Health First Urgent Care

08/12/2026

Kennewick Clinic is Now Open

08/10/2026

KENNEWICK CLINIC NOW OPEN.

We’re counting down to opening day!

Health First Urgent Care’s newest Kennewick clinic opens August 10 at 5211 W. Clearwater Ave.

As a reminder, we’re also offering FREE sports physicals for student athletes on August 11, 12, and 19. Be sure to check out the flyer for dates and details. Available while appointments last. First come, first serve.

Thank you, Tri-Cities, for your continued trust and support. We look forward to serving the community with compassionate, high-quality medical care.

08/07/2026

We’re counting down to opening day!

Health First Urgent Care’s newest Kennewick clinic opens August 10 at 5211 W. Clearwater Ave.

As a reminder, we’re also offering FREE sports physicals for student athletes on August 11, 12, and 19. Be sure to check out the flyer for dates and details. Available while appointments last. First come, first serve.

Thank you, Tri-Cities, for your continued trust and support. We look forward to serving the community with compassionate, high-quality medical care.

08/04/2026

We're excited to announce that Health First Urgent Care is growing!

Our third Tri-Cities location opens August 10 at 5211 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick.

Thank you to our patients and the Tri-Cities community for your trust and support over the past six years. As a locally owned urgent care, we're honored to continue expanding access to high-quality, convenient care close to home.

To celebrate our Grand Opening, we're offering FREE sports physicals for student athletes on August 11, 12, and 19. See the separate flyer for details.

We can't wait to welcome you to our newest clinic!

02/11/2026

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

February is American Heart Month - this American Heart Month, love your heart and yourself. Take steps to get your heart health in check and inspire someone in your life to do the same.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Let’s start by breaking down Cardiovascular health – “cardio” means related to the heart, and “vascular” means related to the blood vessels.

Unfortunately, heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In 2023, almost 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

So what can you do to help yourself and your loved ones improve cardiovascular health?

One thing you can do is to manage your blood pressure – high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. You probably have had your blood pressure measured at the doctor before, but what do those numbers really mean? Blood pressure is measuring the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it pumps blood around your body. Blood pressure is made up of two numbers, which represent the systolic and diastolic phases. Systolic blood pressure is the top or first number, which represents the pressure when your heart beats and sends blood into your arteries. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom or second number, which represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

According to the CDC, only 1 in 4 adults with high blood pressure has it under control. Unmanaged high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke more than any other risk factor.

Practice these healthy living habits to help prevent or manage high blood pressure:

· Ask your healthcare team about your blood pressure numbers and what they mean for you

· Eat a healthy diet - focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein

· Be physically active – maintaining a healthy weight and moving your body can help lower your blood pressure. Try to find activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or bicycling.

· Limit smoking, va**ng, and alcoholic drinks. These all can contribute to high blood pressure.

· Get enough sleep and manage your stress. Talk with your family, friends, and healthcare providers about any concerns you may have.

01/14/2026

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Thinking about making some New Year’s Resolutions to be healthier? Read on for some tips to make those New Year's Resolutions last the whole year long.

SMART GOALS
So many of us set goals related to being healthier – but using SMART goals means we are more likely to follow through and achieve those goals. What are SMART goals? SMART is an acronym:

S – Specific

Clearly define what needs to be achieved, who is involved, where it will happen, and why it's important.

o Vague: "Get more fit."

o Specific: "Join a gym and work out 3 times a week to improve cardiovascular health".

M – Measurable

Include criteria to track progress and determine success (e.g., numbers, percentages).

o Not Measurable: "Read more books."

o Measurable: "Read one non-fiction book per month".

A – Achievable

Ensure the goal is realistic and within reach, considering available resources and constraints.

o Unachievable: "Become a millionaire by next month."

o Achievable: "Save $100 a month towards a down payment on a car".

R – Relevant

Confirm the goal aligns with broader objectives, values, and long-term aspirations.

o Irrelevant: “Signing up for a pottery class when your goal is to save money.”

o Relevant: “Signing up for a pottery class when your goal is to learn a new skill.”

T - Time

Set a specific deadline or timeframe for completion to create urgency and focus.

o Not Time-bound: "Learn to code someday."

o Time-bound: "Complete an online Python course by the end of this quarter"

MICRO HABITS
In addition to SMART goals, you can also start the new year with healthy micro habits. Micro habits are tiny, easy-to-do actions that form the building blocks for larger goals.

