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INTEGRIS Health On Your Health Blog

Check back to the INTEGRIS On Your Health blog for the latest health and wellness news for all Oklahomans.

a woman is shown at an office desk pinching her nose and looking distressed

Aneurysm Symptoms Explained: When to Seek Emergency Care

Aneurysms are silent until they aren’t. Your knowledge gap ends here. Aneurysms affect thousands of people each year, and while they can be life threatening, understanding the warning signs offers a powerful defense. By knowing what to look for, you can take control of your health and potentially save a life — maybe even your own. In this blog, we help you understand aneurysm symptoms across different parts of the body so you can act fast.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a man is shown sitting at a table and sorting his medications into a pill planner

Polypharmacy Risks: The Danger of Drug Interactions

Managing one prescription can feel like a chore. Managing five or six? That’s a whole different ballgame. Millions of Americans, especially older adults, take multiple medications every day to keep chronic conditions in check. Learn about polypharmacy risks, including the increased danger of drug interactions, from INTEGRIS Health. The more pills you add to the mix, the higher the odds that something gets mixed up, from unexpected side effects to dangerous medication interactions.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

woman looks out a window while her reflection stares back at her

Understanding Early-Onset Alzheimer’s and How It Differs from Typical Alzheimer’s

It’s natural to worry about memory loss as we age, but for some, significant cognitive changes can occur much earlier in life. This condition, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, presents unique challenges compared to the more common late-onset form of the disease.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a hand is shown where the tip of the middle finger has turned a pale, white color that's characteristic of Raynaud's

Raynaud's Phenomenon: What You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed your fingers or toes turning white and feeling numb in the cold? While it might be a normal reaction to chilly weather for some, it can also be a sign of a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Side view mature Caucasian man sitting on living room sofa holding his painful shoulder

Listen to Your Body: 10 Musculoskeletal Symptoms That Warrant Medical Evaluation

The musculoskeletal system frequently signals underlying pathology through pain or functional limitation. While transient discomfort after activity is common, persistent or progressive symptoms may indicate structural, inflammatory or neurologic conditions that benefit from early evaluation. Knowing when discomfort is temporary or when it is a sign of a bigger problem is important for recovery.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a young woman is shown mixing water into a white neti pot

Natural Sinus Relief: Are Neti Pots Worth It?

Sinus congestion amounts to a lot more than just a stuffy nose. Prolonged congestion can make it hard to enjoy any part of your daily routine. One popular solution that you may have seen trending is the neti pot. These nasal cleaning tools present attractive claims, but how true are they?

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a middle aged to older man with salt and pepper hair sits on a couch while holding his elbow in pain

Exploring New Options for Arthritis Pain: Is Low-Dose Radiation Right for You?

Living with constant joint stiffness can drain the joy from everyday activities. You might wake up dreading the simple act of walking down the stairs or gardening in the backyard. Trying to find effective treatments can leave you feeling exhausted.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older male is shown sitting at a kitchen table with food and drinks in front of him while he grabs at his upper chest and neck in discomfort

Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be a Schatzki Ring

You are sitting at a restaurant enjoying a steak dinner when suddenly the bite you just took refuses to go down your throat. It feels stuck in your chest, causing panic and discomfort. At INTEGRIS Health, we occasionally treat patients who are surprised to find out their Schatzki ring symptoms are not just the result of eating too fast, but a sign of a real medical condition.

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High angle view of woman wearing sleeping eye mask in bed.

Understanding Sleep Sound Colors: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Sleep is essential and finding ways to improve it has become a key focus for many people. Whether you’re seeking better rest, enhanced focus or stress relief, sound therapy has emerged as a helpful tool. A growing trend in health care and wellness involves using “sleep sound colors” to achieve these benefits. These sound colors, including white, pink and brown noise, are more than just pleasant background sounds. They are categorized by their unique frequency properties, and research suggests they can help mask distractions, promote relaxation and improve sleep.

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Mature business man holding his back in pain. He is sitting at a desk with a computer, mobile phone and a notebook. He looks very stressed, uncomfortable and he is grimacing. He is massaging his lower back in a modern office

When Sitting Too Much Leads to Pain: Dead Butt Syndrome

Many of us spend hours sitting, whether at work or while watching TV. We might worry about eye strain or a stiff neck, but there’s another hidden risk. Sitting too long can make your glutes stop working as they should, which can cause pain and other problems. Here’s what you need to know about dead butt syndrome from INTEGRIS Health.

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a young woman sips from a soda can with a straw

Gut-Friendly and Delicious: The Rise of Probiotic Sodas

Probiotic sodas are bubbling up everywhere, promising to refresh your taste buds while supporting your digestive health. These fizzy drinks blend the familiar satisfaction of soda with the added benefit of beneficial bacteria for your gut. Wondering about the trend of probiotic sodas? We'll explore what makes these beverages different from traditional soft drinks, examine their potential benefits and help you make informed choices about incorporating them into your wellness routine.

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Young woman with stomach pain sitting on the floor in bedroom.

