Northwest Family Clinics

08/29/2025

Just a friendly reminder of our special Labor Day hours, our main clinics will be closed, but both urgent care clinics will be open 8am-12pm.

08/27/2025

The first few weeks of school often come with more than new backpacks and homework—they also bring coughs, runny noses, and tired kids.

But how do you know if it’s just a cold, seasonal allergies, or that vague “back to school crud” everyone talks about?

Here’s what to watch for:
-Colds: Gradual onset, thicker mucus, mild fever, and more fatigue
-Allergies: Clear nasal discharge, itchy eyes, and no fever
-Back to school crud: A mix of low-grade symptoms, often caused by new germs, disrupted routines, and mild stress

08/26/2025

Is your child still on a summer sleep schedule? You’re not alone.

As school approaches, easing back into a healthy routine can make mornings smoother and help your child start the year focused and rested.

Here are some tips we recommend for school-age kids and preteens:
-Shift bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every few nights
-Set a consistent wake-up time—even on weekends
-Limit screen time at least 1 hour before bed
-Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and screen-free
-Use a calming bedtime routine like reading or soft music
-Avoid late-afternoon naps

Good sleep helps with memory, mood, attention, and overall health. A few small changes now can make a big difference when the school bell rings.

08/25/2025

Babies express themselves through sound, movement, and behavior long before they speak. Here are some common cues and what they often mean:

-Hunger Cry: Starts soft and builds, rhythmic and repetitive. Baby may root or suck on hands.
-Tired Cry: Whiny or fussy with yawning, eye rubbing, or looking away from stimulation.
-Overstimulated Cry: Sudden, high-pitched, or intense. Often paired with flailing arms or turning head.
-Cooing and Gurgling: Signs of comfort and connection. Your baby is happy, alert, and ready to interact.
-Grunting or Straining: Often a normal part of digestion, especially in newborns.
-Back Arching or Body Stiffening: Baby may be uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
-Turning Head Away: A signal that your baby needs a break or is losing interest.
-Soft, Relaxed Movements with Eye Contact: Baby is calm, comfortable, and ready for interaction or feeding.
-Short Feedings or Pulling Away: May signal fullness or distraction.

By tuning into these small but powerful signs, you can meet your baby’s needs more confidently and build strong communication from the very beginning.

08/18/2025

Workout? Between drop-offs, meetings, dinner, dishes, laundry, and cleaning up spilled Legos? Sure… right after I invent a 28-hour day.

Moms, we see you. If fitting in a workout feels impossible, you’re not doing it wrong—you’re just doing a lot.

The good news? Movement doesn’t have to mean gym memberships or hour-long sweat sessions. Every bit counts (yes, even dancing in the kitchen or chasing a runaway toddler).

Check out our tips for realistic, doable ways to sneak movement into your already full days—because your health matters, too: http://bit.ly/4oXGlRd

07/28/2025

Pregnancy Myth-Busting Time!
Heard any of these? Let’s set the record straight:

❌ You’re eating for two
✅ You only need 300–450 extra calories in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters. Focus on nutrient-rich, not double portions.

❌ Avoid all exercise
✅ Most pregnant people should stay active. Walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming are safe and beneficial!

❌ Morning sickness only happens in the morning
✅ It can hit any time of day. Some moms feel it all day. You're not alone!

❌ No coffee allowed
✅ Up to 200mg of caffeine per day is considered safe—check with your doctor if unsure.

❌ No fish during pregnancy
✅ Some fish is great! Choose low-mercury options like salmon and tilapia.

❌ Heartburn = baby with lots of hair
✅ Fun to imagine, but not a medical fact. Heartburn is caused by hormones.

❌ Belly shape reveals baby’s s*x
✅ Nope! Only ultrasounds or genetic testing can confirm that.

❌ Avoid all vaccines while pregnant
✅ Many vaccines (like Tdap and flu) are safe and recommended to protect you and baby.

You’ve got enough on your plate—leave the fact-checking to us. We're here for every trimester, every myth, and every question.

07/26/2025

“My baby is only in the 15th percentile—should I be worried?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear at well-child visits. And the honest answer? Not necessarily.

Percentiles help us track how your child is growing over time, but there’s no “perfect” number. Whether your little one is in the 10th percentile or the 90th, what really matters is that they’re growing steadily along their own curve.

Here's what every parent should know:
-Percentiles show how your child compares to others their age.
-A baby in the 25th percentile weighs more than 25% of peers—but that’s not bad!
-The goal isn’t a “high score”—it’s consistent, steady growth.
-Big jumps or drops in the chart are more concerning than a low number.
-Your provider looks at overall health, not just one number.

Your baby is one of a kind—and so is their growth curve.

07/25/2025

Getting ready for summer travel? Don’t forget the first aid kit!

Here’s what to pack in your kit:
For Kids & Babies:
-Infant or child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
-Thermometer
-Diaper cream (for unexpected rashes)
-Nasal aspirator + saline spray
-Bandaids (bonus: get fun ones!)

For the Whole Family:
-Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
-Hydrocortisone cream (for bites, rashes)
-Antiseptic wipes
-Tweezers (for splinters or ticks)
-Aloe vera gel (for sunburn)
-Antihistamine (like Benadryl)
-Motion sickness relief (chewables or patches)
-Rehydration salts or electrolyte packs
-Digital thermometer
-Personal medications + copies of prescriptions

07/23/2025

Diaper rash happens—here’s how to help your baby feel better fast!

Causes:
• Wet or dirty diapers
• Sensitive skin
• Friction or new foods
• Yeast infections

Treatment Tips:
• Change diapers often
• Use fragrance-free wipes
• Let skin breathe (diaper-free time!)
• Apply a barrier cream
• Call your doctor if rash isn’t improving

You’re not alone. Diaper rash is common—and treatable.

07/15/2025

On these hot summer days hydration is more important than ever, for every age!

How Much Water Do I Really Need?

The amount of water each person needs depends on age, activity level, climate, and individual health needs—but here are general daily hydration guidelines:

Infants (0–6 months): Get all hydration from breastmilk or formula. No additional water needed unless advised by a doctor

Babies (6–12 months): Small amounts of water can be introduced (about 4–8 oz/day) but try to wait until your baby is 1 year old. Be sure to still continue giving breastmilk or formula at the recommended amount. Avoid replacing milk with water—hydration is still primarily from milk.

Children (1–8 years): 4–7 cups per day, including water, milk, and other fluids. Encourage water with snacks and after active play.

Tweens & Teens (9–18 years): Girls: 7–9 cups/day and boys: 8–11 cups/day. Needs go up with sports, heat, or growth spurts.

Adults (19–60 years): Women: 9 cups/day and men: 12–13 cups/day. Needs increase with exercise, heat, or illness

Older Adults (60+ years): Aim for at least 8–10 cups/day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aging reduces thirst cues, so sipping regularly is important

Quick tip: Fluids include water, milk, juice, soup, and hydrating foods like fruits and veggies. But water should be your number one go-to.

Find more information on hydration here: http://bit.ly/4kDUPlK

07/15/2025

We don't want to utter those words 😳, but it's already time to start planning for back-to-school season. Part of this planning is booking those physicals for sports or just general wellness.

Book today-> https://www.northwestfamilyclinics.com/

Northwest Family Clinics - 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.

07/03/2025

As we head into the weekend, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday! A friendly reminder that our main clinics will be closed on 7/4 and both of our urgent care clinics (Rogers and Crystal) will be open on 7/4 from 8am-12pm.

Saturday and Sunday will be normal urgent care hours:
Crystal: 8am-2pm
Rogers: 8am-12pm