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.

One person sick = everyone sick in your household? Not necessarily. Here’s how to stop illness from spreading through yo...
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.

October is SIDS Awareness Month—a time to empower parents and caregivers with knowledge, not fear. ⁠ Here’s what you sho...
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.

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: ...
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.

Tummy time is so much more than just baby exercise—it's the foundation for rolling, crawling, sitting, and more! Here’s ...
10/12/2025

Tummy time is so much more than just baby exercise—it's the foundation for rolling, crawling, sitting, and more! Here’s what you need to know:
- It builds strength in your baby’s neck, arms, shoulders, and back
- Supports motor development and prevents flat spots on the head
- Start from day one—just a few minutes at a time is perfect

If your baby hates it? You’re not alone. Try:
– Chest-to-chest tummy time with you
– Face-to-face encouragement
– Tummy time pillows for support
– Mirrors and toys to entertain
– Breaking it into short sessions throughout the day
-Tummy-down holding or lap lying (one of our personal favorites)

Stick with it—you’re helping your little one build confidence and coordination. You’ve got this, mama 💗

Your yearly check-up isn’t just routine—it’s your chance to get answers. Consider asking these:1. Are my screenings up t...
09/29/2025

Your yearly check-up isn’t just routine—it’s your chance to get answers. Consider asking these:

1. Are my screenings up to date?
2. What’s my blood pressure and cholesterol looking like?
3. Is my weight in a healthy range?
4. How’s my mental health?
5. Are these symptoms I’m having normal?
6. Should I get any vaccines?
7. What can I do to improve my sleep?
8. Do I need to change or adjust my medications?
9. How’s my reproductive or sexual health?
10. What health goals should I focus on this year?

Bring a list. No question is too small—and we’re here to partner with you, not just check boxes.

Itchy head? Don’t panic—it might be lice, and you’ve got this.Here’s what to know:-Lice aren’t dangerous, but they’re co...
09/26/2025

Itchy head? Don’t panic—it might be lice, and you’ve got this.

Here’s what to know:
-Lice aren’t dangerous, but they’re contagious and annoying.
-Itching is the #1 symptom—but not everyone itches!
-Check behind the ears and at the nape of the neck for nits (tiny white eggs that stick to hair).
-Use an over-the-counter lice shampoo and follow it up with a fine-tooth comb.
-Wash all bedding and hats, and bag non-washables for 48 hours.
-Lice don’t live long off the scalp, so you don’t need to disinfect your entire house.

No shame—most families deal with this at least once. If the lice come back, call your provider for next steps.

Allergies aren’t just a spring thing! Here’s what to know as the leaves (and pollen counts) change:-Ragweed is the  #1 c...
09/24/2025

Allergies aren’t just a spring thing! Here’s what to know as the leaves (and pollen counts) change:
-Ragweed is the #1 culprit. It peaks in September and can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.
-Mold spores love damp leaves and cool weather. Fall cleanups help!
-Dust from schools reopening can also stir things up.

What helps:
-Shower and change after outdoor play
-Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours
-Use a HEPA filter indoors
-Start allergy meds early in the season

If symptoms stick around or interfere with sleep or school—talk to your provider about treatment options.

School, sports, friends, pressure. Teen life is A LOT. Here’s how to support their mental health this year:Routine matte...
09/22/2025

School, sports, friends, pressure. Teen life is A LOT. Here’s how to support their mental health this year:

Routine matters: Sleep, meals, screen time boundaries—these help regulate mood.
Listen without fixing: Create space for your teen to vent, without jumping in with solutions.
Watch for changes: Notice shifts in sleep, energy, schoolwork, or social habits.
Encourage breaks: Overbooked teens need rest and unstructured time too.
Don’t wait: If you’re concerned, reach out. Family doctors can be a first stop for mental health support.

You don’t have to do it alone—we’re here to help, judgment-free.

Pregnancy can be beautiful—and super uncomfortable. Let’s decode some of the most common discomforts and how to actually...
09/18/2025

Pregnancy can be beautiful—and super uncomfortable. Let’s decode some of the most common discomforts and how to actually feel better:

Heartburn: Avoid spicy foods and eat small, frequent meals. Avoid overeating. Try sleeping with your head elevated.
Swelling: Elevate your feet, wear supportive shoes, and stay hydrated.
Back pain: Belly support bands and prenatal yoga can be lifesavers.
Constipation: Fiber, fluids, and gentle walks can help keep things moving.
Insomnia: Try a warm shower, calming music, and a body pillow for better sleep.

Every body is different—if something feels off, always ask your doctor. But most discomforts are totally normal (even if they’re not fun).

Noticing your baby’s tummy sounds like a tiny marching band? Totally normal. Here’s what’s actually okay when it comes t...
09/16/2025

Noticing your baby’s tummy sounds like a tiny marching band? Totally normal.

Here’s what’s actually okay when it comes to baby digestion:
Gas: Their digestive system is still maturing. Gas is common, especially if they’re bottle-fed or gulping air while nursing.
Grunting: This doesn't always mean pain—it’s often just effort! Babies have to learn how to p**p lying down.
Gurgles: You’ll hear a lot of movement and bubbling. As long as Baby’s eating, p**ping, and gaining weight—relax.

Signs it’s normal: soft belly, steady weight gain, regular (even if noisy!) p**ps.

Call your provider if: your baby has a hard, distended belly, severe discomfort, vomiting, or blood in their stool.

You’ve got this—those weird little noises are part of growing up.

Just a friendly reminder of our special Labor Day hours, our main clinics will be closed, but both urgent care clinics w...
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.

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

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.