North Polk Family Medicine

10/28/2025

There was a huge turn out for the Trunk or Treat on the square. It was great seeing so many of you!

10/24/2025

Come join us on the Square on Sunday!

10/14/2025

The clinic is ready for Halloween!

09/30/2025

09/09/2025

Falls in Older Adults: A Serious Risk
41,000 people over the age of 65 died from falls last year.
More older adults die from falls than from breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Medications are one of the biggest risks for falls.
Medications that increase fall risk:
Benzodiazepines (used for anxiety, sleep, etc.)
Opioids (pain medicines)
Older antidepressants
Anticholinergic medications (like Benadryl)
Muscle relaxants
If you or a loved one takes these medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about safer options and ways to reduce fall risk.

09/01/2025

Lyme Disease Awareness
Although Iowa is on the western and southern edge of Lyme disease territory, the number of cases has grown greatly in the last 10 years.
Protect yourself from ticks:
• Apply an effective tick repellent (such as DEET).
• Wear light-colored, protective clothing with long sleeves and pants.
• Tuck pant legs into socks when outdoors.
• After yard work, hunting, hiking, or camping, thoroughly check yourself for ticks.
If you find a tick:
• Remove it right away and save it for identification.
• Watch for flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, fatigue) or a bullseye-shaped rash.
Treatment and prevention:
• Lyme disease is treatable.
• A single dose of antibiotic can prevent infection after a known deer tick bite (before symptoms appear).
• If you develop symptoms, testing and a longer course of antibiotics may be required.

07/24/2025

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕕𝕒𝕪
Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) State Softball - 4A Title Game
🆚Pella
📍Fort Dodge, IA
🏟️Harlan Rodgers
🕔5pm
🎟️ $15 shorturl.at/6oifv
📺 http://bit.ly/40zSjpv
Comet Nation, we will have a sendoff today at 1 p.m. by the new field entrance, come cheer them on!

07/14/2025

As you may know, I had knee surgery last week, which means our appointment schedule will be limited for the next couple of weeks. Nonetheless, we will stay on top of refills and be available to discuss any concerns you may have by phone through the clinic.

06/25/2025

Are You Salting Your Food Too Much?

A recent study in the European Journal of Nutrition found that frequently adding salt to your food can increase your risk for Fatty Liver Disease — a condition that’s rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Need help managing your health? Call North Polk Family Medicine at (515) 984-6426 to schedule a check-up.