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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Looking for a fun way to get your family moving? Oklahoma is home to some of the best outdoor spots for active family time. From hiking and kayaking to swimming and fishing, the state’s lakes offer plenty of ways to stay fit while making memories.
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.
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy that intertwines with pollen allergies. For those who suffer from hay fever, particularly allergies to birch, ragweed or grass pollens, this syndrome can become a familiar challenge.
Iron deficiency can be a master of disguise, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and irritability often imitating conditions such as stress, sleep disorders or even general burnout. These subtle warning signs might seem inconsequential at first, but they can quietly disrupt your energy levels, focus and overall health.
Oklahoma City, or OKC as locals lovingly call it, is home to a variety of green spaces that offer a refreshing break from city life. Whether you're into running, biking, kayaking or just soaking up some sun, OKC’s parks and lakes have something for everyone. From sprawling urban parks to serene lakeside retreats, here are some of the best green spaces you’ll find in OKC.
Hidden risks for stroke often go unnoticed, yet they can significantly impact your health over time. The good news? You have the power to lower your stroke risk by identifying these factors early and making proactive changes. From adopting healthier lifestyle habits to addressing underlying medical conditions, the steps you take today could make all the difference tomorrow.
You may be surprised by just how many women are affected by hair loss at some point in their lives. In the medical field, the scientific term for hair loss is alopecia, and there are several different subtypes.
Understanding your medical test results empowers you to take control of your health. These tests provide critical insights into how your body functions, helping your health care provider identify concerns or track improvements. From blood work to imaging scans, each result contributes to a clearer picture of your overall wellness, enabling you to make informed care decisions with confidence.
The liver is a powerhouse organ, and to keep it functioning at peak performance, a nutritious diet is key. Incorporating specific foods can significantly enhance liver health, providing the necessary nutrients to support detoxification processes and reduce the risk of liver-related diseases.
Stress has become an almost constant part of life in today’s fast-paced world, affecting everything from how you think to how you feel physically. While occasional stress is a normal response to challenges, chronic stress can take a heavy toll on the body over time.
For many Oklahomans, spring is a season of blooming flowers and time spent having fun outside, but it’s also a time for sneezing, watery eyes and scratchy throats. Spring allergies in Oklahoma are no joke, thanks to the state’s unique combination of wind, pollen and unpredictable weather patterns.
Oklahoma is a hiker's dream. With gorgeous hiking trails across the state, hiking enthusiasts have miles upon miles of trails packed with stunning views and gorgeous wildlife. From the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains to the serene landscapes of the Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma offers diverse hiking experiences for all skill levels.
Participating in self-care Sunday is a great way to reset and recharge for the upcoming week. It's all about dedicating a day to relax and replenish your body and mind. By carving out this special time for yourself, you're prioritizing your well-being and showing yourself some much-deserved love and care.
As restful sleep becomes more and more of a challenge for Americans, cooling sheets have become a popular solution for those seeking a reprieve from tossing and turning. These sheets are designed to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, providing a cooler, drier sleep environment made to enhance your overall sleep quality.
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Yet, for many people, falling asleep quickly can feel like an impossible task. Whether it’s due to racing thoughts, stress or unhealthy habits, struggling to get quality rest can have a lasting impact.
The days of picking up a dozen eggs for a couple bucks at your local grocery store are long gone – at least for now. Egg prices are soaring to unprecedented levels due to a combination of a severe bird flu outbreak, rising inflation and supply chain issues. For many families, eggs are now either too expensive or increasingly hard to find on store shelves.
Moringa tea has become a popular choice for herbal tea drinkers due to its nutritional value and health benefits. Unlike green or black tea, this caffeine-free drink contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants known to support immunity and improve energy.
In the intricate dance of human relationships, the concept of attachment styles plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics between individuals. Developed through early experiences with caregivers, attachment styles influence how people connect, communicate and navigate emotional intimacy.
When most people think of allergies, they envision spring and summer months as the primary adversaries. However, in Oklahoma, winter brings its own formidable challenge – cedar fever.
Sepsis can be a silent killer, claiming lives worldwide. At its core, sepsis is a severe response to infection that can lead to widespread damage, including death. Despite its impact, many remain unaware of the signs and symptoms, which can delay treatment. Raising awareness about sepsis is important in reducing its prevalence and the impact it can have.
In this blog, we examine the basics of cholesterol, take a look at high cholesterol and explore practical steps to take to ensure your cholesterol levels support a healthy heart and lifestyle. We talk with Ryan Norris, D.O., a cardiologist and board-certified lipidologist at the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, to learn more.
Protein coffee, often called "proffee," has become a buzzing trend among fitness enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. Combining the stimulating properties of coffee with the boost of protein, this drink blends functionality and indulgence. But what makes protein coffee so popular, and is it really worth the hype?
Thyroid problems are more prevalent than many realize, affecting about 20 million Americans. It's crucial to identify the early warning signs of thyroid disorders, as timely recognition can significantly enhance quality of life and prevent potential complications.
The use of massage is typically associated with relaxation, stress relief or pain relief for sore, achy muscles. But massage has other, more unique uses such as to relieve parasinus congestion. The same idea can be applied to the ears to loosen dry, hard earwax.
Essential for everything from energy production to neurological function, vitamin B12 serves as a cornerstone for maintaining vitality and wellness. However, many people may not realize they're falling short of this crucial vitamin, leading to potential health issues. In this blog, we’ll delve into the pivotal roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, highlight foods high in vitamin B12 and explain why some people have issues absorbing this vitamin.
Living with one lung may seem like an impossible challenge – the lungs are a key organ that work 24 hours a day to keep us alive – but the human body has an uncanny ability to adapt. Much like living without a pancreas, gallbladder, appendix or spleen, missing out on the functionality of these organs isn’t ideal but it can be done. Learn more about what causes people to have a single lung and how you can still live a healthy life.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
