News

A Q&A with Lactation Consultant Ranay Bedard, RN, IBCLC

Breast milk feeding is a crucial component in the development of your baby. There can be struggles along your breastfeeding journey and every journey is unique. It is common to have concerns about your success. Hillcrest South has a dedicated team of lactation consultants to help create a positive experience and meet your individual goals. 

Lactation consultant Ranay Bedard, RN, IBCLC has worked with a wide range of families with different concerns and variety of goals and provides informative tips about breastfeeding in this Q&A.

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The Risk of Constantly Treating Heartburn with Medication

Prolonged use of medications to soothe heartburn and acid reflux may result in serious health problems. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System have linked long-term use of such medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, to fatal cases of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and upper gastrointestinal cancer. This study could have a wide effect on the more than 15 million Americans who have prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

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The Importance of Lung Screenings

Cancer Control Month is the perfect time to learn more about Hillcrest’s lung cancer screenings. Lung screenings are available in several Hillcrest facilities, including here at Hillcrest South.

To determine if patients meet the screening criteria, Lindsey Wilson, RN, BSN, patient care coordinator for the lung cancer screening program, asks a few simple questions.

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Choosing Healthy Snacks throughout Your Day

National Nutrition Month shines a spotlight on nutrition in everything we eat; big and small. After all, every bite counts. Many people find themselves snacking between meals throughout the day to maintain their fuel but often ask themselves what are the healthiest snacks they could be consuming? Jenny Watkins, Mallory Crutchfield and Kerry Francis are clinical dietitians at Hillcrest South. They take pride in sharing their insights into how to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle, through moderation and by including healthy snacks into daily routines. 

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How Digital Devices Can Impact Your Sleep Patterns

Is your cell phone in your hand more often than not? These days, most people don’t leave the house without their cell phone in hand.  While our devices often make our lives easier as a source of information and communication, they also have the potential to cause harm to our physical and mental well-being. Digital devices like cell phones, tablets and computers can not only steal time away from you, but without self-control, they can also do long-term damage to your health.

Here are some ways using a digital device close to your bed time can worsen your quality of sleep:

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Local Man Grateful for Care Received at Hillcrest

It began with a tingling feeling in the arm. Nothing more. Still, it was enough to encourage Buster McCurtain to visit a cardiologist at Oklahoma Heart Institute at Hillcrest South.

That’s when he learned the news. He had one blocked artery and two blocked at 85 percent. Dr. Robert Smith, his cardiologist, consulted with Dr. Allen Cheng and Buster was told he needed surgery. The following week, he underwent open heart surgery with Dr. Cheng.

“I had no idea there was anything wrong with me,” Buster said. “I had no shortness of breath; just a tingling in my arm.

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What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis impacts approximately 200 million women worldwide, with an estimated 10 to 20 percent of women of childbearing age in the United States currently living with the disease. Endometriosis occurs when cells that should be in the lining of the uterus find themselves in other parts of the body such as the ovaries, uterus, bladder or other areas. This causes build up that sheds each month. That process repeats itself several times, which causes pain to the pelvic area.

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Minimally Invasive Surgery Proves to Be Successful for Oklahoma Woman

Janice Hoover and her husband own a flower shop in Stroud, Oklahoma. Because of the high demand in her line of work, Hoover’s health is a priority. Several years ago, Hoover was referred to Oklahoma Heart Institute for cardiac care.

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