Patient Resources
at NorthStar Medical Specialists
SLEEP
Better Sleep Starts Here
Good sleep is essential for a healthy life. Our board-certified sleep medicine team evaluates and treats a full spectrum of sleep disorders—from sleep apnea to insomnia and restless legs syndrome. With in-lab and at-home sleep testing options, we make it easy to get answers and start sleeping soundly again.
WEIGHT
Real Support for Real Change
Our medical weight management program offers compassionate, non-judgmental support for patients looking to achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss. We combine clinical oversight, nutritional counseling, and ongoing education—along with options like metabolic testing and prescription therapy—to help you reach your goals safely and confidently.
pulmonary
Breathing Easier, Living Better
From asthma and COPD to more complex lung conditions, our pulmonary specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to help patients breathe easier and live fuller lives. We offer advanced pulmonary function testing, individualized treatment plans, and expert care designed to improve both daily comfort and long-term outcomes.
SLEEP
Sleep Brochure PDF
Sleep Initial Form Pack
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia Treatments
Sleep Referral Form
SLEEP DISORDERS
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most serious sleep disorder, OSA is periodic obstruction of the upper airway during sleep and has a prevalence rate of three to eight percent. Periods of apnea can last up to 90 seconds and may occur several hundred times per night. OSA is the most common medical cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and is more common in men.
Symptoms of OSA include:
- Daytime fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
- Morning headaches
- Upper airway abnormalities
- Frequent napping
- Nocturnal Angina/Arrhythmias
- Frequent awakenings
- Sexual problems
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability/Personality changes
- Obesity
- Choking/Gasping/snorts during sleep
- Hypertension
- Non-refreshing sleep/inability to wake up
Diagnosis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea should be made by pertinent history, physical examination, oximetry and polysomnography. Most people benefit from appropriate evaluation, treatment and follow-up.
Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Cataplexy (physical weakness with emotion)
- Hypnagogic hallucinations
- Sleep paralysis (occurs upon awakening)
- Automatic behavior
- Low concentration
- Occupational/School problems
Symptoms may appear rapidly or develop slowly over the years. The cause of Narcolepsy is still unknown but shows strong familial clustering.
PLM is characterized by rhythmic jerking of the feet or legs. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is described as a “creeping, crawling” sensation that creates an urge to move the legs. Its prevalence rate is two to five percent. Symptoms of PLM and RLS include:
- “Creepy” or “jumpy” legs
- Unpleasant sensation during sleep
- Insomnia/Non-refreshing sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Increased activity
- Restless sleep
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements is highly effective for 90 percent of patients seeking help.
In its chronic form, insomnia affects approximately nine percent of the population. It can last for weeks, months, or even years and may be to the following:
- Worry, anxiety or stress
- Psychiatric disorders
- Primary sleep disorders
- Substance abuse
- Medical problems
- Behavioral/Conditional factors
Those with chronic insomnia may experience reduced productivity and accidents as a result of fatigue. Because insomnia is a symptom, the physician must search for the cause. Over 70 percent of insomnia sufferers sleep better after appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Parasomnia refers to a wide variety of disruptive, sleep- events or “disorders of arousal”. These arousal disorders include:
- Sleep walking
- Sleep terrors (pavor nocturnes)
- Nightmares
- Partial seizures
- Violent behavior during sleep
- REM behavior disorder (acting out dreams)
Severe cases may lead to injury, violence, excessive eating, or disturbance of others in the bed or the house. In most cases, Parasomnia can be effectively diagnosed and treated.
WEIGHT
Weight Info Brochure PDF
New Patient Packet
Bariatric Referral Form
Surgical Weight Options
WEIGHT OPTIONS
At NorthStar, we recognize that many factors can influence a person’s weight and overall health — including medical history, nutrition, exercise, behaviors, and their relationship with food. Identifying and addressing these factors helps make weight loss and long-term weight management more achievable for our patients.
We offer several weight loss surgery options, including Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Lap Band, and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve).
We also provide laparoscopic revisional weight loss surgeries, such as Lap Band to Gastric Bypass conversions and revisions of previous open VBG or Duodenal Switch procedures. NorthStar partners with the team at Virginia Mason to offer one of the most comprehensive weight loss surgery programs available in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
Pulmonary
Pulmonary Rehab Brochure
New Patient Packet
Breathing Referral Form
COPD Self Test
Respiratory – Pulmonary Care
What to Expect in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation at NorthStar is a personalized program designed to help you breathe easier, feel stronger, and improve your overall quality of life. Through a combination of evaluation, exercise, and education, we work with you one-on-one to create a plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Here’s how we do it:
1
Evaluation
The first step in Pulmonary Rehabilitation is identifying your specific needs and challenges. Every individual is different, so we begin with a thorough evaluation that may include reviewing your medical history, current symptoms, physical abilities, and lifestyle factors.
This helps us set meaningful, personalized goals and ensure your care plan focuses on what’s most relevant to you — nothing more, nothing less. It’s all about making your rehab experience effective, efficient, and tailored to support your best possible outcome.
2
Exercise
Exercise will help your body use oxygen more efficiently, making it easier for you to breathe. Exercise also helps strengthen muscles, and improve your motivation and state of mind. If you are not in good physical condition, or have never exercised, don’t worry. We will work with you to develop an exercise program designed specifically for you, that you can follow at home.
3
Education
In addition to exercise training, we provide tailored education sessions on a one-on-one basis. Our education includes a wide variety of topics including:
- Understanding your lung disease
- Medications-what they are and how to take them
- Understanding and using oxygen therapy
- Breathing techniques to control shortness of breath
- Diet, nutrition, and weight management
Contact Info
Tel: (360) 676-1696
Fax: (360) 676-6636
Address:
1345 King Street
Bellingham, WA 98229