Blog

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 »

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oklahoma is one of many states that often report a widespread flu outbreak. However, does that mean that every time we get sick it is the flu? While we are familiar with the signs and symptoms of the flu – severe body aches, fever and a dry cough – we may not be able to tell the difference between the flu, pneumonia, a cold, or Covid-19. So when should we go to the doctor or just try fluids and rest at home? Breaking down the difference between these illnesses can help to reduce the risk of complications and hospitalization... Read More »