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Monday 8am - 7pm Tuesday 8am - 7pm Wednesday 8am - 7pm Thursday 8am - 7pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Northwest Family Clinics

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United States
Crystal, MN
Northwest Family Clinics

A physician-owned group of specialists in family medicine, focused on providing the highest quality of medical care to patients in all stages of life.

Northwest Family Clinics are independently owned and believe in treating the patient not the ailment. With a whole life care approach; we are with our patient's from birth until geriatric years, getting to know who they are and where they come from within these many years of care.

03/24/2026

Headed out of town with little ones? Build a simple Sick-Kit so you’re ready for anything.

What to pack:
• Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Saline spray + nasal aspirator
• Adhesive bandages and antibiotic ointment
• Hydration packets or electrolyte drinks
• Digital thermometer
• Chest rub for kids
• Travel-size hand sanitizer + wipes
• A few plastic bags for unexpected messes
• Favorite comfort item from home

A small pouch of “just in case” items can save the whole trip.

03/23/2026

Spring brings sunshine, budding trees, and… sore throats. But not all sore throats are the same.

Here’s a quick, parent-friendly guide to help you tell them apart:

Strep Throat
• Sudden, intense sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• No cough or runny nose
• Sometimes white patches on the tonsils
Strep requires a test and antibiotics.

Allergies
• Scratchy or itchy throat
• Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes
• Symptoms come and go and may worsen outdoors
• No fever
Allergies respond to antihistamines and avoiding triggers.

Viral Sore Throat (Cold/Flu/Other Viruses)
• Sore throat plus cough, congestion, or runny nose
• Often mild to moderate pain
• Low–grade fever possible
• Usually improves within a few days
Antibiotics do not help viral infections.

When to schedule an appointment:
• Fever that lasts more than 24–48 hours
• Trouble swallowing or dehydration
• Symptoms worsening instead of improving
• Concerns about strep exposure

Spring brings a mix of allergens and seasonal viruses, so knowing the pattern of symptoms can help you support your child more confidently.

02/26/2026

Perimenopause doesn’t wait until your 50s, it often starts in your late 30s or early 40s.

Common signs include:
-Irregular periods
- Hot flashes or night sweats
-Sleep changes
-Mood swings or brain fog
- Vaginal dryness or lower libido

This is normal. But it’s also okay to ask for support. You don’t have to wait for menopause to get answers or relief.

02/24/2026

Not all infections need antibiotics.

Here’s what every parent should know:
-Antibiotics help with bacterial infections like strep throat, UTIs, and bacterial pneumonia
-They don’t work for viruses like colds, flu, RSV, or most coughs
-Overuse leads to resistance and stomach upset
-If your provider says “wait and watch,” it’s not a brush-off—it’s a strategy to avoid unnecessary meds

Know when to use antibiotics—and when to let the body heal on its own.

02/20/2026

Lowering your blood pressure doesn’t mean overhauling your life.

Start small with these heart-healthy habits:
-Add one extra veggie to your plate each day
-Take a 10-minute walk after meals
-Cut back on salt—season with herbs and citrus instead
-Unplug for 15 minutes of calm daily
-Track your blood pressure at home and share it with your provider

Consistency beats perfection. Your heart will thank you.

02/18/2026

Winter air can be tough on little ones.

Here’s how to prevent chapped lips, bloody noses, and dry skin:
-Use a cool-mist humidifier at night
-Apply unscented lip balm (and remind them not to lick!)
-Limit bath time and use fragrance-free soap
-Moisturize after baths with thick cream or ointment
-Dab a little petroleum jelly inside the nose before bed
-Dress in breathable cotton layers under warm gear

When winter gets rough, simple steps can make a big difference.

02/16/2026

Eating well during pregnancy doesn’t have to break the bank—even in winter.

Here’s how to stretch your grocery budget while nourishing your body:
-Stock up on eggs, oats, canned beans, and frozen veggies
-Sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash offer fiber and vitamin A
-Cook in batches: soups, baked oatmeal, and chili freeze well
-Don’t skip your prenatal vitamins, ask your provider for budget-friendly options

You don’t need perfection, just practical, consistent nutrition that works for your life.

