Recent News

Mammogram Q&A with Clint Merritt, M.D.

Early detection is important when it comes to breast cancer. Clint Merritt, M.D., co-medical director of breast care with Utica Park Clinic, answers some common mammogram questions.

• What is the recommended age for annual mammogram screenings in Oklahoma?

Patients are recommended to begin annual screening mammography at the age of 40. Patients with known genetic-related risk, or those with significant family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic cancers or malignant melanoma, should have a personal breast cancer risk evaluation performed to see if they need breast... Read More »

What to do if ... you have a head injury

Head injuries can occur a variety of ways. Perri Craven, M.D., medical director at Kaiser Rehabilitation Center at Hillcrest Medical Center, gives advice on what to do if you or someone near you experiences a head injury.

• What do you need to know about a head injury?

A head or brain injury is a result of a bump, fall or blow to the head. Brain injuries are more complicated than a concussion, and may have other related injuries, such as fractures or strains. The two most common causes of brain injury are motor vehicle accidents and falls. Concussions are a mild form of... Read More »

Why do I have a rapid heartbeat after COVID?

By Tyler Ellington, D.O.

Cardiology, Oklahoma Heart Institute – Owasso

People who have recently been ill with COVID-19 commonly complain of heartbeats that are faster than normal. This can be due to several factors.

One important consideration is timing. Rapid heartbeat a day or two after fever could be caused by dehydration and will be expected to improve with an increase of fluid intake. In the weeks after recovering from COVID infection, some patients notice rapid heart rates at rest. These are most commonly found to be normal rhythms from the heart’s... Read More »

Why am I so tired after COVID?

By Amrit Dockery, D.O. Family medicine, Utica Park Clinic - Owasso

Post-viral fatigue is one of the most common complaints amongst people who have had COVID infection. This can happen with any viral illness, not just COVID-19 infection. Post-viral fatigue is the result of dysregulation of the immune system from the robust and intense immune response that takes place during COVID infection. During infection, our immune system has to work hard to fight the infection by activating our lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, and producing cytokines, molecules that induce inflammation in... Read More »

What to do if ... you have monkeypox

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes monkeypox as a viral disease that can be spread between people and certain animals.

With the recent rise in cases, Guy Sneed, D.O., chief medical officer for Hillcrest, answers key questions about the disease. 

What are common symptoms of monkeypox?

• Fever greater than or equal to 100.4 F

• Chills

• New onset of enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear, neck, under the arms or groin.

• New skin rash that may develop into small, raised bumps, much like a chicken pox or other pox-like... Read More »

What to do if ... you have plantar fasciitis

Has soreness or pain in your foot put a damper on your summer activity plans? Plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. Timothy McConn, D.P.M., FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with Utica Park Clinic, shares tips on how to deal with this foot ailment. 

• What exactly is plantar fasciitis? 

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a ligament that attaches from the bottom of the foot to the bottom of the heel, blending into the soft tissues of the ball of the foot. The plantar fascia helps to support the arch and maintain soft tissue support to the bottom of... Read More »

HMC NICU nurses capture picture perfect moments of holiday babies

The Hillcrest Medical Center NICU nurses are inspired to make holidays a little brighter for our smallest patients and their families. 

With a tradition that began several years ago, the staff organizes and produces memory-making photo shoots of our NICU babies. For many parents, this is the first time they see their newborns without tubes. KJRH reported on the story behind these adorably photogenic babies.

What to do if ... you have an allergy attack

Springtime means Mother Nature in bloom and allergies on the rise. Ryan Choplin, PA-C, a family medicine specialist with Utica Park Clinic, shares some tips on how to combat allergy attacks while enjoying the season.

• How to prevent or suppress an allergy attack

The best way to prevent allergy attacks is suppressing your seasonal allergy response. This occurs with daily use of an antihistamine and a steroid nasal spray for at least two weeks before the new season begins and throughout the season.  For individuals who have year-round allergies, it is best to take both... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System 2021 Community Benefit Report

We’re proud to share the Hillcrest HealthCare System 2021 Community Benefit Report. Along with hospital statistics, this report reflects Hillcrest HealthCare System’s impact on the community through unfunded care, discounts to uninsured patients and support to local vendors. It’s an honor to provide unsurpassed care and support to our community every day. Click here for full report.

Off the Clock: Haney forges his own path as a gravel cyclist

For many of the patients Anthony Haney, M.D., a cardiologist with Oklahoma Heart Institute, treats, he recommends various methods of physical exercise in order to improve their health.

“A lot of times, patients will ask me what I do,” Haney said. “I’ll go into what I do and how it’s benefited me.”

Haney’s exercise of choice is cycling. More specifically, it’s gravel cycling, also known as gravel riding or gravel biking. As the name would suggest, gravel riding involves getting on a bicycle and riding on dirt and gravel paths. But his version of gravel riding requires more... Read More »