Blog

The Link between Radon and Lung Cancer

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 is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that causes lung cancer. The EPA states that radon can be found in indoor air, in soil under homes and in drinking water.

Radon can be found in all different types of residential and commercial buildings in the... Read More »

When It’s Important to Talk to Your Physician about Your Thyroid

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 the American Cancer Society, in 2018 there were about 53,990 new cases of thyroid cancer. We spoke to Darenda Kebler, manager of radiology at Hillcrest Cushing, about what to be aware of when it comes to thyroid cancer.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

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 car in case of any winter weather. In the case of an emergency, you’ll want to have jumper cables, a flashlight and emergency flares in the car. During the winter season, it’s also important to keep extra blankets in your car in case they are needed. Whenever you are... Read More »

The Importance of Handwashing

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 (CDC) recommends following these five steps to properly wash your hands:

1. Begin by wetting your hands with clean, running water (hot or cold) then turn off the sink and apply soap.

DeCleasha Martin's Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

DeCleasha Martin, CDM, CFPP, our Nutritional Services Manager shared some of her favorite Thanksgiving recipes with us!

Sausage, Apple, & Cranberry Cornbread Dressing

Each Thanksgiving I usually make two types of cornbread dressing this one has become my family's favorite!

Ingredients:

Half sheet pan unsweetened white sage cornbread

½ cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan and topping

1-pound fresh sage sausage, (like Jimmy Dean sage breakfast sausage)

1 medium red onion, chopped

½ cup chopped carrot

DeCleasha Martin's French Pumpkin Soup

DeCleasha Martin, CDM, CFPP, our Nutritional Services Manager shared her favorite French Pumpkin Soup Recipe for #NationalPumpkinDay!

This Traditional French Pumpkin Soup Recipe is one such classic It is so, so easy to make, and the soup also freezes so well, you will soon be eating it year round. And, it is also extremely healthy and nutritious, so what is not to like about it.

The soup has a velvety texture and a delicate, savory flavor perfect for a light lunch or a refined first course. The real treat is that it’s as easy to prepare and healthy as it is delicious!... Read More »

Breathe In, Breathe Out

We spoke with Lindsey Wilson, registered nurse at Hillcrest Hospital Cushing, who is the nurse navigator for the Lung Cancer Screening Program. Lindsey shared what her role entails, some advice to keep your lungs healthy and why it’s important to have a month dedicated to lung health.

“We screen patients who are high risk for lung cancer using low dose CT imaging of the chest. My duties include screening the patients to see if they meet the criteria, scheduling them for their screening and any follow-ups that are required. I am the person who guides the patients through the program... Read More »

Six of the Best Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic on a Budget

When you hear the word organic, you often think “expensive”. But you can still eat organic on a budget by being smart about what you’re buying! Prioritize by buying fruits and vegetables you incorporate regularly into your diet. Do you only eat grapes every once in a while but eat strawberries daily? Buy the strawberries organic rather than the grapes. You can skip the organic section for bananas, avocados and oranges as their skin protects them from pesticides you may ingest (but still be sure to thoroughly wash them before eating). Don’t put packaged food items into your cart that are... Read More »