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The Patterson Pledge calls for women to get annual mammograms and do amonthly breast self-exam; eat healthy meals; exercise regularly; and keep themind filled with positive thoughts. Dr. Patterson recently underwent breastcancer surgery and has become an enthusiastic health and wellness advocate.Nationally, she is recognized for her expertise in the area of Christianrelationships and her numerous books. Locally, she is the senior pastor ofHighland Hills United Methodist Church, and a member of the Methodist HealthSystem Board of Directors. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr.Patterson said her sincere response was, "What can I do to make this apositive journey?" From her experience, the Patterson Pledge was born.
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"My breast cancer was detected early because I chose to get testedregularly -- a decision that may very well have saved my life," says Dr.Patterson. "Even after coming to terms with my illness, I chose to thinkpositively about it, asking myself how I could use this experience to benefitothers."
Women who sign up for the Patterson Pledge receive a free welcome kit thatincludes a health record booklet, a refrigerator magnet to serve as a dailyreminder of the pledge, and a letter from Dr. Patterson. Web resources such aspod casts with messages of encouragement from Dr. Patterson; links toMethodist Health System health care resources; and age-specific healthrecommendations will also be available. Dr. Patterson will also be a regularcolumnist in Health Talk, Methodist Health System's quarterly newsmagazine.
To sign up for the Patterson Pledge, visithttp://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/pledge, call 214-947-0020, or calltoll-free 866-448-5065. There is no fee to sign up.
"Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself and for your family," says Dr.Patterson. "In fact encourage them to follow in your footsteps and take thePatterson Pledge too. It doesn't cost anything, yet it will pay big dividendsfor the rest of your life."
Note to editor: Photo of Dr. Patterson available athttp://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/patterson
About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion,Methodist Health System (Methodist) uses some of the latest medical technologyand research to bring quality health care to individuals and familiesthroughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist CharltonMedical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist MidlothianHealth Center, and three Methodist Family Health Centers are part of thenonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with theNorth Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional informationis available at http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org .
SOURCE Methodist Health System
