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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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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.

01/06/2026

Do you feel like your child’s cough lasts forever? You are not alone. Here are two common cough myths, busted.

Myth: A cough that lasts more than a week always needs antibiotics.
Fact: Most lingering coughs are post-viral or due to drip from the nose. Antibiotics only help bacterial infections like some sinus or ear infections. Meaning, even if a cough lasts over a week you may not need antibiotics.

Myth: Night cough means the lungs are infected.
Fact: At night, drainage triggers cough. For some kids, it also unmasks asthma. It is actually very common to see cough worsen at night. An easy tip to improve this is to try sleeping in a more upright position.

When a cough is lingering here are a few things to watch out for:
-Difficulty breathing - Call 911
-Blue lips/face - Call 911
-Fever over 72 hours
-Dehydration
-A cough that worsens after initial improvement

If experiencing any of these symptoms it is time to see a doctor.

01/05/2026

Seasonal Affective Disorder Basics

Short winter days can disrupt your body clock and lower serotonin, leading to low mood, low energy, oversleeping, and carb cravings. A short morning routine can help reset your circadian rhythm and lift energy.

A 10-minute SAD-fighting routine:

Bright light right after waking
Use a 10,000-lux light box, positioned about 16–24 inches from your face. Keep eyes open but don’t stare into the light. Start with 10 minutes most mornings and work up to 20–30 minutes if helpful. Avoid using it late afternoon or evening so it doesn’t delay sleep. If you have light sensitivity, retinal disease, bipolar disorder, or take photosensitizing meds, check with your clinician first.

Water plus protein
Rehydrate and steady blood sugar to reduce mid-morning crashes. Examples: Greek yogurt with berries, eggs and whole-grain toast, cottage cheese with fruit, or a protein smoothie.

5–10 minutes of movement
Light activity boosts alertness and mood. Options: brisk hallway laps, stairs, a few squats and wall push-ups, or a quick outdoor walk if footing is safe.

Maximize daylight
Open blinds immediately. Step outside for even 2–5 minutes of natural light; cloudy Minnesota mornings are still brighter than indoor lighting and help anchor your body clock.

Why this works
Morning bright light plus consistent wake time strengthens your sleep–wake rhythm, which can improve mood, energy, and focus within 1–2 weeks. Pairing light with hydration, protein, and brief movement stacks small gains.

When to reach out
If low mood, low energy, or withdrawal persist most days for 2+ weeks or interfere with daily life, we can help with a fuller plan: light therapy guidance, vitamin D discussion, therapy options, and medication when appropriate.

01/03/2026

Tis' the season for sniffles and coughs...but being pregnant and sick is an especially tough combo.

Here is what helps and what to watch for:
-Safe relief basics: rest, fluids, saline spray, humidifier, and honey for cough if not diabetic.
-Medication guidance changes by trimester: acetaminophen is first-line for fever, but always check with your doctor first - they know you and your growing baby best!
-Vaccines matter: flu and COVID in any trimester; maternal RSV at 32–36 weeks and 6 days during season.

Red flags – if you are experiencing any of the following you should contact your doctor asap:
-reduced fetal movement
-severe headache with vision changes
-breathing trouble
-chest pain
-persistent high fever
-feel worse after initial improvement

Remember, when in doubt talk to your doctor. We are here to help with any questions.

12/30/2025

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy new year! Please be sure to take a look at a our special hours for the holiday.

Rogers and Crystal
12/31: 9am-5pm
1/1 All Clinics Closed

Urgent Care
12/31: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
1/1: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

12/29/2025

Keep your winter baby cozy and safe. Here are few simple tips:

-Dressing rule: one more thin layer than you’re wearing; avoid overheating; breathable fabrics
-Car seat safety: remove puffy coats, use thin layers and warm blankets over harness after buckling, straps snug at armpit level
-Outdoor time: short, supervised outings on calm days; cover head, hands, and feet; watch skin and breathing
-Sleep safety: firm, flat surface, back to sleep, no loose blankets; use sleep sacks for warmth
-Moisture matters: run a clean cool-mist humidifier to 40–50 percent humidity

12/23/2025

Happy to holidays! Please see our special hours:

Clinic Hours
12/24: 8am-12pm
12/25 and 1/1 closed

Urgent Care Hours
12/24: 8am-4pm
12/25: 8am-12pm
12/31: 9am-8pm
1/1: 8am-12pm

11/26/2025

Just a friendly reminder, our main clinics will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but our Urgent Care clinics will be open 8am-12pm.

Wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2025

Flu season is here, and it's time to arm ourselves with knowledge!

Here are the key takeaways from our Influenza Resource Guide to help you and your family stay safe:

1. Know the Types: Influenza A and B are the most common types causing seasonal epidemics and are included in the annual flu vaccine. Influenza A can also cause pandemics.

