Alan Patterson, M.D.

12/19/2018

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.

12/18/2018

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?

12/17/2018

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.

12/14/2018

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.

12/13/2018

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.

12/12/2018

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!

12/11/2018

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.

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.

12/10/2018

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!

12/07/2018

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.

12/05/2018

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.

12/04/2018

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!

12/03/2018

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.

11/28/2018

What Is an Ultrasound?
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An ultrasound is a safe, simple and painless office procedure that uses sound wave technology to create internal images of a woman’s lower abdomen and pelvis. It’s used both to monitor fetal development in pregnant women, as well as diagnose many types of gynecologic problems including, unexplained bleeding, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, and other conditions. Dr. Patterson uses ultrasound to both diagnose medical issues and monitor fetal development.(http://ow.ly/bnyX30mafzz)



Dr. Alan Patterson is an experienced and compassionate OB-GYN practicing in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Patterson treats women of all ages and provides a wide range of services including delivery and pregnancy care, ultrasounds, birth control, pap smears, and treatments for osteoporosis, HPV, incontinence, and fibroids. Dr. Patterson is known for the gentle and personalized care he offers to his patients, developing relationships to help them lead healthier lives. Call or schedule your appointment online today. http://ow.ly/3UBv30mafzA

11/27/2018

Happy National Giving Day!

Today, we celebrate National Giving Day by giving back to services that participate in philanthropic action. National Giving Day started off as a simple idea to support selfless organizations and has now turned into a global phenomenon with thousands of participating organizations and charities. What organization will you support today?

11/26/2018

How Can I Tell if I Have Osteoporosis?
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Over 54 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, however, the disease usually doesn't exhibit many physical symptoms until it has advanced and you experience a bone fracture. That's why the best way to identify osteoporosis is to have bone density screenings, a test that measures your bone density and evaluates the amount of bone in your hip and spine. Other healthy choices can help to prevent your risk of osteoporosis, such as maintaining a healthy weight and diet, incorporating regular physical activity, and taking sufficient vitamin D and calcium. (http://ow.ly/deGZ30mafzw)



Dr. Alan Patterson is an experienced and compassionate OB-GYN practicing in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Patterson treats women of all ages and provides a wide range of services including delivery and pregnancy care, ultrasounds, birth control, pap smears, and treatments for osteoporosis, HPV, incontinence, and fibroids. Dr. Patterson is known for the gentle and personalized care he offers to his patients, developing relationships to help them lead healthier lives. Call or schedule your appointment online today. http://ow.ly/vhFc30mafzx

11/23/2018

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Patterson's office! In this season of thanks, we would like to give thanks and appreciation to our patients for letting us be your healthcare providers.

11/21/2018

What Fertility Treatments Are Available?
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If you and your partner are experiencing infertility, there are a number of treatment options available. Dr. Patterson will likely start with helping you and your partner improve your overall health through optimal diet and exercise. He may also suggest medicinal treatments Other treatments include:

- Intrauterine insemination: in this treatment, your partner’s s***m is injected into your uterus on your most fertile days.
- In vitro fertilization: this involves harvesting your eggs and fertilizing them outside of your body. The fertilized eggs are then inserted in your uterus at a time in your cycle when they have the highest likelihood of attaching to the uterine wall to increase ovulation. (http://ow.ly/RtWa30mafzs)



Dr. Alan Patterson is an experienced and compassionate OB-GYN practicing in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Patterson treats women of all ages and provides a wide range of services including delivery and pregnancy care, ultrasounds, birth control, pap smears, and treatments for osteoporosis, HPV, incontinence, and fibroids. Dr. Patterson is known for the gentle and personalized care he offers to his patients, developing relationships to help them lead healthier lives. Call or schedule your appointment online today. http://ow.ly/fhrO30mafzt

11/20/2018

What Causes Irregular Periods?
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All women's menstrual cycles are different, so it's important to know what's normal for you. Changes in your body's hormone levels can cause you to experience irregularity in your periods. Other common causes include:

- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Certain medications
- Over Exercising
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids

If the time between your periods is starting to change, you're losing more or less blood than usual, or the number of days between your periods varies a lot, talk to your healthcare provider about you can get back to a more normal pattern.

11/19/2018

Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
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All women experience hormonal fluctuations as a result of aging and other life transitions. Our hormones can also be affected by lifestyle choices, such as which foods we eat, how much we exercise, our weight, the toxins we're exposed to, and our stress levels. Prolonged stress can put us at risk for multiple health issues, such as chronic disease and immune disorders. Support your hormonal balance with adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise.

11/16/2018

Staying Healthy Over the Holidays
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Even though you will be surrounded by tempting foods over the holidays, it's important to also mix in physical activity with your relaxing and indulging. Another great tip is to pace yourself and eat slower, this way you are more conscious of what you're consuming and will likely eat less once you recognize you're getting full.

