Grove Family Care

09/04/2026

🦠 MONO: What You Should Know

Infectious mononucleosis (“mono”) is a common illness caused most often by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is sometimes called the “kissing disease” because EBV can spread through saliva.

🤒 Common Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
• Fever
• Headache and body aches
• Decreased appetite
• Sometimes an enlarged spleen or liver

🩺 How Is Mono Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may consider your symptoms and exam findings and may order blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

💧 Treatment

There is no specific antibiotic treatment for mono because it is caused by a virus.

Treatment generally focuses on:
✔️ Plenty of rest
✔️ Good hydration
✔️ Adequate nutrition
✔️ Medications for fever/pain when appropriate

⚠️ Important: Avoid contact sports and strenuous activity until your healthcare provider says it is safe. Mono can enlarge the spleen, increasing the risk of a potentially serious spleen injury.

🚨 When to Seek Medical Care

Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain (especially upper-left abdominal pain), difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe weakness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms.

💡 Remember: Recovery can take time. Fatigue may continue even after other symptoms improve.

Have questions about mono or lingering fatigue? Talk with your primary care provider.

09/03/2026

As we head into the long holiday weekend, we encourage our patients to take a few minutes to make sure all prescriptions are filled and any healthcare needs are taken care of before the clinic closes.

💊 Check your medications and request refills
📋 Make sure you have everything you need for the weekend
📞 Contact our office with any questions or concerns before we close

We want you and your family to enjoy the long weekend healthy, safe, and stress-free! ❤️

Please plan ahead, and don’t wait until the last minute for medication refills or other routine healthcare needs.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend! 🇺🇸

09/02/2026

✝️♥️

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

💙 Testicular Self-Awareness: Know What’s Normal for You

Testicular self-awareness means understanding what is normal for your body so you can recognize changes and discuss them with a healthcare provider when needed.

Many testicular changes are caused by conditions other than cancer, but noticing changes early is an important part of protecting your health.

👀 What to Pay Attention To:

✅ A new lump, bump, or hard area on the testicle
✅ Changes in testicle size, shape, or firmness
✅ Swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the sc***um
✅ A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
✅ Persistent pain or discomfort
✅ A sudden change that feels unusual for you

💡 How to Practice Testicular Self-Awareness:

🌿 Become familiar with what is normal for your body
🌿 Pay attention to changes over time
🌿 Perform routine checks when relaxed, such as after a warm shower
🌿 Contact a healthcare provider if you notice something new or concerning

🩺 When to Seek Urgent Care:

🚨 Sudden, severe testicular pain
🚨 Rapid swelling
🚨 Nausea or vomiting with testicular pain

These symptoms can be a sign of an emergency and should be evaluated quickly.

💙 Knowing your body is a powerful tool in protecting your health. Don’t ignore changes — speak up and get checked.

08/30/2026

Three of the girls were able to get away this week for some team bonding in Port St. Joe, FL! They are feeling well rested and ready to care for the community when they return.

The clinic will be open during normal hours this week; Monday-Friday 8A-5P.

Call or schedule online for appointments!

08/28/2026

🎀 Breast Self-Awareness: Know What’s Normal for You

Breast self-awareness means becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize changes and discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Early detection and regular healthcare visits are important parts of breast health. 💗

👀 What to Pay Attention To:

✅ Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
✅ A new lump, thickening, or firm area
✅ Changes in the skin (dimpling, redness, swelling, or irritation)
✅ Ni**le changes, including new discharge or inversion
✅ Persistent breast pain or discomfort that is new or unusual

💡 How to Practice Breast Self-Awareness:

🌸 Notice how your breasts normally look and feel
🌸 Be aware of changes throughout your menstrual cycle
🌸 Report any concerning changes to your healthcare provider
🌸 Keep up with recommended breast screenings based on your age and risk factors

🩺 Remember:

Most breast changes are not cancer, but any new or unusual change deserves attention.

You are the expert on your own body. If something feels different, don’t ignore it — speak with your healthcare provider. 💕

🎀 Know your normal. Know your options. Take care of your health.

08/24/2026

🎒📚 Back-to-School Reminders for Parents! ✏️

A new school year brings excitement, new routines, and new opportunities to build healthy habits. Here are a few reminders to help your child start the year strong!

🩺 Schedule Health Checkups:

✅ Make sure annual wellness visits are up to date
✅ Complete required school physicals and sports exams
✅ Review vaccines and update records if needed
✅ Discuss any health concerns, medications, or allergies with your child’s healthcare provider

😴 Reset Healthy Routines:

✅ Re-establish consistent bedtimes and wake-up schedules
✅ Aim for age-appropriate sleep each night
✅ Create a calm morning routine to reduce stress

🍎 Pack for Success:

✅ Encourage balanced breakfasts and nutritious lunches
✅ Pack healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle
✅ Teach children proper handwashing and food safety habits

🎒 Backpack & School Safety:

✅ Choose a backpack that fits properly
✅ Pack only what is needed to avoid excessive weight
✅ Teach safe travel habits — walking, biking, or riding the bus
✅ Review emergency contacts and important health information

💙 Support Mental Health:

✅ Ask your child how they are feeling about the school year
✅ Encourage open conversations about worries or stress
✅ Remind them it’s okay to ask for help

🌟 A healthy school year starts with preparation, support, and connection.

Wishing all students, families, and teachers a safe and successful school year! 🍎

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

🍎 Food Safety Starts Before the First Bite!🧼

Proper food preparation and hygiene can help prevent foodborne illnesses and keep you and your family healthy. A few simple habits in the kitchen can make a big difference.

👐 Start With Clean Hands:

✅ Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food
✅ Wash hands after handling raw meat, eggs, pets, trash, or using the restroom
✅ Keep fingernails clean and avoid preparing food when you are sick

🥦 Prepare Food Safely:

✅ Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking
✅ Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods
✅ Use separate cutting boards when possible
✅ Clean and sanitize countertops and utensils regularly

🌡️ Cook & Store Properly:

✅ Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
✅ Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours (or within 1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F)
✅ Keep refrigerators at safe temperatures and check expiration dates
✅ When in doubt — throw it out!

🚨 Signs of Foodborne Illness May Include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Dehydration

👩‍⚕️ Protect yourself and your family by making food safety a daily habit. Clean hands, safe preparation, and proper storage are simple steps that help prevent illness.

Save this reminder for your next meal prep! 🍽️