Health, Mind & Body Winter 2022

Publisher: Ed Choate

Advertising: Heather Ruotolo hruotolo@tahlequahdailypress.com Joe Mack jmack@tahlequahdailypress.com

Contributing Writers: Brian D. King news@tahlequahdailypress.com

Madeline Anele

Cover & Page Design: Abby Bigaouette abigaouette@tahlequahdailypress.com

Health, Mind, & Body is a quar terly publication of the Tahlequah Daily Press. For advertising op portunities, call a member of the advertising team at 918-456-8833.

Cherokee County doctor helps patients reach health goals

By Brian D. King Tahlequah Daily Press

Kenneth Gibson is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and works at NEOHealth in Hulbert. He received his Bachelor of Science in zoology at the University of Tulsa and his medical degree at Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa in 1981. He also received training in addic tion medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and he is board certified by the Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Originally from Tulsa, he has made Cherokee County his home.

“I love it here. I love the creeks and the rivers. It’s my home dirt now,” he said.

During his 15 years at NEOHealth, he has served the com munity by providing treatment in addiction medicine, pain management, and family medicine. He decided to become a doctor because as a young man, he was fascinated with the human body and its ability to heal itself.

“It is a fascinating field. There is so much to learn. Just in the time that I have practiced, it has changed so much, but as

for doctor-patient relationships, it hasn’t changed much,” he said.

Gibson has found that patients heal better when they have a working relationship with their medical providers. NEOHealth has provided him a space where he has been able to get to know those with whom he works.

His patients include youth, children, adults, and seniors. He enjoys working with those who experience pain because it gives him satisfaction knowing he can alleviate pain. Gibson believes the best way to address health is to prevent disease from happening in the first place, which isn’t always possible. However, he gave advice that will increase the likelihood that seniors can live a healthy life.

“Get your routine checkups with your family provider. Get your exercise, stay lean, and monitor your blood pressure,” he said.

Gibson stays optimistic in his profession and looks forward to helping his patients to achieve their health goals.

“There is better treatment now than ever before, especially for those with mental health challenges and addiction. I am also amazed at the advancements in other fields, especially for cancer treatment,” he said.

By Brian D. King Tahlequah Daily Press

The sounds of children in school and autumn leaves remind Tahle quah residents that flu season is nigh and for seniors it is of utmost importance they are up to date on their immunizations.

Matt Lee, a pharmacist at Tahlequah Drug Co., said that seniors should consider revisiting their influenza, pneumonia, shingles, COVID-19, and tetanus shots.

“Right now, September, going into October, we are thinking about flu vaccines and pneumonia,” he said.

Flu shots will come out in mid-to-late September, and seniors should consult with their doctors as to when they should get one. For most, they may want to wait until October. Flu season lasts until around Feb ruary, and vaccines offer immunity for three or four months. Those who get the vaccine too early may have to consider a booster later.

“The flu shot should be given annually from October to December,” said Lee.

He said that seniors should not wait too long to get the vaccine, because some years, pharmacies experience shortages.

Pharmacies choose from 10-15 different flu vaccine manufacturers. Tahlequah Drug Co. uses Fluzone, though Lee said that there are many good options. For seniors over 65 years old, with consultation with their physicians, they should consider getting a high-dose flu vaccine, which provides for better immunity.

“It’s the same vaccine, but it helps with the immune system better,” he said.

Pneumonia is a pulmonary infection wherein air sacs become in flamed within the lungs. The disease is deadly, especially among se niors, and it can be treated with vaccines.

In the past, seniors have had two different vaccine options, Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. In 2021, Prevnar rolled out a new vaccine, Prevnar 20, which is increasingly popular.

Pneumovax 23 is a two-dosage vaccine which should be taken five years apart. Seniors who have already received their first dosage should finish their series. Prevnar shots are a one series vaccine. Those who have completed a Pneumovax series can get a Prevnar shot for

additional protection. Those who have had a Prevnar 13 shot should consult with a doctor if they need a Prevnar 20 shot.

Seniors should update themselves with the shingles shot. Tahle quah Drug Co. carries Shingrix, which comes in two parts. Between two to six months, they should receive a booster.

