique winter activities, Oklahoma has something for everyone.
Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between the demands of life and our overall well-being. Beyond bubble baths and face masks, there are many different self-care activities that you can incorporate into your life for more positive self-talk and self-love.
From social media updates to news articles and streaming services, the digital landscape offers a vast array of choices that compete for our attention. As we navigate this information overload, the repercussions of our digital consumption on mental health have become a pressing concern. We unravel the risk factors, symptoms and the crucial steps individuals can take to safeguard their wellbeing.
Skin fasting is a practice where individuals abstain from using skin care products, including cleansers, moisturizers and serums, for a specified period. The premise behind skin fasting is rooted in the belief that overusing skin care products may disrupt the skin's natural balance and hinder its ability to self-regulate.
Biophilic design seeks to incorporate elements of nature into our living and working spaces, promoting well-being, creativity, and a harmonious relationship with the environment. The principles of biophilic design have a myriad of benefits to offer individuals and communities.
From tracking your daily steps to monitoring sleep patterns and providing guided workouts, these devices and apps have revolutionized the way we approach our well-being. We provide a guide of fitness trackers and health apps that will help you elevate your fitness journey.
Salt is tricky and easy to get too much of. The right amount of salt can keep you up and running, but too much can cause serious health issues. So, how much is too much? And how can you tell?
Skin is the body's largest organ, and serves as a protective barrier. While various factors influence skin health, nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining its vitality, resilience and overall well-being.
We delve into how screen time affects your sleep and explore the various ways in which digital devices can influence your sleep patterns and overall sleep quality. We also provide practical tips to help you minimize the negative effects of screen time on your sleep.
Cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands (located just above your kidneys). Just like the other chemicals your endocrine system produces, cortisol has a special job to help keep you up and running. Its main purpose is to regulate your body’s response to stress, and it does that in a few different ways.
The simple act of saying no can be a liberating and empowering experience that can contribute to a greater sense of wellness in your personal life. Let’s explore the art of saying no and setting clear boundaries, and learn why saying no can be a powerful tool in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life.
Breakfast: it’s the most important meal of the day! Right? This popular platitude has been echoed time and time again, but what kind of scientific support is there to back it up? Breakfast helps many people kick start their day with energy, but some morning meals can do more harm than good.
An affirmation workout takes two healthy practices – exercise and positive self-talk - and brings them into one powerful package: the affirmation workout. You can use affirmations before, during and after a workout – or all three. Choose one or two affirmations that speak to you – don’t try to remember more than a few.
Fitting in time to reenergize and rest each day is important for both physical and mental health. Staying focused and, well, awake throughout a hectic week can be a real challenge. Luckily, there are a plethora of easy, natural ways to boost your energy and stay on top of your to-do list!
Dandruff and head lice are quite different. Understanding the differences between them is important for effective identification and treatment. This blog will identify how to distinguish dandruff from head lice and what sets them apart from each other.
This eating philosophy is also sometimes referred to as the energy density approach. It’s all about evaluating foods based on nutrition, calorie density and fiber content. Foods with a lower calorie density contain fewer calories per gram than high-calorie-density foods. Fiber content is something to pay attention to because fiber keeps you feeling full.
Americans don’t eat enough plants. In fact, more than half of the calories consumed in a typical American diet come from processed foods. Follow along to learn more about the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to add more plants to your daily meals.
Napping has been a part of many cultures for centuries, and science is now shedding light on the positive impacts these midday siestas can have on our well-being. We explore the various health benefits of taking afternoon naps and why incorporating this practice into your routine might be more beneficial than you think.
A good evening yoga routine doesn’t have to be elaborate or take an hour. Choose five or six restorative poses and hold them for about three minutes each, then snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being. The health of our gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the gut, plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. If you're looking to improve your gut health, there are simple lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine.
When you hear the term 'clean beauty,' you might wonder what it's all about. Is it just another fancy phrase in the world of skincare and cosmetics? We dive into this topic to understand what clean beauty means and why it's important for you and the planet.
There are changes to make when shopping to make adding more protein into your diet easier. Whether it’s revamped products that feature more protein or existing products that are healthier alternatives, consider these swaps the next time you’re at the store.
Collagen is a health supplement that can help you have healthier hair, glowing skin and fewer wrinkles. It is associated with all of the above and has very few known risks. We share some ways collagen can help enhance your life.
The most common desk job injuries include back pain, carpal tunnel and arm pain, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, hip and leg pain. We detail several different ways that you can help prevent desk pain in the future.
Pumpkins, often associated with fall and Halloween decorations, are more than just a seasonal delight. These vibrant orange gourds pack a powerful punch of nutrients and offer numerous health benefits that might surprise you. We explore ten scientifically backed health benefits of pumpkin.
If you find that you struggle with controlling your emotions or can’t quite find the best coping strategy when you get overwhelmed, here are some tools to try out to help keep your head above water during those tough times.
Did you know that managing stress and anxiety is a big factor when it comes to keeping the body in good health? When we live stressful lives or are constantly feeling the effects of anxiety, we may start to neglect our health without realizing it. People with optimistic outlooks on life have been shown to have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, so tending to your mental health could be just as beneficial as watching your cholesterol levels!
Many of us have less-than terrific relationships with food in general, or specific foods. It’s no wonder. America is rife with fad diets, reality television shows about weight, celebrity trainers and diet gurus and also the land of easily accessed, inexpensive, highly processed fast foods. It’s a perfect storm for unhealthy thoughts about, and relationships with, food.
Have you ever heard of a cold plunge? The idea of willingly jumping into chilly waters might seem strange, but there's much more to it than meets the eye. We explore the science behind these icy adventures and discover the amazing ways they can boost your well-being.
Detoxification is the first step toward addiction recovery. In a clinical setting, the goal is to minimize the negative impact of withdrawal symptoms while making the experience as safe and comfortable as possible. While some people choose to detox on their own, the most effective form of detox is one that is medically assisted and supported by trained specialists. We spoke with Brian Couey, Psy.D, executive director at INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery, to learn more about alcohol and drug detox.
We explore the effects of sugar consumption on the body, examine various sugar types and delve deeper into the impacts of reducing or eliminating added sugars altogether.
In some cases, fatigue can be an indicator of an underlying medical problem, but most of the time, fatigue can be correlated with habits we either need to break or adopt. Too much exercise or physical exertion can lead to fatigue, as can boredom, poor sleep, emotional stress and poor eating habits. We share different foods to eat and avoid to help fight fatigue.
Olive oil is delicious. You can drizzle it on bread, cook with it, make marinades and dressings, add it to any recipe calling for oil or butter, cook eggs in it…we even found a recipe for an olive oil martini. According to the American Heart Association, extra virgin olive oil is the top choice for health benefits, but regular olive oil is a good second choice. We share a dozen reasons to choose this oil for cooking and eating.
The same stress you deal with when completing daily tasks can also affect your body in ways you never realized. We’ll highlight some common areas that stress can directly or indirectly impact, as well as how stress can affect your immune system.
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.
We all love our fur babies for their companionship and cuteness, but did you know that they may be beneficial for your health as well? Studies show that keeping a pet can work wonders on keeping your stress levels under control and can have a positive impact on your physical health as well.
When it comes to protein, you might think the more the better, but it’s not quite that simple. We all need protein, and high-protein diets are very much in style. But most of us are taking in far more protein than we need, much of it high in unhealthy saturated fats.
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.
With a few smart strategies and a bit of planning, you can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals while sticking to your budget. In this blog, we will explore some practical tips for eating healthy on a budget, helping you make the most of every dollar while nourishing your body with wholesome foods.
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.
In today's fast-paced world, getting a restful night's sleep can sometimes feel like an elusive dream. Tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling and feeling exhausted the next day are all too common for many individuals. In this blog, we explore five natural sleep aids that can help you achieve a better quality of sleep.
We delve into the whey protein vs. plant-based protein showdown, exploring their benefits, differences and which option might be the right fit for you.
Whether you view rest as a political movement, scarce commodity, or something you rarely think about, one thing is probably true: you could use a little more of it and more than one type of it. Rest and sleep are two entirely different things. Sleep is one form of rest (physical) but there are six more!
In terms of skin cancer, where does it rank among fatal cases? This is a common question people ask. We examine how serious skin cancer is and how likely you are to survive if you or a family member recently received a diagnosis.
Spicy foods have many benefits that can help you accomplish your health goals. Whether you’re a spice lover, or you tend to steer clear, we have several compelling health reasons that might convince you to add some extra spice into your life.
Eating a healthy diet seems to be on most people's minds, so that can explain the rising number of fad diets being popularized in the media. In truth, the best diets are the ones you can stick to. We share two different diets that you can take aspects of and incorporate into your lifestyle.
