Northwest Family Clinics

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.

Lowering your blood pressure doesn’t mean overhauling your life. Start small with these heart-healthy habits:-Add one ex...
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.

Winter air can be tough on little ones. Here’s how to prevent chapped lips, bloody noses, and dry skin:-Use a cool-mist ...
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.

Eating well during pregnancy doesn’t have to break the bank—even in winter.Here’s how to stretch your grocery budget whi...
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.

Is it teething or an ear infection?Here’s how may be able to tell the difference:-Teething signs: swollen gums, drooling...
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.

We’re Jumping into Freezing Water for a Great Cause—And You Can Help! On February 7th, a brave crew from Northwest Famil...
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.

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.-Tee...
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.

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

Winter Joint Pain? Here's What to Know:-Cold weather reduces circulation, which can stiffen joints-Arthritis tends to wo...
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.

Feeling nervous for your first mammogram? Let us ease some of that stress by breaking down more information on mammogram...
01/11/2026

Feeling nervous for your first mammogram? Let us ease some of that stress by breaking down more information on mammograms and what to expect:

Purpose: find breast changes early, when treatment works best

When to start: depends on age and risk; ask your clinician about your timing and schedule

What happens: quick imaging while the breast is compressed for clear pictures; mild pressure is normal

Prep tips: avoid deodorant or powders on exam day, wear a two-piece outfit, bring prior images if available

After: results timing and follow-up explained by your care team

We are here for you every step of the way and always feel free to ask any and all questions!

Winter leaving you feeling unusually tired? You are definitely not alone, up to 48% of people report feeling more tired ...
01/08/2026

Winter leaving you feeling unusually tired? You are definitely not alone, up to 48% of people report feeling more tired during the winter months.

Why winter fatigue hits
-Less daylight disrupts circadian rhythm
-Dry air, indoor germs, travel, sugar/alcohol swings
-Skipped movement and irregular sleep

Help beat the winter fatigue with a few simple tips:
-Have a consistent bedtime and wake time,
-Try to get exposure to morning light, even if it is an artificial light like a Happy Light
-Plan for protein at breakfast
-Stay hydrated, this one can be tough in the winter so try opting for warm lemon water throughout the day to stay warm and hydrated
-Take short movement breaks where you pace a bit, stretch, etc.
-Do your best to limit caffeine, especially doing your best to avoid it after noon.
Remember your daily vitamin D

If fatigue lasts 2+ weeks or impacts life, let’s talk.

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

Seasonal Affective Disorder BasicsShort winter days can disrupt your body clock and lower serotonin, leading to low mood...
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.

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

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Northwest Family Clinics

We are not just a “Doctor’s Office”, we are a clinic that truly values family. We seek to treat patients, not illnesses. We have a family first approach, and take the time to get to know each and every one of our patients. 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.