Here’s to Your Health

Dr. Brandy Patterson is the newest member of the six physician team at Brookwood Women’s Health, P.C. but a veteran when it comes to helping women in Alabama with their OB/GYN healthcare needs. Her career journey is inspiring and anything but typical. 

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mississippi State University with plans for a PhD and career in math. “God just kind of completely changed my path. Just try to have your own plan. He will change it every time. And He did.” She explains how God gave her a new pursuit that included completing her Master’s of Mathematics while fulfilling pre-med requirements and teaching high school Algebra, Calculus and Geometry. She applied and was accepted into Medical School at UAB where she served as Chief Resident. God also opened the door for her husband Greg, a high school football coach, to continue his career in Birmingham as well.

The couple are parents to two daughters and Patterson shares how being a mom of teenage girls helps her better relate to her younger patients. “Life experience teaches us the most really…. So, I think that definitely helps.” Patterson adds that what is most rewarding about her medical career is how she has the opportunity to get to know her patients at a young age and follow them through life changes. “In medical school, I fell in love with OBGYN… you get to know a person and their entire family and go with them through the journey of life. And then delivering babies was like the bow on top of a Christmas package.”

Patterson’s faith in Christ is an integral part of what drives her to serve as a physician, wife and mom. “Faith is the most important thing to me. He’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing, and I love what I’m doing,” says Patterson adding it is particularly meaningful to be able to pray with patients before surgeries. “I always ask permission. And it just gives a sense of comfort to myself and to them that they know where I stand and who’s overall.”

In her role at Brookwood Women’s Health, she is able to serve patients in both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. To learn more about her and the team of physicians at Brookwood Women’s Health visit brookwoodwomenshealth.com or call 205-397-8850.

-Laurie Franklin

Learn more about Dr. Patterson and Women’s Health by watching the video below.

Here’s to Your Health

Prayer changes things, and sometimes that “thing” is us! I prayed to have a close spiritual friend. God answered my prayer in an unusual way through a surprise encounter at church. He brought a woman fifteen years younger than me into my life. She had a mental illness and a dysfunctional background. I knew little about mental illness, and she knew little about how to live without chaos. 

One in five people in the U.S. are affected by the symptoms of mental illness every day. Society is often quick to stigmatize those individuals. But God opens our eyes to new perspectives, leading to unexpected outcomes. After twenty-five years, Sharon and I have learned from one another and experienced the highs of mania, the lows of depression, and the difficult journey of recovery. Our friendship has seen many challenges, but it has also seen rewards. Maintaining a friendship with someone who has a mental illness takes work and commitment. 

Sharon and I’s history could fill the pages of a book. So that’s what we did! We wrote a devotional book to challenge the stigma of mental illness and throw a lifeline to the mental health community and their advocates. Anxiety, depression, mania, suicide, and societal fears are not beyond God’s reach. Every scenario in the book is real. Sharon shares her viewpoint, and then I share my perspective as an advocate; the goal is to look beyond ourselves and our circumstances to embrace God’s guidance and compassion. 

Sensitive topics are addressed in the devotions that are often glossed over. With stories and insights from the Word of God, every devotion offers hope and encouragement amid the difficult trials pertaining to mental health issues. Readers will discover a different style with reflective questions, journaling opportunities, and a variety of coloring pages. You can learn more about Outta My Mind, Into His Heart at www.amazon.com and purchase your copy.

-Karen O. Allen

Ewe R Blessed Ministries

www.ewerblessed.com

Healthy Living

Statistics reveal a dire need for epilepsy advocacy. 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy. These numbers highlight the pressing urgency of the cause and the scale of impact that events like Wings of Hope: A Fundraising Gala Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of AL help ensure.

In an event that melds a passion for aviation with a dedication to epilepsy advocacy, Wings of Hope marked a historic moment in fundraising efforts for epilepsy awareness in its inaugural year last year. Spearheaded by Miss Alabama’s Teen, Elaina Burt, this landmark event etched its name in epilepsy advocacy and will happen again on November 18 at 5 p.m. at The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.