Today, grocery store shelves are stocked with gluten-free flour alternatives and keto-friendly flours made from products you may not be familiar with. If you’re trying out a new diet or need low-carb alternatives for health purposes, this blog will help you learn about the various types of keto flours and how you can cook with them.
Tert-butylhydroquinone. Erythrosine. Butylated hydroxyanisole. These are just three of 10,000 FDA-approved additives used in common foods to preserve the product, improve the taste or enhance the color and texture. Because children are still developing and may be more sensitive and vulnerable to preservatives and additives, use this blog to know which foods and ingredients to avoid.
What exactly is a vegan egg and are they better for you than traditional eggs? We compare the nutrition facts and examine which benefits, if any, there are.
Some people’s tummies gurgle in the morning or after a meal. Others growl when it’s time to eat. You may have a specific rumble or burble to let you know it’s almost time to skip to the loo. For the most part, the symphony of sounds within our digestive system is nothing to worry about – just part of the business of being human.
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.
Finding a diet that works best for your body can involve trial and error, but once you find a diet that does work well for your body and your lifestyle, staying in peak physical health becomes much easier. We explain what a low-carb diet entails, who it might be good for and who it might not work well for.
A person born today, in the United States, will live an average of 79 years, according to the National Institutes of Health. A hundred years ago life expectancy was much lower, averaging just 54 years. Certainly, social factors, technological and medical advances, plus wider accessibility to healthy food, clean water and reliable shelter have changed our longevity game.
In the fast paced world we’re living in, it can be difficult to create a work-life balance in your life. We address our top 7 tips to improve your work-life balance and keep yourself from burning out.
Many people don't think of milk being sweet, but a single cup of cow’s milk has the equivalent of three teaspoons of sugar. Why does this occur, and is the sugar in milk natural or is it added? We explore these questions and also explain what can happen if your body can’t digest the sugars found in milk.
We’ve all heard it: you are what you eat. Want to be healthy and energetic? Eat good, nutritious food. Want to feel sluggish and glum? Bring on the fast food. It’s that simple, but simple and easy are two very different things. Fast and processed foods are easy to come by, inexpensive and alluring.
Cherries contain melatonin, plus nice amounts of magnesium and vitamins A and C. Tart cherries also contain a little bit of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin and melatonin.
Maybe you’re approaching a milestone anniversary and as you take stock of your beautiful relationship and flip back through old pictures, you notice something. Ten or fifteen somethings parked right around your middle. And you’re not the only one. Your sweetie looks a little less svelte than when you met. How did this happen? Can it be reversed?
While ‘starving’ a fever may have been thought to be beneficial before we knew better, today we know that depriving the body of energy-producing fuel, AKA food, does nothing to promote healing.
Whether you’re sober curious or just taking a more mindful approach to your relationship with alcohol, dealcoholized wine is an option you might want to check out. A wide variety of dealcoholized wines of every style is available online and in stores. This blog will dive into what dealcoholized wine is and what you should know about it.
Even if you’re not a seasoned veteran with the garden fork, hand trowel and pruning shears, the beauty of planting a vegetable garden is that anyone can do it. We rounded up some of the best vegetables, fruits and herbs to grow in the spring.
The infrastructure of the mental health system across our state makes it nearly impossible to find quick and reliable responses to these questions. Yet, these are just a few examples of questions that plague many of us and finding the answer to these questions can mean life or death for many.
Mindful yoga, also known as mindfulness-based yoga, is a practice that combines the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the mindfulness techniques of meditation. The practice involves focusing on the present moment and becoming aware of one's thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment.
Serving size and portion size are often used interchangeably, but the two terms are different. To help avoid confusion and to help establish healthier eating habits, this blog will dive into why it is important to know the distinction between serving size and portion size.
A typical day can produce anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts, so it’s common for people to worry or encounter stressful situations. These thoughts and feelings can disrupt many physical and mental aspects, including your sleep. Although this can pose a challenge, there are ways to reduce stress to ensure a better night’s sleep.
Guess what? Coffee with olive oil in it is a trend right now. Why combine coffee and olive oil? Because they’re two very healthy foods. We explain what you should know about adding olive oil to your coffee.
What can we do when someone we are close to is diagnosed with a terminal illness or life-limiting condition? How do we face that existential fear and help? Or cope? Or help them cope? We share tips on how to approach this challenging situation.
Soup is also one of the easiest meals to make. Except for watching it simmer, most soups feature easy, accessible ingredients that take just a few minutes to prepare, chop and place in a pot. Still, many people opt for canned or boxed soups that contain far more salt, sugar and calories than you need. This blog explains why grocery store soup can be unhealthy and provides five homemade soups you can make from scratch.
The last thing you want to experience when enjoying your favorite food is to experience mild allergic-type reactions hours later – itching, flushed skin, brain fog, sneezing or headaches. For some people, though, these symptoms can occur as part of a food sensitivity.
When it comes to trimming fat, there is a simple roadmap to follow: burn more calories than you consume. To determine how many calories you burn in a day, you must first know what your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is. We will explain what BMR is, how you can calculate it and the role it plays in your health goals.
Self-sabotage can manifest in various ways, such as procrastination, negative self-talk, self-destructive habits and avoiding responsibilities. It is a self-defeating cycle that can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and achieving their goals. The cycle of self-sabotage can be mentally and physically exhausting, but there are ways to break yourself out of this cycle and live a healthy, fulfilled life.
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.
Shrink your waist size to boost health. Reducing abdominal fat can lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Discover more about the impact of waist weight.
Watching your caloric intake doesn’t necessarily mean you’re eating healthy and receiving the nutrients you need. We will dispel the myths about calories being equal and provide examples of how the food choices you make matter.
One sure-fire way to feel generally more optimistic is to find things to celebrate as often as possible. Especially the little things. Change the toner on the office copier without help? Give yourself a mental high-five.
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.
While some people are born with these conditions, there are many lifestyle and behavioral risk factors that can increase your risk of developing kidney disease.
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.
Many types of seaweed, such as kelp, are edible and have been referred to as superfoods of the ocean due to their beneficial nutrients. This blog will help educate you on kelp and teach you how to add it to the foods you cook at home.
Giving yourself grace means making the choice to interact with the world – and yourself – with goodwill and kindness. We share some practical, everyday ways to give yourself some grace.
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.
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.
While there are many possible benefits associated with taking astragalus supplements, more research is needed to conclusively prove them. We explain what astragalus is and the potential benefits and risks to be aware of.
Eating clean is eating well. Until it isn’t. Almost any healthy habit can become unhealthy when taken to an extreme, and clean eating is no exception. Orthorexia nervosa is the term for being focused on clean eating in an unhealthy way.
What kind of lives might you save, you may be wondering? All kinds. Infants, children and adults from every walk of life can find themselves in need of a transfusion in the space of a heartbeat. All it takes is one diagnosis, one car accident, one emergency surgery or one unexpected injury and someone’s recovery or survival will come down to the kindness and generosity of blood donors.
While cough headaches are uncommon, they can still pose problems and even be a sign of more severe health conditions. This blog will explain what cough headaches are, how to spot them and how you can treat them.
Whether it’s cold and flu season or you’re simply trying to keep your family out of the doctor’s office, many people turn to various tips and tricks to boost their immune system. Plan ahead with this guide and choose foods that can help keep your immune system operating at full strength.
In conjunction with Women’s Heart Week, we will highlight why heart screenings are so important, how women can have unique risk factors and symptoms compared to men and how lifestyle changes can improve your cardiovascular health outlook.
There’s a hot new food-as-wellness beverage trending, have you heard of it? It’s called Jamu juice, and its proponents say it’s great for boosting energy, reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, ramping up immunity and more.
If you’ve become a victim of toxic productivity, you probably know it by now. Letting it strengthen its hold and claim you as a casualty is not a forgone conclusion – you can learn to stop hustling and rest.
We are not suggesting that your thoughts need to be positive all the time, nor is that a healthy goal to set. This is about managing negative thoughts when they become disruptive, intrusive or otherwise get out of hand. We aren’t necessarily interested in flipping them from gloom and doom to sunshine and roses, but we are interested in aiming for a more neutral or realistic perspective.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common diseases Americans live with. The latest figures show about 11 percent of the population has type 2 diabetes and an additional 96 million American adults have prediabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. While there isn’t a magic food to prevent diabetes, eating the right combination of healthy carbohydrates, fats and proteins can help you in the long run.
The acai bowls at your local café or neighborhood breakfast spot look pretty and seem healthy with their purple hue and scattering of fresh fruit as toppings. But are they truly healthy? This blog will explain the health benefits of acai and if you should add them to your diet.
Diet and exercise are terrific tools for managing chronic inflammation. While you may not be able to prevent chronic inflammation through diet and exercise alone, you can certainly choose foods that inhibit your body’s inflammatory response. You can also make inflammation worse by eating certain foods.
