Career Fair = Success!

Yesterday, Brown Clinic participated in the Watertown Multi District’s Career Fair at the Watertown Senior High School. We shared our knowledge about our health care careers with students and gave them the opportunity to learn more by playing medical jepeordy. Stef Carlson above was the master-mind behind the interactive game that really helped students learn more about medical careers. Our booth won first place for most interactive and we were thrilled to have that honor! Below is a picture of our group. We represented several career fields including radiology, lab, nursing, health care administration, HR, and dietetics.

 

-Kelsey

Listeria Outbreak

Have you heard about the listeria outbreak on the news involving canteloupe? According to the CDC 13 people have died and 72 people are affected in 18 states. They have linked it back to Jensen Farms in Colorado. Since the discovery of the deadliest food borne illness outbreak, Jensen Farms has voluntarily recalled all melons. They are still researching the root cause of the outbreak. Listeria can cause fever, confusion, vomiting, and neck stiffness. Those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly are at greater risk. South Dakota is not affected by this outbreak, however many of our surrounding states are. Proper food safety practices are very important to avoid food borne illness. Be sure to always wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds before working with food, wash your produce thoroughly before eating (yes- this includes the outside of the melon) and do not cross contaminate with other foods like raw meat. 

-Kelsey

Eat Healthy to Stay Well

Today is the Brown Clinic Flu Shot Clinic. It is at the Northridge Clinic from 7:30 am-7:30pm and is for all ages.  It may seem a little early to get the flu shot, however South Dakota had it’s first case of the flu confirmed this week. When we think about flu prevention, it’s important to discuss that eating a healthy and balanced diet helps keep your immune system in tip top shape, thus aiding in the prevention of illness.  A diet hearty in fruits and vegetables will provide your body with added vitamins and minerals essential to prevent illness. Next time you’re at the store, try selecting fruits and vegetables in all different colors as each color offers various nutrients. And don’t forget to stop by Northridge to get your flu shot!

-Kelsey

 

 

 

Habits = lifestyle changes

As I read Dr. Dan’s post today, I couldn’t help but smile and be proud that I get the opportunity to work with him and be a part of this awesome wellness team at the Brown Clinic. He truly is a great role model for “practicing what he preaches.” As he stated, getting into the habit of exercising daily has now resulted in a total lifestyle change and part of his daily routine. This is exactly what we like to promote with STRIVE 2 Survive….lifelong healthy habits!

Lately I have had an over-abundance of questions regaring many fad diets out there. As I examine each one through, I always find something missing when compared to the recommendations of MyPlate and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines. Fad diets are usually missing one part of the puzzle, whether it may be a food group such as carbs or  it recommends not exercising. These characteristics are why it is labeled a fad diet. You may lose weight for a short period of time, however your body really can’t go forever without the balance of nutrients recommended by MyPlate. Try working on one or two goals that will become habit and eventually a lifestyle. For example, if you aren’t a water drinker, try setting a goal of at least 5 glasses a day and gradually work up to 8. Or if you are wanting to get more fruits or vegetables in your day, set a goal to get at least one at each meal. Gradually this will become habit and part of your daily intake. 

-Kelsey

Tips to cut a few calories

The American Dietetic Association has a great public feature to their site that offers great nutrition tips. I thought I’d share these with you as  you work to trim your waistline. These tips don’t require huge changes, however will give you great results!

  1. Downsize Your Dishes. Use smaller plates and bowls to help you eat less. We tend to fill up the dish we’re using and then eat it all. Our brains also think we are getting more when the same amount of food is placed in a smaller dish.
  2. Savor Your Meals. Eating slowly helps you consume only what your body needs to feel satisfied. Eating too quickly, in less than 20 to 30 minutes, leads to overeating and feeling uncomfortably full afterwards.
  3. Leave Some Food on Your Plate. This is especially important if you grew up in the “clean plate club.” By leaving even a few bites, you can focus more on your internal signals of satisfaction and less on eating food just because it is there.
  4. Don’t Eat Out of a Bag or Box. When you eat out of a package, you are likely to keep eating until it’s all gone – no matter how many servings the package actually contains. Pour one serving into a small bowl.
  5. Choose Your Glass Wisely. Here’s another place where our eyes play tricks on us. When glasses are short and wide, we tend to fill them with more fluid and to drink more. Use a slender glass for any beverage except water.
  6. Rethink Your Drinks. High-calorie beverages like soft drinks, juice drinks, energy drinks, specialty coffees and alcohol add calories just like solid foods. Whenever possible, replace these drinks with plenty of water.

http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6849

-Kelsey