Tallgrass Fall Equinox Newsletter: Seasonal Immunity, Measles Advisory, and Community Circles
Fall Equinox 2026 newsletter
Seasonal Resilience & Community Care
Transitioning into Autumn, Grounded
As the light shifts this September, we welcome the autumn equinox with its annual invitation to look inward, to ground ourselves amidst the changing season and times, and to look forward with hope on the horizon. At Tallgrass we like to remind ourselves: The Apocolypse is Blooming.
Regional Health Notice
Wisconsin Measles Update
In light of recent measles cases reported across Wisconsin, we encourage our community to vaccinate. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. Measles is a serious illness, not just a rash. Even after the fever and rash go away, measles can cause lasting harm—including permanent hearing loss, blindness, and a rare but almost always fatal brain disease that can appear years later. Measles also weakens your immune system's "memory" for months to years, so people who recover can catch other infections more easily during that time. Because two doses of the MMR vaccine work extremely well (about 97% protection) and have prevented millions of deaths, vaccination is the safest and most reliable way to avoid these dangerous, often permanent problems. As a reminder for our DPC patients, your doctor can order titers to confirm immunity, which is $9 through our wholesale account. All patients are eligible for vaccination after 12 months of age. Talk to your doctor if your 6month+ infant can be vaccinated early.
Protect your bones
Shorter days means start your Vitamin D!
Vitamin D supplementation matters in winter because the body makes most of its vitamin D from sunlight, and short, weak winter sunlight - especiallly at northern latitudes - means the skin can't produce enough, causing blood levels to drop to their lowest point in late winter and early spring. Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium and keeping bones and muscles strong, and it also helps support a health immune system. Taking a daily supplement during the fall and winter is a simple, safe way to keep levels in a health range when sun exposure isn't enough. This is a reminder to our Tallgrass Direct Primary Care members to ask your doctor about what dose is right for you. If needed, the wholesale cost of Vitamin D testing is $9 for our members and we offer up to 40% discounts on quality vitamin D supplements.
BACK TO SCHOOL TOOLS
Osteopathic Approaches to Ear & Respiratory Care
Back-to-school season frequently triggers upper respiratory congestion and middle ear pressure in children and adults. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)—including thoracic lymphatic releases and Galbreath techniques—assists venous and lymphatic drainage, relieves Eustachian tube dysfunction, and eases recovery from common viral ailments.
Elderberry support this cold and flu season
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a dark berry rich in natural plant compounds called anthocyanins, which may help the immune system fight off cold and flu viruses and may ease inflammation. Some small studies suggest that taking a standardized elderberry supplement when you get sick can shorten how long cold or flu symptoms last and make them feel less severe. Raw or unripe berries should never be eaten because they can cause nausea and upset stomach unless properly cooked. Tallgrass DPC members benefit from discounted herbs through our wholesale partnerships, including elderberry tincture from Four Elements.
Ongoing Support
The Connective Circle: Ehlers-Danlos Care
Our colleague Rose Rudis, RN of Dandelion Roots Wellness starts a monthly community circle for individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum conditions starting in October at Tallgrass and virtually. Connect with peers, share navigation strategies, and access gentle physical support tailored to connective tissue disorders. Anyone is welcome to join, and the group is discounted for DPC members!
Launching Early 2027
Health at Every Size Group
In early 2027, Dr. Angela and Sarah are launching a new monthly group designed for those identifying as women to support body acceptance, intuitive eating and active embodiment. Instead of traditional weight-loss models of restriction that often cause physical, emotional and spiritual harm, the health at every size paradigm helps us explore the ways in which we feel strong, supported and empowerd to live our biggest, most joyful and healthful lives.
Whole Person, Whole Family Philosophy
Primary Care for the whole person, in every season.
At Tallgrass Osteopathic Family Medicine, we strive to partner with you and your family through respectful, attentive, evididence-based primary care. Whether you are navigating back-to-school transitions, managing chronic complexity, or seeking proactive preventative care, we are here to support your journey.
Dr. Anne is enrolling new primary care patients (women, children and gender expansive folks of all ages). Dr. Angela is enrolling limited new patients including men and those who speak Spanish. Both doctors are accepting new breastfeeding medicine patients. Dr. Angela is accepting limited patients for osteopathy.
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