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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.

gynecologist communicates with her patient, pointing to the structure of the uterus, on her computer

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a natural and essential part of your body’s self-care routine, yet it can be a source of confusion or concern for many women. Understanding what’s normal is an important step in recognizing your body’s signals. This blog breaks down the basics of vaginal discharge, providing insight into how its color, texture, smell and amount can vary throughout your cycle.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a pregnant woman laying in bed tries to sleep

What Are Some Safe Sleep Positions During Pregnancy?

Getting enough sleep during pregnancy can be a challenge. As your body changes, finding a comfortable position becomes more and more difficult. Wondering about safe sleep positions during pregnancy?

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a woman is seen consulting with a physician

Endometriosis and Fertility: What You Need to Know

For many women, a diagnosis of endometriosis brings up a mix of emotions and a long list of questions. Topping that list is often the concern: “Will I be able to get pregnant?” While the condition presents unique hurdles, understanding the connection between endometriosis and fertility is the first step toward managing your health and planning for the future.

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a woman lies on the couch hugging her body in pain

Early Signs of PCOS: What Every Woman Should Know

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects millions of women worldwide, yet many don’t recognize the warning signs until symptoms become severe. Catching this condition early can make all the difference in managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. PCOS isn’t just about cysts, irregular periods or weight gain. It’s a complex hormonal disorder that can impact everything from your skin to your fertility.

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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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Middle-aged woman suffering from pain in leg at home, closeup. Physical injury concept. Ankle pain, painful point.

What to Know About Bone Density and Menopause

Menopause marks a major milestone in a woman’s life. During this phase, our bodies go through changes that affect everything from temperature control to emotional balance. Although hot flashes and mood shifts often grab our attention, bone health is an important issue that sometimes gets missed.

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a woman speaks to her doctor

How a Self-Swab Can Now Screen for Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer is a critical step in protecting women's health, but for many, the process of having a medical professional take a cervical swab can feel uncomfortable or even intimidating. Fortunately, recent advancements in testing now allow people to take a human papillomavirus (HPV) test themselves using a self-swab, all within the privacy and guidance of a clinical setting.

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a woman holds her head in her hand while her baby latches

Struggling with Breastfeeding? Lactation Consultants Can Help

Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it's not always easy. Many new moms face challenges that leave them feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re experiencing pain, worrying about milk supply or a clogged duct, you don't have to go through it alone.

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a man kisses a woman's pregnant belly

Rainbow Baby: Getting Pregnant After Child Loss

Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences any parent can face, bringing a wave of grief that is often hard to process. Yet, for many, the desire to grow a family remains, and in time, they choose to try again. The term “rainbow baby” captures the hope and healing that can come after such a tragic loss, symbolizing a new beginning after sorrow.

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A woman stands up at her desk and holds her lower back in pain

Things to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

As you age, the body undergoes natural changes that affect both the physical and mental aspects of your life. This may show up as the inability to remember things as well as you once did, wrinkles on your face or hair turning gray. Some developments are more physically limiting, though, such as the painful progressive wear and tear on discs in your spine, a condition known as degenerative disc disease.

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A woman looks at her belly in a mirror

What Is PCOS Belly?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women caused by hormonal imbalances that creates problems with the ovaries. Women with PCOS experience issues with menstruation, unpredictable ovulation and, in many cases, the development of fluid-filled sacs called cysts on the ovaries.

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A doctor discusses ovarian cancer with a patient

Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Challenges in Early Detection and How to Treat It

Raising awareness and education about ovarian cancer is crucial to improving early detection rates and ultimately saving lives. In this blog, we speak to Lara Theobald, M.D., a board-certified physician in medical oncology, internal medicine, palliative care and hospice at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute, to learn more.

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A woman holds a brush filled with hair

Hair Loss in Women

You may be surprised by just how many women are affected by hair loss at some point in their lives. In the medical field, the scientific term for hair loss is alopecia, and there are several different subtypes.

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Natural remedies for vaginal dryness

Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Discussing sexual health – or even simply mentioning sexual organs – is a topic most people shy away from. As awkward as it may be to talk about, especially with your doctor, the reality is there are many common issues that exist.

