SKIP TO CONTENT

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.

an older man is shown covering his mouth with chronic cough warning signs including chest pain and shortness of breath

Chronic Cough: When It's Serious and When to See a Doctor

You blame the pollen. You blame the dry air, the dog, the change of seasons. Weeks slip by, and the cough hangs around, rattling through your chest at the worst moments. Most coughs fade once a cold or allergy flare-up runs its course. Learn more from INTEGRIS Health’s guide to when a chronic cough is something you shouldn’t ignore. A cough that drags on past a few weeks can signal something deeper than a stuffy nose.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a bottle of peptides is shown sitting on a stool as a hand holds a dropper

What Are Peptides?

Claims about peptides abound online these days. Their purported health benefits range from weight loss and glowing skin to anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, to name a few. But what are peptides and how do you separate facts from advertising? Finding reliable guidance from INTEGRIS Health on peptides is entirely possible without wading through dense medical jargon. You deserve straightforward answers about how these microscopic compounds actually influence your biology and whether they live up to the lofty claims made by healthcare marketers.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

parents with their two children playing and laughing together while sitting on the floor in the living room

Beat the Fall Rush: Schedule Preventive Screenings Before Fall Schedules Fill Up

As families prepare for back-to-school routines, fall sports, holiday planning and year-end commitments, INTEGRIS Health encourages community members to prioritize their health by scheduling preventive screenings and annual wellness visits now.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Ashwagandha Dry Root Medicinal Herb with Fresh Leaves, also known as Withania Somnifera, Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry, or Winter Cherry. Isolated on Dark Background.

The Role of Ashwagandha in Managing Stress, Anxiety and Overall Well-being

With the relentless pace of modern life, stress and anxiety have become pervasive challenges affecting millions. Coping with these pressures necessitates a holistic approach to well-being, and one natural solution that has gained widespread attention is ashwagandha. This ancient adaptogenic herb, rooted in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been lauded for its potential to alleviate stress and anxiety. The use of ashwagandha has vast scientific evidence, and practical applications in managing stress and anxiety.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Sunglasses placed on the sand with nature reflection in polarized lenses and blurred sea view in the background

Healthy Travel Tips for a Safe Summer Journey

As families and travelers hit the road, skies and rails for summer vacations, healthcare professionals at INTEGRIS Health are encouraging travelers to prioritize their health and safety during long trips.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a man hiking in the woods wipes sweat off his forehead with one hand while holding a water bottle in the other

Heat-Related Illnesses: When to Seek Emergency Care

With July and August typically bringing Oklahoma’s hottest temperatures, INTEGRIS Health encourages residents to understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know when symptoms require emergency medical care.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older woman looks into a mirror with her hands grabbing at the skin around her eyes and face

What Causes Loose Skin After Weight Loss, and What Can Help?

Losing a significant amount of weight is an incredible achievement that transforms your overall health and well-being. It takes dedication, hard work and a complete lifestyle overhaul to reach your goals. Loose and sagging skin can feel like a cruel reward for your hard work, but there are things you can do to help.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Close-up of hands striking crystal singing bowls with mallets during a sound healing session. Calm wellness atmosphere, mindful music practice, relaxation therapy and positive vibrations.

What Is a Sound Bath?

In the fast-paced world we live in, where stress and anxiety are often unwelcome companions, people are increasingly turning to alternative wellness practices to find balance and relaxation. One such practice gaining popularity is the sound bath. But what exactly is a sound bath, and how does it contribute to our well-being? Let’s delve into the origins, components, benefits and experiences of a sound bath to understand its growing appeal, as well as the potential impact of this meditative practice and its many health benefits.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

five older adults are shown doing tai chi in the park

Tai Chi Walking: A Gentle Way to Improve Balance and Mobility

Finding an exercise routine that feels safe, effective and enjoyable can be a challenge, especially if you deal with stiff joints or the lingering fear of a fall. Many people assume they need to sweat through high-impact cardio or lift heavy weights to see real health results, but gentler approaches often yield profound benefits. This graceful practice, often described as “meditation in motion,” slows everything down to help you build strength.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman is shown looking in the fridge as she wonders what to eat

Why You Feel Hungry: The Three Types of Hunger

Have you ever found yourself wandering into the kitchen just an hour after lunch? You might stare into the fridge and wonder if your body actually needs food. Your mind is hungry, but your body isn’t. This is easily explained by understanding the three types of hunger. Understanding these signals is a great step toward building a better relationship with what you eat.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman pushes her glasses to the side while massaging her eyes and forehead from pain

Why Rest Doesn't Feel Restful Anymore, and How to Reset

We all have days when we drag ourselves out of bed, but occasionally, a good night of sleep simply does not cut it. Read INTEGRIS Health’s guide to understanding chronic fatigue. You might be dealing with something deeper if your exhaustion lingers for weeks or months. Let us take a deeper look at medical causes like persistent and chronic fatigue.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman sits on the couch while massing her head in pain

Botox for Chronic Migraines: How the Treatment Works

Migraines are often more than just a bad headache, as they can completely derail your daily life with throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light. For those suffering from chronic migraines, finding relief is often a journey filled with trial and error. While many people associate Botox with cosmetic procedures, it has become a vital tool for managing chronic pain. Understanding how it works can help you decide if it is the right path for your pain management.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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?

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

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.

STAFF

View more