02/14/2026

Is it teething or an ear infection?

Here’s how may be able to tell the difference:
-Teething signs: swollen gums, drooling, chewing on hands, mild fussiness
-Ear infection signs: ear pulling, fever, disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, fluid from the ear
-Teething usually builds slowly, doesn’t cause a high fever, and improves with gentle care like cold teething toys.
-Ear infections may come on suddenly, involve sharp pain or fever, and may need antibiotics—especially if symptoms worsen after 48 hours.

Still not sure? That’s what we’re here for.

01/29/2026

We’re Jumping into Freezing Water for a Great Cause—And You Can Help!

On February 7th, a brave crew from Northwest Family Clinics will be taking the plunge into Fish Lake as part of a local charity “Jump Day” event to raise money for our community. It’s cold, it’s wild… and it’s all for a good cause!

Here’s how you can get involved:

1.Jump with us! There’s still time to join the team—especially if you’re from our Plymouth or Crystal locations.

2. Donate or share! Even if you're not jumping, you can help by sharing our donation page or cheering us on: https://reg.plungemn.org/team/northwestfamilyclinics

3. Support on-site! We’ll meet at The Lookout Bar & Grill (our jump HQ), ride together to the lake, and return for an after-party and awards. All are welcome!

We’ll be rocking Northwest Family Clinics shirts, with fun extras like hats and tutus (yes, Dr. Stuart will be wearing one!) for those willing to go all in on the fun.

Let’s make a splash—for our team, our community, and a great cause.

01/17/2026

Let's take a minute to talk screen time.

Did you know?
-Kids ages 8–12 spend an average of 5–7 hours a day on screens.
-Teens often clock in 7–9+ hours daily—not including schoolwork.
-Preschoolers exceed the recommended limit by 3x on average.

Screen time affects sleep, behavior, attention, and emotional regulation. As routines reset after the holidays, now is the perfect time to take stock and create healthier digital habits.

Here is the recommended recreational screen time amount by age:
-Infants (0–18 months): Avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with family.
-Toddlers (18–24 months): Minimal use—if introduced, choose high-quality programming and watch together.
-Preschoolers (2–5 years): No more than 1 hour per day, co-viewed and age-appropriate.
-Children (6–12 years): Ideally under 2 hours per day.
-Teens (13–18 years): Aim for under 2–3 hours per day.

01/16/2026

Winter falls are common, over 1 million Americans slip and fall on ice each year, but most falls are preventable.

Decrease your fall risk by:
• Wearing non-slip boots with deep tread
• Add salt or sand to walkways, even short ones
• Slow down and take shorter steps, meaning give yourself more time than you think you need
• Clear walkways daily of snow and ice, and apply sand or ice melt regularly
• Install handrails on both sides of stairs and near entryways
• Use motion-sensor lighting so you’re not navigating icy paths in the dark
• Keep a small mat or towel inside the door for wet boots to avoid puddles
• Practice balance exercises, like standing on one foot while you brush your teeth
• Use a backpack instead of carrying bags that throw off your balance
• Keep your hands free when possible (or use wrist loops on bags so your hands are open to brace a fall)

01/15/2026

Winter Joint Pain?

Here's What to Know:
-Cold weather reduces circulation, which can stiffen joints
-Arthritis tends to worsen in the winter
-Gentle movement, warm compresses, and staying active can help

However, if you are experiencing pain in just one joint or after an accident, that could mean injury.

Stretch, stay warm, and check in with your provider if pain doesn't ease.

Address

5700 Bottineau Boulevard
Crystal, MN
55429

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 7pm
Tuesday	8am - 7pm
Wednesday	8am - 7pm
Thursday	8am - 7pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

763-504-6500

Website

https://www.northwestfamilyclinics.com/, https://www.northwestfamilyclinics.com/urgent-care, https://www.northwestfamily

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