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  • 3 Things Oklahoma is Famous For

    3 Things Oklahoma is Famous For

    Being in Michigan and mostly traveling along the East Coast, I do not know much about “the great plain states’, especially Oklahoma. The only thing I think of is the musical; “Oklahoma.” My mother and grandmother were huge musical fans who played those albums often and, of course, knew all the words.

    “Oklahoma!” is one of the most iconic and beloved American musicals of all time, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote it, and first premiered on Broadway in 1943. Set in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s, the show tells the story of a love triangle between a cowboy named Curly, a farmhand named Jud, and a farm girl named Laurey.

    Featuring a blend of drama, comedy, and romance, Oklahoma is known for its catchy songs and lively dances. Some of the most famous songs from the show include “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and the show-stopping title song, “Oklahoma!”.

    Besides the musical, when I think of tornados, I think of Oklahoma. While it truly is an unfortunate trait to be famous for, it still stands. Kansas and Oklahoma ranked first and second, respectively, in the number of tornadoes per area, with Tornado Alley running straight through Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

    The three top things Oklahoma is famous for are:

    1. American football
    2. Oil production
    3. Agriculture

    Football, seriously? As a proud alumnus of The University of Michigan, where I witnessed the incredible achievement of the Wolverines winning the 2024 NCAA Football Championship, I had always assumed that football originated in the Eastern or Midwestern states.

    However, according to Oklahoma History, “The sport of football, which developed in the Ivy League colleges of the northeast, was still evolving as young men in Indian and Oklahoma territories adopted the game. In the early twentieth century most Oklahoma colleges that could find enough willing students fielded a team. Even before the rise of the OU football powerhouse after World War II, Oklahoma had contributed to the game of football. The young state produced Jim Thorpe, who was a two-time All-American at Carlisle and was elected as the first president of the National Football League.”

    Oklahoma’s fame in the realm of American football cannot be understated. The state’s passion for the sport is deeply ingrained in its culture, and its teams have achieved incredible success at various levels.

    One of the main reasons behind Oklahoma’s prominence in football is the historic success of its college teams, particularly the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Sooners, with their crimson and cream colors, have a storied football program that has consistently been ranked among the nation’s top teams. They have won numerous national championships and have produced legendary coaches and players alike (so have Michigan college teams).

    History of Oklahoma football timeline

    The program began in 1895 and is one of the most successful in history, having won 944 games and possessing a .725 winning percentage, both sixth all-time.

    The University of Oklahoma’s football program has been led by renowned coaches such as Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer, who have both achieved remarkable winning records and national titles. Michigan has had Bo Schembechler, Jim Harbough, and Fielding H. Yost. These esteemed individuals have left a lasting legacy in the football world and have significantly contributed to Michigan’s prominence in the sport.

    Back to Oklahoma…The team has also produced iconic players like Steve Owens, Billy Sims, and Adrian Peterson, who have left indelible marks on the sport. (Billy Sims went on to be a Detroit Lion)

    Similarly, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have had their share of success. Under coaches such as Pat Jones and Mike Gundy, the Cowboys have become a perennial contender in the Big 12 Conference. Notably, their success has been bolstered by the presence of star talents like Thurman Thomas, Barry Sanders, and Dez Bryant.

    Okay, now I can officially take Oklahoma’s football notoriety seriously. All you had to say was Barry Sanders. Arguably one of the best running backs of all time, who played ten seasons with the Detroit Lions (1989–98), leading the National Football League (NFL) in rushing four times and was selected every year for the Pro Bowl.

    And Sanders also went on to retire from Detroit and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Detroit Lion. Recently, during a string of wins for the Lions, you could see Barry Sanders on the sideline, rooting his Detroit team on to greatness. Next year – keep coming back Barry!

    But I digress; we’re talking about Oklahoma, not Michigan.

    How many OU players have won the Heisman?

    The Heisman Memorial Trophy (/ˈhaɪzmɪn/ HYZE-min; usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman) is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. – Wikipedia

    Since Heisman’s creation in 1935, seven Sooners have won the award. OU tied with Ohio State, Notre Dame, and USC for the most Heisman winners in the nation.

