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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 hand is shown getting a manicure

The Hidden Dangers of Gel Manicures: What You Need to Know About Potential Health Risks

A fresh manicure can make you feel put-together, and the long-lasting, chip-free finish of gel manicures makes them an appealing choice. While they offer weeks of flawless color, it’s important to understand the potential downsides. From UV light exposure to harsh chemicals, that perfect manicure might come with hidden costs to your health.

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Mother with ill child lying in bed

Flu and Your Family: Keeping Everyone Safe This Winter

Winter brings cozy nights by the fire and holiday gatherings, but it also ushers in the peak of respiratory illness season. While the colder months are a time for connection, they require extra vigilance to ensure your household stays healthy.

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woman in a red sweater with a handful of colorful gummies

Creatine Gummies vs. Traditional Supplements: Which Is Best?

Creatine is one of the most researched and popular supplements for improving physical performance, but there are now more ways to take it. Creatine gummies are a convenient, flavorful alternative to traditional creatine powders, but are they better?

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a man in a grocery store reads the ingredients on a bag of chips

Ultra Processed Foods: What Are They and What Is Their Impact?

Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you'll notice shelves brimming with ultra processed foods – brightly packaged snacks, frozen dinners, sweetened artificial cereals and sugary drinks. These convenient, ready-to-eat products have become staples in many households, thanks to their long shelf-life, affordability and flavors that keep you coming back for more. But behind their widespread popularity lies a more complicated story. Research suggests that ultra processed foods, while convenient, may have health consequences, especially on the gut and brain.

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an older couple walking together along a scenic trail

Brisk Walking: The Simple Exercise with Big Health Rewards

When it comes to exercise, it’s easy to think that you need a gym membership or complicated equipment to see real results. One of the most effective and accessible forms of physical activity is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Walking is a powerful way to improve your well-being, available to almost everyone, regardless of fitness level.

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a man check his heart rate on his smart watch

From Step Counters to Smart Rings: How Wearables Are Revolutionizing Health

You glance down at your wrist and see it all. You’re tracking steps taken, calories burned, heart rate and even sleep quality. Smart watches and fitness trackers have transformed how we monitor our health, offering insights that were once available only during doctor visits. Fitness trackers are changing personal health monitoring and what it means for your wellness routine.

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a woman shopping for skincare products

What's the Best Winter Skincare Routine?

The cold, dry air of winter can be particularly harsh on your skin, making it feel tight, itchy and flaky. While family gatherings and hot cocoa are winter essentials, a solid winter skincare plan is just as important to combat the effects of the chilly weather. With a few adjustments to your daily habits, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy all season long.

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a middle aged man standing outside grabs his chest in pain

How Oklahoma’s Climate Affects COPD and What You Can Do About It

Living in Oklahoma means embracing its unique weather patterns, from humid summers to dry winters. For many, these changes are just part of life, but for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the shifts in weather can significantly impact their health and daily comfort. Knowing how factors like humidity, allergens and temperature extremes influence your breathing can help improve lung health.

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a hand is shown putting together wooden blocks that spell out ADHD

The Rise in ADHD Diagnoses and What It Means for Oklahoma Families

Over the past few decades, ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in the U.S. and around the world. It’s a trend that sparks a lot of questions and sometimes confusion. For families in Oklahoma, understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is an important step in supporting your family’s mental health and well-being.

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a woman receiving infrared light therapy

The Healing Power of Infrared Light Therapy

In recent years, the realm of wellness has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding alternative therapies, and among them, infrared and red light therapy have emerged as powerful and promising approaches. Exploring the science, benefits and applications of these therapies unveils a fascinating landscape of healing potential.

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a woman putting a plastic tray of food to heat in the microwave

Is It Safe to Reheat Food in Plastic?

Storing your leftovers in plastic containers and popping them into the microwave the next day probably feels like second nature. It’s convenient and quick – a routine many Americans rely on. But have you ever wondered about the safety of this habit? As practical as plastic containers are, heating them may come with hidden risks.

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a teen girl sits and vapes, blowing out a cloud of vapor

What’s Really in a Vape and Why It Matters for Teens

Vaping has become a major temptation for teens, with sleek-looking devices and candy-like flavors. Many people, especially teens, believe it’s a harmless alternative to smoking. The truth is much more complicated.

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a woman cooking with oil

Are Seed Oils Bad for You?

If you’ve scrolled through your favorite social media app lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon fiery debates about seed oils. One post might claim their high omega-6 content makes them “toxic,” fueling everything from inflammation to chronic disease, while the next video from a medical provider praises their role in promoting heart health.

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a woman sits uncomfortably at home

Keyhole Incontinence Explained: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

Incontinence affects millions of people, but not all types are the same. Two specific forms, keyhole incontinence and latchkey incontinence, present unique challenges that differ from regular incontinence patterns. These conditions involve sudden, urgent episodes triggered by specific situations or activities.

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a man sits on his couch holding a tissue and massaging his forehead

Sinus Surgery for Chronic Sinusitis: Is It Right for You?

Dealing with chronic sinusitis can be frustrating. The persistent congestion, facial pressure and difficulty breathing can disrupt your daily life. You’ve likely tried over-the-counter options, maybe even sought advice from your health care provider, but the relief is only temporary. When medications and other remedies no longer work, sinus surgery may be a solution.

