General Wellness

In addition to holiday parties and cookies, December is often filled with year-end reminiscences, from world events to personal ones and happy moments to challenge and losses. If you are preparing to start over in some way – whether it’s a new job, relationship, living situation or a healthy habit, the following tips can set you on the right path.

The thyroid gland itself is relatively small, but it can impact your entire body – everything from your metabolism to your heartbeat to weight and energy. Located in the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that influence your body’s metabolic processes – too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can make you feel restless and anxious while too little (hypothyroidism) can lead to fatigue. Women are more likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder than men, particularly after pregnancy and menopause – and nearly 15 million “silent sufferers” have an undiagnosed condition, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Once diagnosed, however, most thyroid issues can be treated and managed.

Allie recently joined Clinic Sofia as a Physician Assistant and we are thrilled to welcome her to our team. Allie previously practiced as a Physician Assistant for Allina Health at the Family Health/Urgent Care clinic in Minnetonka as well as a Nursing Assistant and Bionutrition Intern for the University of Iowa Hospital. While participating in the Maternity Observation for Medical Students (MOMS) program, Allie honed her interest in family medicine with a focus on prenatal wellness. She brings her gifts of insight, focus, compassion and wellness to each patient she sees at both the Edina and Maple Grove locations.

The month of Thanksgiving always offers the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and give thanks for all of the big and small wonders in our life.

“We are truly thankful for all of our patients, for your trust, for sharing important moments in your lives, and for your conversations and inspiration,” said Dr. Donna Block. “Clinic Sofia is a wonderful place to work because of the amazing people we are fortunate to see and connect with every day.”

he days following Daylight Saving Time feel short – and for a good reason: We’re on a slow crawl toward the shortest day of the year, the Dec. 21 winter solstice with less than nine hours of daylight. If it’s dark when you drive to school or work and dark when you return home again, it’s natural to feel a little tired or wistful for summer’s long days.

It’s that time of year: school, sports, parties, busy work schedules, shorter days, even social events can start to feel like a chore when you’re overscheduled and feeling tired, overwhelmed or depleted. While it might seem like putting yourself – your health, your needs and interests – on the backburner is the easiest thing to do when you’re beyond busy, lack of self-care always has consequences.