Patricia Marie T.’s Post

For nearly a year, I refused to face the reality of my situation. As a high-achieving perfectionist, I thought I could will my way through perimenopause, despite worsening anxiety, irritability, insomnia and uncontrollable hunger. These struggles echoed three decades of restrictive diets, an unhealthy relationship with food and fluctuating weight since suffering from childhood obesity at 14 years old. By January 2024, my waistline had grown, and my hypertension—first diagnosed years earlier—had worsened again, despite my resistance to medications until 2022. I clung to the belief that willpower and lifestyle changes alone would be enough. "Eat less, move more" was my mantra, but I was losing the battle. The turning point came when I finally acknowledged the reality of Menobesity and sought professional help. Intensive behavioral therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and medical weight management made a profound difference. It's critical to realize these treatments should never be stigmatized as "taking the easy way out." I had been part of the problem myself, both as a patient and a physician, unconsciously internalizing weight stigma and bias. Menopausal weight gain shouldn’t be stigmatized, and seeking help isn’t a failure. I encourage you to read Dr. Podder’s insightful article on Menobesity for more understanding. #menobesity #menopausalhormonetherapy #obesity #IBT

In addition to being a dedicated physician, I also have the privilege of being a mother to school-aged children. Recognizing the impending busyness of our schedules, I strongly urge every parent to prioritize the vital annual care visit with their children's healthcare provider. This pivotal appointment not only allows for a thorough assessment of their mental well-being and the opportunity to address any concerns, but also provides referrals for additional necessary services and checkups, ultimately setting the stage for their academic success. These include essential examinations such as comprehensive eye exams, hearing screenings, and dental checkups. To gain further insights and information, I invite you to tune in to my interview with KTXL-Fox TV affiliate in Sacramento:

June is National Men's Health Month. Click on the link below to hear my pitch and appeal in KOAT Channel 7 New Mexico. ·        The American Cancer Society recommends anyone who has a prostate talk to a healthcare provider to make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening at age 50. African American men should talk to their doctor sooner, at age 45. ·        Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed among people born with a prostate in the United States. ·        Detecting prostate cancer early can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes. It’s more important than ever to get screened and encourage anyone in your life who has a prostate to get screened, too. ·        Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening to know what tests, timing, and frequency might be right for you. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gcEdyesF #AmericanCancerSociety #menshealth #getscreened https://lnkd.in/gdMSKNaf

Cancer is near and dear to me as I have had family members and friends who have suffered and succumbed to this deadly disease - the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States... this is reason that I find Cancer screening to be formidable and absolutely mission critical to healthspan and lifespan. I am proud of the work and project with the American Cancer Society in NM, RAA and Presbyterian Cancer Care center that is featured in this UHC newsroom article. Andrea Ashton, Rachel Gallegos-Davis. "In rural New Mexico, where access to health care can be challenging, a new initiative is helping to expand breast cancer screening. Led by the Presbyterian Cancer Care Center and Radiology Associates of Albuquerque (RAA) in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, the program aims to tackle the alarming disparities in mammogram access, particularly among underserved and rural communities." #AmericanCancerSociety #cancerscreening #getscreened #UHC #RAA #ACSvolunteer #preventivemedicine #healthspan #lifespan

Please listen to my CMO peer about the importance of annual care visits with your #primarycaredoctor. As an Internist, I cannot stress the importance of this visit as this will target annual screenings, needed preventive vaccines as well as address needed diagnostic studies based on your exam. With the topic of #healthspan emerging - isn’t it worth it?

The White Coat Investor conference has been my go-to for networking, rejuvenation and re-engaging with my money nerd counterparts.. after all, where can you find a Medical conference that you can pick the brain out of different physicians from a vast array of medical and dental specialties? And what more can you do to enhance your financial literacy? This will eventually translate to more time with the things you enjoy the most. Whether that be more time for your hobbies, your family, your health and wellness - sky is the limit if you can be financially free and happy at the same time. See where WCICON is headed next!!!

This is great! Congratulations to my peers Jerson Cadenas MD and Ana Stankovic, MD FASN. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for both of you! #uhg #fellowship #accomplishments