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INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

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

a woman discusses weight loss options with her doctor

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Struggling with weight can feel overwhelming, especially when it begins to impact your health and quality of life. For many, traditional methods like diet and exercise might not lead to the results they need, which is why options like bariatric surgery and medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro have become tools on the path to health.

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A person eating from a healthy plate of food

Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

Intermittent fasting has taken the health and wellness world by storm, earning attention as an effective method for weight management and improving overall health. But is it just another fad, or does it actually deliver sustainable results?

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Weight loss options

Weight Loss Options for New Year's Resolution

At the start of the new year, many people set out with a heartfelt resolution to achieve a healthier weight. This common aspiration often marks the beginning of a journey toward improved well-being. For those considering weight loss, both surgical and medical options present viable paths to success.

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A man tests his blood sugar

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

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

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What medical screenings do you need after age 40

What Medical Screenings Do You Need After Age 40?

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.

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Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss?

Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss?

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.

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woman looking at food

How to Flatten Blood Sugar Spikes

This blog will discuss what causes your blood sugar to become elevated and how you can help limit the spikes with your diet.

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Foods and Diabetes

Food Choices That Impact Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

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.

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High protein cereal

High-protein cereals: A Healthier Breakfast Alternative?

Instead of turning to eggs and other processed meats for protein sources at breakfast, some consumers have ventured into the world of high-protein cereals as an alternative. This blog will explore this growing market and expand on the possible health benefits.

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Are Your Healthy Snacks Actually Junk Food?

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.

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bowl of tofu

How to Eat Complete Proteins in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

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.

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Healthy Energy Drinks

Are Healthy Energy Drinks Really Healthy?

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.

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Maple Syrup Health Benefits

Is Maple Syrup Better than Sugar?

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.

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Woman in pain from neglecting health appointments

What Happens When You Neglect Your Health?

What’s the worst that could happen if you avoid the doctor’s office? Better yet, why do you even need a doctor if you’re not sick? The answer: many benign health problems can easily become an issue without proper oversight. We’re here to explore exactly what happens when you neglect your health and why you should prioritize regular checkups.

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Food

What to Eat to Reduce Inflammation

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.

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Woman Talking to Doctor about Preventative Healthcare

Preventive Health Care Appointments You Should Have Each Year

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

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Woman Eats Mindfully Instead of Dieting

Mindful Eating or Dieting: What's the Difference?

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.

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veggie burger

Are Plant Based Meats Healthier than Regular Meat

With the increased demand for plant-based meats, we looked at whether or not these meatless alternatives are healthier than regular meat.

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Shedding Light on Binge Eating

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.

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Blood Sugar

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

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.

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A whole lot o' fruit

Why You Might Need More Fiber Than You Think

Fiber is a big deal these days. Every time you turn around, someone is telling you to eat more of it. But why is fiber so important?

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woman running in field

What Is Brown Fat? Can It Help Your Body Lose Weight?

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.

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hands touching fresh produce

What is a Food Desert and How Does It Affect the Obesity Crisis in Oklahoma?

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?

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man holding basketball

What is Insulin Resistance? What is Prediabetes? How Can You Prevent It?

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.

Brent Wilson, RD/LD, CDE

bulletproof coffee

What is Bulletproof Coffee?

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?

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woman testing blood sugar

Diabetes in Oklahoma

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.

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man checking for skin cancer

Monthly Self Checks All Men Should Do

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.

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man measuring his waist

Why the Spare Tire Happens and What It Means for Men

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.

Brent Wilson, RD/LD

bowl of healthy food

What is Macro Tracking and Does It Work?

Macro tracking, when done correctly, can be an effective alternative to restrictive dieting. While it may not be right for everyone, tracking your macronutrients can help you maintain a proper caloric intake for your goals and change your body composition without being restrictive or making you feel sluggish and hungry.

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bell pepper

What Are Mesonutrients and Why Are They Important?

