by kelsey | Sep 8, 2011 | Heart Health
We had recent question from a STRIVE participant regarding niacin and it’s affects on heart health. Niacin is a B vitamin and assists with energy production and metabolism. Niacin also assists with our nervous system. Niacin supplementation has been shown to improve HDL (good) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol can also be improved with regular exercise, however there is a genetic component to it as well. Niacin is part of multivitamins and found in many foods. Foods rich in niacin include protein foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, and peanuts. In addition, milk, eggs, and some grains contain niacin. If your HDL is low, I encourage you to review your labs with your doctor and further examine your diet and exercise routine.
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 7, 2011 | Food
We had a great meeting last night with our fall STRIVE group! Every meeting County Fair provides tasty (and healthy) treats for us as well as grocery products to review. Last night we had a great veggie tray and baked tostito chips with salsa. The salsa was really tasty so I thought I’d share the recipe with you all!
Healthy Homemade Salsa:
6 fresh tomatoes chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno finely chopped (take seeds out to make less hot)
1/2 white onion chopped
Mix all ingredients together and serve with whole grain or baked chips.
Enjoy!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 6, 2011 | Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
This weekend was a crazy one for us! My niece was born last week so we made a trip to the cities to meet her (isn’t she darling!) and then came back for the South Dakota State Fair. We were basically on the road for 4 days with the 2 trips which makes eating healthy a challenge! A few tips to help you with this challenge is to always pack some healthy snacks and a cooler with healthy drinks. Some of our favorite snacks are whole wheat crackers like Wheat Thins or Triscuits and cheese, light popcorn, and trail mix. Another idea is to pack a small loaf of bread and lean lunch meat to make your own sandwich instead of driving through the drive-thru. To stay away from pop, try unsweetened tea or good ol’ water. Eating on the road has it’s challenges, but planning ahead can help you be more successful.
We are excited to start our fall session of STRIVE today. We still have some room, so contact us today to get enrolled!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Sep 5, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Happy Labor Day! Hopefully you will be able to get out and enjoy some of the day, or even from the weekend if you were really lucky. Weather is very comfortable, and our good weather won’t be lasting long. Get out on the water, or go for a walk, clean up the yard, somthing…but spend it outside and enjoy the day. Good day for family time as well. Relax!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1441
by Dan | Sep 4, 2011 | Exercise, Weather, Wellness/Health
The best way to protect yourself against skin cancer, whether melanoma or other type, is prevention. Starting with what you wear can make a big difference. Here I have a hat on, and one that would even be better is one with sides on to cover the ears. I have a swim shirt with a SPF factor of 50 on, and long swim shorts. The other thing to keep in mind is the sunscreen. You want sunscreens that can block both UVA and UVB light. Sunscreens with an SPF factor of 50, or sun protection factor of 50, more effectively block UVA with a higher SPF factor. Below are some examples.
Sunscreens come with different SPF ratings, some as a cream, some as a spray on. You want one that is more water or sweat proof. For me, with my light complexion, I use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 100. They never had this when I was younger, and I have been burned enough times that I do not take any chances anymore. I can spend time outside, either working, exercising, playing, whatever, and not worry about getting burned, which in the long run, increases your potential for the development of skin cancer. The things you do today, will pay dividends in the future…in regards to many things!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1440
