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My Child Is Afraid of Going to the Doctor: What Can I Do?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:39 GMT

If your child is scared of doctors’ visits, you’re not alone — half of parents with preschool-aged children share this experience. Whether kids remember getting a shot or simply have stranger anxiety, many become uncomfortable, fearful, or visibly distraught before and during medical appointments. The good news? There are several steps you can take to ease this anxiety.

See Dr. Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda at Clinica Tu Salud in Irving, Texas, to schedule your child’s next pediatric visit .

Reasons for childhood fear of doctors

Many kids who are afraid of doctors fear shots. Younger children often receive more frequent vaccinations than older children, which can be a primary cause of distress related to pediatric appointments.

Some children also fear new people, places, or familiar experiences. Others have bad memories associated with being sick.

6 ways to cope with a fear of the doctor

There are numerous ways to help your child overcome their fear of going to a doctor’s office.

1. Find a compassionate provider

Find a pediatric provider who is caring and makes your child feel at ease during visits. Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda’s compassionate, friendly, playful demeanor helps children feel right at home and even look forward to their visits with him.

2. Explain the process ahead of time

Let your child know what to expect during their appointment and the importance of going. Talk with your kids about what will happen at the doctor’s office and why going helps them to stay healthy or feel better when they’re sick.

3. Practice doctors’ visits with fun activities at home

Create fun activities at home linked to doctor’s appointments to put your child at ease at their next visit. Buy a toy medical kit for your child, and play make-believe doctor and patient at home.

You might also watch a show or read a book with your child that demonstrates a friendly doctor or nurse helping another child.

4. Hug or hold your child during their appointment

Hugging or holding your child during their appointment is often comforting. We can complete many portions (sometimes all) of an exam with your child sitting in your lap if it makes them feel at ease and less afraid of examinations, shots, or other treatments.

5. Distract your child with fun activities

Make going to the doctor a fun experience by doing things your child enjoys during their visit. For example, read a book to your child, have them listen to music, sing with your child, or allow them to watch a kid-friendly video or movie on your phone in the Clinica Tu Salud waiting and exam rooms.

6. Offer a reward after doctor’s visits

As part of your child’s doctor’s visit routine, establish a reward after each appointment. That way, your child has something to look forward to and will associate fun experiences with doctors. For example, go out for ice cream, shop at a dollar store for a new toy, or head to the park or another fun place after each doctor’s visit.

When to schedule pediatric doctor’s appointments

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda determines how often to schedule pediatric doctor’s appointments based on your child’s age and health history. It’s beneficial to schedule wellness checkups yearly starting at age 3 and more often for younger children (about seven checkups during the first year of life to ensure proper growth and development).

You can schedule a visit anytime your child becomes injured, ill, needs a flu shot , or develops new or unusual symptoms.

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda also offers comprehensive men’s health and women’s health services, immigration physicals , blood work , other on-site labs , intravenous (IV) therapy , and more.

Schedule an anxiety-free pediatrics doctor’s visit with Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda at Clinica Tu Salud by contacting us today by phone or requesting an appointment online.

How Weight Loss Can Reduce Your Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:49:38 GMT

If you carry excess weight, you’re not alone. Nearly three-fourths of the adult population in the United States is overweight or obese. And over time, that can lead to inflammation and even liver damage. In fact, about one in three adults in the United States has nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by the liver containing more than 5-10% fat .

But here’s the good news: Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk. By shedding a little bit (we’re talking just 10% of your initial body weight), you can significantly reduce fat in your liver, improve its function, and reduce the chance of developing serious complications.

Ready to feel better and take some pressure off your liver? See Dr. Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda to take advantage of our comprehensive weight loss services at Clinica Tu Salud in Irving, Texas, to achieve your weight goals easily.

Fatty liver disease 101

Fatty liver disease is when your liver stores excess fat. While heavy alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can affect people who drink little to no alcohol.

We often see non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in those who carry excess body weight (overweight or obese).

While it’s typical to have no symptoms of fatty liver disease (at least initially), you might eventually not feel well, develop fatigue, or experience itching skin, abdominal or leg swelling, shortness of breath, jaundice, or pain in the upper right part of your belly.

When left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to liver scarring (cirrhosis), which may eventually lead to liver cancer, end-stage liver failure, heart disease, or other complications.

How weight loss reduces fat in your liver

Weight loss helps reduce fat in many areas of your body, including your liver, lessening the risk of fatty liver disease. Losing just 3-5 percent of your body weight helps decrease liver fat, while losing 7-10 percent of your weight (if you’re overweight or obese) at a slow, steady pace optimizes liver health and overall well-being.

