You can’t listen to anything on the radio or the TV without getting an every 30 second update on COVID. I deal with it all day long in the clinic. The clinic has still been very busy, but now, when I leave, I go home, and I get to stay home. Prior to all of this going on it would mean multiple other things going on: meeting for this, or for that; going out to eat; gathering in groups somewhere, for something. For me, life has slowed down once I get home. I for one am thankful for this aspect. I never got to spend enough time at home before all of this occurred, and now it has allowed me to be home, spend more time with Sarah, and getting things done around the house. There will never be any changing the busy, crazy world of medicine. It will always be chaotic and stressful. But when I leave, it is time to wind down, slow down, and appreciate what I have.
During the week, Sarah will take Dakota for a walk in the morning, and I take her in the evening. She is ready to go anytime, anywhere. On the weekends, we may both run together with her in the mornings. Dakota is just out there, carefree, taking it all in, just happy to spend time with us, and go walking/running. We all need to act like Dakota. Forget everything else going on, and enjoy the moment at hand. Slow down. Life moves too fast anyway. Maybe this is the positive we can take out of this. Slow down and enjoy our life at home more. Spend time with those of our family. Just slow down the hustle and bustle of everything else going on, and take a deep breath. When I take Dakota in the evenings, I have been taking pictures of sunsets at the Lake. I have to admit, I did not really take the time to appreciate what was even going on before. There was too much to do, and not enough time to get it all done. Now I have some time, and it is one of the things I enjoy very much right now. It is a perfect way to forget about all of the other craziness going on this year. Here are some examples:
Maybe God had some insight into this, and is telling us to all slow down. Enjoy life. Take it all in. Take care of ourselves, and respect others as well. This is not about each of us individually. This is about all of us, and how we are going to get through all of this together. Nobody is immune. We all have to make sacrifices. We all need to take care of not only ourselves, but each other. I can’t even watch the news anymore. I think I have heard everything that could possible be the stupidest thing possible, and every day, something else tops it. Maybe that is how some people are dealing with the stress. I don’t know. But we are all human, and I think it is time to start acting human. Be respectful. Be kind. Is this how you would want to be treated? Use your head. Get out and move, and enjoy the things that are available to us, especially during the Summer. Pretty soon, we will be back to Winter, and won’t be able to spend time outside. Don’t blow it. Exercise of some sort is the cheapest medicine we can all take…and it is free! Keep moving everybody!
In today’s society we are often consumed by the next best diet. There are many kinds of shakes, supplements, the next best diet gimmick to help you lose that 20lbs in 2 weeks. The predicted weight loss is usually what intrigues us to learn more and want to try it…especially when it says “no exercise recommended.” Note–this is a red flag that this diet is not a good one! More often than not, the representatives promoting the products and plans for these fad diets do not have credible and substantial education in health and nutrition. In addition, the supplement and diet industry is huge and everyone in it is trying to make the big bucks, thus they are going to tell you exactly what you want to hear! These plans are very tempting to try, but it’s very important to be aware of the consequences some of these diet plans and supplements can have on our bodies and take the proper precautions.
A few years ago an article was published in the British Journal of Medicine that showed a high protein, low carbohydrate diet (typical of diets like the Atkins Diet, True Weigh/Ideal Protein Diet, and the Paleo Diet) increased risk for heart disease in women. In addition, this high protein, low carb diet can result in damage to our liver and kidneys (Yes, this can really happen and I have seen it happen here–most lately with the keto diet). In regards to the supplements, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and the nutrient content as many contain ingredients that can act as stimulants and cause elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and overall stress to the heart. Most of these fad diets will result in weight loss as you are often cutting your calories very low and as a result you lose that superficial weight also known as water weight. The odds of you keeping this weight off when following a fad diet are minimal, which is why we come back to the good old fashioned diet and exercise as our best plan for weight loss and weight management.
Sometimes we need that reassurance that dieting the old fashioned way is still recommended because there are so many other temptations out there…but what you need to know is YES, this is best for you and your body long term! Following a lower calorie, balanced diet plan that includes all food groups in moderation (and even some treats here and there) will not only help you lose weight and keep it off in the long run, but it will also keep your body healthy inside and out. A healthy and balanced diet paired up with an activity routine is your ticket to success and has been heavily researched to prove this. US News and World Report ranked the best diets recently and the top ones are consistent with our recommendations: the heart healthy and mediterranean diets are the best for us!