    • Kyler Murray, 2018 drafted by Arizona Cardinals
    • Baker Mayfield, 2017, drafted by the Cleveland Browns
    • Sam Bradford, 2008, drafted by the St. Louis Rams
    • Jason White, 2003 N/A (Did not make it to the NFL)
    • Billy Sims, 1978, drafted by Detroit Lions
    • Steve Owens, 1969, drafted by Detroit Lions
    • Billy Vessels, 1952, drafted by Baltimore Colts

    While winning the Heisman Trophy does not come with a cash prize, it does significantly increase a player’s chances of signing a professional contract. The trophy itself does not hold any monetary value, but the recognition and prestige that come with it can open doors for financial opportunities.

    For example, although Jason White left Oklahoma as its all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns due to his long history of injuries, he wasn’t drafted by the NFL and retired from the sport in 2005.

    3 things Oklahoma is famous for

    In conclusion, Oklahoma is famous for several notable aspects, including its significant contribution to American football, producing legendary players who have not only excelled on the college field but also made a mark in the NFL.

    Additionally, the state’s association with tornadoes and its position in Tornado Alley has garnered attention globally. Lastly, Oklahoma’s rich oil production and thriving agricultural industry have played a crucial role in the state’s economy and reputation.

  • What All Nurses Should Have

    What All Nurses Should Have

    As a nurse, it is essential to have personal items to take good care of yourself. It has been said that nurses are like military personnel; not only do they work under pressure, but they also undergo physical stress (mishaps and injuries) on duty. We could also quite possibly, compare the physical side of this job to that of an athlete. That is, a lot of them keep “playing” even when they are injured.

    Bring these items with you whenever you head out onto the field:

    • Lotion

    You will most likely be in a dirty environment that is filled with germs and dirt. You can prevent your skin from getting dry by bringing a lotion bottle. It is also best to bring an unscented lotion since scented lotions can cause allergies, especially when dealing with patients with sensitive skin.

    • Foot massager

    Heel pain is common in nurses since they spend much time on their feet. You can use a foot massager to relieve the tension in your feet and lessen any chances of developing heel pain. A reputable massage equipment company will offer quality and reliable products.  Also, bring an ice pack along; it will be needed for sore muscles.

    • Quality, long-lasting, coffee mug with lid

    Coffee keeps you going during your shift, but if you drink from a paper cup, it can leave stains on your uniform and make the coffee taste bad. Bring a quality coffee mug with a lid to keep your clothes from getting dirty or stained and, most importantly, to keep your coffee hot or cold (whatever way you like it!).

    • Compression socks

    For added protection, bring a pair of compression socks with you. You can try these out before using them during duty hours, so you can determine if they are comfortable or not. This also prevents any possible injury that may occur due to wearing the wrong socks.

    • Stress ball or worry stone

    Easily carried stress balls are helpful for nurses who need to relieve some stress. They can be used at work or even at home, wherever you feel stressed. Worry stones, on the other hand, are smooth rocks that have soothing properties. Rubbing the smooth surface gives a calming effect for those who worry too much, and it can even help you fall asleep. It’s a must-have if you feel anxious about work or family life.

    • Tissues and hand sanitizer (for easy access)

    You need these items at all times to prevent bacteria from spreading to patients and yourself. You can get these items in small travel packs.

    • Healthy snacks

    You don’t want to get caught out during your shift without snacks, especially if you feel weak or tired due to a lack of food. Choose foods that can give you lots of energy, but make sure they are healthy—you don’t want too much sugar! Foods like peanut butter and crackers, cereal bar, or trail mix are all great choices.

    What do nurses need most right now?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, all nurses need more:

    1. Surgical masks
    2. N95 respirators
    3. Face/eye shields
    4. Gloves
    5. Cleaning supplies
    6. Hand sanitizers
    7. Viral testing swabs

    How do you thank a staff nurse?

    The best way to say thank you to a nurse or healthcare professional is to remember them!

    Nurses are some of the hardest working people in society; without their tireless work, many patients would not be able to receive treatment. One nurse said that there are certain things that he wished all people knew about being a nurse. Here are his thoughts on how you can thank a nurse and what they wish you knew:

    Nurses should never get taken for granted. This is probably true for any profession, but I think nurses get the short end of the stick sometimes because we typically don’t take up as much space or draw attention to ourselves like doctors do (most of the time). So make sure to always say hello and ask how we’re doing (and actually listen when we reply, don’t just pretend like you care and walk away).

