Dr. Finola Lynch and Dr. Michael Clements of North Star Medical are founding members of the North Shore Primary Care Network (NSPCN) transforming healthcare for residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Bowen Island. This province-wide initiative by the BC Ministry of Health, focuses on collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
A process called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, can cause heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis causes fatty deposits called plaque (pronounced “plak”) to build up inside blood vessels called arteries. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood […]
If you have symptoms such as discomfort in your chest, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats, we may schedule heart tests to find out if you are at risk for a heart problem, and what treatment you may need. Even […]
Our practice provides a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of all family members. From general health assessments and chronic disease management to preventive care and wellness counselling, we are here to support you are every stage of your life.
mental health
The term “substance use” refers to the use of drugs or alcohol, and includes substances such as cigarettes, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, inhalants and solvents. A substance use problem occurs when using alcohol or other drugs causes harm to you […]
Breast lumps or changes are a common health worry. You may have many kinds of breast lumps and other breast changes throughout your life. This may include changes that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and aging. The good news is that most breast lumps and breast changes are normal. Breast self-examinations are a simple way for you to learn what your breasts normally feel like.
weightloss, eating and exercise
Healthy bodies come in many shapes, sizes and abilities. Speak with us if you are concerned that your weight is affecting your health. If you have questions about or would like support with eating or physical activity, call 8-1-1 to […]
Birth Control Using a form of birth control reduces your chance of accidentally becoming pregnant. Different types of birth control can stop ovulation, block sperm from reaching the egg or prevent egg fertilization. Some birth control methods can protect against […]
Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. It’s not a disease. It’s a symptom of a problem with a man’s urinary tract. Urinary incontinence happens more often in older men than in young men, but it’s not just a […]
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate gland. As the prostate gets bigger, it may cause problems when you urinate. Your score on this tool may help you think about if and how you want to treat the problem. The […]
mental health
Sexual orientation and gender identity aren’t the same thing. Everyone has both a gender identity and a sexual orientation. Gender identity is your internal and psychological sense of yourself as a woman, a man, both, in between or neither. Only […]
Arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually breaks down. A joint is any place where two or more bones connect, like the knee, hip, wrist, or shoulder. When the cartilage wears down, the bones rub against each […]
Family General Health
Bruises turn interesting colours – purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green. Some seem to get bigger, and some last for ages. What should you watch out for, and when should you contact a doctor? Severe bruising, swelling, and pain […]
It’s not unusual to forget where you put your keys or glasses, where you parked or someone’s name. Memory changes are a normal part of aging – often annoying than serious. Memory loss that starts suddenly or that clearly interferes […]
health aging
As we get older, we tend to decrease exercise time and intensity. As little as ten extra minutes of physical activity, three times a day WILL make a difference! Physical activity improves your confidence and help you stay independent. Although […]
health aging
Eating well can help prevent or slow the progression of chronic disease and helps you maintain your independence. Choosing healthy foods gives you the energy you need to do the things you love.
Family General Health
HealthlinkBC’s Traveller Series provides useful information on how to stay safe while travelling to different places across the globe. If you have an ongoing health concern due to a chronic condition, talk to us about your trip. Health advice for […]
Preventative medical tests Laboratory (lab) tests give your doctor information about your health. You may feel fine and the doctor will still recommend a test to: Find the cause of symptoms Confirm a diagnosis Screen for a disease Find out […]
Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day. But if your blood pressure stays […]