Coping with change – even change you really want or know is a good thing – is hard. Change you don’t want – losing a job, going through a divorce or experiencing the effects of a serious illness, for example – can be even harder to deal with. The good news is that in either case, the mechanics of change (and our reactions to those mechanics) follow the same pattern, so we’ve put together handy dandy guide to understanding and weathering changes large and small.
The idea of a New Year’s resolution is a longstanding tradition in society that many Americans participate in. The harsh reality is many of these resolutions fail before the calendar turns to February. This blog will explain why resolutions fail and how to set yourself up for success in the new year.
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.
You know the drill. There’s something on your mind and you can’t quite shake it. Maybe it’s the middle of the night and you’re thinking about your grocery list or mentally planning a work project. Maybe it feels like you’re watching a video clip on a loop that you can’t turn off, imagining something going horribly wrong. Are you worried? Anxious? Both? The difference between worry and anxiety can be challenging to parse, but once you can tell them apart, they’re easier to deal with.
For some of us, winter is a groggy, slow-moving season. The reasons for this are partly mental and partly physiological. Winter can be mentally daunting, bringing with it cold, dark mornings, early sunsets and cloudy days. The holiday season can throw your energy off, too.
These days, most of the milk or creamers in the dairy section don’t even contain any dairy. That’s because plant-based creamers are on the rise. What’s all the fuss about, though? Are they really that much healthier than half-and-half or heavy cream? We answer these questions and offer ways to make your own plant-based creamers at home.
The word depressant may be the last thing you’d think of when describing a glass of wine you’re having with dinner or a pint of beer you’re drinking with friends. That’s mainly because people associate alcohol with social settings and its ability to make you feel good. The truth is, alcohol is actually a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. We will explain why alcohol falls under this category and how it can impact your physical and mental health.
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.
Meat sweats is an unofficial phrase used to describe excessive perspiration when eating large quantities of any high-protein food – not just meat. Most often, meat sweats describe fatty foods such as steaks or barbecued meats.
Regular exercise brings with it many benefits, but with them can come muscle soreness. When we try a new exercise, work out a little harder than usual or restart a workout routine after a bit of time off, our muscles will ache. Here’s a roundup of reasons for soreness, home treatments and remedies.
There is a longstanding myth that this fatigue, drowsiness and overall lethargy can only be the culprit of one thing – the turkey. For years, tryptophan, an amino acid in turkey, garnered headlines in the media for making you sleepy. However, there is another more plausible explanation that helps give context to this common occurrence around the holidays.
Feelings and physical sensations that come with true (physical) hunger are low energy, an empty-feeling stomach and even fatigue. The longer it’s been since you last ate, the more noticeable the sensations will be.
Heart disease, AKA cardiovascular disease, affects people with diabetes disproportionately. Most people who have type 2 diabetes will also experience cardiovascular disease. In the United States, about one in ten people has diabetes. Of the many people who have diabetes, about 95 percent have type 2 diabetes. Those are some big numbers.
Major depressive disorder affects 17 percent of people in America. Because so many adults, children and pregnant women will experience depression during their lifetime, it’s important to have screenings available for earlier diagnosis. This blog will highlight some of the more common screenings that can help you stay on top of your mental health.
Colds and flu (and COVID) flourish in cooler weather, not because they prefer lower temps, but because they are spread via droplets in the air, which is much more easily done when people are closer to one another indoors.
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.
Iodine is a mineral our bodies need to make thyroid hormones. The body uses thyroid hormones, which are produced with the help of the iodine we consume, to control metabolism. We don’t produce iodine, so we must eat foods rich in iodine in order to keep our bodies properly supplied.
The presence of a fever, sore throat, persistent cough and body aches are what most people think of when attempting to decipher if they have COVID-19 or not. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, are usually an afterthought. If you find yourself on the toilet, instead of assuming it’s due to food poisoning or a stomach bug, should COVID cross your mind? This blog will dive deeper into the relationship between the coronavirus and diarrhea.
As the cooler months are approaching, your chances of getting sick increase. Luckily, there are several different ways you can support your immune system to get ahead of fall and winter time sicknesses. We share 5 ways you can boost your immune system.
There is a real stigma with discussing weight, whether it’s with friends or family. It’s even harder when you attempt to discuss this with your own children.
As much as you’d like it to be the case, what you look like and how you feel at 20 years old certainly won’t be the same as when you’re 70 years old. From the day you’re born, your body undergoes a series of complex changes that eventually peak. From there, a slow process known as aging begins. From your physical appearance to how well your brain, heart and lungs function, these inevitable changes will ultimately affect each person at some point in their life.
The non-alcoholic beer movement is well underway. Sure, you’ve probably noticed six-packs labeled “non-alcoholic” out of the corner of your eyes at stores for the past few decades. As the taste has drastically improved, one question remains – is non-alcoholic beer healthier and better for you? We sought out some answers.
As we enter the fall and winter months, there are lots of things to look forward to: Sweater weather, holidays, football, chilly mornings and cozy evenings. It’s also a great time to revamp your diet according to the season. Soups and hearty stews, while not very appealing during Oklahoma summers, are perfect for cooler temps. Done right, they can be warming, tasty and packed full of nutrients.
While some bacteria are harmful, it’s easy to forget your body is full of good bacteria that helps carry out several important functions. Maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria is key, and eating foods with prebiotics and probiotics is one way to achieve this.
High cholesterol levels can cause plaque build-ups that increase your risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke. This blog will explain how eating fewer animal products can keep your cholesterol levels at bay.
Whether it’s to jump-start the morning or wind down the night with friends, Americans love their coffee. Consumption of the caffeine-fueled drink has reached a two-decade high, with two-thirds of people consuming coffee each day, according to the National Coffee Association.
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.
For many people, the alarm clock signals the start of a stressful morning – you’re tired, cranky and don’t want to get up. Instead of staying glued to your phone for 30 minutes scrolling through Facebook, here is a morning routine guide you can follow to boost your productivity and provide stress relief each day.
There are a lot of foods perceived as “healthy” that are packed with hidden calories and sugar. Despite your best efforts in choosing healthier snacks, many choices might be sabotaging your health and your weight.
Considering how important the pancreas is to digestive health and blood sugar regulation, living without this organ may seem impossible. But it's actually feasible and more common than you may think. This blog will detail how you can survive without a pancreas and how to manage this condition.
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.
Being obese comes with a long list of health risk factors that include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, lung disease and 13 types of cancer. For decades, these effects have been well known. Researchers have discovered a new link between obesity and brain function.
Technology has improved our lives in many ways. But like anything in life, too much can sometimes lead to harm. Have you ever thought about trying a digital detox to give your mind and body a rest? It can be just as beneficial as eating your daily vegetables.
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.
The world is full of anxiety-producing situations and scenarios like paying monthly bills on time, meeting deadlines at work or experiencing a fulfilling social life. We share tips to help deal with anxiety in the moment. As a bonus, many of these techniques also can help improve overall mental health.
Happiness, like so many other things, must be cultivated and actively pursued. Here are eleven ways to up your happy factor. Try a couple and see how you feel.
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.
While we can’t help you reduce your coffee/caffeine intake, we can definitely help you learn how to reuse and recycle your coffee grounds. We share how to store your used coffee grounds and 13 creative uses for them.
While many fitness programs marketed to women emphasize the importance of cardio for weight loss, resistance/strength training (aka weightlifting) is actually more beneficial for overall health. Because some of its benefits aren't found in other forms of exercise, experts recommend women participate in both cardio and strength training regularly.
Balancing is a complex operation, involving multiple systems in your body. We share how balance works, information about the types of balance disorders and ways to improve your balance.
Eating more veggies and fruits is never a bad idea, just be sure to incorporate enough complete proteins. Without them, you might feel sluggish and lose muscle mass. Fortunately, a little menu planning can help you include enough complete proteins in your diet.
There are lots of benefits to spending time outdoors. It’s great for your mood, boosts empathy, lowers stress, improves attention span and can reduce the risk for psychiatric disorders. But can it help you work through trauma?
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.
We provide tips on what to include in your bowls and explain why colorful fruits and vegetables matter. We will also provide you with three easy buddha bowl recipes to make 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.
It’s long been known that exercise is good for both body and mind, and that certain types of exercise are extra good for calming the mind. There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting kayaking is a double-paddled superstar when it comes to de-stressing. We share what you need to know.
When your baby transitions from milk or formula to solids, baby food purees are typically the first item to grab off the shelves at your local grocery store. However, many parents use baby-led weaning, a process that involves infants learning to feed themselves, as a way to introduce solids. We provide information on when and how to start baby-led weaning and which foods to feed your infant.
