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Disease-Carrying Bugs of Summer

Ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas seem to run rampant in the summer, and chances are, you’ve experienced their bites. They’re not pleasant, and sometimes these creatures cause bacterial and viral diseases and are all found in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks, mosquitoes and fleas can cause some of the world’s most destructive diseases, but fortunately, these diseases can be prevented. Here are a few tips to remember this summer:

Be Aware: Some of the illnesses that are within the United States are... Read More »

What You Need to Know about Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is contracted when the result of a black-legged tick (lxodestick tick) is infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. The tick must remain attached to the person for at least 24 hours in order for the bacteria to be transmitted. Although Lyme disease is rare in our state, researchers say it is possible to get Lyme disease in Oklahoma.

Some symptoms of Lyme disease, according to the Oklahoma government’s fact sheet are as follows:

A large, circular rash... Read More »

Secret to aging gracefully? Enjoy life researchers say.

Are you happy and it shows? New research says yes. More than 3,000 participants aged 60 and older were assessed for their self-reported level of happiness and ability to perform daily activities such as bathing or getting dressed, along with their walking speed. Researchers found those reporting a low sense of well-being were more than three times more likely to have problems performing daily tasks. Additionally, results of the study found an association with overall enjoyment of life and a decreased risk of disability or loss of mobility in the future.

However, authors of the study... Read More »

Cardiac Arrest Not So Sudden, New Study Reveals

Top heart health experts from across the globe are meeting in Dallas this week at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions. They are discussing the latest in research and how to prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. A study presented Tuesday finds that what we may have held to believe about sudden cardiac arrest is not true – about half of the time.

According to the study presented by lead author Eloi Marijon, M.D., half of the men in the study presented symptoms of cardiac arrest up to one month prior to suffering the event, which stopped their hearts... Read More »

Hillcrest Henryetta - Providing Top Breast Cancer Screening at Home

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a reminder that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to current statistics. It is also an annual reminder for women over the age of 40 to schedule regular mammogram screenings or as prescribed by their health care provider if they are younger with high to moderate risk. At Hillcrest Henryetta, patients have access to the top technology in mammography screening to rest assured their breast health is proactively managed.

“It is sometimes assumed that because we are a smaller hospital than Tulsa,... Read More »

Flu Shots: Your Questions Answered

Even though it is only September, it is time to start thinking about getting a flu shot. Did you know flu outbreaks begin as early as October, though the height of flu season typically does not occur until February? If you have concerns about the flu shot, here are some common questions we have answered for you. Consult with your physician about your specific needs this flu season. Every one older than 6 months old should consider receiving the flu vaccine.

Should Pregnant Women Get a Flu Shot?

The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get the flu shot (and not the nasal... Read More »

Obesity in Oklahoma

Did you know that 66.4 percent of adults in Oklahoma will be obese by 2030? That is the prediction according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), up from 31.1 percent in 2011. What is more astonishing is Oklahoma will be number 2, behind Mississippi as the fattest state in the nation.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month, a reminder to parents, children and providers we need to start addressing the issue of overweight and obese children in our community to help prevent debilitating illness like heart... Read More »

Talk (Don't Eat) Like a Pirate

Today is “National Talk Like a Pirate Day”. YouTube is ablaze with video tutorials and businesses like Krispy Kreme are taking advantage of our interest in pirates with an offer for a free glazed doughnut to anyone who walks in and talks like a pirate. We did the math and discovered you would need to talk like a pirate at least 4.3 hours to burn off the 200 calorie doughnut.

Speaking of diet, while it may be fun to talk like a pirate today, it is not a good idea to eat like one. Pirates often suffered from scurvy, a medical condition resulting from a lack of vitamin C in their diets... Read More »