A tidal wave of information has circulated social media for the last few months regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.But what parcels of information can be trusted?Hillcrest HealthCare System Chief Medical Officer Guy Sneed, M.D., and Utica Park Clinic Chief Medical Officer Jeffrey Galles, D.O., addressed 10 common concerns surrounding the vaccine.Here are their answers to those…

Brock Walker has felt like family during his stay at Hillcrest Hospital Claremore. Walker recently was admitted to Hillcrest Claremore (HHC) to undergo a total knee replacement, the second such procedure for the 56-year-old Claremore native. But it’s the care Walker has received from the staff during his recovery that has left an impression on…

COVID-19 has presented more than its fair share of anomalies since it arrived in the United States last year. While there are common symptoms and guidelines outlined for the illness, reports of lingering symptoms have sparked an investigation into individuals’ post-COVID-19 journeys. The amount of time the COVID-19 virus lives in your system is unique to each…

Tameri Miller’s cancer journey had an unlikely beginning. When Miller began having abdominal pain, she made an appointment with her family medicine physician, who discovered an ovarian cyst. This finding prompted her to put Miller in contact with a Utica Park Clinic OB/Gyn for more specialized testing. During an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis,…

For nearly five years, Alexis Fisher, 27, experienced pain around her menstrual cycle. It progressed to severe suffering within the last few years. Hoping it was normal but knowing something was wrong, Fisher sought guidance from several doctors but never felt her concerns were taken seriously. Then she made the decision to drive two hours…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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: These emotions…