Recent News

5 WAYS TO DECREASE YOUR RISK OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women; it is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a month set aside to increase awareness and education of colon cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, almost half (47%) of colorectal cancer could be prevented or significantly delayed with lifestyle and diet modifications. Here are five ways to help you fight colorectal cancer.

1. Plant food intake that is high in fiber.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines... Read More »

Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Hillcrest Medical Center (HMC) and Hillcrest Hospital South earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“We are proud to have earned a fifth consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Xavier Villarreal, CEO of HMC. “This... Read More »

Heart problem cases increasing in young adults

Heart specialists are seeing more young patients with a variety of heart issues. Jim Neel, M.D., FACS, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, joined KOTV - News on 6 to explain what kinds of issues young people are experiencing and how they can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

Dr. Neel said that the age range of patients who typically experience heart issues is trending younger.

"We would traditionally see patients in the 50s, 60s and 70s but now we're seeing patients in their 30s and 40s," said Dr. Neel. "Heart disease is something that... Read More »

What to do if... you're burned by a firework

As July 4th approaches, we want to make sure that families around Oklahoma can celebrate safely. The Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest treats around 50 burn cases within the week of the holiday. Weera Chainakul, M.D., FACS, medical director at the burn center, said these burns range from 2nd degree burns with painful blistering to 4th degree burns that could lead to amputation.  

What should you do if you are burned?  

Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water   Never rinse the area with cold or ice water  Cover the area with a clean, dry bandage... Read More »

What to do if... you get heat stroke

July and August typically include some of the hottest temperatures of the year. Jeffrey Johnson, M.D., emergency medicine specialist at Hillcrest, offers tips if you or someone you know experiences heat stroke.

What do you need to know about heat stroke?

Most often, heat stroke happens in people who exercise in hot weather without drinking enough water.

• Heat stroke can affect older adults and those with chronic health problems if they are in hot conditions, even without exercise.

• People in hot conditions can get heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System reaches agreement with UnitedHealthcare

April 27, 2023 

Dear Valued Patient,  

Thank you for entrusting Hillcrest HealthCare System with your care. Hillcrest has been working in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to achieve an agreement that protects your in-network access to care. 

We are pleased to... Read More »

Heart-healthy tips for pregnant women

The heart undergoes natural changes during pregnancy to support a growing life. Heart complications can appear as the mother's body undergoes the stress of pregnancy. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of pregnancy complications, so it is important to stay on top of heart-healthy habits for the benefit of the mother and the child.

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Larissa... Read More »

Amy Rea called walking miracle after pulmonary embolism recovery

Amy Rea is being called a walking miracle. After an hour in cardiac arrest, her pulse returned thanks to a tireless, determined and dedicated team of professionals at Hillcrest Hospital South performing non-stop CPR. It all started on a normal workday.

Headed to the hospital

Rea, 48, was at work in Broken Arrow on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. She was short of breath that morning and told a coworker she felt like she was going to faint.

"By the time I got out of my car and walked to the front doors of the building, I could not breathe," said Rea. "You know when you go... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System partners with CommunityCare

Hillcrest HealthCare System is partnering with CommunityCare to provide in-network medical care for plan members at all Hillcrest facilities. Effective Feb. 1, 2023, Hillcrest accepts CommunityCare employer group, individual and family plans, in addition to their Medicare Advantage plans.

“Hillcrest HealthCare System is proud to partner with CommunityCare to expand our award-winning medical care to additional patients,” said Hillcrest CEO Kevin Gross. “Hillcrest has more than 500 providers across eight hospitals and 80-plus primary and specialty care clinics through Utica Park... Read More »

What to do if ... your child has RSV

RSV is a respiratory virus that is often confused with the common cold because it has very similar symptoms. The virus is most dangerous to young children, and it is spreading earlier than usual this season. Theresa Horton, M.D., pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic Owasso, has some tips about what you should do if your child contracts RSV.

What is RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, enters the body through contact, usually through the eyes, nose, mouth and mucus membranes. The virus mutates frequently, so it is possible to contract it more than once. There is currently... Read More »