Blog

Epilepsy 101 by Alok Pasricha, M.D.

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder defined by unprovoked and recurrent seizures. Seizures are abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity of the brain causing a sudden change in behavior, sensations and sometimes a loss of awareness. Epilepsy and seizures can affect anyone. There are 3.4 million people in the United States that have epilepsy and 1 in 26 will develop this condition in their lifetime.

Causes of Epilepsy People can get epilepsy for a variety of reasons. In children and younger adults, the cause is often genetic or due to birth trauma or... Read More »

Dr. Hannah Howard's Year-Round Skincare Tips

By Hannah Howard, M.D., Utica Park Clinic Dermatologist

 

Our skin is our largest organ, protecting everything inside our bodies. It is the body’s first line of defense against things like bacteria or viruses, extremes in temperature and other harmful substances. It’s important to keep our skin healthy so it can do its job!

Good skin care habits and a healthy lifestyle will keep this important part of your body healthy and looking great. 

 

Skin Care Basics Prevention today is much easier than treating skin issues down the road. Daily application of a... Read More »

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): What to know

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases that can make it difficult to breathe. More than 15.3 million people in the United States suffer from COPD, according to the American Lung Association.

“The airways become narrowed and damaged, leading to shortness of breath,” said Michelle Peters, APRN-DNP, with the COPD Center at Utica Park Clinic.

COPD can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, a long-lasting cough that produces phlegm, increased fatigue and tightness in the chest.

“Symptoms tend to... Read More »

Bringing Awareness to Childhood Obesity

The United States is currently facing a childhood obesity epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity was 18.5 percent and affected about 13.7 million children and adults from 2015-2016.

The month of September is dedicated as Childhood Obesity Month, raising awareness about childhood obesity and how it can be prevented. Dr. Matthew Else, family medication physician at Utica Park Clinic in Bixby, shared what you need to know about childhood obesity with us.

“Obesity is determined by looking at the relationship between... Read More »

Dementia Q&A with Geriatric Specialist Aimee Musgrove, APRN-CNP

Dementia can be a topic that people try to avoid, but learning about dementia’s symptoms and stages can help you and your loved ones prepare and find the right care. Aimee Musgrove, APRN-CNP, at Utica Park Clinic in Bixby answers a few of the big questions regarding dementia, including symptoms, testing, stages and care.

 

What are the first signs/symptoms of dementia?

Misplacing items, though it is not uncommon to misplace items, we are normally able to go back and trace our steps and recall location. People with early memory deficit are unable to retrace their... Read More »

What You Need to Know About Spider Bites in Oklahoma

The summer and fall months provide the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Whether you prefer biking, canoeing, fishing hiking or some other activity, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Oklahoma. In addition to applying sunscreen and staying hydrated, you’ll want to remember another safety issue: keep an eye out for spiders to avoid getting bitten.

According to the journal American Family Physician, there are more than 3,000 types of spiders in the United States, but few of them bite and an even smaller group are poisonous to humans. The only... Read More »

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Gardening

Get out and grow! Spending time in your flowerbed or vegetable patch not only adds curbside appeal, but it can also positively impact your health. Working around the garden can be physically, mentally and emotionally rewarding, even for those without the greenest of thumbs. Read more about the benefits of tending the garden below.

Improves your diet

Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a simple way to get more nutrients in your diet and encourage a healthier plate. Gardening is a healthy activity to do with children, who may be more willing to eat their greens if they... Read More »

Hernias happen – And Utica Park Clinic Can Help!

A hernia can happen to anyone and is much more than a simple muscle pull. A hernia occurs when an organ or bulge of tissue breaks through a hole in the muscles.

The most common symptom of a hernia is a visible bulge in the affected area. Other symptoms of hernia may include weakness, pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, groin or scrotum.

“Hernias can be painful, but more often they do not cause pain,” said Eugene Dickens, M.D., general surgeon at Utica Park Clinic. “The most concerning symptoms come when an internal organ is stuck out of the hernia and is... Read More »

Basic Hummus Recipe

Utica Park Clinic is partnering with Tulsa Health Department dietitians Megan and Melissa for Facebook Live Cooking Classes. Below is the recipe from Megan and Melissa's March 28th Facebook Live featuring Basic Hummus.

To view this Facebook Live Cooking Class, click here: https://business.facebook.com/UticaPark/videos/1207598772747688/

Ingredients

-(15-ounce) can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve the liquid)

-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

-3 garlic cloves

-2 tablespoons well-stirred tahini

-1/4 cup lime juice

-1/2 teaspoon salt... Read More »

How You Can Take Control of Your Kidney Health

According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in three Americans is at risk for developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Some patients don’t realize that they are having kidney problems and many are unaware of the beginning symptoms. If you are experiencing conditions like high blood pressure, anemia (low amount of healthy red blood cells), weakening bones or are concerned about the health of your kidneys, it’s crucial that you find a urologist to work with you. This is even more important if you have a family history of kidney problems. The early detection of Chronic Kidney Disease is... Read More »