Ways to lose weight to enhance liver health

The best way to move toward a healthy body weight is to contact Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda for a personalized weight loss plan.

He creates a program comprising less stress, better sleep, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein foods, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy fats. He tailors a weight loss plan that matches your needs and long-term goals. You might also take weight loss medications or dietary supplements.

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda provides comprehensive men’s health and women’s health services to maximize your overall health and well-being and detect potential health concerns before complications arise.

To begin a weight loss journey and reduce your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda at Clinica Tu Salud by contacting us today by phone or online.

Why Should I Confirm My Pregnancy with a Professional?

Fri, 02 May 2025 18:35:34 GMT

At-home tests are pretty accurate, but they’re not perfect. Pregnancy test manufacturers claim their tests are 98-99% accurate when used exactly as directed. However, even if you’re sure you performed your at-home test accurately, you should still get confirmation from a medical professional.

Dr. Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda provides comprehensive women’s health services in Irving, Texas, at Clinica Tu Salud . He and his team confirm pregnancy test results and offer recommendations for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Reasons to see a doctor for pregnancy confirmation

There are so many reasons to visit Clinica Tu Salud after taking a positive pregnancy test, including:

Confirmation of home pregnancy test results

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda can rule out false-positive or negative home pregnancy test results with blood work or an ultrasound. While at-home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, they’re not perfect, and timing is critical to ensure their accuracy.

Blood tests detect pregnancy earlier than home pregnancy tests and offer information about the specific amount of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, the pregnancy hormone, within your body. An ultrasound is another confirmation method, allowing visual confirmation that your pregnancy is viable and your baby has a healthy heartbeat.

Screening for health concerns

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda determines if your pregnancy is progressing normally. He may use lab tests or other diagnostic tests to screen for conditions that could affect your or your baby’s health.

Examples include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid diseases, other hormone problems, sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ), and more. Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda can also screen for an ectopic pregnancy and other potential issues.

Confirmation of the number of fetuses

Confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound determines how many heartbeats Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda detects. This lets you know if you’re having just one baby, twins, or more than two babies at once. He also establishes if your pregnancy is classified as low- or high-risk to determine the course of your prenatal care plan.

Complication prevention

Detecting health problems before they cause complications during pregnancy is highly beneficial. For example, if you have thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda can help you manage these conditions during and after your pregnancy, minimizing the risk of fetal health problems and other pregnancy complications.

Prenatal education

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda offers education and guidance about ways to maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy. He provides advice about nutrition, exercise, prenatal supplements, sleep, stress management, and more, and is always available to address your questions or concerns.

When to schedule prenatal appointments

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda at Clinica Tu Salud as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant or have taken a positive pregnancy test at home.

The number of prenatal visits you’ll need depends on whether you have a health condition requiring more frequent medical monitoring. Women generally need to see their provider every four weeks during the first trimester, followed by visits every two weeks and then weekly as they approach their due dates.

Contact Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda if you experience new or unusual symptoms or have questions throughout your pregnancy.

Schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment at Clinica Tu Salud by contacting us today by phone or online.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Immigration Physical

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:00:03 GMT

Immigration physicals are required when applying for a visa or green card in the United States. You’ll need to visit an approved doctor, get your vaccinations up to date, and possibly undergo a few tests. It might sound complicated, but we simplify it so you can continue your immigration journey.

Dr. Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda is an approved immigration physical doctor right here in Irving, Texas. He and our team at Clinica Tu Salud are ready to help and happy to schedule your immigration physical.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know.

What to bring to an immigration physical

After scheduling your immigration physical at Clinica Tu Salud, gather the items you must bring.

Completed I693 form (part 1 only, don’t complete part 2)
Government-issued photo identification (ID), like a driver’s license, ID card, or passport
Form of payment (check, cash, or credit card)
Immunization records translated into English
List of medications and any previous medical conditions
Proof of treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with tuberculosis, syphilis, drug or alcohol misuse, or a mental health disorder
Interpreter (if needed) who can read, write, and speak English

Coming prepared for your appointment helps you complete your immigration physical without needing another visit.

What happens at your immigration physical?

While immigration physicals vary from person to person, they all include the necessary steps. Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda reviews your documents, weighs you, checks your blood pressure and other vital signs, and discusses your medical history.

He completes physical and mental health exams to evaluate your overall health and offers vaccinations when necessary. You may undergo screening for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ), and other communicable diseases. You might need blood work , urine testing, lab tests, or X-rays to screen for potential concerns.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines say that the following conditions might make you ineligible to pass an immigration physical exam:

Failure to provide proof of vaccinations
Communicable disease posing a public health threat
Drug abuse or addiction
Mental health disorder associated with harmful behavior patterns

If any of these apply to you, Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda discusses treatment options.