The Signs and Symptoms of IBS

Since 2020, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnoses in the United States have continued to go up. From 2020-2022, the prevalence of IBS nearly doubled. The symptoms that come with IBS, like digestive discomfort and abdominal pain, can result in a major decrease in quality of life.

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a young boy wearing a red shirt pulls from an inhaler while outside

How to Stay Healthy with Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects how well you can breathe. When you have asthma, the airways inside your lungs can get swollen and tight which can affect how well you can breathe. This can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. These asthma symptoms can be mild or severe and can get worse quickly if something triggers them.

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a middle aged man grabs his chest in pain while sitting at home

What Is Costochondritis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Explained

Chest pain is scary. Your mind likely jumps to the worst-case scenario, a heart attack, when you feel that sharp, stabbing sensation in your chest. While you should always seek immediate medical attention for chest pain to rule out cardiac issues, the culprit might be something less dangerous but still painful: costochondritis. This condition affects thousands of people. In this blog, we discuss what costochondritis is and how to manage it.

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Various pills and capsules are organized for daily intake, promoting medication management

Easy Ways to Manage Your Medication for a Healthier Life

Keeping track of all your pills and supplements can honestly feel like a full-time job. When you're trying to manage multiple prescription medications, along with different over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, it’s incredibly easy to get confused or accidentally miss a dose. This struggle is especially tough for older adults or anyone dealing with a long-term health condition.

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a woman is shown sleeping in bed and breathing with her mouth open

What You Need to Know About Mouth Breathing vs. Nose Breathing

Breathing is an essential function of life, and while it might seem like a straightforward process, the way we breathe can significantly impact our health. Two primary methods of breathing are mouth breathing and nose breathing. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make healthier choices and improve your overall well-being.

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a nephrologist is shown pointing to a model of a kidney

Kidney Doctor Nephrologist: Your Kidney’s Lifeline

When your primary care physician tells you it is time to see a specialist for your kidney health, it is totally natural to feel a bit confused. The word nephrologist sounds complicated, but the simple truth is that the name just means kidney doctor. Think of this specialist as the dedicated, world-class mechanic for your body's complex filtration system. They are your most essential ally in preventing, diagnosing and treating any serious kidney disease.

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a physician is shown using robotic technology to perform surgery

Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery: What Is the Difference?

When it comes to surgical care, innovations like robotic surgery have transformed how procedures are performed. Yet, many patients are left wondering how this modern technique compares to traditional surgery. Understanding these differences not only helps clear up misconceptions but can also empower you to make informed decisions about your care.

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a scientist conducting a test

A Guide to Getting Genetic Testing for Neurological Symptoms

Experiencing neurological symptoms can be unsettling, often leading to a search for clear answers. Genetic testing has emerged as a powerful tool in modern medicine, offering insights that were once out of reach. This process examines your DNA to identify changes, called pathogenic variants, linked to specific health conditions, helping doctors diagnose and manage neurological disorders more effectively.

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an overhead shot showing a stethoscope surrounded by various fruits and vegetables

Rx Food Interactions: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Taking your prescription medication correctly goes beyond following dosage instructions. The foods you eat can significantly impact how well your medications work, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of dangerous side effects.

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a hand is shown getting a manicure

The Hidden Dangers of Gel Manicures: What You Need to Know About Potential Health Risks

A fresh manicure can make you feel put-together, and the long-lasting, chip-free finish of gel manicures makes them an appealing choice. While they offer weeks of flawless color, it’s important to understand the potential downsides. From UV light exposure to harsh chemicals, that perfect manicure might come with hidden costs to your health.

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Mother with ill child lying in bed

Flu and Your Family: Keeping Everyone Safe This Winter

Winter brings cozy nights by the fire and holiday gatherings, but it also ushers in the peak of respiratory illness season. While the colder months are a time for connection, they require extra vigilance to ensure your household stays healthy.

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woman in a red sweater with a handful of colorful gummies

Creatine Gummies vs. Traditional Supplements: Which Is Best?

Creatine is one of the most researched and popular supplements for improving physical performance, but there are now more ways to take it. Creatine gummies are a convenient, flavorful alternative to traditional creatine powders, but are they better?

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a man in a grocery store reads the ingredients on a bag of chips

Ultra Processed Foods: What Are They and What Is Their Impact?

Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you'll notice shelves brimming with ultra processed foods – brightly packaged snacks, frozen dinners, sweetened artificial cereals and sugary drinks. These convenient, ready-to-eat products have become staples in many households, thanks to their long shelf-life, affordability and flavors that keep you coming back for more. But behind their widespread popularity lies a more complicated story. Research suggests that ultra processed foods, while convenient, may have health consequences, especially on the gut and brain.

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an older couple walking together along a scenic trail

Brisk Walking: The Simple Exercise with Big Health Rewards

When it comes to exercise, it’s easy to think that you need a gym membership or complicated equipment to see real results. One of the most effective and accessible forms of physical activity is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Walking is a powerful way to improve your well-being, available to almost everyone, regardless of fitness level.

