Your Wellness Newsletter
In This Issue
Just an Ordinary Miscarriage
Pelvic Organ Prolapse--a Common Problem
Preconception Health Care
New Research on High-Fiber Diets
Patient Portal
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Featured Article
Sparks & Favor PC 
 
Just an Ordinary Miscarriage
 
from the New York Times blog "Motherlode"
Our newly expectant parents often say they will announce their pregnancy after the first trimester, or after the first ultrasound, etc. When to share the "news" is a very personal decision. But, as this writer points out, in the case that a pregnancy does not progress, feelings of disappointment and loss are real--even in the very early weeks. Her view (and ours) is that most couples will benefit from the support of those closest to them, who shared their joy, if they face a pregnancy loss.

This article received an overwhelming response from our Facebook followers when we posted it last fall. We offer the link here for those who missed that post. 

Read the NY Times article.
Issue: #18Spring 2016
The medical information provided in this email is for educational purposes only. These pages are not intended to provide medical advice or physician instruction, and it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Dr. Sparks discusses a common women's health problem.

Actress Kate Winslett's recent public disclosure of a very personal problem with bladder control was, in my view, an extraordinary gesture of kindness and support for millions of women around the world who suffer with a similar condition. Past generations of women have been reluctant to discuss such problems, even with their physicians--many believing they alone endured the discomfort and embarrassment. Such openness from a celebrity like Ms. Winslett is helpful; at least, I hope that my patients find encouragement from her message.

In reality, the condition affects millions of women who usually begin to notice symptoms around menopause. As baby-boomers pass into this age group, the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is on a steep rise. Read more about symptoms of POP and treatment.
Preconception Health Care
Dr. Favor tells why it's important even if you're not planning a pregnancy!
 
First things first--why did I add the subtitle? Every woman can benefit from most of these recommendations even if her pregnancy plans are uncertain or a long way off. Preconception health care focuses on improving wellness, now and for life.  Keep in mind as well that about half of pregnancies in the United States are not planned.

Your annual well-woman visit is a good time to begin this discussion with your doctor. Think carefully about your life goals and plans. If pregnancy is not your intention, we will help you consider your birth control options including long-acting reversible contraception. Read more about preparing for a healthy pregnancy.
New Research on High-Fiber Diets
Counting calories and nutrients, or is there another way?

Earlier this year, a group of scientists and physicians reported the results of a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (a peer review journal publishing high-quality research). Participants in the study were overweight adults with at least one symptom of metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar). Individuals with these symptoms have higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

The study randomly divided participants into two groups. One group followed the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines. The other group followed only one instruction--to consume at least 30 grams of fiber each day. Click here to learn the results.
Our Patient Portal
Online access to your care at Sparks & Favor


 

Our patient portal is now active. The portal will give you another way to contact us for appointments, prescription refills, lab results, summaries of your office visits, and billing via secure (HIPAA compliant) online access.

  
After your next office visit, you will receive an email invitation to use the portal. You can also find the portal sign-up form on our website. (Click here).  If you choose to sign up, you can verify your identity and create a password. We offer this service for your convenience. It will not replace our face-to-face care for our patients. You can still reach us by phone for care questions, appointments, billing matters, and urgent after-hours care as you always have. But we hope you will find the portal a user-friendly, helpful way to keep your personal health information organized.
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We hope you continue to find the articles in our Wellness Newsletter helpful! We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with our Privacy Policy. You can change your email address for our Newsletter database at any time by clicking the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at the bottom of any Newsletter. However, to change the email address that you use for the Patient Portal, you will have to call our office.
  
Note: You do not have to continue to receive future newsletters to use the portal.  But you will receive a  newsletter when you first provide or change your email address. If you choose to "unsubscribe," (see above), you will be blocked from receiving future Newsletters at that email address, but you will still have access to the portal.

Sparks & Favor PC has been providing high-quality care to Birmingham women since 1991. Each of us is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist. As a group practice, we are able to offer our patients state-of-the-art technologies such as digital mammography, 4D ultrasound, bone density testing, and laboratory testing conveniently within our office. Yet, we are small enough to ensure good communication between you and your physician. 

 

In addition to care in our office, we provide 24/7 care for our obstetric patients and those with urgent gynecologic problems. Only our physicians provide after-hours care, as we do not share call with any other group. We appreciate your confidence in us and hope to participate in your care for many years.

  
Sincerely,
  


Your physicians at Sparks & Favor
Sparks & Favor PC