Thrive Blog

Many parents know all too well that ear infections are common in young children. Ear infections occur when fluid builds up and beomes infected in the middle part of the ear behind the ear drum. They often happen after a cold or virus.

During the winter months, ear infections in children are common. They often occur after a cold or virus. Fluid can build up in the middle part of the ear behind the ear drum, become infected and decrease hearing.   

Up to 3.5 billion people, almost half of the world’s population, lack access to health services reports the World Health Organization.  In response to this great need, Mankato Clinic physicians, practitioners and nurses go on medical mission trips to care for people. They travel to Africa, Central America, Mexico and other locations.   

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This is regardless of a person’s skin color, age, or gender. When caught early most skin cancers are highly treatable. 

Did you know that the CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes? If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by half.

Meal and snack times do not have to be a battle or a compromise of nutrition. Showing kids how to create a balanced plate is a great way to help foster lifelong habits.

Children grow and develop exponentially in the first years of life. That’s why it’s so important to attend regular well-child exams. In the early years, we see them a lot – 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months, 2 years, 2.5 years and 3 years old.

I love baking in the fall. The smell of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom are so nostalgic, and pumpkin is a must! I love a heartier muffin for snack time.