Lee said it is important to receive a shingles shot, even for those who experienced chicken pox as children.

“There is a difference between chickenpox and shingles: Chicken pox typically resolves and goes away. It is not painful. Shingles comes with the same virus, but unlike chicken pox, the disease causes nerve damage, which can become permanent, and the nerve damage is what we are trying to prevent,” he said. “Once you get shingles, it is difficult to treat.”

Seniors should consider ensuring they are up to date with their vac cine shots, which means getting the original two shot series of Moder na or Pfizer, plus two boosters.

Lee said many seniors forget to update their tetanus shot, which needs to be redone every 10 years. Tetanus can cause whooping cough, which can be fatal. Those who live or interact with unvaccinated chil dren are most vulnerable to catching the disease. Tahlequah

Winter season changes to impact people’s skin health and wellness

By Madeline Anele news@tahlequahdailypress.com

As winter approaches the changes in the air can dramatically affect the health and wellness of peoples’ skin.

Having a good skin care routine and taking small pre ventative measures can not only improve the feeling and texture of the skin during the winter months but can greatly increase an individual’s level of comfort.

Before the cold air begins to dry out skin, there are a few steps that can be taken to prepare at home. Check the soaps being used and make sure products that are gen tle on the skin are being used. There are many cleansing products that contain a moisturizer or are formulated for dry skin, such products can be purchased locally from busi nesses, like Clear Creek Wellness. Nancy James is the owner.

“My soaps are all very good for the skin and leave no chemical residue,” said James, who makes all her products from natural and healthy ingredients. Using a moisturizer that is light and not overloaded with unnecessary ingre dients daily is also a great way to promote skin’s natural elasticity, moisture, and resilience. Other products like SPF protection are a must for skin health. Holly Kirk is an esthetician and owner of the Skin Spa & Boutique in Tahlequah.

“We always recommend wearing a daily sunscreen [no less than SPF 35] even on those dreary winter days,” said Kirk. “Wearing SPF daily is essential to protecting your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays and slows down the signs of aging.”

Repeated exposure to sunlight without protection can cause a number of issues including premature aging, dark spots, and even cancer.

“We carry a great lightweight serum that targets dark sun spots. Circadia Bright White Serum is formulated with potent antioxidants to brighten skin and reduce the ap pearance of sunspots,” said Kirk. “The Skin Spa & Boutique offers Circadia’s signature treatment, the SWiCH facial. It is a unique alternative to chemical peels. This treatment activates the body’s natural repair and renewal system. It is an immediate boost to the look and feel of skin. This treatment is recommended for ages 40 and up.”

In addition, what a person puts into their body can affect

their skin’s wellness. Drinking plenty of water and oth er fluids are essential to keeping supple skin, especially during the winter months. Furthermore, adding vitamins, such as biotin and vitamin E, to a daily diet may contribute to healthier hair, nails, and skin. Limiting caffeine intake is also known to help promote healthier, less dry skin.

Aside from daily practices, such as administering creams or consuming a healthy diet, it is a good idea to utilize what the National Institute for Aging refers to as the ABCDEs of skincare. This is the practice of noticing differ ent changes in dark spots in the skin, especially in areas traditionally exposed to the sun – arms, legs, face, hands, and shoulders.

“A” stands for asymmetry; if one side of the marking begins to look different or larger than the other side, it may be something to get examined by a healthcare profession-

The ABCDEs of skin care helps people to notice changes in dark spots on their shoulders, face, hands, legs, and arms.

Holly Kirk, an esthetician and the owner of the Skin Spa & Boutique, recommends individuals need to apply sunscreen daily to protect them selves from the sun’s UV rays.

al. In addition, if the borders – “B” – of any skin marking begin to look irregular, if the color – “C” – changes or the marking begins to have color variations, or the diame ter – “D” – begins to spread greater than a pencil eraser, then have a physician examine the marking. Finally, if the marking is continually evolving – “E” – in size, shape, begins

itching, becomes tender, or has bleeding, a doctor should be consulted.

Protection and prevention of skin issues through the winter begin with making small changes and intentional steps in the daily regimen before the harsh winter air sets in for the season.

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