When thinking about the health issues related to obesity, oftentimes ‘heart disease’ and ‘diabetes’ are top of mind. However, one in three Americans with obesity has also been diagnosed with arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most prevalent type of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis, which is characterized…

Along with fireside cups of cocoa and the beauty of occasional snowfall, winter in Oklahoma also leads to weather-related injuries. “The phone rings off the hook the day after an ice storm!” says Mary Ferraro, APRN-CNP, with Utica Park Clinic Orthopedics in Claremore. “Slips and falls can lead to broken ankles, wrists, elbows, shoulders and…

In addition to contributing to health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, weight can also raise a person’s risk for developing osteoarthritis – the most common joint disorder, caused by wear and tear to joints. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, more than 70% of women and 35% of men who suffer from osteoarthritis…

It is widely known that the major cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, there is another leading cause of lung cancer that may be surprising. The EPA estimates that the number one cause of non-smokers getting lung cancer is radon, causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. According to the American Lung Association, radon…

In 1986, Hillcrest opened the Tulsa Burn Center (now known as the Alexander Burn Center), the first of its kind in Oklahoma and Arkansas and only one of five in the United States. For 50 years, our physicians and staff have been providing the most advanced care for adults and children who have experienced severe…

Thyroid Awareness Month is nationally recognized in January of every year. The thyroid gland produces metabolism hormones that control functions in your body like staying warm, using energy and keeping organs like the brain and heart functioning properly. It is a two-inch long, butterfly-shaped gland found inside your neck right under your larynx. According to…

Before traveling this winter, be sure to follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure you’re safe this winter season! Before heading out on the road, make sure your vehicle is properly stocked. You’ll want to make sure you have a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper in your…

With peak flu season right around the corner, Handwashing Awareness Week reminds us how important it is to always wash our hands properly! Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. While many people know the importance of washing their hands, few do it properly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention…

November is Bladder Health Month which is dedicated to raising awareness about bladder health. “Bladder issues can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life, including their social interactions, work, activities, sleep and relationships,” says urologist Dr. Melanie Ketchandji of Utica Park Clinic. “A common condition is overactive bladder, which affects about 33…

With thousands of skincare products on the market, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to take care of your skin. Skin care is beyond topical treatments; it’s a combination of what you put into your body and what you put on your body. Different internal and external lifestyle factors can affect…