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a man check his heart rate on his smart watch

From Step Counters to Smart Rings: How Wearables Are Revolutionizing Health

You glance down at your wrist and see it all. You’re tracking steps taken, calories burned, heart rate and even sleep quality. Smart watches and fitness trackers have transformed how we monitor our health, offering insights that were once available only during doctor visits. Fitness trackers are changing personal health monitoring and what it means for your wellness routine.

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a woman shopping for skincare products

What's the Best Winter Skincare Routine?

The cold, dry air of winter can be particularly harsh on your skin, making it feel tight, itchy and flaky. While family gatherings and hot cocoa are winter essentials, a solid winter skincare plan is just as important to combat the effects of the chilly weather. With a few adjustments to your daily habits, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy all season long.

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a middle aged man standing outside grabs his chest in pain

How Oklahoma’s Climate Affects COPD and What You Can Do About It

Living in Oklahoma means embracing its unique weather patterns, from humid summers to dry winters. For many, these changes are just part of life, but for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the shifts in weather can significantly impact their health and daily comfort. Knowing how factors like humidity, allergens and temperature extremes influence your breathing can help improve lung health.

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a hand is shown putting together wooden blocks that spell out ADHD

The Rise in ADHD Diagnoses and What It Means for Oklahoma Families

Over the past few decades, ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in the U.S. and around the world. It’s a trend that sparks a lot of questions and sometimes confusion. For families in Oklahoma, understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is an important step in supporting your family’s mental health and well-being.

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a woman receiving infrared light therapy

The Healing Power of Infrared Light Therapy

In recent years, the realm of wellness has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding alternative therapies, and among them, infrared and red light therapy have emerged as powerful and promising approaches. Exploring the science, benefits and applications of these therapies unveils a fascinating landscape of healing potential.

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a woman putting a plastic tray of food to heat in the microwave

Is It Safe to Reheat Food in Plastic?

Storing your leftovers in plastic containers and popping them into the microwave the next day probably feels like second nature. It’s convenient and quick – a routine many Americans rely on. But have you ever wondered about the safety of this habit? As practical as plastic containers are, heating them may come with hidden risks.

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a teen girl sits and vapes, blowing out a cloud of vapor

What’s Really in a Vape and Why It Matters for Teens

Vaping has become a major temptation for teens, with sleek-looking devices and candy-like flavors. Many people, especially teens, believe it’s a harmless alternative to smoking. The truth is much more complicated.

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a woman cooking with oil

Are Seed Oils Bad for You?

If you’ve scrolled through your favorite social media app lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon fiery debates about seed oils. One post might claim their high omega-6 content makes them “toxic,” fueling everything from inflammation to chronic disease, while the next video from a medical provider praises their role in promoting heart health.

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a woman sits uncomfortably at home

Keyhole Incontinence Explained: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

Incontinence affects millions of people, but not all types are the same. Two specific forms, keyhole incontinence and latchkey incontinence, present unique challenges that differ from regular incontinence patterns. These conditions involve sudden, urgent episodes triggered by specific situations or activities.

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a man sits on his couch holding a tissue and massaging his forehead

Sinus Surgery for Chronic Sinusitis: Is It Right for You?

Dealing with chronic sinusitis can be frustrating. The persistent congestion, facial pressure and difficulty breathing can disrupt your daily life. You’ve likely tried over-the-counter options, maybe even sought advice from your health care provider, but the relief is only temporary. When medications and other remedies no longer work, sinus surgery may be a solution.

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a doctor inspects the skin rash on a patient's arm

Understanding Shingles: Symptoms and Risks

Shingles is not just a rash. It is a serious viral infection that can cause long-term complications and reduce your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll cover what shingles is, its symptoms, associated risks and tips to prevent and manage it.

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Tired young businesswoman using laptop and holding head in hand while working in the office

Healthy Habits to Ease Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation quietly affects your body over a span of years with no notice. Over time, inflammation can increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer's disease. The best part is that there are easy, daily decisions you can make to help control it. Your food, activity and stress levels are factors that influence how your immune system reacts.

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a woman eating a fast food burger

How Microplastics and Other Chemicals in Food Can Impact Your Body

When we think of food, we picture wholesome, nourishing ingredients. But under this comforting image lies a hidden reality not many consider: tiny particles of plastic and the cocktail of chemicals they carry could be making their way onto our plates.

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a mom feeds her daughter with a spoon

A Closer Look at Why Your Favorite Foods May Contain Heavy Metals

Many Americans are becoming more health-conscious, scanning labels for calories, fat content, carbs and avoiding overly processed ingredients. But one hidden detail often goes unnoticed: Heavy metals lurking in the foods we eat every day. Unlike the nutrients you track on a package, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium won’t show up in a list of ingredients, yet their presence can have real health consequences.

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a young woman looks in a mirror while applying balm to her face

How to Use Tallow Balm in Your Daily Skincare Routine

More people are turning to natural skincare ingredients, embracing wellness-centered beauty practices that connect us with time-tested remedies. Tallow balm, made from rendered animal fat, has emerged as a powerful option for those seeking simple, effective skincare solutions.

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