As a busy, working mother and wife, Gail Elliott found her health had taken a back seat to caring for others and juggling priorities. “I’m your average, middle aged, working mom,” she adds. “I always put my children and husband before myself. I justified my weight by all the responsibilities that I had and was…

“I told the guys I would be back in two hours,” 53-year-old Bill Calkins remembers telling his crew at work as he left for his annual physical in Skiatook. The project manager of a superfund site stayed up-to-date on his physicals and felt in pretty good health walking into the clinic. “If anything, I noticed…

They are daily decisions, but they add up and influence our heart health years for years to come. What we eat can either be of great help or great hindrance to our cardiovascular health, according to new findings. First, a recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, says that the amount of fruits and vegetables…

“I’ve played football my whole life basically,” 17-year old William McKenney shares from his Tulsa home on a humid August afternoon. In just a few short hours, he will return to Booker T. Washington High School for six hours of pre-season football practice. “I love it. You’ve got to love the game to play it.…

Anyone living with diabetes is at an increased risk of heart disease, whether that be suffering a heart attack or stroke. However, new research finds that women who have diabetes are 40 percent more likely to have a heart attack than men who have diabetes. “Two studies presented at the European Association of the Study of Diabetes…

Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. Mathew Good’s wife, Bethany, joins us on the blog today with their family’s favorite game day foods. In the Good house, fall means OSU football. And the Broncos. And the Royals. And then starting each November, KU basketball. Can you tell we love our sports around here?  Our kids literally wake up…

“I didn’t take it seriously,” admits Donnie Lord. “I thought, ‘that’s something I can deal with later.’” At 46 years old, Donnie thought he had more time to address his deteriorating health. “I was pretty unhealthy. I was overweight, out of shape. I smoked for 20 years – you name it.” The intersection of letting…

Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. Mathew Good and his wife, Bethany, share their tips and strategies for striving to live a healthy life with a busy growing family. Today, Bethany joins us on the blog to share how they plan for kids going back to school and schedules once again, getting busy. As much as…

Each September two observances coincide – Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month and National Yoga Month. Recently, Oklahoma Heart Institute has recognized these opportunities with events to educate the public on the most common heart arrhythmia in the United States and the benefits yoga can have for those who suffer from AFib. Last September, as dozens gathered…

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, as well as National Yoga Month. Previously on our blog, we have shared what researchers are finding with regards to how a regular yoga practice can help patients with AFib. Today, Bethany Good, Dr. Mathew Good’s wife, joins us for another edition of The Good Life with an introduction to yoga for…