Most people apply less than half of the necessary amount of sunscreen that is required to be effective. To help ensure you and your family are protected this summer, we share a guide on how sunscreen works and how to properly apply it.
As the coronavirus has continued to infect people around the world, patients have been surprised to notice clumps of hair falling from their scalp months after coming down with COVID. This development has led many people to wonder if COVID can cause hair loss. The answer is yes, although the more pressing topic is if people should be concerned about the long-term impact of these hair changes.
What exactly constitutes a healthy energy drink, and are these products even good for you? This blog will examine what you need to know about these natural options.
A stomach bug and food poisoning are both gastrointestinal illnesses share similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell the difference. Knowing which infection you have can help provide guidance on how long your symptoms will last and how to go about managing your illness.
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.
Parenting, especially for first timers, can be overwhelming from the start. To help with some of your newborn questions, we compiled some of the most commonly searched topics new parents have to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to survive the newborn phase and raise a healthy child.
Swimming is an amazing cardio workout, it’s known for its calming, meditative effects and it’s a remarkably efficient way to burn calories. Since water supports about 90 percent of your body weight when you’re swimming, it’s often possible to continue to exercise while recovering from an ankle sprain or other injury. Did you know, though, that there are lots of other ways to exercise in water?
While you may not think twice about walking and talking at the same time, the brain is hard at work calculating every move to help regulate thoughts, feelings and emotions. At the core of every emotion are brain chemicals that affect your happiness. We analyze these happy chemicals, provide you with tips on how to stimulate them and offer dietary suggestions to help maximize their production.
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.
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.
Physical activity, whether mellow or intense, is a proven mood booster. It can help us maintain a healthy weight, keep our blood pressure in check, reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reduce stress and strengthen muscles and bones. Regular exercise is possibly quite a boost for cognitive function, now and in the future.
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.
Bones aren’t static. They’re changing all the time, breaking down old bone and making new, healthy bone. When we’re younger, new bone grows fast. It outpaces the breaking down of old bone, resulting in increased bone mass. We explain how to keep your bones strong and why it's important.
There's something about sugar that speaks to your brain, evoking feelings of happiness with each bite of food or each sip of your favorite sugary drink you consume. It's part nostalgia and part chemical reaction. The more you eat, the more you crave, which can lead you down a road of long-term health problems. We're here to discuss what makes sugar so habit-inducing, how you can kick your cravings and which foods you can substitute to please your sweet tooth.
Is maple syrup superior to table sugar? We sought out the answer to those questions by diving into more detail about how sugar affects your body and analyzing the potential health benefits maple syrup has over other options.
Avoiding potentially dangerous interactions is why babyproofing your home is so important. This blog will provide tips on which items you need for your home and give a room-by-room checklist of what to babyproof.
While visually imposing, artichokes are actually one of the healthier vegetables at the market that more people should incorporate into their meals. This blog will discover the health benefits of artichokes, dive into how to prepare and cook them and provide recipes to try at home.
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.
Despite being the second most common cancer in men, prostate cancer carries a 99 percent five-year survival rate. While these numbers are favorable, prostate cancer can still be deadly when men ignore potential warning signs that indicate a more advanced form of cancer. Understanding these signs and symptoms, along with what to do with this information, can potentially save your life.
The plant-based diet can look different for everyone. Some limit their protein to only one meal a day while others go all out with no meat, dairy or any foods that come from an animal. Is a plant-based diet healthy? What are the risks and benefits? We break down what a plant-based diet is and whether or not it may be right for you.
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.
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 mental and physical time commitment of caring for a child often leads to less energy to give in other areas of your life, such as diet and exercise. What does the research say? We take a look at if there is data behind the idea that fatherhood can make you gain weight.
With more and more people suffering from mental illness, learning practices to take care of our mental health and wellness is more important than ever. We outline several practices that can help you develop a healthier mind.
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.
In some cases, moles can turn into a dangerous form of skin cancer called melanoma. But how do you know what is normal and what is concerning? This blog will help you determine when to call a dermatologist to get your mole looked at.
Certain foods can make IBS symptoms worse. Choosing what to eat can be a chore, so we put together a comprehensive guide on tips for dealing with IBS, what to eat, what not to eat and some recipes for you to try at home.
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.
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.
Some people with COVID have been experiencing changes to their tongue, such as inflammation and swelling, and have turned to the internet for answers. But are these complications coincidental or is there any evidence to tie it specifically to the coronavirus? This blog will help address those questions.
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.
When someone you know has a stroke, it can be hard to know how to support them. If you are a caregiver, you have to take care of yourself in order to care for someone else. Maintaining your own good physical and mental health is crucial. You’re going to need endurance and a positive attitude, and that means you’ve got to take good care of yourself. We share some ways to do that.
It’s easy to have fun in the summer; it can be equally easy for things to go awry and for people to get hurt. Let’s avoid summer maladies and injuries. With just a little bit of forethought, you can add a nice thick layer of safety to the season.
Your self-talk is shaped by your beliefs, experiences and the situations of your daily life. It can be positive, neutral or negative. We share the different types of negative self-talk and tips to help turn it around.
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.
Gastroesophageal reflux is the most common gastrointestinal issue adults deal with on a daily basis. It can be a nuisance to live with – especially if it becomes a chronic condition – but a few simple dietary changes can go a long way in limiting symptoms.
If you’ve forgotten your phone four out of the last five days, are you just distracted by your big project or is this how dementia starts? What if you notice you aren’t learning new things as easily, or forgetting to pay the occasional bill? What then? The answer: it depends.
Baking soda has long been marketed as a multi-use substance, great for tasks around the house and for easing ailments of various sorts. Its superpower is that, because it’s an alkaline, when it’s mixed with an acid, it changes the pH level. We explain what to know about baking soda and how it can benefit you and your household.
There are many ways to successfully manage pain for hospice patients. Together, patients, their families, and the hospice team will develop the best care plan that eases suffering and provides the best quality of life during a patient’s final days.
As Americans move to a more eco-friendly environment, food waste still remains a big challenge. We discuss how home cooks and shoppers can reduce food waste and provide recipe ideas to reduce waste.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, beets are pretty special. They’re one of very few deep red-purple vegetables or fruits, and that beautiful color brings with it a more unique subset of antioxidants and nutrients than is found in produce of other colors.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: drink plenty of water. Water is good for you. But how much? How often? Bottled or tap? Is eight glasses a day a good goal or is that a made-up thing? We break down the details and benefits of staying hydrated.
Most people are familiar with gallstones. After all, roughly 10 to 15 percent of the population will develop gallstones at some point. But not all types of gallbladder disease involve stones. Learn more about these conditions and what to do if you think you might have one of them.
If you aren’t already an organ donor, consider becoming one. It may seem grim to dwell on what will happen to your body after you die, but choosing to donate your organs and tissue is a selfless and worthwhile decision that could save someone’s life. We share more about organ transplants and how to register as a donor.
The next time you sit down for a meal, think of the complex process that occurs for you to savor and enjoy your food. It’s common to associate your taste buds with flavor, but your sense of smell is actually what contributes the most to how you experience food – it is believed some people can smell anywhere between 10,000 and 100 billion types of odors.
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?
By making a few easy lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer or improve your chances of beating the disease if you are diagnosed. The recommendations outlined here also lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious ailments, boosting your odds of living a long, healthy life.
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.
Beyond close proximity, the colon and anus don’t have much in common when it comes to cancer. To coincide with National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, this blog will help explain what makes colon cancer so much different than anal cancer, ranging from how each originates to treatment modalities.
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.
Magnesium helps keep our heartbeat steady and our bones strong. It supports a healthy immune system and aids the function in our nerves and muscles. It helps us make protein and regulate blood sugar. It’s absorbed in the gut and excreted through the kidneys.
Bedtime was normal, you fell asleep pretty quickly but now. Now you’re wide awake. Most of us do wake up several times a night, but we just roll over and go back to sleep, as a normal part of our sleep cycle. It’s only a problem if you cannot go back to sleep.
Sometimes joint pain is just an annoyance, one that comes and goes. But in more severe cases joint pain or stiffness can be disruptive and can hinder your ability to accomplish daily tasks, even those as simple as climbing a flight of stairs or getting a good night’s sleep.
As the emphasis on home cooking continues into 2022, people are getting more creative in the kitchen. We share a list of 12 health food trends to keep an eye out for.
What do you really know about caffeine? Maybe it’s simply that your mornings are a little brighter after your cup of coffee or that caffeine in the afternoon keeps you up at night. We break down what you should know.
On a scale of one to ten, what would you give your happiness level today? Nobody feels like a ray of sunshine all day every day, nor is that a realistic goal, but it is quite possible to make your days a bit brighter. All it takes is the right tips and tricks, and a commitment to use them!
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.