    Another thing, every time I get into a patient’s room and introduce myself, I always hear some variation of the following: “what kind of doctor are you?” or “are you a nurse practitioner/physician assistant?” The answer is no. I am not any of those. We’re nurses. Please just call us by our name. Unless we go out of our way to tell you otherwise, assume we are nurses. Our degrees can be from less competitive programs, so it may take us longer to advance in our field, but that doesn’t make us any worse at what we do for your loved one here in the hospital with you today.

    When someone needs help, nursing students step up to the plate and give whatever resource they can to ensure the patient gets their care (and at great cost financially and emotionally for themselves). The nurse should be thanked for showing up every single day. We don’t get to pick our shifts, we take what is given to us. I’ve even had my name put on a cancellation list because someone else didn’t want the shift that was assigned (never mind that I was in school full time at the time so I couldn’t just drop everything for them if they called me in last minute or needed help with something outside of my scheduled hours). I’ve also worked in the ER where sometimes our days are booked solid from 6 am-6 pm without a break unless you count your meal breaks, which are at best 30 minutes long.

    It’s easy to forget that in addition to taking care of your loved one the nurse has other patients and families relying on them. We don’t get paid any extra when we have more than our fair share of work, there are just less nurses working in the hospital every day so it falls on us to do more work without being able to go home until all our tasks are completed for the day.

    The last thing that I want people to know about this profession is that no matter how long or short a shift might be, I always try my best, even if I’m not feeling well, or am extremely busy with other tasks, etc. Nurses will come up with creative ways to make sure you get your medications on time or help you to the restroom and do it safely without hurting yourself in the process. It’s actually pretty amazing but we don’t get enough credit for all that we do. I just want people to know that when you see a nurse, whether it be your nurse or someone else’s, thank them for their work. It makes our day go just a little bit smoother.”

    What every nurse should have in their bag

    1. Stethoscope
    2. Books
    3. Scissors and Micropore Medical Tape
    4. Lotion and Hand Sanitizer
    5. Six saline flushes
    6. Retractable pens
    7. Sanitary items – gauze, sterilized mask and gloves, cotton balls
    8. OTC pharmacy items (cold medicines, ibuprofen, and other emergency meds)
    9. Small notebook – for taking notes from doctors and observations of your patients.
    10. Thermometer
    11. Tongue depressor
    12. Tourniquet
    13. BP apparatus
    14. Watch with seconds hand

  • How to Determine if Its Muscle or Bone Pain

    How to Determine if Its Muscle or Bone Pain

    For many people, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between bone and muscle pain as they usually affect similar areas of the body and have similar degrees of intensity. In general, pain in bones will feel sharper, deeper, and more debilitating than muscle pain.

    Initially, the best suggested course of action would be to schedule an appointment with a health care professional first before determining what type of “pain” you are experiencing and thus deciding on what therapy will best suit the needs of the injury.  

    The health care pros that might choose to go through a “Movement Science” program are prepared for the work as well as the many challenges facing patients with chronic pain in either the muscles, bones or nerves. Academic preparation in this field provides a foundation for a wide range of careers in fields including, but not limited to, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, fitness managers, worksite wellness coordinators, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and group exercise instructors. A good program will meet the needs of both students seeking career training programs leading to an industry-accepted credentials/certificates (for physical therapy assistants) and those seeking to transfer to a four-year institution (for physical therapy or orthopedics).

    The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports findings that the most common causes of fractures are: 

    Osteoporosis is a “porous bones” disease that is more common in older adults, with causes that include hyperthyroidism, menopause, cancer treatment with anticancer drugs or radiation, and a family history of osteoporosis. However, it is not necessarily painful unless and until a collapsed vertebra or a fracture occurs.

    Most do not show symptoms, so watch out for early signs of:

    • Severe pain in the back
    • Height loss
    • Hunched or stooped posture
    • Bone injury caused by bruising or minor falls

    Trauma that results from a motor vehicle accident, a sports injury, or a hard fall.

