918-579-DOCS

Blog

Continuing with Routine Immunizations

Vaccines strengthen the immune system. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) state, “The diseases vaccines prevent can be dangerous, or even deadly.”

Dr. Lauri Blesch, a pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic (UPC) in Owasso, added, "If we postpone those immunizations, we're not only going to be facing the pandemic of COVID-19 but also the outbreak of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as measles or pertussis (whooping cough)."

Keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date is always important, even during a pandemic. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the... Read More »

Helpful Tips to Alleviate Your Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can range from mild to severe. As the body’s natural reaction to stress, it often appears in times of important decisions, difficult conversations and in moments that force you from your comfort zone. But for a person experiencing an anxiety disorder, fleeting moments of fear can linger and worsen, hindering daily functions of life, including areas affecting personal and professional relationships.

While symptoms vary for individuals based on the type of anxiety, common diagnoses include:

Generalized anxiety disorder – characterized by... Read More »

10 Ways to Beat COVID-19 Summer Cancellation Blues

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, school closings became part of our “new norm,”as parents became responsible for their children’s education. .  Now, with summer upon us and the cancellation of several camps, parents are finding themselves gathering resources to plan more at-home activities. 

If this sounds familiar and you’re now the activities counselor for your family, consider focusing your summer fun on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)-based pursuits. According to the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning, education utilizing... Read More »

Utica Park Clinic's Commitment to Care

While the global spread of COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on everyday lives, Utica Park Clinic’s (UPC) commitment to your health and safety remains unchanged. To continue in our vigilance to protect you and our staff from infection, the following practices have been implemented at all UPC locations.

ENTRANCE: Everyone who enters a Utica Park Clinic facility has their temperature checked. This applies to every physician, staff member, patient, guest and vendor. To prevent the spread of any germs, everyone is provided with an ear-loop mask. All are required to wear it while... Read More »

Utica Park Clinic's Commitment to Care

While the global spread of COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on everyday lives, Utica Park Clinic’s (UPC) commitment to your health and safety remains unchanged. To continue in our vigilance to protect you and our staff from infection, the following practices have been implemented at all UPC locations.

ENTRANCE: Everyone who enters a Utica Park Clinic facility has their temperature checked. This applies to every physician, staff member, patient, guest and vendor. To prevent the spread of any germs, everyone is provided with an ear-loop mask. All are required to wear it while... Read More »

Managing Mental Health During COVID-19

Since mid-March, the everyday lives of most people in northeastern Oklahoma has changed drastically. With the outbreak of COVID-19 Coronavirus, much of the focus has been on protecting our physical health. However, this event has also lead to psychological or emotional issues like stress, anxiety and panic. Symptoms of these concerns may include:

Anger or irritability Sadness or depression Feeling overwhelmed Loss of concentration Trouble sleeping Appetite changes Increased use of alcohol or other substances

These emotions can be challenging for both adults and children. Those... Read More »

Should We Continue to Practice Social Distancing?

As businesses slowly reopen and residents start to emerge from their homes, how do we prevent further spread of COVID-19? How can we protect our loved ones and ourselves? 

Experts agree that social distancing over the past several weeks was – and continues to be – effective. The act of deliberately adding physical space between ourselves and all other individuals has decreased the virus’ ability to spread as much as it could have.

The practice of social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is based on the theory that the virus was – and likely still is – spreading... Read More »

Working at Home During COVID-19

COVID-19 has forced companies worldwide into shifting to a remote work environment. If you have found working from home challenging, check out these tips to help you adapt successfully and avoid distractions while doing so:

Create as much of a desk space as possible to emulate your normal working environment. Set up a workspace in a low-traffic area of your house to help minimize distractions. If other people live in your home with you, establish boundaries with them. For example:

o   Ask them to avoid interrupting when you are working behind a closed... Read More »

7 Low Resource Activities for Kids

Ready for some new ideas to keep your kids engaged and entertained? Take a look at the seven activities below that your kids can do at home to exercise their creativity, reach out to others and reflect on what they are thankful for.

1.     Have your kids sit in front of a mirror and challenge them to draw a self-portrait.

2.     Encourage your kids to write a letter to their grandparents, or people in a local nursing home. Shut in Social Club is an Instagram account that connects people to nursing homes and pen pals.

3.     Take some of your old sheets and pillows and... Read More »

Dr. Taniesha Buffin on How to Prevent Birth Defects

There are many ways that you can prepare for a baby, from reading baby-care books to researching strollers. Another important way you can prepare for a healthy little one is to connect with your physician about possible birth defects and how to prevent them. Taniesha Buffin, M.D., Utica Park Clinic OB/GYN in Broken Arrow, said the most common birth defects include neural tube defects (NTDs), heart defects, cleft lip/cleft palate and limb defects.

“The causes of birth defects vary,” said Buffin. “They can include genetics, infections and drug/chemical/radiation exposure. Prevention... Read More »