WholeHealth Medical

06/18/2026

Here's your reminder!

06/17/2026

Drinks can spike blood sugar and increase risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, doctors say.

Dirty sodas combine soft drinks with syrups, creamers and fruit juices, delivering up to 400 calories and 70 grams of sugar per drink, doctors warn.

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

! Bridget Vaughn FNP

Bridget Vaughn is a nurse practitioner in Charlottesville, Virginia. Meet her and the WholeHealth Medical team and schedule an appointment.

06/12/2026

Check out this new article by Dr. Nicole Jensen on RSV!

To Prevent RSV in Infants Vaccinate the Momshttps://www.ebsco.com/clinical-decisions/dynamed-solutions/about/ebm-focus/prevent-rsv-infants-vaccinate-moms

06/11/2026

You let them stay up "just this once." A family event. A late movie. A weekend with no rules. It feels harmless.

Their body disagrees.

Deep sleep is when the body does its most important repair work. Growth hormone is released almost exclusively during slow wave sleep, which happens in the first few hours after falling asleep. Pushing bedtime later cuts that window short. The body simply does not have enough time to finish the job.

The consequences show up fast. A tired child is not just sleepy. They are irritable, impulsive, and emotionally explosive. The prefrontal cortex, which controls behavior and decision making, is highly sensitive to sleep loss. Without enough rest, a child cannot regulate their emotions or think clearly. That is not bad behavior. That is a brain running on empty.

Physical growth suffers too. Growth hormone is released in pulses during deep sleep. Children with consistently late bedtimes have been shown to have lower growth hormone secretion, which can affect height and muscle development over time.

The immune system takes a hit as well. Sleep deprived children get sick more often and take longer to recover. Cytokines, the proteins that fight infection, are produced during sleep. Missing that window leaves the body vulnerable.

Here is what parents can do. Set a consistent bedtime, even on weekends. The body craves routine. Create a wind down period with no screens at least one hour before sleep. Blue light delays melatonin production. Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Watch for signs of sleep deprivation. Waking up groggy, falling asleep during car rides, and sudden mood swings are all red flags.

One late night will not ruin your child. But a pattern of late nights will. Their body is building itself while they sleep. Do not let the clock steal that time.

06/10/2026

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and is usually found at advanced stages. An oncologist shares possible signs and when to see a doctor.

06/08/2026

Taking a GLP-1 and not sure how to keep the weight off? Learn what works and what to avoid from an endocrinologist.

06/05/2026

https://www.myprivia.com/wholehealthmedical

06/04/2026

are a real concern. Learn more https://www.myprivia.com/wholehealthmedical/news/important-measles-announcement