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Oklahoma Man Experiences Positive Outcome Following Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Scott Woodward, an electrical engineer in Oklahoma, was an average, healthy 39 year old man until recently. In mid-2017, he began experiencing discomfort in his testicles, leading him on an unexpected journey.

Many months passed before Woodward sought medical care. “Like most men, I refused to accept that there was an issue, so I waited an extremely long time to see a doctor,” he explained. “I had a very swollen, abnormal testicle for more than six months before I finally went to the doctor. By the time I did, it was bad enough that she wanted me to have an ultrasound done that same... Read More »

Testicular Cancer Awareness

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 10,000 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in 2018. However, when detected early, testicular cancer is highly treatable. To learn more about risk factors and other components of testicular cancer, we spoke with Dr. Melanie Ketchandji, urologist with Utica Park Clinic.

“First and foremost, it’s important to know about the testicles and what they do,” said Dr. Ketchandji. “The testicles form in the abdomen before a child is born. For most men, they move down into the scrotum by the time of birth. The testicles have two jobs... Read More »

Colon Cancer Awareness: The Importance of Screenings and Treatment Options

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Not only is it important to get screened for colon cancer, it’s important to know your treatment options in the event of a cancer diagnosis. For more on this matter, we spoke with Dr. Matthew Wilson, colon and rectal surgeon with Utica Park Clinic.

“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women and the second most common cancer- related cause of death in both men and women,” stated Dr. Wilson. “With statistics like that, it’s obvious that this is an important subject matter. It’s not just the screenings that are... Read More »

What Should You Pack? Holiday Travel Health Kit

Tis the season for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the holidays, which means many of us will be traveling and lodging away from home. As you prepare to set out by land or by air to your destinations, it’s important that the health of you and others remains a top priority.

When packing for any trip away from home, always think about where you are going and the access you will have to certain health items and supplies. A traveler’s health kit is a great way to make sure you have the items you require specific to you and your family’s health needs and in case of an... Read More »

No-Shave November for Men's Health Awareness

It’s No-Shave November, also known as “Movember”, a time each year when many men put the razor away for a month in an effort to increase awareness and start conversations about men’s health issues. So, let’s start the conversation!

According to Men’s Health Network, women are 100 percent more likely to visit a doctor for annual exams than men. Sure, guys generally prefer to avoid going to the doctor. However, by failing to get routine check-ups or preventive care and ignoring problematic symptoms, a body can deteriorate, increasing health risks and making life less enjoyable.

... Read More »

Is It Too Early To Get Vaccinated? Flu Season Is Coming

In the midst of the weather changing and the days getting shorter, it's important to remember that flu season is upon us. Unfortunately, predicting the type of flu season that’s ahead is very difficult.

The flu season in northeastern Oklahoma typically peaks in February, but flu activity can span the months of September through May.  

Be prepared for whatever type of flu season is on its way by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend "a yearly flu... Read More »

Medicare Insurance Helpline

Medicare can be complex and confusing. Now you can compare local and national Medicare plans, verify the Medicare plans accepted by your health care providers and speak with licensed Medicare insurance agents. The Medicare Insurance Helpline connects you with professional and preferred Medicare resources to help you every step of the way. It is a free service for Hillcrest HealthCare System patients, including patients of (this entity's page, i.e. Utica Park Clinic OR Oklahoma Heart Institute OR Bailey Medical Center OR Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital).... Read More »

Avoid Blue-Green Algae: Know Your Oklahoma Lake Conditions

Avoid Blue-Green Algae: Know Your Oklahoma Lake Conditions

As the summer season continues many of us are spending our free days and weekends at our favorite lakes. With over 200 lakes across the state, Oklahoma is a premier place for grand water recreation. Whether you are boating, swimming or fishing, it’s important to check the condition of the lake before heading out for a fun-filled time with family and friends. This vital step is often forgotten and can impact your entire trip.

Like any large body of water, lakes present various natural hazards. Blue-green algae are a... Read More »

Keep Moving with Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery

For many candidates for hip replacement surgery, the recovery process and post-surgery side effects (like pain) are primary concerns. So as you decide whether to have the surgery, It’s important to know that recent advancements have been made in recent years that can benefit many surgery patients seeking pain relief.

Why replace a hip?

“The primary cause for most hip replacement surgeries is that someone gets arthritis in their hip,” says Chad Crawley, D.O., orthopedic surgeon with Utica Park Clinic. “It’s bone-on-bone with no cartilage left as a cushion between the bones. This... Read More »

Colon Cancer: What You Can Do To Prevent It

Did you know that colon cancer is the third leading form of cancer in the United States? It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women across the country. According to The American Cancer Society, approximately 136,830 people are expected to be diagnosed with colon cancer this year.

The good news is colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, especially when detected early. This makes screening for colon cancer all the more crucial.

Screenings

Screenings are the number one method of preventing colon... Read More »