After you pass the immigration physical, Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda completes form I-693 and places it in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope. Submit it with form I-485 to USCIS.

How often to schedule immigration physicals

In the United States, immigration physical exam results are usually valid for two years from the date of Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda’s signature date.

To learn more about immigration physicals at Clinica Tu Salud or to schedule an appointment, contact us today by phone or online.

5 Ways IV Therapy Can Keep You Healthy

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:00:33 GMT

IV therapy saturates your body with fluids and nutrients without waiting for food to digest. Whether you’re recovering from a long night out, feeling run down, or simply need a nutrition boost, IV therapy is a quick fix that works instantly.

See family medicine physician Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda, MD, and our team at Clinica Tu Salud in Irving, Texas, to fully enjoy the perks of IV therapy.

IV therapy basics

IV therapy safely and directly delivers fluids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other nutrients to the bloodstream for fast absorption. The infusions available at Clinica Tu Salud include vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, glutathione, minerals (selenium, magnesium, and zinc), and alpha lipoic acid.

Top 5 benefits of IV therapy

Choosing IV therapy is a highly effective way to reap the following health and wellness perks:

1. More energy

IV therapy at Clinica Tu Salud is similar to having liquid energy shot straight into your veins—minus the caffeine. We infuse fluids with energy-boosting vitamins and minerals, reducing ongoing fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fatigue-causing nutrient deficiencies.

This powerful blend of energizing nutrients can transform how your body looks, functions, and feels.

2. Hydration and recovery

Whether you’ve been staying up too late, worked outside in the heat, or just completed an intense workout, IV therapy speeds up your recovery. It rehydrates you, reduces headache pain, aids muscle recovery and building, balances electrolytes, diminishes lactic acid buildup, and enhances overall sports recovery and performance.

3. Cold and flu relief

Restorative IV therapy at Clinica Tu Salud also strengthens your body’s immune system, reducing the risk of developing illnesses like colds, flu , and COVID-19. This nutritional therapy also helps you recover faster after becoming sick, diminishing the duration or severity of your illness.

4. Chronic disease management

IV therapy and its inflammation-fighting ingredients help combat oxidative stress, chronic diseases, and their risk factors. Chronic conditions IV therapy can reduce the risk of or help you better manage include allergies, asthma, malnutrition, chronic pain, frequent headaches, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity , and more.

5. Mood improvements

Ingesting adequate amounts of key essential nutrients is vital to optimize cognition, neurological functioning, and mood. Studies suggest that supplementing with minerals and vitamins (especially B vitamins) may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns.

When to schedule IV therapy sessions

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda tells you how many IV therapy sessions you need weekly or monthly to optimize your health and well-being. We base your personalized treatment on your medical history, lab results , health, lifestyle, and preferences. You might schedule IV therapy when your immune system needs a boost, after strenuous workouts, or after late nights out.

Take advantage of customized IV therapy sessions at Clinica Tu Salud by contacting us today. Schedule an appointment by phone or online.

There's a Rise in STDs: How Often You Should Get Tested and How to Stay Safe

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:45:10 GMT

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise, and regular testing is more important than ever! Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, casually dating, or ready to stay proactive about your health, knowing when to get tested and how to protect yourself is essential.

Luckily, at Clinica Tu Salud , Dr. Jaxel Lopez-Sepulveda provides STD testing and quality medical care for men and women in Irving, Texas. Our dedicated team knows the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which is why we’ll break down how often you should get tested, why it matters, and what steps you can take to stay safe.

Let’s get started!

Why are STDs on the rise?

STDs don’t discriminate. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and relationship statuses. In recent years, STDs have been on the rise across the US , with cases like gonorrhea, and syphilis hitting record highs. There are a few reasons behind this surge:

Condom use

Decreased condom use among both teens and adults has contributed tremendously to the overall rise in STDs.

Lack of symptoms

Many STDs go unnoticed because they don’t always cause immediate issues.

Less testing

More STD testing leads to more cases detected, but many people still aren’t getting tested regularly.

How often should you get tested?

The frequency of STD testing depends on your lifestyle, relationship status, and sexual activity. Here’s our general guideline:

Once a year

If you’re sexually active, even in a monogamous relationship, an annual screening is always a good rule of thumb.

Every 3-6 months

If you have multiple partners, engage in casual hookups , or don’t always use protection, we highly recommend more frequent testing.

