Electronic cigarettes have become popular to millions of Americans who believe they are seeking a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. It has fueled a $1.5 billion market in the U.S., along with a fair share of controversy. Reports of the batteries in these devices exploding and causing severe burns sparked an investigation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2014. Twenty-five cases of e-cigarette battery explosions were reported from 2009 to 2014, and although FEMA stated these explosions were “rare,” a notable increase in cases has been seen this year in Tulsa... Read More »
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It is hard to imagine that you or someone you know could go through an experience that would require the services of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), but knowing the first steps to take after you or a loved one is a victim of rape or domestic violence is vital. The nurses involved with the SANE program are certified to provide rape and domestic violence exams to patients who have been assaulted. Hillcrest is the only health system in Tulsa County that offers this program. The SANE program at Hillcrest Medical Center was established in 1991 and is available 24 hours a day every day... Read More »
When you ask Tulsa artist Chris Mantle, who has become known for his stunningly beautiful paintings of buffaloes, “Why do you paint the buffalo?” the simple question is not followed by a simple answer. “Have you heard unicorns mentioned in the Bible?” Chris replies with a question. Ponder that for a minute. If you are not familiar with the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, then you may not have run across the nine mentions of a unicorn dotting scripture as a gentle, yet strong animal. “When I was reading the Bible front to back, I came across unicorns. They were so graceful. They... Read More »
When you work in health care, you always have patients you will never forget. For Hope Robertson, MSW, a social worker in case management on the oncology floor at Hillcrest Medical Center, it was a patient who said, “Here she comes again, Little Miss Sunshine.” Exasperated by her diagnosis and hospitalization, the patient was understandably frustrated. Each day, Hope would visit her to see if there was anything she needed. Adapting as Hope does with each patient to meet their needs emotionally, as well as logistically, a connection developed. “We went from her saying that to, ‘When are you... Read More »
If you are familiar with the signs of a stroke – one side of the face drooping, weakness in the arms and difficulty speaking – then you know it is important to seek immediate medical attention. When patients arrive at emergency departments exhibiting these symptoms, patients, family and emergency medical personnel think of stroke first and begin treatment as quickly as possible. Time is brain when a stroke strikes. However, Medical Director of the Oklahoma Stroke & Neurological Institute at Hillcrest Medical Center Andre Fredieu, M.D., said there is reason to pause if something doesn’t... Read More »
The reality is harsh for women who suffer a stroke. First, stroke is the third leading cause of death for women. It is the fifth leading cause of death for men. Second, women who suffer a stroke are more likely to live alone when they have a stroke, resulting in more women living in long-term health care facilities after a stroke. The recovery is more difficult for women than men. Why does stroke hit women harder than men? Health care providers and researchers are still not sure, other than to go back to women’s life expectancy being longer in general than men. Stroke risk increases with... Read More »
In health care we are either treating disease or trying to prevent it. Are we doing enough of the latter when it comes to stroke? “No,” declares Medical Director of the Oklahoma Stroke & Neurological Institute at Hillcrest Medical Center and interventional neurologist Dr. Andre Fredieu. “Nearly 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by educating the public about the signs and risks of stroke, emphasizing the importance of regular visits with their doctor, being compliant with their medication and eating a well-balanced diet. As we get older, we become more complacent about this and... Read More »
Did you know that donating blood one time has the potential to save as many as three lives? Did you also know that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood? Donated blood is essential to keep many people alive, but unfortunately The American Red Cross has received fewer donations than needed to meet demand over the holiday season and winter months. As a result, our region has reached a critical need for blood and platelet donors with an emphasis on types O, AB, B negative and A negative.
Although 38 percent of the American population is able to donate blood, only... Read More »