Mt. Spokane Pediatrics

12/31/2025

12/22/2025

Some of our adorable patients were checking out the new addition to our holiday waiting room!

12/19/2025

Sometimes the holidays can feel like they’re only for children. In the rush to make magic for everyone else, parents often get overlooked. And yet, this season can place an extraordinary amount of pressure on them. Family obligations stack up. Expectations grow loud. Finances stretch thin. Even joyful moments can come with a heavy price tag.
That stress doesn’t always announce itself politely. It can show up as irritability, exhaustion, anxiety, restless sleep, or physical symptoms like tension, headaches, or an unsettled stomach.
Comparison is the thief of joy—especially this time of year. Focus on what actually matters to you. Set realistic financial limits and protect your peace. Some of the best holiday memories cost very little: a big bowl of popcorn, a cozy movie, time together without the noise.
Talk with your loved ones. Say no when you need to. Being overwhelmed is not a moral failing. Find a system—paper, digital, messy but functional—to keep life from spilling over.
Your body deserves care, too. Enjoy the treats, but don’t forget fresh, nourishing foods. Gentle movement counts. Sleep is not optional; it’s foundational.
When you take care of yourself, you’re not being selfish. You’re showing up whole—and that’s the greatest gift you can bring to the season.

To Read More:
https://mhanational.org/blog/navigating-holiday-stress-parents-5-learnings-mental-health-america-and-arizona-state/
https://parentingnow.org/managing-parenting-stress-over-the-holidays/

12/17/2025

Our annual holiday party this year was a simple, fun night at the roller rink. Employees, their families, and lots of kids filled the space with laughter, music, and plenty of movement.

It was great to spend time together outside the clinic, connect with one another, and celebrate the season in a relaxed, family-friendly way. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make it a nice night for all.

12/15/2025

Flu season isn’t just one virus—there are actually four types, but Flu A and Flu B are the ones we run into most.

Flu A is the heavyweight: more common, hits adults harder, mutates more, and usually peaks in fall and early winter. It often feels rougher and can leave a lingering cough or congestion for up to two weeks.

Flu B sticks strictly to humans, spreads more quietly, and tends to show up later—late winter into early spring.

Both can bring body aches, chills, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and a stubborn cough. And yes, it’s possible to have both at once.

The care is the same: plenty of rest, steady hydration, and supportive treatment. Most people bounce back in 3–7 days.

Sources:
https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/flu-a-vs-flu-b-which-is-worse

https://uoflhealth.org/articles/are-there-differences-between-flu-a-and-flu-b/

https://www.ncoa.org/article/whats-the-difference-between-flu-a-and-flu-b/

12/12/2025

Spokane is bursting with winter magic this weekend, and we pulled together a few kid-friendly events to help get everyone out of the house and into the fun. Know another cool family event happening around town? Feel free to drop the link below!

12/10/2025

Our office is full of holiday cheer, and we hope your season is off to a bright start. A quick reminder that our holiday hours will differ from our regular schedule. If you need medication refills, forms, or paperwork, please plan ahead so we can help you without delay.
Thank you for trusting us with your care—stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season.

12/08/2025

When the Light Fades, So Can Our Mood
Seasonal Affective Disorder—or SAD—is a form of depression that follows the seasons, most often showing up in fall and winter when daylight thins and we spend more time indoors. It often begins in the early 20s, but kids and teens can experience it too.
SAD doesn’t always look like classic sadness. It can show up as social withdrawal, loss of interest in once-favorite activities, carb cravings, low energy, weight gain, oversleeping, and a deep sense of heaviness or fatigue. The key clue is the pattern: symptoms that rise and fall with the calendar.
Researchers believe SAD is linked to disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm—our internal sleep-wake clock—triggered by reduced light. Less light in, less balance inside.
What Helps
Treatment depends on severity and may include more daylight exposure, light therapy with a medical-grade light box, talk therapy (especially CBT), and sometimes medication. For mild cases, simply getting outside each day can make a real difference. Light still works quietly, even in winter.
How Parents Can Support Kids and Teens
Consistency is the anchor here. Encourage outdoor movement. Keep sleep schedules steady. Offer nutrient-dense foods instead of letting sugar run the menu. Be patient with school performance. Spend low-pressure time together. And most of all—talk about it. Naming the struggle shrinks it.
SAD is real, it’s seasonal, and it’s treatable. Winter may pull the curtain early—but it doesn’t get the final word.
To Learn More (Trusted Sources):
• Child Mind Institute – Seasonal Affective Disorder
https://childmind.org/article/seasonal-affective-disorder/
• KidsHealth – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sad.html
• HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) – Winter Blues & SAD
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Winter-Blues-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Depression.aspx

12/05/2025

These local holiday events are kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and full of cheer. What are your families up to this frosty season?

12/03/2025

Sleep plays a critical role in growth, behavior, and overall health at every age. These are the recommended sleep ranges to support your child’s well-being. If sleep is a concern, our team is here to help.

Learn more:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html