Alan Patterson, M.D.

A Physician's Tips for Avoiding Mistakes at The Doctor
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When you're visiting a doctor, it's important to put your phone away. It's always best to have it on silent so it doesn't ring during important conversations. If you have concerns, be sure to bring them up during this time and do not wait until you're about to leave. It's also a good idea to not bombard the doctor with perceived ailments as well. Having a list of symptoms or concerns can be useful as well.

6 Ways to Boost Your Health... Starting Today!
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One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health is to manage your stress levels, and exercise is a great way to do so! Exercise can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

What is your favorite way to de-stress?

Preparing for an Intrauterine Insemination
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Are you considering intrauterine insemination? You might be surprised to learn that the process consists of several appointments spread throughout a month. Your appointments include:

• Cycle monitoring (which includes blood tests and ultrasounds)
• Trigger shots (to ensure that ovulation occurs)
• The insemination

If you'd like to learn more about IUI or find out if it is right for you, contact us using the link provided.

Can Women Who Have Had Children Use IUDs?
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IUDs can be used by many women, including those who have had children and those who have not had children. Certain IUDs can even be used by breastfeeding mothers. That's why your provider at Alan Patterson offers a wide range of IUDs - to meet your needs!

When you're ready to discuss your IUD options, contact us using the link provided.

Don't Forget to Schedule Your Prenatal Appointments!
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After you receive a positive home pregnancy test, it's time to schedule your first prenatal appointment. Prenatal appointments allow your doctor to track your weight, monitor for pregnancy-related conditions, and make sure that your baby's growth stays on track. Your prenatal appointments are also the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions about your pregnancy and receive advice for managing your pregnancy symptoms. Alan B. Patterson provides prenatal care for both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. To learn more, contact us using the link provided.

5 Tips for Aging Women, According to the FDA
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Health screenings are important because they allow your doctor to catch diseases during the earliest stage. Examples of important health screenings include Pap smears and mammograms. Pap smears detect early signs of cervical cancer while mammograms look for signs of breast cancer. If you're overdue for any health screening, prioritize your health and schedule your screenings!

The Importance of Drinking Water and Preventing UTIs
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Did you know that drinking plenty of water each day helps to prevent urinary tract infections? That's because water helps to flush your urinary tract and prevent the buildup of infection-causing bacteria. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but you may opt for more if you're hot or exercise.

Top 10 Ways Women Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for nearly 9 million visits to doctors each year. Here are 10 ways to help avoid them, especially for women.

Staying Healthy During the Holidays
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The holidays are upon us, and staying healthy during this season can be challenging. Amongst the cold weather, festive dinners and family parties, it can seem impossible to stay on track. A helpful tip is to keep your mind focused on the holiday, and not the food!

Morning Sickness and Pregnancy: When to Call the Doctor
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Morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy, and most mothers begin to notice nausea around the six-week mark. You might find relief with the tried-and-true nausea busters of crackers and seltzer water, but if your nausea prevents you from keeping anything down (including water), it's time to call Alan B. Patterson.

Tip: Keep the phone number for Alan Patterson stored in your phone.

How Do You Know If Menopause Is Starting?
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If you start to notice hot flashes and irregularities in your period, you might wonder if menopause is starting. Menopause is marked as 12 consecutively skipped periods, and perimenopause will provide you with the clues that this transition is happening. Perimenopause refers to the months leading up to menopause in which your estrogen dips and you experience the symptoms that are typically associated with menopause.

What to Bring to Your Well-Woman Exam?
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When you come to your well-woman exam at Alan Patterson, bring a list of your current medications. It's also a good idea to write down all of your questions or concerns. That way, you don't have to worry about trying to remember it all during your appointment. Simply, read off your list!

National Flu Vaccine Week!

It’s finally Holiday season, which means family, friends, and joy all around. However, with the holidays, also comes flu season. Don't let the flu ruin your holiday, get vaccinated today.