Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the country, and managing it effectively requires consistency, education, and partnership. At Coastal Internal Medicine , Dr. Mark O'Brien, a trusted internal medicine doctor, helps patients understand their diagnosis and take confident steps toward better health. Diabetes management is not just about blood sugar numbers, it’s about creating stability, preventing complications, and improving daily quality of life. Under

At Coastal Internal Medicine , we see firsthand how early detection can change the course of a patient’s life. One of the most effective tools for catching health concerns early, and preventing complications, is the annual wellness visit. While many people only schedule appointments when something feels wrong, wellness visits are designed to keep you healthy before problems arise. These appointments are not about rushing through checklists. They are your opportunity to take c

Your heart works tirelessly, every second, every minute, every day. Protecting it is one of the best investments you can make for your long-term health. At Coastal Internal Medicine , we help patients of all ages understand the lifestyle choices, screenings, and habits that support heart health. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, but it’s also one of the most preventable. With the right strategies, and the guidance of a trusted internal medicine doctor, you

We see the powerful effect that food has on health every single day. Nutrition is one of the most effective, and most overlooked, tools in preventing chronic disease. Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and even certain cancers can be influenced by what you eat. Your diet fuels every cell in your body. When you nourish your body intentionally, you build strength, reduce inflammation, and improve longevity. When your nutrition suffers, chronic disease becomes far m

At Coastal Internal Medicine , many patients are surprised to learn that cholesterol isn’t simply “good” or “bad.” It’s a complex part of your health that affects energy, hormone balance, brain function, and of course, heart health. Understanding your cholesterol numbers, and what they actually mean, is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward long-term wellness. Cholesterol isn’t inherently harmful. In fact, your body needs it to function. The challenge arises when

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects millions of adults worldwide. At Coastal Internal Medicine , we know that managing hypertension requires more than medication. It requires partnership, consistency, and a plan built around how you live. High blood pressure rarely shows symptoms, yet it remains one of the leading preventable causes of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. That’s why early detection and long-term management with an internal med

At Coastal Internal Medicine , preventive care serves as the foundation of lifelong wellness. One of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health is by staying updated on essential screenings. These tests aren’t just recommendations, they’re powerful tools that help your internal medicine doctor catch early warning signs before they turn into serious conditions. Adults often underestimate the value of regular health assessments. But screenings are more than number

Understanding Your Care Options When it comes to choosing a primary care provider, patients often wonder: What’s the difference between an internist and a family physician? While both offer excellent care, their training and focus differ slightly, especially when it comes to adult medicine. At Coastal Internal Medicine , our internal medicine doctors specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Their expertise allows them to manage complex health

Prevention: The Foundation of Lifelong Wellness At Coastal Internal Medicine , we believe that the best healthcare doesn’t start in the hospital, it starts with prevention. Preventive care means taking action today to safeguard your health tomorrow. It’s the cornerstone of long-term wellness and one of the most powerful tools your internal medicine doctor can offer. Why Preventive Care Matters Too often, people visit their doctor only when something feels wrong. But many heal

When your health becomes more complex, when one condition starts to affect another, or when several issues arise at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Managing multiple chronic conditions requires more than occasional checkups or quick fixes. It calls for a medical partner who understands the bigger picture: how all parts of your body work together and how one treatment might influence another. That’s where internal medicine specialists come in. At Coastal Internal Medicine

The Foundation of Lasting Health Health isn’t built in a day, it’s created through daily habits that work together. At Coastal Internal Medicine , Dr. Mark O’Brien, a trusted internal medicine doctor, helps patients design long-term plans that balance nutrition, movement, and preventive care. Nutrition: The Fuel That Drives Wellness Good nutrition supports every organ in your body. Our team helps you understand how specific foods affect energy, digestion, and chronic conditio

Care That Fits You, Not the Chart At Coastal Internal Medicine , personalization isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation of great care. Every patient is different, so every care plan should be too. That’s what sets Dr. Mark O’Brien, a leading internal medicine doctor, apart. Your genetics, habits, and lifestyle all influence how your body responds to treatment. We take time to understand those factors before creating a plan tailored to you. Why Personalization Matters Patients wh

Why Managing Stress Matters Stress is more than a feeling, it’s a physiological response that affects your heart, hormones, digestion, and immunity. At Coastal Internal Medicine, Dr. Mark O’Brien, a trusted internal medicine doctor, helps patients understand how stress impacts their health and teaches practical tools for managing it effectively. 1. Start with Breath and Awareness Mindfulness begins with awareness. Simple breathing exercises can reduce cortisol levels and lowe

Aging Well Starts with Prevention As we age, our health priorities shift. What once felt optional, like screenings or routine exams, becomes essential for maintaining independence and vitality. That’s why internal medicine doctor Dr. Mark O’Brien emphasizes preventive care for older adults at Coastal Internal Medicine. From cardiovascular health to bone density, proactive care empowers seniors to stay active, strong, and confident. The Key Components of Preventive Care 1. Reg

Whole-Body Wellness: Health Beyond Symptoms In modern healthcare, too many patients feel like their care is reactive, focused only on treating symptoms once they appear. At Coastal Internal Medicine, we do things differently. Led by experienced internal medicine doctor Dr. Mark O’Brien, our approach centers on whole-body wellness, because true health comes from balance, prevention, and long-term care. Whole-body wellness means treating every part of you, the physical, emotion

At the heart of every thriving community is a foundation of care, people who look out for one another, lend a helping hand, and genuinely want to see their neighbors live healthier, happier lives. At our practice, we believe healthcare should reflect that same spirit. We don’t see patients as numbers on a chart. We see neighbors, friends, and families, each with their own story, challenges, and goals. That’s why we’ve built our approach around community-first care: healthcare

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like just another name on a chart when visiting a doctor’s office. But at Coastal Internal Medicine, patients experience something different, care that feels personal, thoughtful, and built around who you are, not just what’s on your medical record. Under the leadership of Dr. Mark O’Brien, our approach goes beyond treating symptoms. We focus on understanding the individual behind the illness: your lifestyle, concerns, and long-t

Most people know they should  get an annual physical, but not everyone actually does. Maybe it’s because life gets busy, or perhaps it’s the uncertainty of what really happens during the exam. The truth is, a physical isn’t just a routine visit, it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to stay ahead of potential health issues. Seeing an internal medicine doctor for your annual checkup gives you a clear picture of your overall health. It’s not just about numbers on a char

A good night’s sleep is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your health. While most people focus on diet and exercise, sleep is often overlooked, even though it plays a crucial role in nearly every system of the body. From boosting your immune function to protecting your heart, quality sleep supports your overall well-being in more ways than you might think. If you’ve been feeling tired, foggy, or simply “off,” it may be time to talk with your Vista primary

Living with a chronic condition can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Whether it’s diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or arthritis, managing long-term health issues requires consistent care, personalized treatment, and a trusted healthcare partner. That’s where an internal medicine doctor comes in. Internal medicine specialists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases that affect adults. They are trained to handle complex or mu