For example, if your larger goal is “get my whole house organized”, a micro habit you can start right away is committing to setting a timer for two minutes and tidying one small area, like a single drawer or a small section of a countertop.

Some ideas for micro habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your health are:

· Drink one glass of water in the morning to help you stay hydrated

· Park farther away from the store entrance to get a few extra steps in the parking lot

· Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible

· Pause and take a few deep breaths if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or upset

· Go to the bathroom without your phone in hand – take a small screen break

· Do one pushup, squat, or jumping jack to get your body moving

· Add one additional vegetable or fruit to a meal

· Stretch for one minute before getting into bed at the end of the day

· Do a balance exercise, like standing on one foot, while brushing your teeth or talking on the phone

· Express appreciation to your family member,

friend, or coworker for something they did well

SMART goals and micro habits are two methods to ensure that your New Year’s Resolutions last – from January all the way through next year. Health First Urgent Care wishes everyone a happy, healthy start to the New Year!

12/03/2025

‘TIS THE SEASON

Colder temperatures mean more time indoors – here’s some reminders to help you stay healthy this holiday season!

WASH YOUR HANDS

· Use soap and running water – lather and scrub the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.

· Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illnesses from spreading.

GET YOUR FLU SHOT · Influenza (flu) is more than a cold, or even a “bad cold.” It can result in serious health complications like pneumonia, bacterial infections, hospitalization, or death.

· Flu activity peaks between December and February and can last as late as May. · If you didn’t yet get a flu vaccination, it’s not too late! The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated now if they have not already been vaccinated this season.

SAFETY

· It’s easy to get distracted during the holidays – make sure you’re planning ahead to give yourself enough travel time to get to your destination safely during adverse winter weather conditions. Keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.

· If you’re consuming alcohol, choose not to drink and drive and help others to do the same. Always wear your seat belt and ensure children are in an appropriate car seat.

· Be aware of small pieces and items in holiday decorations, gifts, and toys that may pose a choking hazard for young children and pets.

11/03/2025

Come get your flu shot at Health First Urgent Care!

Open Mon – Fri 8 am to 8 pm

Open Sat – Sun 8 am to 7 pm

Flu vaccines available for ages 3 years and up. Convenient locations in Pasco and Richland. Walk-in or make an appointment today!

11/03/2025

DIABETES AWARENESS

November is National Diabetes month – according to the American Diabetes Association, over 38 million Americans have diabetes and nearly 98 million have prediabetes. In the last 20 years, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than doubled.

UNDERSTANDING DIABETES

What are the different types of diabetes?

· Type 1

o Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Most of the time, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in young people, but it can develop in anyone at any age. Scientists and researchers today aren’t sure how to prevent type 1 diabetes or what triggers it.

· Type 2

o In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. Over time, your pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but is increasing in young people.

· Prediabetes

o There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes so you may have it and not know it. But before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have prediabetes—where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

· Gestational Diabetes

o Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. In the United States, GDM occurs in 5-10% of all pregnancies, with rates continuing to rise.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If you or your loved one is experiencing the following symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider – early detection and treatment can help decrease complications.

· Urinating often

· Feeling very thirsty

· Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating

· Extreme fatigue

· Blurry vision

· Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

· Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)

· Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

DIABETES PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

· Fitness

o If you have never been active or haven't been active for a while, start slowly. If you feel unsure about your health, talk to your health care team about which activities are safest for you.

o Light walking is a great place to start – and a great habit to incorporate into your life. Walk with a loved one, with your dog, or just by yourself while listening to an audio book.

o Don’t discount your everyday activities. You may be more active than you think. Housekeeping or mowing the lawn counts as activity. Being active is more than just planned exercise – every little bit of movement helps!

· Nutrition

o To better manage your blood glucose (blood sugar), eat at regular times and give your body two to three hours between meals to allow your blood glucose to lower to a desirable level before you eat your next meal.

o The Diabetes Plate can help you manage your blood glucose (blood sugar) by creating a meal with a healthy balance of vegetables, protein, and carbs.

§ Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, or peppers.

§ Fill one quarter of your plate with lean protein, such as turkey, eggs, fish, beans, cottage cheese, tofu, or hummus.

§ Fill another quarter of your plate with quality carbohydrate foods, like whole grains, dairy products, or fruit.

For more tools, recipe ideas, and information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website.