Tag: Health

When considering the negative effects of heavy or even regular alcohol use, Blake Hilton, Psy.D., says it’s useful to categorize the effects into short and long-term consequences on the body. As an OU Health clinical psychologist and an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Hilton studies and treats substance use disorders and other mental health concerns. “In the short-term,...

Most often, heart attacks are associated with blocked arteries. However, with MINOCA – a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries – this isn’t the case. And it seems that women are at an increased risk.  Michael Fogli, M.D., a noninvasive cardiologist with Ascension St. John in Tulsa, explains that MINOCA is an umbrella term applied to patients who are experiencing...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. A study by the National Survey of Children’s Health reported one in 11 school-aged children had a diagnosis of ADHD.  However, Courtney Sauls, D.O., a pediatrician with Ascension St. John Health System in Tulsa, says this doesn’t necessarily mean...

If you’re wanting to eat healthier and, as a result, shed a few pounds, there’s no shortage of food plans, programs and diets from which to choose. While experts often say the best plan is the one you stick with, not every option is going to offer the benefits you need. To help sift through your choices, Jenny Lange,...

Committed to fighting the opioid overdose epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps support states and communities through monitoring trends, research, supporting providers and healthcare systems, as well as increasing public awareness. Recently, the CDC updated its Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, originally released in 2016, with renewed emphasis on non-opioid alternatives and...

Many people may experience feelings of anxiety and moments of panic, but there are unique differences between an anxiety and panic attack. Collyn Campbell, LCSW, CCTP, a licensed psychotherapist with Norman Regional Health System, says the term ‘anxiety attack’ is used as a non-clinical diagnosis to describe intense feelings of anxiety.  “Anxiety is excessive worry, busy thoughts and mind, feeling edgy...

Winter’s cold and flu season can slow you down and make you feel wary of every sniffle and sneeze. And unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid exposure to illnesses, aside from never leaving your house. But there are a few simple and realistic ways to help you stay healthy.  Douglas A. Drevets, MD, chief of infectious diseases at OU Health...

Healthcare advocates – particularly those most concerned with delivering quality services to rural areas of Oklahoma – will gather this fall to discuss the challenges facing the state and to honor rural providers. The 2023 Oklahoma Rural Health Conference is set for Nov. 2-3 at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Edmond. The conference, held annually, focuses on healthcare...

Understanding the roles of various entities within state government can be confusing. But for many Oklahomans who find themselves in need, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority can be a lifesaver. And even if you don’t need them right now, understanding the help they provide could be important in the future. “Overall, the vision at the healthcare authority … is for...

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in some foods – but most of the time, it gets added to our diets through processed items and an enthusiastic overuse of the salt shaker. However, while sodium can seem ‘bad,’ it’s an essential nutrient that keeps our bodies functioning properly, says Katie Eliot, Ph.D., RDN, an associate professor with the...