Blog

How heat affects multiple sclerosis patients

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may find hot summer months in Oklahoma particularly unbearable. This condition is often accompanied by heat intolerance, which increases during the spring and summer months. Talisha Nichols, APRN-CNP, neurology specialist with Utica Park Clinic, explains why this happens and how these symptoms can be treated.

What is multiple sclerosis?

MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between the brain... Read More »

How to treat seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and an itchy throat that can range in severity from uncomfortable to unbearable. Allergens like pollen and mold can trigger these symptoms, especially in the spring, and some people are more affected by certain types of allergens than others. Robert Valentine, M.D. from Utica Park Clinic in Muskogee discusses the causes of seasonal allergies, how to treat the symptoms and what to do if you have an allergy attack.

What are allergies?

“Seasonal allergies occur when the body overreacts to something in the environment. In... Read More »

Doctors' Day profile: Melanie Ketchandji, M.D.

(March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Utica Park Clinic (UPC) would like to thank our physicians for the dedication and passion they show for their patients. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we are spotlighting urologist Melanie Ketchandji, M.D.)

Dr. Melanie Ketchandji was interested in medicine and caring for others from a young age. Her sister has cerebral palsy, which sparked Dr. Ketchandji’s curiosity when she was young.

“I think the presence of that family member, the sister that always needed health care was a big driver. It got me intrigued about her condition,” said Dr.... Read More »

Valerie returns to Hillcrest Medical Center after years, ends up receiving life-saving treatment

When Valerie Kemp’s severe headaches returned after three years, she knew exactly where she needed to go for help: somewhere she felt heard and seen.

In 2019, just two months after she moved to Tulsa, Kemp spent weeks in and out of emergency rooms, trying to find someone who could treat a tremendous headache.

“I kind of felt ignored,” said Kemp. “I knew something was wrong. They just sent me home.”

When she arrived at Hillcrest Medical Center, the emergency room doctor listened to Kemp about her headache and ordered several tests. Kemp was admitted. A few days later,... Read More »

Vasectomies rising as more men look at benefits

Information requests about vasectomies have increased across the country since the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Urologists in California, Iowa and New York told The Washington Post that they’ve seen "a massive increase in the number of vasectomy consultations, as well as an increase in website traffic on their pages that offer information about vasectomies."

This has also become a hot topic in our Oklahoma community, so we’ve gathered a few of the most popular questions related to having a vasectomy and answered them for you here. Though, be sure to... Read More »

4 important questions about immunization schedules for Oklahoma children

Immunizations provide numerous benefits for adolescents. Kaleb Vaughn, D.O., pediatrician and internal medicine specialist for Utica Park Clinic Pryor, discusses the importance of child immunizations.

• Why is it important for my child to follow the recommended immunization schedule?

The vaccination schedule is based on decades of research on the child’s immune system, their response to vaccines and the diseases that we vaccinate against. Just like how your child develops through milestones, so does the immune system. The timing of vaccinations is based on when the immune... Read More »

Wellness visits help patient, doctor work together on a personal health plan

Wellness visits can provide numerous patient benefits, according to Jeffrey Galles, D.O., chief medical officer of Utica Park Clinic.

“The definition of a wellness visit is unique to each patient,” Galles said. “We want to guide our patient’s care and optimize their health down the road.”

Wellness visits help primary care providers target their care based on specific factors such as a patient’s lifestyle, age, sex and family history.

Galles listed some of the most important benefits for a wellness visit.

Why a wellness visit?

Galles said wellness visits... Read More »

Skin safety tips while enjoying Mother Nature

Tara Linville, PA-C, who practices dermatology with Utica Park Clinic, shares skin safety tips for older adults as they embark on outdoor activities this spring and summer.

“As older adults get outside and have increased sun exposure, it is important to wear protective clothing, including a wide-brim hat and sunglasses,” Linville said. “They also need to apply sunscreen with a SPF 30 or above 30 minutes prior to exposure. Application needs to be repeated every two hours and sunscreen needs to be used even on cloudy days. Also, avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.... Read More »

Doctors' Day profile: James Ross, M.D., shares about how the pandemic has impacted palliative care

(March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Utica Park Clinic would like to thank our physicians for the dedication and passion they show for their patients. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we would like to spotlight palliative care specialist, James Ross, M.D.)

Palliative care typically plays a critical role in patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic only highlighted the importance this discipline plays in the hospital experience.

James Ross, M.D., who practices palliative care for Utica Park Clinic at Hillcrest Medical Center, said the pandemic has significantly impacted both him... Read More »

Treat, procedure helps Debra Johnson with carpal tunnel pain

Debra Johnson had dealt with carpal tunnel pain in both hands for two decades.

Her years as an elementary school computer teacher and computer software company worker had taken its toll on her hands. The Tonkawa resident struggled to maintain a firm grip on many objects in her hands.

“I couldn’t even sleep with the pain in my arm,” Johnson said. “The carpal tunnel would keep me awake.”

After resisting prior treatment plans, she underwent double carpal tunnel surgery in September 2021 from Christopher Treat, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon with Utica Park Clinic. It proved... Read More »