SEATTLE — It’s important to establish ongoing care with a primary care provider to stay on top of your health goals.
“I think it’s essential to find a primary care doctor that you feel comfortable with, that you’re able to connect with, and location is so important,” said Dr. Asra Mazhar, DO, family medicine/primary care, Overlake Medical Center and Clinics of Downtown Bellevue.
Regular primary care visits for adults and children could include annual wellness exams, preventive care and treatment, and monitoring of any conditions and illnesses. Your doctor will address healthcare concerns and connect you with any needed specialists.
Eating a balanced diet and incorporating at least 150 minutes of activity into your week are also key to maintaining good health.
“Trying to keep you at a healthy weight is what’s going to keep you on top of your healthcare goals,” Dr. Mazhar said.
Annual healthcare visits can help you detect any diseases early, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer. Your primary care physician can help you determine what screenings are needed based on age, risk factors, and family history. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks are also important.
“We’re fans of preventative medicine, identifying issues beforehand, and then helping to come up with a care plan,” Dr. Mazhar said.
If you do not have a primary care physician, establishing care with a doctor is the first step. You can then determine if you connect and feel comfortable with the doctor.
“I can speak for myself, that’s a huge reason why I went into family medicine is establishing those relationships with patients because it can lead to better health outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Mazhar said.
Overlake has 10 primary care locations, a concierge care program, and a senior health clinic across the eastside, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Newcastle, and Sammamish.
Visit the Overlake website to look up doctors in your area and schedule an appointment, or read tips from the team on Overlake’s Healthy Outlook blog.
Sponsored by Overlake Medical Center. Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.