Family physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary play an integral role in a patients’ overall health and are responsible for providing them with the best medical care possible.

When it comes to the patient, there are many things that they, themselves, can do in order to help put themselves on a path towards achieving optimal health.

First and foremost, Dr. Ali Ghahary recommends having annual check-ups with your physician. By having regular examinations, you can oftentimes help stop any major health problems before they start – such as cardiovascular disease. Regular check-ups are also a great way for your physician to monitor any pre-existing health conditions and keep track of treatments, as well as send you for any necessary screening.

The type of screening you need often depends on your age. Certain tests that Dr. Ali Ghahary will consider for patients includes screening for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as skin cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 69 go for a mammogram ever 2 years, while it’s recommended that men start having prostate exams between the ages of 40 and 50 depending on whether or not they’re considered high risk. When it comes to prostate cancer, there are several risk factors that are taken into consideration, including ethnicity, family history, and genes.

Common colds and influenza are also two health problems that Dr. Ali Ghahary sees a lot of, especially during back-to-school and winter seasons (i.e. September through November.) The best way to prevent yourself from catching a cold or the flu is to make sure you’re practicing good hygiene habits. This means washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding contact with others who may be sick. Many complications can arise as a result of the common cold or flu, including sinus infections and pneumonia. If you are experiencing facial pain, notice any green/discoloured discharge when you blow your nose, as well as if you have a persistent cough (sometimes with discoloured mucus or blood), these may be indicative of a bacterial infection which will require antibiotics. It is important to treat the infection as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. However, it’s also important to remember that infections can be viral and will simply have to take their course. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t necessary can result in antibiotic resistance. To avoid getting sick, try boosting your immune system by adding more Vitamin C to your diet.

Sleep is another necessary factor when it comes to achieving optimal health. Without a good night’s rest, our entire system can be thrown out of balance. Dr. Ali Ghahary recommends patients get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, you may need to be prescribed medications to help you sleep.

Diet and exercise are also essential parts of your health. You can find plenty of diet and fitness tips from Dr. Ali Ghahary by clicking here.

For more information on how to achieve optimal health and wellness, follow Dr. Ali Ghahary on Twitter at @DrAliGhahary