Blog

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 »

Timmeni Stevens speaks with Ch. 6 about severe COVID symptoms for pregnant women

Timmeni Stevens, D.O., with Utica Park Clinic at Hillcrest South, spoke with News On 6 about the rising number of pregnant women developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and how vaccination can help.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in severe illness and even death in our pregnant and postpartum patients. It’s at an alarming rate right now with the rise in the new delta variant and the COVID-19 illness that we’re seeing," Dr. Stevens said.

See her entire interview with KOTV – News on 6 here.

To learn more about the vaccine, visit uticaparkclinic.com/coronavirus.

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 »