Blog

West Nile in Oklahoma, Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a public warning for Oklahomans to take precautions when outdoors, as the height of the West Nile season nears.  So far, a total of 55 cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Oklahoma, with 14 of those in Tulsa County, the most of any county.

The greatest risk for infection with West Nile virus typically occurs from June through September, with cases peaking in mid-August. But changes in the weather, the number of infected mosquitoes and human behavior can all influence when and where... Read More »

Back to School Basics: Overall Health Checklist

It is that time of year again.  Parents, teachers and children are starting a new year with freshly sharpened pencils, clean sheets of paper and expectations that this school year will be a great one.  It is also that time of year when hundreds of children fill the halls at the first bell, leaving sun-filled days of summer but not necessarily the germs behind.  As we gather together for nine months of academic achievement, here is an overall health checklist to get everyone off to a healthy start.

Adjust Bed Times

The first day of school is... Read More »

Preschool TV Habits Linked to 4th-Grade Waist Size, Fitness

The amount of TV preschoolers watch seems to contribute to what their waist size and athletic abilities will be when they reach fourth grade, researchers report.

The study, from researchers at the University of Montreal and Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital in Canada, found that every hour of TV children aged 2½ to 4½ years old watched not only added to their waistline but also affected their ability to perform in sports.

"We already knew that there is an association between preschool television exposure and the body fat... Read More »

5 Fun Fruits to Try

Fruit is one of nature's perfect foods. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, without fat. Even though they are filling, most are naturally low in calories and delicious. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the American Cancer Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Cancer Institute recommend that 5 to 9 servings of fruits (and vegetables) be consumed every day, depending on a person's energy intake, to maintain good health and reduce the risk of cancer.

So go bite into an apple, a banana, or a...carambola fruit. Haven't heard of that one?... Read More »

Don't Let Bad Food Spoil Your 4th of July BBQ

Whether you are getting together with friends and family for the holiday at the park, lake, or in the backyard, chances are grilling out is on agenda.  Before you head out to the grocery store and stock up, remember there are important considerations when preparing food on the grill.  Follow these steps to keep foodborne illness from becoming the center of attention at the party.

Check out the recipe for this cheeseburger on Pinterest.

 How to Buy

When shopping for meat and poultry at the grocery store,... Read More »

Fireworks Safety

Celebrating our nation’s independence with family and friends typically centers around food, fun, and especially fireworks!  But that fun can be quickly doused when something goes wrong.  In 2010, 8600 injuries were the result of fireworks, with 2 out of every 5 of those injured under the age of 15.  Also, more fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.  Taking the right precautions will ensure you enjoy your holiday instead of dealing with serious injuries or even death.

Did you know fireworks are the riskiest consumer... Read More »

Cool Ways to Beat the Heat

It has been a long week of extreme heat for Northeastern Oklahoma.  If you are running out of ideas to stay cool when the thermometer is reading 100 or greater, here are some fun ways to beat the heat.

Go Barefoot

When you can, lose the shoes.  When we get hot, our feet tend to sweat, especially when we are wearing shoes without socks.  Give your feet a rest and allow the air to cool your skin and the blood in your feet.  As the blood vessels take that blood to other parts of your body, you will feel a greater sensation of coolness.

Cold... Read More »

The Heat is On in Cushing

It seems it doesn’t take long for the heat to take its toll.  Once the thermometer tops 100 most of us experience a few changes in our general attitude, including heightened agitation.  The inconvenience of the dog days of summer are setting in and you begin to hear people complain about it, if you aren’t already yourself.  However, regardless of your age and overall health, extreme heat is something everyone should heed with caution.

When the Thermometer Reaches 100, Everyone is in Danger

Prior to this week, we have gone nine months without a 100 degree day.  That means our... Read More »