2. How it Spreads: The flu spreads easily through droplets from coughs, sneezes, or even talking. It can also live on surfaces for hours!

3. Symptoms to Watch For: Sudden fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes nausea/vomiting (especially in kids) are common.

4. When to Seek Care: While most cases resolve at home, call your doctor or seek urgent care for fast/difficult breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, signs of dehydration, persistent high fever, or worsening chronic conditions.

5. Antivirals Can Help: If you're high-risk (infants, elderly, pregnant, chronic conditions) antivirals can shorten illness and reduce complications, especially if started within 48 hours of symptoms.

6. Prevention is Key:
-Wash hands frequently (20 seconds!).
-Cover coughs/sneezes into your elbow.
-Disinfect high-touch surfaces.
-Stay home when sick (fever-free for 24 hours without medication).
-Improve ventilation.
-Consider masking during peak season or around high-risk individuals.

7. Vaccinate: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine annually. It's the best prevention tool we have! Flu and COVID vaccines can be given on the same day.

Stay healthy out there! For more details, check out our full guide: https://www.northwestfamilyclinics.com/blog/influenza-resource-guide

11/22/2025

Boost Your Winter Immunity With 8 Simple Tips

Winter in Minnesota is long, but keeping your immune system strong doesn't have to be complicated! It's not about a magic pill, but a consistent approach to these key habits:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Adults need 7-9 hours, kids 9-12, teens 8-10. Sleep helps your body produce infection-fighting proteins!

2. Strategic Nutrition: Focus on whole foods, steady protein (palm-size for adults!), and two colors at lunch/dinner. Don't forget immune-supportive staples like garlic, mushrooms, and fermented foods. Hydration still counts!

3. Vitamin D & Smart Supplements: Many Minnesotans are low on Vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about testing or a safe daily dose. Zinc, probiotics, and multivitamins can also be helpful.

4. Move Your Body: Aim for 150 minutes each week, or 20-30 minutes most days. Even micro-bouts of activity boost immune function and mood!

5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress blunts immune response. Try two-minute resets, setting boundaries, and connecting with others.

6. Dial In Your Indoor Air: Dry air helps viruses spread. Use a cool-mist humidifier (40-50% humidity), crack a window, and use a HEPA purifier.

7. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Flu, COVID, RSV, Tdap, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness.

8. Germ-Smart Habits: Wash hands frequently (20 seconds!), use hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, cover coughs, and stay home when sick.

Remember, small, consistent habits make a big difference! Stay well this winter!

10/30/2025

One person sick = everyone sick in your household? Not necessarily.

Here’s how to stop illness from spreading through your household this season:

-Wash hands often – before meals, after tissues, and after touching shared surfaces.
-Open windows for fresh air—even just a crack in winter helps reduce germs.
- Disinfect high-touch areas (remotes, doorknobs, light switches) daily.
-Avoid sharing drinks, towels, or utensils—even between siblings.
-Create a “sick zone” for rest and recovery away from the rest of the family.
-Wear a mask if you’re caring for someone sick or if you're sick around others.
-Sanitize toys and comfort items—especially if you have babies or toddlers.

Sometimes, simple steps are the most effective.

10/30/2025

October is SIDS Awareness Month—a time to empower parents and caregivers with knowledge, not fear.
⁠
Here’s what you should know:
-SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age, often during sleep.
-The risk is highest between 1–4 months.
-The best defense? Safe sleep practices and breastfeeding.⁠

Safe Sleep Tips:
✔️ Always place baby on their back to sleep—naps and nighttime
✔️ Use a firm, flat sleep surface (crib, bassinet, or play yard)
✔️ Keep soft items out of the sleep space (no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys)
✔️ Share a room, not a bed—room-sharing is safer than bed-sharing
✔️ Dress baby in appropriate layers, not too warm

Need more peace of mind? Devices like monitors and movement trackers can offer reassurance, but safe sleep is what truly matters.

This month, let’s raise awareness and remind each other: little choices make a big difference. You’re doing an amazing job.

10/28/2025

Why do kids always seem to get sick the moment fall hits?

Here’s what’s really going on—and what parents can do to help:
- More germs, closer quarters. Back-to-school means more shared air, surfaces, and supplies.
- Immune systems playing catch-up. After a low-exposure summer, kids’ bodies need time to re-adapt.
- Less sun = less vitamin D. This key nutrient helps regulate immune response.
- Sleep schedules shift. Less sleep = lower immunity.
- Cooler, drier air. It dries out nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold.

What you can do:
-Feed immune-boosting foods like citrus, berries, yogurt, and leafy greens
-Keep water bottles full
-Reinforce handwashing after school and before meals
-Prioritize sleep—9–13 hours depending on age
- Get outside when the sun is shining
-Stay on top of flu shots and well visits

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean illness is inevitable. Small daily habits can make a big difference.

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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