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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.

several fiber rich foods are shown on a table with fruits, whole grains, seeds, nuts and vegetables

Fibermaxxing: Foods to Add and Foods to Avoid for Better Gut Health

Fiber has long been an important part of nutrition advice, but a social media trend called fibermaxxing has brought it renewed attention. Fibermaxxing encourages people to eat more high-fiber foods to support digestion, regularity and gut health. But increasing fiber too quickly can cause gas, bloating and cramping. Learn which fibermaxxing foods to add, which foods to approach carefully and how to increase your fiber intake safely.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older couple smiling in the kitchen while cutting vegetables and cooking a healthy meal

More Than Looking Younger: Daily Longevity Habits to Help You Move, Think and Feel Better

Most people associate aging well with how they look, but the habits that actually add quality years to your life have very little to do with appearance. Discover INTEGRIS Health's healthy aging tips to help you move, think and feel better. This guide covers the daily practices that support a sharper mind, a stronger body and a more resilient sense of well-being. Small shifts that, over time, make a real difference in how you live.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman with knee pain uses a cane while being guided by a caregiver and walking into an orthopedic doctor's office

Knee and Hip Pain: Signs You Should See an Orthopedic Surgeon

Knee or hip pain can gradually change how you sleep, move and participate in everyday activities. If pain or stiffness continues despite medication, physical therapy, activity changes or injections, it may be time to talk with an orthopedic specialist.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older man in a blue shirt is seen speaking to a cardiologist about chest pain as he holds his hand to his chest while talking to the doctor

Can Heart Failure Be Reversed? Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options

Heart failure is not always permanently reversible, but in some people, heart function and symptoms improve significantly when the underlying cause is treated. Even when heart function improves, ongoing treatment and monitoring are usually important.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman looks with concern at her comb filled with clumps of hair

Why Am I Losing So Much Hair? Understanding Shedding vs. Hair Loss

Waking up to loose strands on your pillow feels alarming. Running fingers through your hair only to pull away handfuls sparks panic. You have to wonder, “Why am I losing so much hair?” Discovering the root of the problem is the only way to take control of your hair loss treatment plan. You are not alone, and finding a path forward begins with clear information.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older woman and her caregiver smiling

Heart Disease in Oklahoma: Know Your Risk and When to Seek Care

Heart disease can develop quietly over many years. High cholesterol and plaque buildup often cause no noticeable symptoms, so many people may not recognize their risk until a serious cardiovascular event occurs. This is especially concerning in Oklahoma, where heart disease is the leading cause of death.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Happy multi generational women having fun together

“It’s Just a Normal Part of Aging,” and Other Menopause Myths Doctors Want to Challenge

Somewhere between the hot flash jokes and the hushed conversations, a lot of real information about menopause gets lost. For millions of women, the experience is far more complex than pop culture suggests, and the gaps in understanding can lead to symptoms going unaddressed for years. What is menopause, and why do myths matter? INTEGRIS Health is helping women understand perimenopause and menopause symptoms that deserve real care, not dismissal. Let’s bust some of the most common menopause myths, so you can walk into your next conversation with clarity and confidence.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a man grabs his chest with his hand as he experiences heart attack symptoms like intense pressure and chest pain

Heart Attack Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Chest pain can send a sudden jolt of panic through anyone. It is a terrifying experience that often brings the absolute worst-case scenarios to mind. Chest pain or pressure can have many causes, but new, unexplained or persistent chest discomfort should never be self-diagnosed. Heart attack symptoms are not always sudden or severe. They may begin as mild pressure, tightness or discomfort and may occur with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness or pain elsewhere in the upper body.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

an older man's hands are shown holding a prescription bottle and medicine

Daraxonrasib for Pancreatic Cancer: What Patients Should Know

Pancreatic cancer has long been one of the most difficult cancers to treat, partly because most cases aren't diagnosed until they've already spread. For patients with metastatic disease, treatment options have historically been limited, and survival rates have reflected that reality. A new drug called daraxonrasib may be changing the conversation. This once-daily pill shows promise in improving pancreatic cancer survival rates, and INTEGRIS Health is helping patients understand what daraxonrasib means for pancreatic cancer treatment and future options.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Student athletes take a supervised water break during outdoor practice.

Heat Safety for Student Athletes: Doctor Shares Hydration Tips and Warning Signs

Summer conditioning and fall practices can expose young athletes to dangerous heat. Sports medicine physician Andrew Young, M.D., explains the symptoms families and coaches should never ignore.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

Woman measuring blood pressure at wooden table indoors

When Is Blood Pressure Too High? Symptoms to Act on Fast

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, yet most people don't know what it feels like until something goes wrong. Symptoms are easy to dismiss. They might involve a headache, some dizziness, maybe a little nausea, but in some cases, those same signs point to something far more serious. When is blood pressure too high? INTEGRIS Health is helping patients recognize dangerous high blood pressure symptoms and act fast.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

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 slice of bread is shown spread with peanut butter, along with the knife used and a jar of peanut butter on top of a wooden table

Is Peanut Butter Heart Healthy? Understanding Its Impact on Cholesterol

Patients frequently ask doctors at INTEGRIS Health, “Is peanut butter bad for cholesterol?” It makes sense to wonder about a food so rich and creamy. Many of us grew up eating it every day. Now, as adults, we worry about our cardiovascular health. Let us look at the facts and figure out if this pantry staple helps or hurts your lipid levels.

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

a woman balances herself against a wall as she appears dizzy and in distress

What Is POTS? Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

You might have seen the term trending on social media or discussed in recent health news, but many people still find themselves asking the experts at INTEGRIS Health a simple question: What is POTS? It is a complex condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, often leaving individuals feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint simply by standing. While the symptoms can feel overwhelming and sometimes debilitating, understanding the mechanics of this syndrome is the vital first step toward reclaiming your quality of life.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a doctor is shown talking with a patient as he explains test results from a monitor

No Symptoms Doesn’t Mean No Risk: Colon Cancer Screening Options You Should Know

Colon cancer can develop quietly. Many people feel completely well, have no pain, no bleeding and no change in bowel habits — and still have precancerous polyps or early colorectal cancer. That is exactly why screening matters. Screening gives physicians the opportunity to find cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective, and in many cases, to prevent cancer by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they become dangerous. Colorectal cancer remains one of the most important preventable cancers in the United States. The good news is that patients have more screening options than ever.

INTEGRIS Health Editorial Team

a woman holds a damp cloth to her head while standing outside in the heat, trees seen in the background

Heat Can Be Hazardous to Your Heart

With many areas of Oklahoma reaching peak summer temperatures, the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital and the American Heart Association (AHA) are preaching prevention. It’s not something many people think about, but temperatures over 100 or even temperatures in the 80s with high humidity can cause a dangerous heat index that can be hard on the heart.

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 clinician is shown drawing blood from a patient

Blood Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Blood cancers can develop quietly, often masking their early signs as minor health issues like fatigue or frequent infections. Many people dismiss these symptoms as stress or seasonal illnesses and put off further medical help. Timely detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

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

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