Blog

Simple Ways To Boost Your Family’s Brain Health

One thing to remember when it comes to our diets is that what we eat not only impacts our physical health, but our mental health as well. Just as our hearts, lungs and muscles need key nutrients to stay healthy and strong, our brains do too. It’s important for both children and adults to learn how to maintain and enhance brain function. One way is through the consumption of a healthy diet.

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the foundation to any nutritious and balanced diet consists of:

1. Filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables... Read More »

Veterans Day Spotlight with Don Morris

Due to a rich family history in military service and health care, our very own Don Morris followed in the footsteps of those before him while creating his own path. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and currently serves as vice president of human resources of Hillcrest HealthCare System. In honor of Veterans Day, we sat down with Don to learn more about his military experiences and how they have impacted the work he does today.

Service Branch: Army

Rank: E5, Sergeant (SGT)

How long did you serve? Five years

What was your job/assignment and... Read More »

Daylight Saving Time Driving Safety

On Sunday, Nov. 5 get ready to set your clocks back an hour as daylight saving time comes to an end. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), this is the time of the year when many people find themselves driving more in the dark. Driving at night can create safety concerns when it comes to our ability to see clearly.

The NSC states that depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can all be compromised in the dark. Also, the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver.

Limited visibility when driving in the dark creates... Read More »

Hillcrest Burn Nurse Connects with Patients and Families Through Her Experience

Patients, family members, friends and co-workers – those who have experienced it never forget the date. What began as a typical Tuesday morning became the day that changed everything – July 29, 2014 – for Kayla Patchett, RN, her husband, Ben Grice, and their 3-year-old daughter.

“I was in the waiting room for three hours while they worked to get him in a stable condition,” Kayla recalls of the anxiety, fear and all-encompassing worry that took over while she could only wait helplessly. She walked into his ICU room at the Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest Medical Center and met the... Read More »

Hillcrest Leadership Series: Interview with Farron Sneed

Optimism is at the heart of the statement, “bloom where you are planted.” Following this premise that one can impact their surroundings in a positive manner, while growing and developing themselves, Hillcrest Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Farron Sneed agreed to take on an opportunity in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2013. He had applied for an executive position with Hillcrest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but during the interview process was guided toward the role as chief executive officer of Lovelace Westside Hospital, another hospital within parent company Ardent Health Services.

“I... Read More »

Stay Safe in Summer Heat

It’s that time of the year again when the temperatures outside begin to rise across Oklahoma. The peak of summer not only brings longer days, but the hottest days of the year. Many of us see this season as the perfect opportunity to head outdoors to enjoy our favorite summer activities. Whether you are working or having a little fun, it’s vital that you properly prepare for the weather.

During this time of the summer, you‘ll often find meteorologists issue heat advisories. Because our bodies easily absorb more heat than they release, heat-related injuries and illnesses are much more... Read More »

Stay Safe While Grilling This Memorial Day

The outdoor cooking season is here, which means many of us will be grilling countless burgers and brats over the next few months! According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 75 percent of U.S. households own at least one barbecue, grill or smoker. Unfortunately, an average of 8,900 home fires occur each year due to the use of outdoor cooking equipment. Approximately 160 injuries and 10 deaths are the outcomes of these preventable accidents each year.

To keep such a fun activity safe, it’s important to use extra caution when grilling or making campfires. Below are a few... Read More »

Get Fit, Don’t Sit: Tips to Keep Exercise Enjoyable

While we all know that exercise is essential to living a healthy lifestyle, it’s something that many struggle to do. Whether due to a busy schedule or feeling discouraged about our current physical condition, we often find ourselves lacking the physical activity our bodies need.

According to Mayo Clinic, healthy adults need at least two and a half hours of aerobic activity each week. The general goal is 30 minutes of exercise daily to help you achieve the recommended amount of weekly exercise. Aerobic exercise consists of any form of physical activity that increases your heart rate... Read More »