Blog

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 »

The Screening No Woman Should Put Off

Cancer of the uterine cervix is the third most common gynecologic cancer diagnosis in the United States. The cervix is the neck of the uterus, or the lowest part of the uterus, sitting on top of the vagina. Due to cancer, cells of the cervix become abnormal and grow out of control and invade surrounding organs. The good news is that the rate of cervical cancer has declined significantly due to widespread use of Pap smear screenings, HPV vaccines and the availability of treatment of precancer.

Keep reading to learn more about causes and risk factors for cervical cancer, its symptoms... Read More »

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 »