Strep throat!!! We all know its symptoms pretty well. These can include headache, stomachache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (to name a few.) Over the past few months, it has been noted that cases of "Invasive Strep" are increasing at a rapid rate in Europe and the US. The strains of strep infection that cause scarlet fever are becoming increasingly prevalent.

The age group that this is most dangerous in babies under age 1, as the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause a lot of damage. Children under ten are the other age group that is most affected.

What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is a term for the rash that develops in patients with strep throat. This rash is caused by a toxin produce by the strep bacteria. The rash can look different in different kids, so it is very important to have "odd" rashes looked at by your medical provider. The strain of strep that causes Scarlet Fever has also been correlated with PANS/PANDAS.

What can we do?

The most important thing is to get your child in to be seen if they are showing symptoms of strep throat. We will do a rapid strep test in the office, and many times will send the throat swab off for a culture to make sure that our rapid results are accurate. If your child is put on antibiotics for strep infection, PLEASE make sure that they take their medication as prescribed, and that they finish the entire course of medication. With these "invasive" strains of strep, sometimes the child will need a penicillin injection in addition to oral antibiotics.

If left untreated, strep bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause toxic shock syndrome, meningitis or brain abscess, joint infections. Local complications include tonsil abscess, ear infections, sinus infections, and skin infections.
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If you think your child (or yourself) needs to be seen, please give our nurse line a call! We have same-day appointments available so you can avoid going to urgent care. If the symptoms pop up over the weekend, I don't recommend waiting until Monday to be seen-go to Urgent Care over the weekend.
All of this may sound pretty scary, but with antibiotic treatment, the infection will completely resolve without complications

Stay well
Sarah Lee, ARNP

​Doing anything outside of your child’s regular routine can be a bit overwhelming and stressful for both parent and child. There are ways to help prepare your child so the experience is more positive and successful. These techniques can be used to help prepare your child for anything new that they may be experiencing such as their first day of school, potty training, a procedure at a hospital or out-patient surgery center, dental visit, and more. These are 3 ways to help prep your child for a successful visit to IFM. 

• Talk to your child: About 2-3 days prior to your child’s appointment, let your child know that soon you will be taking them to visit IFM. Let them know that while they are there, they will meet with a provider (use the provider’s name if possible otherwise “doctor” is fine). In a simple but detailed language, give them an idea of what they can expect. For example you could say something like, “In 2 days mommy is going to take you to visit Ms. Kara at IFM. When we are there mommy will talk to Ms. Kara and you can too. Ms. Kara will want to know all about you, like how old you are, how tall you are, and how much you weigh. She may even use special tools to help her get to know you, like a stethoscope that listens to your heart beat, and a scale that tells her how much you weigh. While we are there Ms. Kara might take your temperature with a thermometer, just like mommy does at home. It shouldn’t hurt, but it's okay to feel a little nervous or scared, mommy will be with you the whole time. When we are done, you will get a lollipop and can play with the toys there while mommy finishes talking to Ms. Kara. Then we will go home. Do you have any questions?” 

Each day leading up to the appointment, repeat a similar conversation. On the way to the appointment, give one more reminder of what they can expect when they arrive at IFM. The more you talk and prepare them, the better they will feel going in. They may still be nervous, or even cry, and that is ok. Remind them that you are with them, they are safe, they are allowed to feel that way, and soon it will be over. 

• Role Play: It is a great idea to play with a toy doctor kit at home, so your child can make associations with the instruments they may encounter on their real life visit to IFM. During the play, let your child know the names of the instruments and how they are used. Some children may not want the instruments to touch them, that's ok you can use a doll or teddy bear instead to demonstrate. Encourage them to give you a check up. This is a great way to review parts of the body as well as teach them how to show compassion when someone is injured or sick. You may also want to take this opportunity to role play taking medicine, as this is something many children struggle with. Try using a doll and say something like this:Parent: “Dolly it is time to take your medicine.”

Dolly: “NO! I don’t want to take my medicine, it tastes yucky!”
Parent: “Oh, I understand that you don’t like the way this medicine tastes. It is important to take your medicine because it will help your body feel better. How about I give you your cup of water so you can take a big drink after you take your medicine?”
Dolly: “well, okay”
Parent: “Here you go,” (hands water cup to Dolly and then gives her the medicine. Dolly then takes a big drink of water)
Dolly: “That wasn’t so bad.”
Parent: “Great job! I knew you could do it!”

Sometimes a little encouragement goes a long way.

​Utilizing these 3 techniques together, can really make a big impact on how your child’s visit to IFM will go. We hope this will help you and your child enjoy your experience here at Integrative Family Medicine, we look forward to your visit! 

As we usher in the New Year, it's important to remember that every day is an opportunity to improve yourself. So many of us make resolutions at this time of year—and while they're great and all, they can be hard to keep up with. Instead of just resolving to get more exercise or work on your finances, why not resolve to improve your mental health?

Here are some tips for starting off your year right:

1. Make a list of things you want to do for yourself. This could include taking time for self-care activities like reading a book or meditating, or even just giving yourself permission to take breaks from your workday and relax!
2. Find some ways to be more social this winter season (yes, there will be plenty of time for hibernating later). Plan some events with friends or family members, or go out by yourself once in awhile. You'll feel less lonely and more connected when you do so.
3. Take time each day to meditate and relax your mind. This will help you focus on what you want out of life, rather than being distracted by other things that might be going on around you.
4. Find ways to exercise regularly (even if it's just walking). Exercise can reduce stress levels and help you sleep better at night, which will in turn help reduce anxiety levels as well.
5. Make time each day for fun activities like reading or painting—whatever it may be that makes you happy! It's important not only for self-care purposes but also because it helps keep your mind healthy so that when it comes time do something else (like studying), it won't feel like such an uphill battle

You can book an appointment with our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners today.  Let us help you be at your best in 2023

Dr. Justin Janss   https://www.integrativemediowa.com/justin.html
Dr. Danielle Fitch  https://www.integrativemediowa.com/danielle.html​

​When it comes to those three little words with a great big meaning, how comfortable are you verbalizing them to a friend, a spouse, or even your own child? Many of us struggle to say the words even if we are feeling them. I am here to tell you that the importance of actually verbally saying to your child, “I love you,” is great. In this blog we will look at the why and the how of saying I Love You. 

Research shows that children who feel a strong sense of acceptance and love at home, are more likely to develop a positive self-esteem. Having a positive self-esteem has many benefits such as: positive body image, healthy relationship with food, better social relationships, more success at school and work, and improved mental and physical health. Forming a positive self-esteem as a child will lead into adulthood, and ensure an overall happier more successful life for your child. 

So that’s the why, but what about the how? How do we incorporate saying and showing love to our child when that is not the norm for us? If you are like me (and many of us out there) I did not grow up in a particularly affectionate family. I knew I was loved but the words were not often spoken. I have found ways to incorporate the words into my child's everyday routine. For example, when my daughter wakes up I take two minutes to snuggle with her and tell her I love her. I tell her how she makes me feel so happy, and the best part of my day is spending time with her. This two minute interaction starts both of our days off with love. It fills our cups, and we are ready to start our day and tackle whatever comes our way.

So I encourage you to bring the “I Love You” into your everyday conversations with your children. Show them love by giving them quality time, listening to them, and being silly. Give them examples of healthy loving relationships, with friends, family, and your partner. All of this will build trust between you both, promote a positive self-esteem, and even release some good serotonin. 

Here at Integrative Family Medicine, we love that you have become a part of our family. This practice was created to spread love and healing, and provide the care you deserve! Thank you for being a part of our story!