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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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older couple shown walking down the road on a sunny day

Small Changes, Big Impact: Simple Steps for a Stronger Heart

Heart health can seem overwhelming, as if it means changing everything at once. Luckily, INTEGRIS Health experts say you can improve heart health with small, manageable changes to your daily routine. Simple steps you take now can bring big benefits later, making your heart stronger and improving your quality of life.

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person's hands are shown gripping at their leg in pain

Recognizing Blood Clot Warning Signs: A Guide to Staying Safe

Blood clots are a serious health concern that can happen to anyone but knowing what to look for can make a huge difference in outcomes. While clotting is a normal bodily function to stop bleeding after an injury, clots that form inside your veins without a good reason can be dangerous. At INTEGRIS Health, we want you to feel empowered to spot the early warning signs of blood clots so you can act fast.

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a health care provider points to a chest x ray

Why Seeing a Thoracic Oncologist Improves Lung Cancer Outcomes

A cancer diagnosis often arrives unexpectedly, bringing with it a whirlwind of confusion, anxiety and complex medical decisions. Navigating this new reality requires a team that understands the disease and the person fighting it. For patients in Oklahoma, knowing where to turn for specialized care is the first step toward clarity, which is why at INTEGRIS Health, we emphasize the importance of thoracic oncology.

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a person holds their hand under a running faucet

Burns and Healing: What Your Skin Needs After an Injury

Burn accidents happen unexpectedly, whether from a kitchen mishap or a moment of carelessness around a hot object. Knowing what to do after a burn accident is critical for healing and minimizing scarring. At INTEGRIS Health, we understand the importance of proper burn care. Proper aftercare ensures your skin recovers as quickly and completely as possible, helping you avoid infection and other complications.

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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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a young male meets with a health care provider. the doctor points to a stack of papers while the young patient looks on.

Spotting the Signs: How to Catch Testicular Cancer Early

Most guys in their twenties and thirties feel pretty unstoppable, assuming serious health issues are decades away. That mindset makes it easy to overlook subtle changes in your body, but understanding common testicular cancer symptoms is vital for men of all ages. At INTEGRIS Health, we want to replace fear with facts so you can take charge of your well-being.

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a woman and young child play at a table with toys

Does My Child Need a Psychologist? A Conversation About Mental Health

Parenting is often described as the most difficult job in the world. That description actually undersells the emotional weight of the task. You are the safety net, the cheerleader and the disciplinarian all rolled into one. You spend years learning the unique language of your child. Then one day, the signals change, and you begin to wonder if this is just a phase or if your child needs a psychologist.

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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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a woman boxes up and stores Christmas decorations

Post-Holiday Blues Are Real: Here’s How to Reclaim Your Energy

After weeks of celebrations, gatherings and rich food, the quiet of January can feel abrupt. If you’re feeling sluggish and down, you’re not alone. Many people experience a dip in their mood and energy levels after the holiday season. Reclaiming your energy during the post-holiday blues is essential for starting the new year on the right foot.

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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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Man holding juicy grilled beef steak with spices on cutting board

Exploring the Carnivore Diet: Benefits, Risks and Nutritional Insights

The carnivore diet has gained attention for its extreme, all-meat approach. While some praise its simplicity and potential health benefits, it’s crucial to understand what this restrictive eating plan entails.

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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 woman lies on the couch hugging her body in pain

Early Signs of PCOS: What Every Woman Should Know

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects millions of women worldwide, yet many don’t recognize the warning signs until symptoms become severe. Catching this condition early can make all the difference in managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. PCOS isn’t just about cysts, irregular periods or weight gain. It’s a complex hormonal disorder that can impact everything from your skin to your fertility.

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a middle aged man sits on a sofa with his head in his hand, showing distress

Recognizing the Signs of Hormonal Changes in Men Over 40

Many men notice changes in their bodies and moods as they get older. Things like feeling more tired than usual, gaining a bit of weight or having less interest in sex are often dismissed as just part of aging. While these can be normal parts of getting older, they can also be signs that something more is going on with your hormones.

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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 man sits in front of a Christmas tree and stockings while petting a Labrador

Stress Relief Techniques for a Peaceful December

December often arrives with a rush of activities, from holiday shopping and festive parties to family gatherings and year-end deadlines. This busy season can easily become overwhelming, transforming a time of joy into a period of stress. Get some effective stress relief techniques from INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, OK. Learning how to manage holiday pressures is key to finding peace and making sure you can enjoy the season.

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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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photo shows two people with their feet extended, resting near the fireplace

Take on This 12 Day Christmas Self-Care Challenge

The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy and family gatherings. Sadly, it can also bring a whirlwind of stress, with busy schedules, long to-do lists and the pressure to create a perfect holiday experience. This guide offers a simple, day-by-day approach to help you prioritize your well-being during the most hectic time of the year.

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A man contemplates life while sitting in front of a Christmas tree

How to Spot Holiday Sadness in Loved Ones

The holidays bring joy, celebration and togetherness, but they can also trigger mental health challenges that often go unnoticed. Many people experience what’s commonly referred to as the “holiday blues,” while others may develop more serious seasonal depression that requires professional help. Our mental health experts want to help you understand that recognizing emotional distress in loved ones, particularly seasonal sadness in loved ones, is the first step toward providing meaningful support.

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a woman holds her arms open and looks up at the sky and autumn trees

The Mental Health Benefits of Thankfulness You Might Be Overlooking

Practicing gratitude may sound like nothing more than thinking happy thoughts, but the health benefits can be powerful. It’s a simple yet powerful way to shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right. This simple thankfulness practice can have a big impact on your overall well-being.

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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 couple cheers wine glasses at the dinner table

Thanksgiving for Two: Healthy Recipes for Small Celebrations

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean cooking for a crowd. More families are choosing intimate celebrations. The holiday can feel just as special with two people around the table, especially when you focus on quality over quantity. We offer some ideas for healthy Thanksgiving recipes designed specifically for smaller gatherings that don’t sacrifice flavor or tradition.

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a doctor consoles a man

Navigating the Grieving Process After a Sudden Death

Losing a loved one to sudden loss can feel like having the ground swept out from under you. Whether caused by a heart attack, accident or unexpected event, the grieving process that follows can feel overwhelming. Bereaved people may experience shock, confusion and feelings of guilt, all while trying to process the unexpected loss of someone they love.

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a person prepares a salad

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Oklahoma

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in Oklahoma and across the country. It’s a long-term illness that affects millions and can increase the risk of other serious health problems. That may sound overwhelming, but here’s the good news. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable.

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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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