Sometimes doing it the old fashioned way takes a little longer than we’d like, but be patient!! We really like to see a slower, steadier weight loss than a quick one so stay strong and true and eventually you will reach your goal! If you need help with improving your weight and wellness or have questions don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re excited to start our fall session of STRIVE 2 Survive September 8th! Enrollment is beginning now so contact us today to get signed up for a great session of learning and working on improving your health and wellness!
The weather is nice, and the trails are open, so what are you waiting for? Get out there and use them while you can! Before too long, Winter will be here, and we will be much more limited on spending time outdoors. With everything going on with COVID now, you want to take this time and spend as much of it outside now while you can. The scenery has been very nice lately too, especially around the Lake! Here are a few more examples!
Get out there and take it in. When you have views like this, it does not even feel like you are exercising. Do whatever activity you like to do: running, walking, biking, roller blading, whatever, just get outside and utilize the trail system we have while you can. 30+ miles just waiting to be used! It does not matter if in the morning, afternoon, or in the evening as the sun is setting. I will say, when the sun is setting, the views have been spectacular!
You don’t know what you are missing, until you give it a try. It really is very relaxing, especially at the end of the day. This time is great to unwind from everything that has gone on from the day, and a time to just forget about everything else…especially COVID!
So go get your tail out on the trail! Spend the rest of this Summer enjoying the weather, and utilize the resources we have available to us. Make it a priority. Take your health into your own hands, and enjoy the scenery. Keep moving everybody!
Well, you can chalk up another Half Marathon Finish for Sarah. She competed in the Half Marathon around the Lake Saturday, even with the heat and humidity. She has been a runner for many years, starting in High School. She has done countless Half Marathons. She always followed me around to races/marathon that I was in those first years when the kids were small, because she held back to keep an eye on the kids. She started her Half Marathon debut in 2006, and has continued since then. I did not run this race this weekend. Physically, I am not able to handle this heat yet. So, I rode my bike to help provide water, and give cheer support for her. It was my turn! She did very well, in spite of the terrible heat and humidity. It was at least better than it was on Friday. I don’t think they would have been able to have the race if it would have been on Friday. She was nervous because she knew it would be hot, but we had a lot of people from our Run Club who were also running in it.
Sarah is on the far left, as they were just taking off. The rain the night before helped cut down on some of the humidity, but only slightly.
They followed the Lake during the run. They are coming around one of the corners here, and she is still hanging with a bunch of them from run club. The further the race went, the more separated people got. The heat and humidity can change even the best of plans, or the best of training.
Here she is giving the thumbs up after just going up the hill by Memorial Park. She is one tough individual. Her feet got chewed up pretty good because of the heat, so then she was limping around Saturday afternoon. We as the run club are going to be doing a virtual Wonder Woman 10k coming up soon, wearing our Wonder Woman gear. It really won’t be any different for her, as far as I am concerned. She has always been my Wonder Woman! Life is busy as a physician, being a mom, a wife, cooking, running, and her favorite escape/hobby, sewing. She can do it all. She too leads by example. It was my turn to support her during a race. I did some cheering on the sidelines last year for her during some of them, but riding along beside her most of the way was a first. Running is what got us going out together. Running helped us raise a family. Running is helping us as we get older as well, and hopefully will get to do more of this when we retire. If we can’t run, we will bike. But, regardless, we will be spending time being active just like we always have. Good job this weekend Sarah. I know it was hot. I could not run for you, but tried to help you get through it as easy as possible. You are tough, determined, and always positive, and I am lucky enough to have you as my wife. Love you Sarah! Keep moving everybody!
Activity in the summer has challenges just like winter– we often use excuses like “we’re too busy, it’s too hot out, it’s raining, etc” to not stay active. Check out the ideas below to help you stay active in the summer and make the most of the nice weather while we have it! These ideas will help you get your 30 minutes of exercise in/day.
•Check out the awesome trail we have–get out walking or on a bike and enjoy the scenary!
•Take in the zoo! You’ll get to explore and check out the animals, but also enjoy a nice walk. My son Corbin loves the zoo–the picture above is of him checking out the tiger.
•Take a walk through the park! We have many nice parks in town and at the lake–explore and enjoy!
•Most yard work is great exercise that will burn tons of calories. Try using a push mower over a riding one for exercise!
•Are you competitive? Join a softball team or go golfing. If it’s rainy outside, bowling is also a fun activity for indoors.
•Sign up for a 5k race! If running isn’t your thing, you can always grab a friend and walk together.
•If you don’t belong to a gym, try exercise videos at home when the weather is acting up.
•Work your muscles if you’re on the lake or river! Waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are great workouts.
