Being pregnant during the summer is, well, hot. While carrying your little one, your body is working overtime to cool down and the heat and humidity do not help. Pregnant women are encouraged to take proper precautions so overheating does not happen during pregnancy, which can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most…

The days are longer, the sun is out and we are in the heat of summer here in Pryor, Oklahoma. We all know exercising is important year-round, and now that the warmer months are here, we want to emphasize the importance of aerobic exercise and ways to incorporate it in your summer routine. Why aerobic…

In order to achieve the highest level of quality and patient safety, Hillcrest Medical Center remains focused on pursuing the latest best practices and most advanced technologies in the health care industry. Hillcrest Medical Center’s Patient Safety Officer, Debra Allen, remains actively engaged in researching and implementing quality improvement initiatives focused on measuring and improving…

Nearly 15 million Americans provide unpaid care to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. That allots to Americans providing more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for friends and family with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Throughout…

Emergencies can happen at any time. Follow these tips on how to be prepared for the unexpected.   Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detector twice a year. A convenient time to remember is each spring and fall during time changes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke…

From Volunteer to CEO Xavier Villarreal’s interest in health care began during a summer break in college when he had the opportunity to volunteer at a hospital. There, he was allowed to see every department that contributes to patient care. That’s when Villarreal “fell in love” with working in a hospital, leading him to pursue…

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood clot or ruptured vessel reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Without appropriate nutrients and oxygen, brain cells begin to die, which can cause death or disability. Dr.…

Every April, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. highlights Occupational Therapy month to recognize an important profession that helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do.  Curtis Marti has been an occupational therapist for 23 years, 17 of those spent at Hillcrest Medical Center. He still lights up…