If you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, don’t count vegetables out. There’s a common misconception that the only way to boost protein is by eating more meat. Plenty of vegetables pack a protein punch.
The American Heart Association has developed a group of seven factors we can evaluate and work on improving, if need be, to minimize our risk of heart disease. This list has been dubbed “Life’s Simple 7.”
People who enjoy regular exercise feel better, sleep better, tend to eat better, have decreased incidence of diseases like type 2 diabetes and some cancers and they maintain better mobility as they age. And it doesn’t take as much as you may think.
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.
Bedtime snacks are one of life’s little pleasures, something to look forward to. Savvy snackers also know that a bedtime snack is an opportunity to boost their nutrition, further their dietary goals and help ensure a better night’s sleep. Poor bedtime snack choices can thwart comfortable sleep, cause you to wake during the night, undermine a day’s healthy meals and even exacerbate conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
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.
Any changes to your thyroid, known as thyroid malfunction, can create a litany of medical problems. One notable disease, called Graves’ disease, is responsible for a majority of overactive thyroid cases. We’ll dive deeper into what exactly causes Graves’ disease, which symptoms occur because of it and how it can be treated.
If you live in the United States, you are probably in a toxic food environment, which is defined as a space within which poor eating decisions, such as overeating or eating unhealthy food, are encouraged or facilitated. Food may be readily available, technically safe to eat and easily affordable, but choosing healthy food is much more difficult than choosing poor-quality food.
Take a second and count to two. By now, someone in the United States needs blood. Yes, whether it’s for cancer patients or an organ transplant, someone needs a transfusion every two seconds.
Many people are curious about the health benefits of sunflower seeds and if they are good for you. To help you on your food journey, we set out to learn more about these seeds.
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?
Birth defects affect more than 100,000 babies each year. We put together a list of the most common birth defects to be familiar with and what causes them.
Decision fatigue or cognitive overload can add up over time. It might look or feel like tiredness, irritability, a feeling of being overwhelmed, poor concentration or fatigue. We explain what you need to know about decision fatigue and share tips to help manage it.
To help highlight the end of 2021, we examined the 21 most popular INTEGRIS Health For You blog posts of 2021. While COVID remained a hot topic throughout the year, our readers were also interested in food trends, such as the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, and how you can use certain neurotransmitters to boost your mood.
As more time passes and immunity begins to wane, many Americans are wondering if they can get COVID-19 more than once, also known as COVID reinfection. To help answer this question, we explain the differences between natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity, why you should still get the vaccine even if you've previously had COVID and shed more light on reinfection and breakthrough cases.
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.
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.
Are you gathering with family and friends in person for the holidays this year? As we carefully make our way to a new normal, some old familiar challenges are back, namely how to make a delicious, (reasonably) healthy holiday meal that meets everyone’s dietary needs.
Online medicine has become a prominent fixture in the mental health community. If you’ve never heard of or experienced online mental health counseling, we’re here to explain what it is, what the benefits are and what to consider if you’re searching for mental health providers.
Between the stress of COVID-19 and disruptions in people’s social life, many are wondering why they feel constantly tired, have zero energy and are always fatigued. The answer to these problems isn’t always as simple as you had hoped for, although patients always want concrete answers. To suffice these answers, there is a theory these symptoms of lethargy may be tied to something called adrenal fatigue.
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.
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.
Due to the rise in popularity of sports drinks and flavored waters, many people associate replenishing electrolytes after physical fitness and activity. But electrolytes are more than that. Yes, they’re important for optimal hydration, but they also play a key role in body function.
Between processed foods, snacks, pasta, potatoes and heavy side dishes, carbohydrates make up nearly half of American diets. These foods may taste good, but they aren’t as good for your health and waistline. Instead of outright removing these snacks and treats from your diets, there are many low-carb alternatives on the market to help appease your cravings without feeling guilty.
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?
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.
Burnout plays out in stages as demands and work stressors pile on. Knowing about each stage can help you recognize signs of burnout before it becomes problematic. We’ll help you identify these symptoms and provide tips for how to recover and learn to love your job again.
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.
Poor sleep, or not enough sleep, affects a slew of our bodies’ key systems, health and functions, from cognitive abilities to coronary heart disease, diabetes and even a shorter life expectancy. Poor sleep is associated with a generally poorer quality of life.
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.
It’s beloved by the Paleo and Keto diet sets and touted by many for health benefits ranging from better skin and hair to weight loss. Coconut oil has been trending for years, and enthusiasts credit it for all sorts of health and nutritional benefits.
The state of our mental health affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Good mental health is not the same as no acute mental illness, just like good physical health is not the same as no illness or injury at this moment. Maintaining your mental health, like maintaining your physical health, requires a consistent routine and good health-hygiene habits.
Aging brings about many changes. Your metabolism slows down, aches and pains become more commonplace and your mind may not be as sharp as it once was. With several areas of life working against you, it may be easy to let your food awareness slip and focus less on nutrition.
Balance and coordination are key aspects of your health as you age. Older adults are more at risk at falls than any other demographic, accounting for 25 percent of falls each year. To help prevent falls, we’re highlighting nine different exercises that can help seniors improve their balance.
If you’ve never heard of plant-based jerky or if you’re looking for vegan-friendly snacks, we’re here to offer insight on this new food trend and provide plant-based jerky recipes for you to try at home.
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.
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.
We sat down with Sarah Becker, PT, DPT, who is the Rehab Therapy Supervisor at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Outpatient Rehabilitation to better understand cancer rehab, what to expect and how it works.
Frailty makes daily life more difficult, uncomfortable and dangerous. Frailty syndrome is a diagnosis defined by age-related decreases in normal/daily function. It sounds a little vague, but what it comes down to is loss of muscle, stamina, endurance, general fitness and sometimes weight.
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.
Those times when you scurried around the house looking for your misplaced keys or scratched your head in front of the refrigerator for a minute without knowing what you were there for don’t happen by accident. No, you don’t have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. No, you aren’t losing your mind. Instead, you may be experiencing something called brain fog.
Most people don’t want to think about how their life will end, but the topic should be one that everyone considers. If you become unable to speak for yourself due to a terminal illness or traumatic event, who will decide what happens to you?
Grief is something most of us will experience during our lifetimes, whether grieving the loss of someone we love, or the loss of a job, or even losses of familiar routines due to the pandemic. Grief is an umbrella term for the sum all the feelings you have when someone or something important to you is no longer a part of your life. There is only one cure for grief, which is to grieve.
With more stress comes an increased sense of urgency to find stress-relieving remedies, ranging from calming activities to breathing routines. Many people also turn to foods and herbal supplements, such as adaptogens, to help fight stress for them.
The death of someone you love is incredibly painful, and healing can take years. Grieving is a process that may never really end, though its pain will almost certainly soften over time. Sadness, disbelief, anger, shock, denial, pain, bargaining and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up the process through which we learn to live with the loss of someone we love.
Personal training can provide you with a customized workout plan, nutrition guidance and one-on-one support from a certified professional. So, how can you determine if online personal training is right for you, and where should you look for an online personal trainer?
The idea behind intuitive eating is this: eat what you want, as much as you want, whenever you want. No foods are restricted or off limits. According to its adherents, food becomes something to enjoy, not something to constantly measure, regulate and evaluate.
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.
Have you always viewed exercise as a means to lose weight or get in shape? Many people work out for just the physical benefits. However, people often find themselves losing the motivation to exercise when their mental health is suffering. If you’ve ever skipped a workout when you’re feeling sad or anxious, you could actually be missing an opportunity to turn your mood around.
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?
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.
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.
Imagine waking up one day and not being able to see the world, hear its sounds or feel what you touch. This would be life-altering, right? You may not put smell or taste in that same category, but together, they make up 40 percent of your sensory input.
The flexitarian diet is one of the more recent trendy diets to pick up interest, largely in part due to a movement toward plant-based foods compared to the traditional meat options. How does the flexitarian diet work?
Fermented foods are starting to make a comeback due to their health benefits and eco-friendly nature. We share how you can make your own fermented foods at home, and reap their many benefits.
Scoliosis is a common spine condition that affects millions of Americans, many of whom are children and adolescents. Scoliosis affects adults, too, and while some cases are mild, many experience moderate to severe issues from a condition known as degenerative adult scoliosis.
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.
That nagging, heavy sensation you have in your groin or abdomen area may be a sign of something more serious that requires medical — or even surgical — attention. For men, this may seem like just another ache or pain, but it could indicate you have a hernia.
Being injured, and working through the recovery process, can be exhausting, frightening and frustrating. It can also trigger feelings of isolation, depression, anger, fear, sadness and shame. Feeling out of control or numb are also possible. Recovering mentally can be equally, or more, difficult than recovering physically but the two go hand in hand.