You might already know about macronutrients and micronutrients, but did you know that hidden within foods such as turmeric, tomatoes and blackberries are active compounds called mesonutrients that might play a big role in making these foods so good for you? Many health publications and websites are proclaiming mesonutrients as the newest health trend of 2019. So, why are mesonutrients so important?

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drink green tea for health

10 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

Many cultures throughout Asia have harnessed the healing powers of green tea for thousands of years, but the Western world has gone crazy for green tea only in the last few decades. Lately it seems you can't pick up a newspaper or visit a health website that doesn't proclaim the supposed health benefits of green tea, from weight loss to preventing colds to fighting cancer. But should you believe the hype?

Juli Johnson

woman cutting vegetables

Keto, Whole30 and Paleo: An INTEGRIS Health Dietitian Gives His Real Opinion

We’ve looked at three of the biggest diets out there – Keto, Whole30 and Paleo – and asked Brent Wilson, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at INTEGRIS Health, for his real opinion on each of them.

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Intersection in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma's Latest Health Rankings

It's early in 2018, which means it’s time for America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report. The report, recently released by the United Health Foundation, ranked Oklahoma number 43 in the U.S. in terms of health. We’re breaking down the data and highlighting some interesting facts about Oklahoma.

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middle aged woman exercising with hand weights

How to Find Your Healthiest Weight

Have you made any progress on your New Year's resolutions? A common one is weight loss, but understanding how to find your healthiest weight is important to achieve the best results.

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spoonful of almond butter

Alternatives to Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a staple in most American kitchens but many people don’t realize there are a wide variety of nut butters made from other nut varieties. When it comes to health benefits, peanut butter just can’t compete with the healthy ingredients found in other nut butters.

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sugar

Sugar Showdown: Which Sweetener is the Best?

With so many different sweeteners and false advertisements, it can be confusing to determine which sweetener is the best option for your health. We consulted Brent Wilson, a registered dietitian at INTEGRIS, to get his perspective.

Brent Wilson, RD/LD

Oils for Cooking

Best Cooking Oils for Better Health

Cooking oils are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to have options on hand, depending on what you’re preparing.

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healthy thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving With Diabetes

Approach the holiday season this year by offering healthy dinner options and you’ll help your family enjoy a meal that’s better for them while being mindful of your guests who may have diabetes.

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Integris The Connection Between Diabetes and Heart Health
black bean brownies
Prediabetes now what
IOYH diabetes
Insulin meter and fruit

Alert! Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?

Brent Wilson, a registered dietitian with the INTEGRIS Diabetes Education Program talks about raising awareness about the seriousness of "prediabetes," especially when left undiagnosed or untreated.

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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog
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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog

Low Sugar Smoothie Recipe

Have you thought about making a smoothie for breakfast but are worried about the amount of calories or sugars?

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Cheddar Vegetable Surprise

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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog
Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog

Substitute Mashed Potatoes with Mashed Cauliflower

If you're looking for ways to reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat, try this mashed cauliflower recipe as a great substitute.

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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog

How to Calculate Calories per Serving

It can be difficult to understand portion sizes based on the food label. Here are tips on how to more accurately calculate calories per serving.

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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog

Achieve Success in Your Resolutions

Many people make New Year's resolutions, but few achieve success. Keep it simple by resolving to take care of your health through preventive screenings.

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Woman reading the INTEGRIS Health blog

On a Diet? You can Still Enjoy Thanksgiving

If you're on a diet, you might worry about Thanksgiving and the extra calories. But it's a special occasion and one day is not going to wreck your diet.

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Man With Doctor

Men's Health Checklist for Any Age

Men need to be aware of the proper medical tests and exams they should have at every age. Below is a men's health checklist of common wellness procedures.

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Why Do I Need a Doctor if Im Not Sick

Why Do I Need a Doctor if I'm Not Sick?

Dr. Justin Sparkes, an internal medicine physician with INTEGRIS, answers questions on why you should see a doctor, even if you're not sick.

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