You can eat healthy and stay fit with these tips for keeping the weight off through January.

11/15/2018

Breast Cancer Risk in Young Women
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Breast cancer occurs in only 5% of women under 40, however, the risk still exists, and all women should be mindful of their personal risk factors. Here are some risk factors you should be aware of:

- A personal history of breast cancer or high risk lesion
- A family history of breast cancer, especially in a mother, daughter, or sister
- History of radiation therapy
- Evidence of a specific genetic chance (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation)

Discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider to make sure you are on the most appropriate screening plan for you.

11/14/2018

Reasons for Spotting Between Periods
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Many women experience bleeding in between periods at some point, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some reasons for spotting are nothing to worry about, while others can indicate more serious conditions. Make sure to contact your doctor right away if your bleeding is accompanied by:

- Pain in your lower abdomen
- Fever
- Symptoms that get worse or increase in frequency
- Any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause

Spotting is different from persistent bleeding, which is heavy and prolonged. If you are experiencing persistent bleeding, make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away.

11/13/2018

How will you show someone kindness today? Today is ; smile at a stranger today, pay it forward at the coffee shop or give your time to someone you haven't spent time with in a while.

11/12/2018

When Should My Daughter See a Gynecologist?
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According to the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, girls can first start seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. At this age, however, many gynecologists will perform a regular health exam and talk to girls about their development, without performing a pelvic exam. Seeing a gynecologist is especially important if your daughter is sexually active or having problems with her period, but all girls can benefit from developing a relationship early with her healthcare provider, so she feels comfortable asking questions as her body changes.

11/09/2018

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
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Pelvic floor physical therapy is a combination of treatments and exercises that can help to strengthen, lengthen, and often relax the muscles. This helps the pelvic floor muscles to function properly and provide sufficient support to the bladder and other pelvic organs, preventing incontinence and other conditions, such as prolapse. Many patients experience improvement following pelvic floor physical therapy. Dr. Patterson can determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy is an appropriate treatment for his patients suffering from incontinence. (http://ow.ly/vlx130mafzf)



Dr. Alan Patterson is an experienced and compassionate OB-GYN practicing in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Patterson treats women of all ages and provides a wide range of services including delivery and pregnancy care, ultrasounds, birth control, pap smears, and treatments for osteoporosis, HPV, incontinence, and fibroids. Dr. Patterson is known for the gentle and personalized care he offers to his patients, developing relationships to help them lead healthier lives. Call or schedule your appointment online today. http://ow.ly/1E1W30mafzg

11/08/2018

Managing Menopause Weight Gain
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As women approach menopause, it can become more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Hormonal changes can make you more likely to gain weight around your middle, and loss of muscle, genetics, not getting enough sleep, and not getting adequate exercise can all contribute to weight gain. You might need less calories to maintain your weight than you used to, so take note of where you can make healthy swaps, such as switching out butter and shortening oils for olive or vegetable oil.

11/07/2018

National Stress Awareness Day
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Mental or emotional strain can be unhealthy to your wellbeing, especially when it’s affecting your day-to-day activities. On National Stress Awareness Day, we encourage you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Check out the link above to discover simple, small ways to relieve tension in your day. What simple acts of stress relief will you be doing today?

Excess stress is a common problem for many people. Learn effective ways to relieve stress and anxiety with these 16 simple tips.

11/06/2018

What Birth Control Is Best for Me?
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When it comes to birth control, there are a variety of options available to meet your individual needs. During a consultation about birth control options, Dr. Patterson will gather details about your health history, lifestyle, and plans for having children in the future. With this information, he can provide an informed recommendation for which birth control might be best for you. Many women prefer oral contraceptives, however, there are also many options available where you don't have to remember to take a pill every day. (http://ow.ly/QUZP30mafz8)



Dr. Alan Patterson is an experienced and compassionate OB-GYN practicing in Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Patterson treats women of all ages and provides a wide range of services including delivery and pregnancy care, ultrasounds, birth control, pap smears, and treatments for osteoporosis, HPV, incontinence, and fibroids. Dr. Patterson is known for the gentle and personalized care he offers to his patients, developing relationships to help them lead healthier lives. Call or schedule your appointment online today. http://ow.ly/juJI30mafz9

11/05/2018

The Connection Between Weight and Fertility
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While maintaining a healthy weight doesn't guarantee fertility, it has been proven to be a relevant modifiable factor. Weight is often associated with other health markers and medical conditions, and these accompanying conditions can greatly impact your fertility. Many women don't realize that adipose tissue, or fat cells, produce extra estrogen, and when you're overweight, this extra fat tissue is contributing to your body producing more estrogen than necessary. Your body requires a balance of hormone production to ovulate properly, and too much estrogen can throw off that balance.

A gynecologist explains.