Blog

Stay safe this summer! Common summer related injuries

The summer presents common seasonal injury opportunities. Pamela Grafton, D.O., from Utica Park Clinic, shares possible threats and subsequent tips to keep you safe while enjoying the warm weather.

• Sunburns: Exposure to the sun’s rays while outside can cause burns to unprotected skin.

Tips: Use sunscreen with SPF of 30-plus and remember to reapply every two hours. Cover skin with appropriate clothing and hats.

• Dehydration: Sweating outdoors while working and playing causes fluid loss.

Tips: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages, sugary and... Read More »

What to do if ... you get a firework burn

With July 4 coming, so is the possibility for firework-related burn injuries. Here are a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to fireworks, according to Apryl McGill, RN, Utica Park Clinic outpatient burn nurse.

If a burn does occur:

Cool the burn with cool, not cold, water to stop the burning process. Cold water and ice are never a good idea, as they both can deepen the burn injury.  Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area.  Cover the area with a clean, dry sheet or loose bandage.  Seek medical attention immediately. 

How to prevent... Read More »

Jaclyn Duvall discusses migraine awareness with News on 6

June 21 is #ShadesforMigraine. Jaclyn Duvall, M.D., headache specialist with Utica Park Clinic, talks with @newson6 about bringing awareness to migraines. Duvall said the leading cause of disability in women ages 15-55 are migraines, which include 40 million Americans.

“It’s incredibly common,” Duvall said. “It’s going misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed every day.”

Check out the rest of her interview here.

Jeffrey Galles discusses regular health screenings for men

June 14-20 is Men’s Health Awareness Week. Jeffrey Galles, D.O., chief medical officer at Utica Park Clinic, spoke about knowing your family history when it comes to the importance of men maintaining their regular health screenings.

“Knowing your family history is really important, especially when you get into the 50s because that’s the time when family histories begin to manifest,” Galles said.

Learn other helpful tips from Galles’ NewsOn6 interview.

Call 918-579-DOCS (3627) to schedule an appointment for your health screening with a primary care provider.

Early diagnosis key in battle against esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

While it’s not one of the more common forms of cancer, esophageal cancer is frequently diagnosed in the latter stages and can become more deadly, according to Nelson Royall, M.D., director for surgical oncology at Hillcrest Medical Center and Utica Park Clinic.

The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 19,000 patients will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer and more than 15,000 lives will be lost to this form of cancer in 2021.

“... Read More »

What to do if ... you get a tick bite

Because ticks can be more prevalent in late spring and summer, here’s what to do if you get a tick bite, according to Katie Jackson, M.D., pediatrician with Utica Park Clinic Claremore:

1. Inspect skin thoroughly on a regular basis.

2. If you find a tick, find a pair of tweezers or forceps.

3. Brace the skin with the alternate hand to provide counter-traction.

4. Gently pull the tick in a perpendicular motion to the skin.

5. Gasoline, fingernail polish, lighted matches or similar substances should not be used to remove a tick.

6. If a tick is on a... Read More »

Skin protection begins at a young age

With school ending, children will be spending more time outside and more time exposed to the sun. Hannah Howard, M.D., a dermatologist with Utica Park Clinic, said being conscious of the sun at a young age can help children as they get older.

“Sun damage is cumulative,” Howard said. “If you start early in kids, it can really make a difference long term. One in five Americans develop skin cancer by age 70. That’s a good reason to start early.”

Howard gave some tips, beginning at the infant stage, on helping protect kids from harmful exposure to the sun.

Here are Howard’... Read More »

Sha-Rhonda Morton, D.O., discusses how to determine if you are suffering from allergies or COVID-19

Sha-Rhonda Morton, D.O., with Utica Park Clinic has practiced family medicine since 2009. With people getting outside more frequently and allergies increasing during springtime, Morton shared her expertise on recognizing the difference between allergies or COVID-19 symptoms in this Q&A.

Q: What are some common symptoms associated with allergies rather than COVID-19?

A: Itchy nose, itchy eyes, itchy inner ears and sneezing.

Q: What are some common symptoms associated with COVID-19 rather than allergies?

A: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea... Read More »

Doctors' Day profile: Jaclyn Duvall inspired at an early age

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

Jaclyn Duvall, M.D., a headache specialist with Utica Park Clinic, wanted to pursue a career in the medical field at a young age. The source of her inspiration came from somebody near and dear to her heart.

“I have known I wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 years old,” Duvall said. “It was actually my first career day... Read More »

Could It Be Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a term you may have heard of but may not know much about.

National Endometriosis Month is an initiative to educate people on this disorder in which tissue grows outside of the uterus in abnormal patterns. Symptoms of the disorder include intense pain and menstrual irregularities.

Due to the normalization of menstrual pain, many cases go untreated and undiagnosed.

If you experience chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, infertility, fatigue, pain before or during periods, during ovulation or when going to the bathroom, you may have endometriosis.

... Read More »