March 2 - 8 is Sleep Awareness Week and if you are a sleep-deprived parent, sleep is probably top of mind more than just one week out of the year. Today’s we’re sharing tips and information to help parents, whether you have a newborn waking every one to two hours, or a preschooler who can’t seem to make it through a night without coming into your room. Sleep health is important not only for parents, but also for children as it is as essential as nutrition and their overall safety and well-being. The following are some helpful tips for establishing good sleep habits for your child:
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A report published in JAMA Oncology this month reveals promising news for the more than 140,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially for those among 50 to 64 years old. While cancer remains a leading cause of death, advances in technology and treatment is helping to boost survival rates, as well as continued awareness of prevention and early detection. As March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Utica Park Clinic health care providers remind us that we need to begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at the age of 50, unless your health care provider advises... Read More »

There has recently been a great deal of media attention on measles, mostly stemming from cases associated with visitors to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reported that a total of 125 measles cases were confirmed in U.S. residents between December 28, 2014 and February 13, 2015, connected with this outbreak. Of these, 110 patients (88 percent) were California residents.
Measles 101Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral illness. It is characterized by a distinct rash and a fever. Measles is very contagious. It... Read More »

When illness or injury strikes that requires immediate care, but is not life-threatening, Utica Park Clinic Urgent Care is open every day of the week. The new location, opening Monday, February 16, at 9245 S. Mingo, is available for patients and families not only during the workday, but also in the evenings and on weekends. Patients will be seen by Scott Fowler, D.O. and Danielle Bedore, PA-C (beginning March 1). Dr. Fowler is board certified in Family Medicine and has practiced in Oklahoma since 2007.
Patients can be seen for the following:
... Read More »Cushing, OK – Utica Park Clinic welcomes Christopher Sorrels, M.D., to its Cushing clinic. Dr. Sorrels is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.
Dr. Sorrels earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN in 1995 and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR in 1999. He completed the Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN in 2003.
Dr. Sorrels has been in practice since 2003,... Read More »

Utica Park Clinic health care providers continue to advise patients to be vigilant during this time. Parents can help keep their families protected by recognizing the signs of the flu as early as possible. When the flu is diagnosed within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms, antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the flu. The flu is different from a cold. Be aware of these symptoms, which can come on quickly:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches... Read More »

Utica Park Clinic physician Dr. Jeffrey Galles shares the most up to date information on the flu today on our blog.
Influenza season is in full swing this year in Oklahoma as well as across the nation. After 21 children died from complications associated with the flu this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the illness an “epidemic.” This flu season has been typical in the timing, but unusual in how fast the “influenza-like” activity has increased…especially across Oklahoma. In fact, national influenza-like-illness (ILI) is now approaching the... Read More »

They are well-intentioned gifts, but danger may be lurking under your Christmas tree this year researchers say, after the most comprehensive toy safety study was released in the journal Pediatrics. Analyzing data from 22 years, one type of toy in particular leads the pack as the most dangerous, causing 3.2 million children to visit the ER from 1990 to 2011. Foot-powered scooters have been popular ride on toys for children, but especially in demand since one award-winning product, the Razor, was first introduced in 2000. However, not long after, researchers say the number children going to... Read More »

Parents may be getting a bad rap these days, as recent studies reveal what children are taking to school in their lunch boxes is less healthy than what they would be served in the school cafeteria. One study in Virginia found that 60 percent of packed lunches from home contained a dessert. Dessert is okay, right? Well, nearly 20 percent of those lunches had two or more desserts. That’s something you won’t find on a cafeteria tray. About 40 percent of those lunches from home also had a soda or sugary drink. Yikes. A side-by-side comparison of more than 1300 lunches of preschoolers and... Read More »