Sparks & Favor PC

To start, I am not writing about Alcohol Use Disorder specifically. I just want to offer a little sip of caution to those who drink alcohol socially—almost half of Alabama adults. What is social drinking? Well, some people are more social than others. But if you’re rethinking your drinking habits, you really want to know “Where do I fit in?” “Are my alcohol choices affecting my health or quality of life?”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Scroll to the end of the post for a refresher on the medical facts of alcohol consumption. But if you clicked on…

We hope you will register for our Patient Portal if you are not yet registered. It gives you a secure, reliable way to reach us. (Example: In the event of phone service interruptions). It also gives us a reliable way to communicate Personal Health Information to you. Our PORTAL is HIPAA compliant, so your privacy is protected. We cannot use regular email (outside of the PORTAL) to send you personal information about your care.

We may not be able to reach you by phone in timely circumstances, and normal SMS (text) messages containing Personal Health Information are prohibited. We do…

We understand that, through a large part of her life, her gynecologist may be the only physician a woman sees every year. While our focus is your reproductive health, we want you to be well-informed about other health issues you may face now or in the future. Colorectal cancer is one of these risks.
Despite the fact that these cancers are highly preventable and very treatable in earlier stages, they are the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for both men and women. Factors that increase your risk of colon cancer include:

Age
Personal and…

In my last blog post, I talked about Chris Evert’s ovarian cancer diagnosis and the importance of knowing your family medical history. While reviewing my medical journals this month, I found another reason to write about ovarian cancer:  the importance of recognizing symptoms.
About OVarian Cancer
About 13,000 women in the U.S. die of ovarian cancer each year—making it the deadliest of all cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. Survival rates are poor because the cancer is usually not discovered until an advanced stage (III or IV). Only about 10 to 30% of women diagnosed…

Many of our patients know that Dr. Favor loves tennis! Her enthusiasm for a competitive game led her to high school and college state tennis championships. In 1972, when Dr. Favor was still in grade school, Hall of Fame player Chris Evert began her professional tennis career. Evert’s talent and, above all, her mental toughness inspired a generation of women players including young Judi Favor.

Last week, Chris Evert announced that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The road ahead will surely test that mental toughness. But by sharing her difficult personal story, she is again able to…

This post has been updated:
Only about 60% of American teens (13 through 17) have been vaccinated against HPV. The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine provides protection against certain viruses that are known to cause cervical cancer. Here in Alabama, the statistics are slightly worse. We remind you that–regardless of whether you have received the HPV vaccine–you should continue to be screened for cervical cancer after age 21 (Pap test/HPV test).

Recently the CDC has added additional guidance for adults over age 26 who have not yet been vaccinated against HPV as follows:
“…some adults age 27…

Over the nine months of your pregnancy, you are likely to experience some physical and emotional bumps in the road. Most women are not caught off guard by feelings of fatigue and the discomforts of morning sickness during the early weeks. These sensations usually improve. The middle months pass as you make plans and preparations for your child’s arrival.

As you begin your third trimester, your doctor will schedule a few tests to make sure your body is adapting well to the changes that pregnancy brings. Your 28-week appointment will include a screening test of your blood sugar…

As a gynecologist, I occasionally see a woman who is struggling with a serious emotional problem. Sometimes she realizes that challenges like being stuck in an unhealthy relationship, substance use, self-harm, or eating disorders (anorexia, compulsive eating) have become lifelong battles. Many women cannot explain the issues that interfere with a healthy life. Too often, a woman’s first steps on this path began years before.

Pre-teens and teenagers are under lots of pressure these days. Recognizing emotional changes that are different from normal teenage angst is a hard part of parenting. One aspect of teens’ emotional and…

What Is Pre-Diabetes? Take the One-Minute Test…

Did you have a hard time when your doctor suggested that a cesarean delivery would be best for you and your baby? You’re not alone. Most expectant mothers are young and have enjoyed good health.  Many have never had any kind of surgery. Moms recall feeling disappointed and sometimes fearful.

Knowing what to expect will ease your concerns. I’d like to offer some reassurance and a few tips for our OB patients, whether you are expecting a c-section or just know it’s a possibility. Women who have had a previous c-section may also find this…