At the heart of this cause lies a poignant personal story. Charlie Mae, Burt’s cousin, is one among the staggering 50 million people worldwide diagnosed with epilepsy. It’s this deep personal connection that led Burt to form Charlie’s Chance, aiming to educate, advocate, and fundraise for those with epilepsy. “We invite people from the community to join us and fill the Southern Museum of Flight, echoing the unified chant of hope for every epilepsy warrior out there,” Burt shared. Last year’s gala raised an awe-inspiring amount of over $32,000, making Charlie’s Chance the nation’s leading individual fundraising contributor for the Epilepsy Foundation last year, and she hopes to exceed that goal this year. 

Learn more about the Wings of Hope Gala at www.charlieschance.org/wings-of-hope-gala or email [email protected]. †

Healthy Living 

A new school year is rolling around, my boys are getting older, and this mama’s heart is struggling. Where is the time going? Let’s be honest, lunch is the real sticking point for healthy eating during the school year. It’s easy to run out of ideas by day five of school. Are you ready to kiss the lunch box rut goodbye this year? 

Meet the “Pick-4” Lunch Hack.  We have a fun “pick 4” method that allows the boys to pick some of their favorite foods while also ensuring they are getting a balanced lunch. This way, they get a meal packed with protein, fruits, and/or veggies and something that will make them smile.

Why This Method Works. It helps simplify your busy life by taking lunches off your mind! It gives you peace of mind – you know if your child has at least one item from every category, they have a balanced, nutritious lunch to fuel their little body. When you let your child help you choose from each category (or if they can read, let them make checkmarks themselves) this gives your child the power of some choices when it comes to lunches, which will help them get excited to eat. It also helps them gain confidence in taking control of their own healthy lifestyle, setting them up for success in the future. Plus, you’re limiting their choices to your approved options ahead of time! Here are the three steps:

1. Make a list of foods your kids like, divided into four categories: Protein, Fruits and Veggies, Treat, and Snack. 

2. Then sit down with your child and pick one item from each category. So, for example, Protein: turkey roll-ups. Fruits and Veggies: carrots and apples. Treat: cookie. Snack: popcorn. 

3. Don’t forget their water bottle! Letting your child drink water or packing chilled milk is a great way to cut down on sugar consumption and keep them hydrated! 

To learn more about ways to ace meal planning with picky kids during the school year, check out my downloadable eBook, Healthy Meal Planning: Kid’s Edition; A Busy Mom’s Guide For The Picky Eater. Regardless of the age of your child, these simple hacks, tips, charts, activities for littles, recipes, love notes, and more, will assist with meal planning not only in the back-to-school season but year-round. You can use code SUMMER to get 40% off! 

-Heather Brown

www.mylifewellloved.com 

Healthy Living

Every six minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. This alarming trend underlines the importance of education about symptoms and funding research to find a cure. Also concerning is a recent study showing that the annual incidence of Parkinson’s disease among older adults is 50 percent higher than the current estimate of 60,000 diagnoses annually.

What is Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is a chronic and progressive disease that typically affects older people, with symptoms usually appearing after the age of 50. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which can lead to tremors, rigidity, and other symptoms. 

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease affects seniors in different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. However, there are several common symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s disease including tremors, rigidity, postural instability, depression, anxiety, and more. 

Six Tips for Caregivers. Caregivers play a crucial role in helping people with Parkinson’s disease. Here are six helpful tips for caregivers.

1. Help with daily tasks. People with Parkinson’s disease may struggle with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and cooking. Caregivers can assist with these tasks, making them easier for the person with Parkinson’s disease.

2. Encourage exercise. Exercise can be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease, as it can help with mobility and balance. Caregivers can encourage exercise, such as going for walks or participating in gentle yoga classes.

3. Provide emotional support. Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally challenging for people with the disease, as well as for their caregivers. Caregivers can provide emotional support by listening and offering reassurance.

4. Ensure safety. Parkinson’s disease can affect a person’s balance and coordination, making falls more likely. Caregivers can help ensure safety by removing tripping hazards and providing assistive devices, such as handrails and grab bars.

5. Stay informed. Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition, and caregivers can benefit from staying informed about the latest research and treatments. They can also seek out support groups and resources to help them provide the best possible care.

6. Get the right support. If you or a loved one needs help to manage PD symptoms, know that you are not alone. To learn more about how Amada Senior Care can help facilitate the care of a loved one diagnosed with Parkinson’s, please call 205-208-9466. 

-Len Everts

Amada Senior Care

www.amadabirmingham.com