Inflammation is a word we hear a lot in health and wellness circles. It’s something we’re encouraged to reduce or avoid. It’s bad news. But what is it? We break it down and share what foods to look for and avoid to help reduce inflammation.
Many of us are exposed to blue light for many of our waking hours. But does it damage our eyes, and should we wear blue light blocking glasses? We explain what you should know about blue light and tips to help keep your eyes protected from becoming dry, irritated or strained.
Air fryers claim to offer the same taste, texture and golden brown crisp of fried foods but with a fraction of the fat and calories. While the capabilities of an air fryer sound convenient and delicious, are they healthy? We explain the benefits and share easy recipes to try.
One in five Americans is affected by mental illness. While common, it can sometimes be difficult to spot in loved ones. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we highlight the signs and symptoms of depression, what to look for in your loved ones and the steps you can take to help if a loved one is depressed.
There are a few parts of your routine that should remain consistent during most situations. Let’s think of them as a framework onto which we can add other things. A good routine is one you can stick with. The more diligent you are about your routine, the more power it will have to calm and center you. We explain the benefits of having a routine and how to get into a new routine post-COVID.
What does herd immunity look like, how do we get there and how long will it take to achieve? We sought out answers to these questions for you to separate fact from fiction.
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.
While many people who get COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, there is a portion who suffer from post-COVID-19 syndrome, a new term used to describe patients who live with lasting symptoms from the coronavirus. To learn more about this new medical problem, we explored what causes these long-term symptoms, who is most affected and what the physical effects look like in post-COVID-19 patients.
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.
Stress monitoring is the latest evolution of wearable technology in the world of health and wellness. Having a bad day? Your fitness tracker can now identify stressful emotions. We’ll explore what makes this possible and how companies have tapped into new and existing technology to track stress levels.
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.
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.
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.
It’s a subject that isn’t easy to think about, but for every one of us, there comes a point when life must come to an end. Perhaps because it's a scary topic, most people aren't aware of the choices available to them and their loved one until they are in middle of dealing with a life-limiting illness. Two important care methods in these scenarios are hospice and palliative care.
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.
If you should become incapacitated due to illness or from an injury, will the people you love know what kind of care you do or do not want? We are highlighting the importance of advance health care decision-making, an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day. We share simple definitions that people hear but might not really know what they mean.
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.
It’s one thing to read a recipe online and rely on photos and text to guide you through the steps. It’s an entirely different experience when you can visualize how to make a dish through a recorded video or hands-on virtual class. We’ll walk you through the different types of virtual cooking classes, what you can expect and the options to choose from online.
The cooking oils section in your local grocery store seemingly grows by the day. How do you know which oils are healthy or the best to cook with? We’re here to help you understand it all.
Gardening can be a richly rewarding hobby, but it can also be daunting if you’ve never tried to plant your own garden. We will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening, how to pick the right site for your garden, how to create the right size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow to get your garden started quickly.
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.
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.
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.
Virtual races use GPS technology and various running apps to track your individual course. While virtual races can’t replace the excitement of an in-person event, it can offer racing opportunities to more people. We’ve listed several upcoming races you can participate in right here in Oklahoma City. Mark your calendars, fill out your registration and get running!
As a way to promote awareness for colorectal cancer in March, we’ve covered some of the recent changes in preventive screening, outlined what you need to know if you fall in an at-risk category for colorectal cancer and touched on the importance of scheduling a colonoscopy.
Is it safe to enjoy spring break during COVID-19? Many colleges and universities are cancelling spring break entirely, in hopes of lessening outbreaks. We break down the CDC guidelines on how to enjoy a safe spring break this year.
With more screens in more places, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage screen time for kids. How much is too much? What if it’s educational? How does screen time management change as kids get older? We address your biggest screen time concerns for kids of all ages.
Around the world, everyone has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you lost a job, a loved one or simply the comforts of normal life, the past year will have a lasting impact on all of us. Because of these disruptions, there will likely be significant and long-lasting impacts for kids who lived through this unprecedented year.
Mindful eating is the idea that is that a slower, more thoughtful way of eating may help us to enjoy our food more, choose more healthful foods and make us less likely to overeat. We explain the differences between mindful eating and dieting.
February is National Senior Independence Month, which focuses on giving senior citizens confidence and independence through household safety, use of technology and more. Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. You may notice that you or your loved one forgets their keys or has trouble recalling names and dates. These types of things are a natural part of getting older, but not all memory loss is the same.
Some people are early risers by nature. Your natural predisposition, whether toward sleeping in and staying up late, or rising and going to bed early, is called your chronotype. We explain four ways to help you become more of a morning person.
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.
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.
Some of the best food memories are often found around the dinner table while cooking at home. That’s why, as parents, you should make cooking with your children a priority. We’ll provide you with some pointers on teaching your kids to cook, safety tips to consider and easy recipes your kids will find enjoyable.
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.
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.
With the start of a new year, you may be thinking about cleaning up your diet and making healthier lifestyle choices. There are so many different diet lifestyles to try, it can be overwhelming and confusing to figure out what dietary needs are right for you. We explain common diets to help you understand what might work for you.
It can be hard to take the slow and steady approach to build a healthy lifestyle when we're surrounded by advertisements for crash diets and 30-day fixes promising fast results. How much physical activity do you actually need? We're breaking down everything you need to know to establish healthy habits and a consistent activity level for the long term.
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.
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.
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.
Sweat is a natural, necessary part of being a human being. Staying naturally dry may seem advantageous, but not sweating enough can actually be more dangerous than sweating too much. Of course it’s perfectly normal to sweat a little or a lot. We share everything you need to know.
Apple cider vinegar is a low-cost ingredient that's said to restore your body's pH balance. Is it worth the hype? We'll walk you through what apple cider vinegar is, how it works within the body and a few popular home remedies you might have seen making the rounds online.
Between membership fees, childcare, crowded workout areas and drive time, gyms are not for everyone. The good news is, you don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to stay healthy and fit. In fact, you can get an incredible full-body workout with a set of dumbbells, or even just your body weight.
Weighted blankets have become popular in the mainstream in the last few years and are just what they sound like: heavy blankets, generally 15 pounds or more. The weight comes from pellets, chains, or balls that are either woven into the blanket's fabric or inserted in little pockets throughout. Advertising claims all sorts of benefits: better sleep, less anxiety, sweatless nights, excellent naps.
Today, many toys are digital and can talk, interact, sing and dance along with your child. But, heavy use of electronic media may be too much for your little toddler's developing brain. We explain the purpose of toys and how to introduce ones that encourage children to use their imagination.
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.
There are many types of vaccines, and keeping up with them can be a tedious process for some. That’s why we created a comprehensive guide, including expert advice from Vibitha Mani, M.D., a pediatrician at INTEGRIS Family Care Council Crossing, to walk you through when and which vaccinations your child should receive.
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.
It’s estimated that between six and 12 million children between the ages of 3 and 11 get head lice each year in the United States. We share how to spot lice, what it feels like and CDC recommendations to get rid of lice.
The type of carbohydrates you consume is more important than the amount you consume. In other words, think quality over quantity. To help set the record straight, we're here to explain how carbohydrates work, outline which healthy carbs you can add to your diet and provide easy recipes to try at home.
If you are a smoker, you already know that quitting that habit is the best thing you can do for your health right now. You also know that quitting nicotine is easier said than done. In honor of The Great American Smokeout, we share what happens at different stages when you quit smoking and how it impacts risk of COVID-19.
Your view of epilepsy may consist of seeing a loved one suffer from spasms or losing control of muscle functions. But, in some cases, repeated epileptic seizures can be fatal. We’re breaking down what you need to know about epilepsy, how it can become fatal, the types of seizures to be aware of and how you can treat it.
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.
When the relaxation response is triggered, people notice short-term benefits, including improved circulation, less anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure and blood cortisol levels, increased feelings of well-being and we might even perspire less. In this article we share the benefits of meditation and how to get started.
To help highlight Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, we checked in with Dr. Silverstein, who is now retired, and Brian Geister, M.D. a board-certified oncologist and internal medicine doctor, to learn more about pancreatic cancer, why it’s so deadly and what the future holds.
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.
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.
You may be wondering whether store-bought or homemade baby food is best. We've outlined the benefits of each, and we provided tips for making your baby food at home so you can make educated decisions that are best for your family.
October is National Children’s Health Month, which brings awareness to protecting and developing children’s health with holistic lifestyle choices and pediatric medical care. When we think of children’s health, many think of vaccinations, dental hygiene and healthy nutrition. While those things are essential, we often overlook a key aspect of every child’s wellbeing: playing outside.
What if a few simple lifestyle changes could lower your stroke risk and prevent you from becoming another statistic? The good news is, you can. To help raise continued awareness for World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, we compiled a list of ways you can adjust your lifestyle to reduce your risk of stroke.