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A woman sits hunched on her bed in pain

Endometriosis Awareness: What It Is, What Causes It and Its Impact

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people, most often women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, which is why raising awareness is so vital.

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What can cause abnormal pap smear results

What Can Cause Abnormal Pap Smear Results?

Receiving an abnormal pap smear test result can understandably stir up concern, but it's important to remember that such findings don't necessarily point to a serious health issue such as cervical cancer.

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Caffeine while breastfeeding: what amount is safe?

Caffeine While Breastfeeding: What Amount Is Safe?

Navigating the world of motherhood brings countless questions, and for many new moms, one of the pressing topics is about the consumption of caffeine while breastfeeding. As you savor your morning coffee, afternoon tea or soft drink, you might wonder how these beverages could affect your nursing journey.

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How breastfeeding supports safe sleep in babies

How Breastfeeding Supports Safe Sleep in Babies

Whether you’re expecting your first bundle of joy or settling into the rhythm of new parenthood, creating a quiet, calm and safe sleep area for your baby is essential. But did you know breastfeeding can be incorporated into your safe sleep routine?

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How Can Your Thyroid Affect Pregnancy?

How Can Your Thyroid Affect Pregnancy?

We learn from Mitchell West, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) specializing in women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Women's Baptist in Oklahoma City, about why thyroid issues happen, what complexities can develop and how to treat these conditions.

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do pap smears hurt?

Cervical Health: Do Pap Smears Hurt?

The words “pap smear” can be a cringe-worthy phrase for many women, especially young women who have yet to experience their first cervical cancer screening. While this test is an important part of women’s health that can mean catching precancerous cells and other abnormalities early, the uncertainty and personal barriers associated with a pap smear can leave many women scared or hesitant to schedule a visit with their OBGYN.

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Does Breastfeeding Make You Hungry?

Mothers who begin breastfeeding often experience a newfound sensation – the hunger for more food. Breastfeeding is hard work, and you can expect to burn several hundred more calories per day. But there are also other reasons why breastfeeding makes you hungry. Read more to find out why these changes occur and which foods to eat to replenish the lost calories.

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Postpartum anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety: What are the Symptoms and Treatment Options?

Postpartum anxiety describes anxiety – intense, excessive and persistent worry – that mothers or new parents experience in the first 12 months after the birth of their child. Many parents worry about their newborn, whether it’s health or development.

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Pregnancy and Yeast Infections

What to Know About Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Yeast infections, a type of fungal infection, are one of the more common ailments you can deal with during pregnancy. This blog will shed light on what causes these infections and how you can safely treat them without worrying about harming your baby.

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Hot Flashes and Food

Foods That Fight Hot Flashes

This blog will explain the role of food and hot flashes and compile a list of foods to add to your diet.

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Women's Winter skincare

Winter Skincare Tips for Women Over 50

We’ve assembled some tried and true measures you can take right now to soothe and smooth throughout the colder months.

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Cervical Cancer screening guidelines

Who Should Get Screened for Cervical Cancer?

This blog will share the latest cervical cancer screening recommendations and guidelines and explore what your test results mean.

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Why cant I lose weight with a calorie deficit

Why Can't I Lose Weight?

We explain how weight loss works and cover some of the most common reasons why people can’t lose weight no matter what they do.

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Treating a UTI

How to Get Rid of a UTI

Urinary tract infections are common among women, so common that many think they can treat them at home and go about their day. But are at-home treatments enough or do antibiotics provide the best remedy? This blog will explore why it’s important to treat UTIs early, which bacteria causes UTIs and which antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an infection.

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High protein cereal

High-protein cereals: A Healthier Breakfast Alternative?

Instead of turning to eggs and other processed meats for protein sources at breakfast, some consumers have ventured into the world of high-protein cereals as an alternative. This blog will explore this growing market and expand on the possible health benefits.

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Toxins in skincare products

What Toxins Are In Your Beauty Products?

You may not think twice about the skin cream you rub on your face, the eyeliner you apply before work or the shampoo you lather up in your hair. These products, which seem relatively safe in theory, typically contain dozens of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce and even harder to spell. But just what are these chemicals, some of which can be considered toxins, and what do they mean for your health? We compiled a list of some of the most common ingredients and which products you can find them in.

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