Adventist Health Bakersfield | You + Us | Summer 2019

Inspiring Health YOU + US : Together i nsp i red ™ YOU + US is printed quarterly (issue 2 of 4) by Adventist Health Bakersfield, 2615 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301-2014. Information in YOU + US comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Questions or comments? Email sjchmarketing@ah.org. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Sharlet Briggs President | Megan Simpson Executive Editor and Writer | Harold Pierce Editor and Writer | Felix Adamo Photographer | Willis and Williams Design Studio Photographer Many women find it so easy to put the people they love first—and themselves last. Adventist Health Bakersfield hopes to inspire women to think more about their own health. That can help you do more— both for yourself and for those around you. A good way to start: Focus on building a strong relationship with your primary care doctor. Beyond the ‘bikini exam’ Many women see their OB-GYNs for a breast and pelvic exam every year like clockwork—but what about the rest of your body? “My job is to know women and help them thrive in life.” —Amolika Mangat, MD Amolika Mangat, MD, an internal medicine physician, suggests that women see their primary care doctor once a year for screenings, shots and other care that can help protect their whole health. “Seeing your OB-GYN is great, but they aren’t primary care physicians. It’s important to sit down and really have a good, in-depth conversation with your primary care doctor,” Dr. Mangat says. “As a physician, I really like to get to know my patients,” she adds. “Often I think patients feel like I ask too many questions; however, it’s so important for me to know what they do for a living, if they are married or have children. I need to know more than just their medical history. My job is to know women and help them thrive in life. Their whole story matters.” Bahareh Ghafarizadeh, MD, also an internal medicine physician, agrees. She adds that it’s important to build a relationship with your primary care doctor before you’re sick. “It does make it easier for the patient and the physician when there is a history. It’s important to be comfortable with the doctor treating you.” WOMEN: It’s time to put your health first