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a doctor inspects the skin rash on a patient's arm

Understanding Shingles: Symptoms and Risks

Shingles is not just a rash. It is a serious viral infection that can cause long-term complications and reduce your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll cover what shingles is, its symptoms, associated risks and tips to prevent and manage it.

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Tired young businesswoman using laptop and holding head in hand while working in the office

Healthy Habits to Ease Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation quietly affects your body over a span of years with no notice. Over time, inflammation can increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer's disease. The best part is that there are easy, daily decisions you can make to help control it. Your food, activity and stress levels are factors that influence how your immune system reacts.

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a woman eating a fast food burger

How Microplastics and Other Chemicals in Food Can Impact Your Body

When we think of food, we picture wholesome, nourishing ingredients. But under this comforting image lies a hidden reality not many consider: tiny particles of plastic and the cocktail of chemicals they carry could be making their way onto our plates.

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a mom feeds her daughter with a spoon

A Closer Look at Why Your Favorite Foods May Contain Heavy Metals

Many Americans are becoming more health-conscious, scanning labels for calories, fat content, carbs and avoiding overly processed ingredients. But one hidden detail often goes unnoticed: Heavy metals lurking in the foods we eat every day. Unlike the nutrients you track on a package, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium won’t show up in a list of ingredients, yet their presence can have real health consequences.

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a young woman looks in a mirror while applying balm to her face

How to Use Tallow Balm in Your Daily Skincare Routine

More people are turning to natural skincare ingredients, embracing wellness-centered beauty practices that connect us with time-tested remedies. Tallow balm, made from rendered animal fat, has emerged as a powerful option for those seeking simple, effective skincare solutions.

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a woman sitting at her work desk grimacing with a headache

Migraine Triggers: Identifying and Avoiding Common Causes

If you live with migraines, you know they’re more than just a bad headache. They can stop you in your tracks, sometimes for days. While medication can help, figuring out what sets off your migraines is just as important.

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a woman meditating

The Foundations of Holistic Health: Understanding the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Health isn’t just about blood pressure, calories or lab results. It’s also about how you feel, think and connect with the world around you. Holistic health looks at the full picture. It sees your body, mind and spirit as one system, not separate parts. When one area is out of balance, it can affect everything else.

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A man shopping for groceries stops at the deli counter and looks at the selection

Processed Lunch Meats: What’s in Them and How Can they Impact Your Health

When it comes to quick, tasty and ready-to-eat meal options, processed lunch meats often steal the spotlight. From turkey sandwiches to charcuterie boards featuring salami and ham, these staples have found their way into kitchens everywhere. But what’s really inside those deli slices? While their convenience and flavor are undeniable, the additives and preservatives used in processed lunch meats can have effects on your health.

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a woman relaxes in a chair surrounded by plants

Benefits of Slow Living: Improving Mental and Physical Health

Busy is often worn like a badge of honor. But always rushing, always doing, can wear you down. Over time, it takes a toll on both your body and your mind. That’s where slow living comes in. It’s a mindset that encourages you to pause and consider what truly adds value to your life.

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A woman holds her hands in the shape of a heart in front of her stomach

Gut Health Red Flags: When to Seek Help

Your gut does more than just digest food. It affects your immune system, mood and even your skin. When something’s off, your body often gives clues. The tricky part? Those signs can be easy to brush off. Many symptoms of gut imbalance overlap with everyday stress, diet changes or hormonal shifts, making them easy to dismiss. But when these issues persist or worsen, it’s your body’s way of signaling that something deeper could be going on.

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father helps his daughter pack lunch to bring to school

Healthy Morning Routines for Back to School

As the back-to-school season comes around, it's time to bid farewell to lazy summer mornings and embrace the rhythm of the school day. Creating a healthy morning routine not only sets the tone for a productive day ahead but also contributes to your overall well-being.

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a woman in athletic gear holding a water bottle fights off the summer heat

Staying Safe in the Summer Heat: How Your Medication Can Increase Heat Intolerance

As summer temperatures and humidity rise, INTEGRIS Health cautions people taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that they may impair the body’s ability to stay cool. If you find yourself highly sensitive to the summer heat, it could be a sign of heat intolerance.

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stock photo of a "patient" undergoing an endoscopy

What Is an Endoscopy and Which Disease Can It Detect?

Endoscopy has transformed how doctors find and treat health problems, offering a way to look inside the body without major surgery. By giving a clear view of what’s happening inside, endoscopy allows for faster answers and more personalized treatments, helping patients feel better sooner.

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a couple enjoys a glass of wine

What Are Sulfites in Wine

Sulfites in wine often spark questions and concerns, leaving many people wondering what they really are and what role they play in the winemaking process. Are they natural? Do they cause headaches? And what makes "no-added sulfite" wine different?

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A woman sits on the steps holding a bottle filled with a yellow electrolyte drink

Are Electrolyte Drinks Good for You

Electrolyte drinks are everywhere these days. Premade drinks, powders, concentrates, tablets – they come in tons of different forms and flavors. You’ve probably seen them in grocery stores, at gyms or advertised by athletes. They promise to hydrate better than water, improve performance and help you recover faster.

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