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.
It is important to understand how to prepare for a mental health visit. No matter what the reason is for visiting a mental health specialist, knowing what to expect and how to get the most of your time together can make a big difference in your success.
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.
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.
Happy Children's Health Month! To mark the occasion, we talked with Dr. Craig Kupiec, a pediatrician at INTEGRIS, for his thoughts on why strep throat occurs so often in children. He also discusses pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, known as PANDAS, a mysterious disorder that some think might be associated with streptococcal infections.
Cancer in children is more common than you may think, as it accounts for the second-leading cause of death behind accidents. While a cancer diagnosis, or even the thought of your child developing cancer one day, is overwhelming, modern medicine has greatly improved survival rates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two Oklahomans share their stories of suffering with gastrointestinal problems. To help shed light on what they experienced, Dr. Arun Sachdev, who specializes in gastroenterology at INTEGRIS Health, discusses facts about chronic constipation and diarrhea and advice for when to seek help.
There is no doubt Americans need to get more restorative sleep to keep their minds alert and their bodies healthy, so it’s no wonder the market has been flooded with products that might help you get more shut-eye. But which ones are effective?
There is a lot of information swirling around, and it’s difficult to sort through it all sometimes, but one thing is clear: wearing a mask helps stop the spread of the virus. It is well worth your effort to teach your children to embrace this important change in their lives.
Your breast milk is perfectly suited to provide your new baby with all of the nutrients, cells, hormones and disease-fighting antibodies he or she needs. However, there are certain foods and drinks you should consume with caution as too much can cause problems or have a negative effect on your baby.
Long before the coronavirus forced changes in the delivery of health care, the use of telemedicine had already expanded out of need. The benefits of telemedicine are easy to see. Does this mean it will affect how you receive care going forward?
You’ve probably heard the health claims about CBD but it can be difficult to suss out what’s fact from fiction in order to make the right health choices for yourself. We dive into the science of CBD: what it is, how it works and how you can incorporate this product into your wellness routine.
Nowadays, your local gym, spa or strip mall may boast fancy whole-body cryotherapy machines touted to help alleviate pain, minor ailments and general muscle recovery. But is it safe? Is it effective? What benefits, if any, can athletes receive from cryotherapy?
You've probably never pondered your immune system so much as now, during the coronavirus. Are there things you can do to keep your immune system strong?
If you have tried the Keto Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Atkins Diet or any of the others that call for a high protein intake, you may have wondered just how much protein is too much. We’ve asked an expert for the answer.
While it seems everyone is always trying to lose weight, there's a significant number of people who want to gain weight, too. Being underweight can be just as dangerous as being obese, but if you do need to gain weight, what's the best way to do it healthily? An INTEGRIS dietitian explains.
It's Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is a good time to talk about navigating the birth of your baby and your options for breastfeeding during the pandemic.
Is it safe to travel now? The CDC says travel increases your chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. But if you are planning to travel, here's how to protect yourself and others.
To help recognize World Hepatitis Day on July 28, this guide will give you a comprehensive look at the five types of hepatitis, which hepatitis treatment options are available and how you can keep yourself and your family safe from these diseases.
When it comes to arthritis, the picture of an elderly person might come to mind. But arthritis affects children, too. At any point before your child matures into an adult, his or her body may experience a chronic inflammatory response that causes joint pain, skin rashes or more complex internal organ issues. The quicker you obtain a diagnosis, the more proactive doctors can be with treatments that can allow your child to live a long, healthy life.
Many people with food sensitivities aren’t aware their diet could be causing mild daily symptoms such as pain or discomfort. An elimination diet can help link specific foods to symptoms such as indigestion, skin problems, inflammation and fatigue and identify foods that correlate with signs of sensitivity, intolerance or allergy.
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.
While INTEGRIS caregivers are bravely serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, INTEGRIS Pastoral Care provides spiritual support for patients, their families and hospital staff. During this difficult time, Chaplain Warfield and his team have been dedicated to providing spiritual guidance to the community.
Families are very ready to get out of the house and venture out for a little summer fun. While this summer is certainly different from a “normal” one in the city, the good news is there are many summer activities that remain quite safe with a little advance planning.
The coronavirus pandemic has created tough situations worldwide, but for many people, the health emergency has created additional sources of trauma. That trauma could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but could also lead to more severe symptoms for those who already suffer from PTSD.
With summer in full swing, many residents want to know if it’s safe to visit public and community pools. We are breaking down the CDC guidelines on how to enjoy the pool safely this summer.
June 15 to 22 is Men’s Health Week, and this year has introduced an important medical question about men’s health. According to data from the National Institute of Health, men seem to be affected more severely by COVID-19 than women. Why is this the case?
Experts are worried because illness and deaths from health problems that were untreated during the pandemic are rising. For this reason, INTEGRIS Health, and health care systems nationwide, want to share an important message: it’s safe to get your medical conditions addressed right now and it’s okay to visit your doctor or hospital even as the country continues to battle the pandemic.
Even if illness may often seem inevitable, are there ways to better prepare your body for a potential onslaught of invaders? Yes and no. You won’t find a magic immunity pill anywhere, but we’ll provide tips on how you can boost your immune system naturally.
As simple as it sounds, freezing food can be a little tricky if you aren’t familiar with it. Here are tips to help you freeze your meals easily and safely.
Social distancing can have an especially negative impact on one of society’s most at-risk groups: the elderly. You may want to help but might feel awkward just assuming an elderly neighbor needs help. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.
Establishing a consistent exercise routine while you stay home can add structure to your day, keep your body strong, and help alleviate stress. Here are a few ways you can stay active while staying safe.
With kids stuck at home, many Oklahoma parents are wondering what their kids are going to do all day. If you’re running low on ideas to keep the kids busy, here are some ideas we’ve put together for activities that can help kids stay engaged.
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.
Hospitals nationwide have canceled or postponed treatments and procedures so they can focus on COVID-19 patients. But should your cancer treatment continue during this time? It all depends on what your doctor says.
While social isolation is necessary, it’s likely you miss your friends and family and it probably feels like your daily life has been uprooted in disturbing ways. Now that you’ve been stuck indoors for several days, perhaps boredom and restlessness have set in and loneliness and anxiety have started creeping into your thoughts. Now more than ever, it’s important to stay positive. Luckily, there are many ways you can stay engaged and combat boredom – and you don’t always need technology to do it!
As an adult, one of the most important things we can do is to help the young people in our lives cope with COVID-19. We are sharing some helpful tips, guidelines and resources. Remember – you don’t have to be perfect, just try your best.
Meet David Boggs, M.D., a pulmonary and critical care physician at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. Working in an intensive care unit dedicated for respiratory illness, he is quite literally on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.
With the deluge of COVID-19 news every day, it can be confusing to know what to do if you are feeling sick right now. The most important thing you can do is get the right information from trusted medical sources and do not panic.
The trick with good mental health is in many ways the same as the trick with good physical health. Consistency is important, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and good habits are key. In many cases, good mental health is a habit, which can be maintained and improved upon.
Many restaurants in Oklahoma City are offering takeout and/or curbside delivery. In fact, most eateries have slashed their prices for takeout to help encourage people to buy meals. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can find restaurants which are still cooking up delicious meals and deals.
INTEGRIS Health leadership held a press conference this week on the INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center campus to provide the latest and most accurate info on COVID-19 to the citizens of Oklahoma City.
If you’re planning a spring and summer vacation or traveling for business, getting quality sleep away from home is important. To get your best sleep while on vacation, review these tips for traveling with a CPAP.
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.
As the saying goes, “Aging isn’t for wimps.” The changes people experience as they grow older can be traumatic for some. However, a growing amount of research shows that feeling useful makes the transition to the golden years much easier for many people. As we celebrate National Senior Independence Month, there's scientific proof that volunteering keeps your brain and body strong.
Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. To mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week, here are common symptoms and signs.
Is wine healthy? Many wine drinkers have heard that red wine, in particular, can provide heart-health benefits. Dr. Terrie Gibson, an interventional cardiologist with INTEGRIS Health, explores the idea that a little red wine may be good for the heart.
Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day! Can you actually improve your health and the world around you through simple acts of kindness? According to some pretty impressive research, you can!
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.
As we get older, most of us wish to remain independent for as long as we can. Many adult children struggle with finding the right balance between keeping their elderly loved ones safe with the care they need while also helping them preserve their independence. The good news is that both are possible with some planning and modifications.
Advanced practice providers are not doctors, but they have advanced degrees and are qualified to take on some of the roles traditionally assumed by doctors. They can often provide the medical care a patient needs more quickly and at a lower cost.
Now that it's February, have you found yourself right where you started when you set your new year's health goals last month? Maybe you’re feeling frustrated with yourself, and already think your goals for 2020 are a wash. INTEGRIS dietitian Brent Wilson gives some heartfelt advice to help you get back on track.
