Cimarron Family Practice

09/08/2026

Is this joint pain just “wear and tear” — or could it be something more?

Not all arthritis is the same, and an X-ray doesn’t always tell the whole story. In this week’s Montrose Mirror, I look at some of the clues that can help distinguish osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis — including what your morning stiffness can tell you.

If aching joints have you wondering what’s normal and what’s worth getting checked, have a read 👇

https://www.montrosemirror.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MM706.pdf =41

09/02/2026

⭐ I realized today that Cimarron Family Practice has received 30 Google reviews in the four months since I opened the doors — and I’m incredibly grateful that every one has been 5 stars. ⭐

What means the most, though, is reading the comments people have taken the time to write. Again and again, people mention feeling listened to, having enough time, not feeling rushed, and feeling genuinely cared for — which is exactly what I hoped to create when I started this little practice.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported Cimarron Family Practice during these first four months. I’m very grateful to be doing this here in Montrose.

⭐ If you’d like to read some of the reviews:

★★★★★ · Medical office

08/18/2026

A lovely little surprise today.

These beautiful flowers were brought in by a new patient from her garden this afternoon. Such a thoughtful gesture — and they’ve brightened up my office perfectly! (And match my yellow accent color scheme!⭐)

Feeling very lucky to have such lovely people finding their way to Cimarron Family Practice. 🌼

08/10/2026

Last week I shared a short video explaining the three ways salt raises blood pressure. I've now combined that video with a more detailed article covering salt sensitivity, Himalayan salt, the DASH diet, and practical ways to reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor.

If you've ever wondered how much salt is too much, or if there are any groups who shouldn't reduce their salt (spoiler: yes, there are!), I hope you'll find it helpful:

Originally written by Dr Stephens for Kinetik Wellbeing . Diets that are high in salt increase the risk of having high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause strokes , heart disease (including heart attacks) and kidney disease . If you have hypertension (the medical diagn

08/06/2026

Did you know that the sodium from the 'marketed as healthy' organic, pink Himalayan salt is just as bad for your blood pressure as the sodium from the cheapest white table salt? 3 in 4 adults are sensitive to salt - here's how it increases blood pressure.

07/27/2026

It's definitely official, now!

My sign is now up on the building, so I thought I'd share a few photos for anyone who hasn't been by yet.

If you're coming to see me, Cimarron Family Practice is on the 2nd floor of the Milestone building in Montrose. The entrance is on the south side of the building, and once you're on the second floor, just walk straight down the hallway—my office is just after the Men's Room on the right.

Opening this practice has been one of the biggest projects I've ever taken on, and seeing the sign go up was one of those moments that made it all feel a little more real.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far—whether you've become a patient, shared a post, recommended the practice to a friend, or simply cheered me on. It means more than you know. ❤️

07/13/2026

Lots of people found last week's article helpful, so with the CO Dept of Public Health issuing a heat warning a few days ago, I thought I'd put together another one. This time it's all about staying safe during what's expected to be an especially hot Colorado summer.

If there are any health topics you'd like me to cover in future articles, please let me know in the comments!

‍Summer 2026 in Colorado is predicted to be even hotter than normal, and our first major heat-wave is already underway. The record-low precipitation we’ve had last winter also increases the risk of fires (as we’re experiencing now) and the knock-on effect on air quality can make things even mo...

07/06/2026

I've put together a short article explaining how wildfire smoke affects us, who is most at risk, how to protect yourself, and when it's time to seek medical advice.

You can read it here: https://www.cimarronfamilypractice.com/blog/wildfire-smoke-looking-after-your-health-during-fire-season

Please feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit.

*Update:* This article will also be appearing in today's online edition of the Montrose Mirror.

Originally written by Dr Stephens for the Montrose Mirror 7/6/26. ‍ As I write this, the Gold Mountain Fire has grown to over 18,000 acres, and the acrid smell of smoke feels impossible to escape. Even though most of us are many miles from the fire itself, wildfire smoke can still have a signific

06/25/2026

I'm honored to be featured in the Summer 2026 edition of *Spoke + Blossom* alongside other Direct Primary Care physicians on Colorado's Western Slope.

The article explores what Direct Primary Care is, why more physicians are choosing this model, and why I decided to open Cimarron Family Practice.

Many thanks to Kylea Henseler for taking the time to learn about my practice and to everyone at *Spoke + Blossom* for featuring this growing movement in primary care.

Read it here:

After a decade working in an insurance-based practice, Gustafson started Appleton Clinics in Grand Junction in 2014, one of the first direct primary care (DPC) practices in Western Colorado. Now, there are plenty to choose from.

06/22/2026

A peek inside of the office, in case anyone is interested! Fortunately for the plants, there is a special reservoir system that I can fill up just once a month to keep them happy (I am much better at looking after people and labradors than houseplants!)