Before a new partner

Additionally, it’s also always a good idea to get tested before starting a new sexual relationship .

Immediately if you notice symptoms

Any kind of burning, unusual discharge, sores, or itching, could indicate a problem. Don’t wait! Get tested ASAP.

How to protect yourself and reduce risk

Contrary to popular belief, preventing STDs isn’t just about using condoms (although that’s a great start). There are plenty of ways to stay safe — consider the following:

Use protection

As we mentioned, condoms aren’t the only solution, but they are still highly effective. Condoms and dental dams significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Communicate with partners

We encourage having open, honest conversations about testing and sexual health before getting intimate.

Get vaccinated

The HPV and hepatitis B vaccines can protect against certain STDs.

Limit alcohol & drug use

Impaired judgment can lead to poor or risky decision-making, including unprotected sex.

Routine check-ups

Stay on top of your sexual health with regular screenings, even if you feel fine.

What happens if you test positive?

First, don’t panic. The good news is that many STDs are treatable and manageable. Here’s what to do next:

Follow our treatment plan

Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda will provide you with a personalized treatment plan, which may include antibiotics or antiviral medications.

Notify recent partners

It’s important to let your recent partners know about your results, so they can get tested as well.

Complete your treatment

There are no shortcuts here — even if your symptoms disappear, you must finish all prescribed medication to fully clear the infection.

Practice safer sex moving forward

Moving forward, protect yourself and others by using condoms and getting tested regularly.

With STD rates on the rise, regular testing and safe sex practices are more important than ever. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or dating casually, taking care of your sexual health is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

So, why wait? Call us at 972-846-6128, or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment for your next STD test with Dr. Lopez-Sepulveda today!

Should I or shouldn't I? That is the question

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 17:00:58 GMT

♪A Comer pasteles a comer lechón arroz con gandulez y a beber ron…♪ That’s just a verse of one of the many songs I grew up with that describes the festive overindulgance of the Christmas spirit. When it comes to health and the festivities we have to always think of the bigger picture.

Carpe diem, or like this new generation likes to call it, YOLO, is not necessarily the best choice for your health. Carpe diem doesn't mean to do things without thinking of the consequences but instead taking the opportunities as they present because you don’t know when everything is going to fall into place. That version I can work with as a physician.

Sharing the special dishes and drink of the season as we gather with our loved ones invites over indulging. However, if you suffer from chronic conditions as diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure among others, but this one time that overdoing it can be deadly. Excessive amounts of food, salt, alcohol among other things can be easily reversed in healthy individuals but for uncontrolled diabetics, heart patients or immunosuppressed individuals it can be a one-way ticket to the afterlife.

When it comes to parties and reunions talk with your primary care physician and discuss what are the do’s and don’ts according to your conditions and your medications. It might be ok to have a glass of wine, a cocktail or some sweets, but make sure the portions are ok according to your health risks and conditions. We can all have fun, just responsibly, after all we only live once and we have to make the best out of it.

Diabetes Prevention

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 20:31:37 GMT

Often individuals blame their conditions of their genetics as if it was written in stone. We all have heard the joke "is not that diabetes runs in your family, is that no one runs in your family". Despite the humor in that statement in certain ways it's true.

There is no way specific or proven way to prevent diabetes. Diabetes Type 1 is an autoimmune disease while Diabetes type 2 is associated with family genetics. While genetics due play a very big role so does the lifestyle. Diabetes type 2 is caused by developing insulin resistance which is closely associated with weight and fat percentage in the body. Maintaining a healthy weight helps to keep it at bay, but sometimes it’s not enough, we need to manage what we eat.

I personally and professionally always joke that if it tastes good then you shouldn't eat it, which is not always the case. ADA type diet consists in fueling your body constantly with smaller meals and of low glycemic index. Think of your body like a steam engine, in order to work it has to be "fed" the coal little by little because it will all burn at once. Our body is very similar. If you feed in constantly the sugar levels never spike up.

You might be thinking, what is glycemic index? Well, I'm no nutritionist but this is a measurement of how quickly certain foods raise the blood glucose levels. Let's say you're out enjoying a football game and we have the typical snacks. Low glycemic will be the vegetable sticks, chicken wings and pretty much anything that contains meat. The enemy will be those delicious nachos, tortilla, pita bread, and pretty much almost that is not a green veggie or a protein. If any of you reading is a nutritionist please don't be angry at my oversimplification, but I find it easier to remember this way.

If you learn anything from this is that it's no myth that a healthy lifestyle can lead to avoiding the diabetes for a very long time, but in some cases doesn’t matter how much you run it will always catch you.