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.
Take a look at this quick list of healthy and fast recipes to get started using your new cooking gadget. So, tie on that apron, take your gift out of the box and let’s get cooking!
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.
There are many health benefits when you run regularly. Studies have shown that running can lower your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers. We are sharing 5 tips to help you run like a pro.
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.
Milk made from oats is one of the latest trends in the nondairy world and it’s a cause for celebration for many of those who are lactose- and dairy-free. Even better, oat milk is not only trendy, but has many benefits for your overall health. Here’s a look at why oat milk is good for you and we’ve even thrown in a few recipes should you wish to make your own oat milk at home.
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?
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.
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.
With winter in full swing, cold weather pain and arthritis can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life. The cold doesn’t cause arthritis, but it can increase joint pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation. We are sharing tips to deal with arthritis pain during the winter months.
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.
What are the holidays without cookies? Fun snowman-shaped sugar cookies and sugarplum delights make Christmas all the sweeter. But these delicious treats make it harder to stay healthy and limit ingredients that can cause or exacerbate existing conditions. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity or heart conditions, worry not! We have healthy cookie recipes to share.
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!
Type 1 diabetes seems mysterious to many people, and because it’s not preventable, Type 1 diabetes tends to slip under the radar in many people’s minds – unless you have it. Dr. Hieu Nguyen, a physician at INTEGRIS, not only treats patients who have Type 1 diabetes, he’s fighting the battle himself.
An INTEGRIS Health physician confirms that ingesting activated charcoal won't hurt most people, and it is highly unlikely to cause cancer, but it may not live up to all the miraculous claims that companies are touting when it comes to skin care or cleanses.
Oklahoma is one of seven rural states with high HIV transmission rates, yet up to 15 percent of people don't even know they are infected. New technology makes testing simple and private.
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.
Identifying your risk of AFib can be tricky because many people have no symptoms and are unaware of their condition until it's discovered during an examination. However, there are some common signs and symptoms.
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.
With telemedicine innovations like INTEGRIS Virtual Visit, patients can access health care straight from their homes with only the internet and a screen!
Don’t rely on old wives’ tales to keep your kids healthy this flu season! With an estimated four billion sick days taken in the U.S. each year, following medically sound practices to prevent the spread of germs goes a long way toward helping your child have fewer missed school days, fewer infections, fewer trips to the doctor and lower medical costs.
While accidents can happen, creating a safe environment and doing a little advance planning can significantly reduce the chances of your Halloween festivities having a mishap.
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?
Today’s teens are exposed to millions of images and messages – often negative, confusing or conflicting – from their peers, from television, the internet and especially on social media, where truth can be misleading. When you couple typical teen issues with more serious concerns like family problems, substance abuse or depression, it’s no surprise mental health issues are so common in adolescents today.
The first four cases of serious lung injury related to e-cigarettes have been confirmed in Oklahoma. Nationwide, 26 people have died so far. While the investigation is ongoing, the CDC recommends that people refrain from using e-cigarette products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The rise of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has increasingly been mixed with heroin and opioid painkillers in the illicit drug market, has led to a steep increase in overdose deaths. Here's what you need to know.
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.
Before you send your kids back to school, make sure you know the symptoms of bacterial meningitis, which can kill quickly or cause permanent disabilities.
Angling enthusiasts have plenty of big rivers and small streams, large lakes and hidden coves to cast lines for Oklahoma’s abundant bass, crappie, paddlefish and catfish. From mercury and blue-algae risks to the best skillet trout recipe you've ever tried, here is your guide to fishing in Oklahoma.
When they are breastfeeding, many new mothers may wonder if they are producing enough milk. They may look for ways to naturally boost their milk supply so that their baby gets all the nutrition and antibodies that breast milk can provide. Luckily for breastfeeding mommies, there are ways to maintain and boost your milk production, including recipes.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! You spend nine months taking birthing classes, building the perfect registry and organizing your nursery. Yet many new moms don’t prepare for breastfeeding. It seems like a natural thing, so it should come easy, right? Unfortunately, natural instinct can only go so far. We can help.
For many Americans living with food intolerances or allergies, finding tasty alternatives to items like dairy or wheat can be an ongoing scavenger hunt. Luckily, lots of options are being developed. Here is a quick guide to alternative products for food intolerances, with recipes!
Did you know it's possible to be thin and prediabetic, or obese and never get diabetes? It depends on your genes. Anyone who develops diabetes has a gene that allows insulin resistance to happen. Our genes load the gun but more importantly, our lifestyle pulls the trigger. Certified diabetes educator Brent Wilson explains.
People who work or play outside during the extremely hot Oklahoma summer run the risk of several heat-related injuries. The most serious is heatstroke, which can cause organ damage or even death. Dr. Layne Keathly gives symptoms to watch for so you can keep your family cool this summer.
All children need a healthy bedtime routine to perform their best in the classroom. As summer winds down this month, start getting them into school-year sleep mode now!
Bulletproof coffee is a dietary trend sweeping the country. People who follow a low-carb, high-fat diet, such as the paleo diet and the ketogenic diet, swear by its ability to keep them energized, fueled and focused all morning long while burning fat at an elevated rate. But is bulletproof coffee actually good for your health, and does it live up to the hype?
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.
Every living creature deserves kindness, and it’s important that your children know the safe way to interact with our furry, scaly and feathered friends.
Oklahoma has the seventh highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the country. But it doesn't have to be this way! With lifestyle changes, it can be controlled and even reversed.
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.
Diagnoses of gastrointestinal disorders are on the rise for children, and can include infantile colic, recurrent abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, nutritional intolerances, celiac disease, malabsorption syndromes, acute diarrhea, persistent diarrhea, chronic constipation and more. Luckily, the treatment and management of these pediatric conditions are getting more sophisticated. When it comes to deciding whether it’s time for a child to see a GI specialist, Dr. Shambayati says to "trust your gut."
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?
While scheduling a yearly check-up with a doctor is vital, men can also take charge of their health by doing quick self-exams at home, so they can learn what’s “normal” for their bodies and what isn’t.
A common rite of passage into parenthood is clearing out your baby’s nose for the first time. It can be scary and there are often tears involved. These natural home remedies can help make the experience a little less stressful and help you clear your baby’s nose like a pro.
The tragic news that country singer Granger Smith's 3-year-old son drowned at home has many parents worried about swimming safety for their infants and toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists drowning as the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. However, the AAP suggests that swim lessons can be beneficial for children and may decrease drowning rates. Local YMCA locations in the OKC metro have a swim lesson program aiming to get toddlers and infants into the pool at a very young age, starting at just six months.
Keep kids healthy and engaged this summer for personal and academic growth. Active bodies and minds over the break can enhance school performance in the fall.
When a child is truly involved in the food – planting the seed, getting their hands in the dirt and harvesting – that’s when the connection to food really ignites.
How do you keep cool while you’re preparing meals during the heat of an Oklahoma summer? Don’t turn on the oven or the grill and heat up your house and yard — reach for your instant pot instead!
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.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the most misunderstood disorders in the U.S. Even though it affects one out of every 100 adults, most of what is commonly known about OCD is based on stereotypes and misconceptions. In reality, OCD is much more than a desire for things to be neat, clean and organized.
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?
Floating the Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma is a weekend well spent in the outdoors and we bet many of you are planning a float trip this summer. Here's what you need to remember to stay safe.
Remember the freedom you felt as a child when you hopped on your bike, pedaled down the street and let the wind hit your face? That childhood joy isn’t just for kids. Today, millions of adults and children still revel in the fun of bike riding both for pleasure and for health. Why not see what you've been missing and try out these OKC bike trails?
Residents across Oklahoma recently watched a terrifying video that showed a large snake biting an unsuspecting Lawton man directly in the face. But just how common are snakes in Oklahoma? How poisonous are they? Should you be worried that one might be lurking in your mailbox? It's important to know which snakes are most dangerous and what to do if a loved one gets bitten.
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.
While often termed differently, muffin top, belly fat and spare tire are all essentially the same - excess abdominal fat. No matter what it’s called, it can be a frustration for many men because it's one of the most difficult areas to slim and tone.
More than ten years ago, when a little blue pill was given the green light by the FDA, it was the moment that revived millions of marriages and launched even more punchlines. INTEGRIS Health urologist Dr. Michael Holzer discusses erectile dysfunction.
This nomination from Modern Healthcare recognizes physicians working in the health care industry who are deemed by their peers and an expert panel to be the most influential in terms of demonstrating leadership and impact.
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.
Taking an old painkiller to relieve a headache or borrowing a friend’s medication might not seem like a big deal, but these simple acts are dangerous and considered abuse.