    Bone stress also termed a stress fracture is caused by over usage of a muscle.

    Symptoms of fractures:

    • Intense sharp pain at site of injury
    • Inability to move injured area
    • Bruised
    • Deformity 

    Difference between bone pain and nerve pain

    There is not a direct test that will be able to tell what the difference is between muscle, skeletal, or nerve pain. Health pros such as physical therapists have ways to decipher the difference during an assigned exercise or activity.  

    Nerve – burning or stinging sensation that could be isolated or spread to other parts of the body during activity and is usually accompanied by a loss of strength, coordination, or sensation.

    Skeletal – pain usually occurs while doing weight bearing activities, sudden movements, or sustained inactivity and can be sharp, dull, pressure, or throbbing. If it is a fracture, pain is typically sharp, while it may be dull and achy should it be a bruise on the bone.  Pain could be caused by disorders of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, or a combination.

    Muscle – sharp, tear or pulling sensation which occurs throughout the range of motion or during the transition from inactivity to activity. Muscle trauma usually results in impaired function, weakness, instability, or loss of coordination.

    Muscle injuries are most common in athletes or those involved in high demand sporting activities. However, they could happen as a direct result from a fall, or an external force such as a tackle or a vehicle accident. 

    Muscle injury symptoms:

    1. Stinging pain that may become duller over time
    2. Soreness
    3. Swelling or inflammation
    4. Redness
    5. Impaired movement at site of injury

    Muscle injuries are usually determined by physical exam and may require imaging tests such as an ultrasound or an MRI. Treatment involves cold or heat therapy, physical therapy, exercise, and light stretches (if tolerable), as well as over-the-counter pain relievers and plenty of rest.

    Fibromyalgia is a type of muscle pain that causes widespread intense pain across the body, affecting sleep habits, which could and does cause mental as well as emotional distress.

    Tendon and ligament pain is often less intense than bone pain and is worse when the affected tendon or ligament is stretched or moved, usually relieved by rest. 

    Bursae pain can be caused by trauma, overuse, gout, or infection. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that provide a protective cushion around joints. Usually, pain is worse with movement involving the bursa and is relieved by rest. 

    Joint pain (called arthralgia) may or may not be related to joint inflammation (called arthritis). Arthritis may cause swelling as well as pain. A wide variety of disorders can cause arthritis, including inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, infectious arthritis, gout and related disorders, autoimmune disorders and vasculitis disorders, osteonecrosis , and injuries affecting the part of a bone inside a joint. 

    Arthritic pain can be new (acute, for example, when caused by infections, injuries, or gout), or longstanding (chronic, for example, when caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis). Pain resulting from arthritis is typically worse when the joint is moved but usually is present even when the joint is not being moved. Sometimes pain originating in structures near the joint, such as ligaments, tendons, and bursae, seems to be coming from the joint.

    Some musculoskeletal disorders cause pain by compressing nerves. These conditions include the tunnel syndromes (for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome). The pain tends to radiate along the path supplied by the nerve and may be burning. It is usually accompanied by tingling, numbness, or both.

    Sometimes, pain that seems to be musculoskeletal is caused by a disorder in another organ system. For example, shoulder pain may be caused by a disorder affecting the lungs, spleen, or gallbladder. Back pain may be caused by a kidney stone, abdominal aortic aneurysm, inflammation of the pancreas, or, in women, pelvic disorders. Arm pain may be caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

    Again, please remember to always consult a physician or health care provider before determining your source of pain or course of action.

  • Sports and New Construction

    Managing the construction of a new stadium is not small job.  I’ve had the opportunity to photograph multiple stadiums being built through the years. It’s an amazing operation.

    You have so many pieces to the puzzle it’s amazing. All of the independent contractors and specialists involved on the job.  You often have multiple investors in the project looking over you. Government, especially local, is often highly involved. This doesn’t make the process easy.

    The Atlanta Falcons new project is interesting.  They are spending a billion dollars for a retractable roof. Although it is not an entirely new stadium the price tag alone is a good indication of the complexity and the level of management needed to run a project like this.

    I’m interested in the best contractors for this type of job.  Are there specialists?  Or do they higher the firm with the lowest bid?