Family Health Center of Sandpoint

08/11/2025

Welcome Dr. Lexi Johnson to Family Health Center! As a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) Dr. Johnson specializes in Osteopathic Manual Manipulation (OMM). This is a hands-on treatment technique designed to improve musculoskeletal pain from a variety of causes. Dr. Johnson will often use this in addition to traditional treatment plans (medications, physical therapy, etc) to help the body heal and recover from whatever the source of pain is. This is a non-invasive treatment and often Dr. Johnson will provide stretches or exercises to do at home after performing OMM specific to the dysfunction that she treats. While some techniques used are the same as chiropractic treatments, Dr. Johson also has a multitude of low-impact manipulation techniques that can be used that only DO’s can perform. Common problems that OMM may be able to help are neck pain, headaches and back pain.

10/14/2024

Oct is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Don't delay in getting your next Wellness Visit and review with your doctor what screenings you are due for. Call today! 208-263-1435.

Call now to connect with business.

07/01/2024

It is a great day at Family Health Center! Don't let the sun and upcoming holiday delay your next appointment. Call today!

06/27/2024

We are now scheduling appointments for Dr. Thurston for September! Call today to make your appointment! 208-263-1435
Dr. Thurston grew up in St. Maries, Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in anthropology before receiving his medical training through the University of Washington WWAMI program. He completed his family medicine training at the Kootenai Clinic Coeur d'Alene Family Medicine Residency. He enjoys taking care of people at all stages of life and helping people work towards a healthy lifestyle. In his free time, he enjoys running, biking, soccer, and skiing.

06/24/2024

We want to do our best to keep our patients informed about important changes in healthcare regulations. As of July 1, 2024, a new Idaho state law (Idaho code § 32-1015) requires parental consent before medical services can be provided to minors.

If your child has an upcoming appointment with FHC they must have a consent form signed in order to receive care.

For more information on what this law means for parents and minors please visithttps://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/S1329.pdf

We will be uploading the new required forms to our website soon.

12/21/2023

You’re running late. Your phone is ringing, and you can’t find it. Something you desperately need is upstairs while you’re downstairs.

12/20/2023

Our 2nd annual "employee appreciation breakfast" served by our very own physicians! A fun time was had by all and our employees love being served by the docs. Fun times!

07/31/2023

07/28/2023

Look before you lock! With high temperatures again this weekend, remember that leaving kids and pets in a hot car, even for a short time, can be very dangerous.

Understanding the Physiology of Heat:
A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than adults. Heatstroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees, with imminent death for children when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees.

The Hazards of Hot Vehicles:
Within 30 minutes, a car can heat up by 40 degrees and become deadly: a mild 75 degrees outside will raise the temperature in a sealed car to 105 degrees in 30 minutes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Idaho’s Vulnerable Populations:
Both children and the elderly population are more susceptible to heat-related injuries when left unattended in vehicles. These vulnerable populations may have underlying health conditions and impaired/immature thermoregulatory mechanisms to regulate
heat quickly. In addition, both populations may struggle with the ability to communicate their discomfort or potentially escape from dangerous situations.

Recognizing the Warning Signs:
The warning signs include excessive sweating, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, and flushed, cool, clammy, or pale skin.

Prevention is Key:
When routines change, the risk is the greatest of forgetting there is someone in the back seat. Visual cues are essential to help remember that there is a passenger in the back seat (like a sleeping child). Place a personal item in the backseat to remember to look before you lock. Place a personal written note or a stuffed animal in the passenger seat to remind the driver that there is a person in the back seat. When the vehicle is parked and not in use, keep the doors locked and keys out of reach so that curious children can’t enter an unattended vehicle as part of their play.

Credit: National Health Transportation Safety Administration, National Security Council Injury Facts.

07/04/2023

We will be closed on 7/4/23 in observance of Fourth of July. Office will be back open on Wednesday, 7/5/23. Please stay safe and enjoy the fireworks!

06/20/2023

All people with diabetes should have retinal screening done once yearly. At Family Health Center we have a retinal scanner and it will be done in 5 minutes during your regular diabetes check up when you are due.

A study led by the CDC shows that 26% of US residents with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy and 5% had vision-threatening retinopathy in 2021.

06/17/2023

We hope all DADS have a fun, relaxing and memorable Father's Day! From the team at Family Health Center.