by Dan | Dec 2, 2013 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Heart Health, Holidays, Motivation, Wellness/Health
This week had a lot of things going on, both personally, and community wise. My mom celebrated her 80th Birthday, the 28th of November, Thanksgiving day! We had gotten together a week prior because is was easier for us all to get home to celebrate. Here we all are!
…All of us, except my brother from Sturgis. We all had been out there the week prior, but not for a good reason. His wife of 32 years had unexpectantly passed away. We never know when our time is. We tried to celebrate this day for my mom, but our hearts were still all wondering how he was doing.
The kids and grandkids all had a good time helping her celebrate! Besides having her birthday on Thanksgiving day, Watertown had its annual Turkey Day run/walk. There were almost 400 people there!
As they stated at the start of the race: “Before we go stuff our face, we must first run a race!” It was a good day, and a great turnout! Here we all are at the beginning of the race taking off.
Then, friday night was the annual Lighted Parade through downtown Watertown. This too was a good turnout, will many pretty amazing floats! We walked alongside the float and handed out candy to the kids as we went.
As our float states: Wishing you Health and Happiness this Holiday Season! Take care of yourselves! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2260
by Dan | Nov 14, 2013 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Well, after last thursday, I thought my consecutive exercise streak would come to an end. I had already ran that morning with Sarah, and did not get hurt or sick, but came home in the afternoon and was letting Buddy in from the kennel outside. As usual, I open the gate, and we have a race to see who can get to the door first. That competetiveness never ends! Anyway, I took off, with Buddy taking off at full speed shortly thereafter. Usually, he runs beside me to pass. But not that day! He comes directly behind me, 100# Retriever at full speed, and takes me out. The grass was wet, so my legs went flying and twisting in the air, and landed awkwardly on the lawn. I knew something was not right immediately. Pain into my right hip and groin area, and could not move. Buddy eventaully came back to check on me, but only after he got to the door first…he was going to win no matter what that day! Luckily I did not break anything, but tore muscles pretty good. Already that evening I knew there was no way I was going to be running the next day, and I could not even sit, so the bike was out. I could not even make it through the whole day of work the next day. But, what did help, was walking! It helped loosen me up, and so I walked multiple times that day, short segments, then covered the football game that night (all the other docs who usually help were out of town) walking up and down the sideline. I told our trainer that night that if I could be out there, the players had to prove to me there were hurt more than me! Ha! All told, with my garmin on, I still covered over 4 miles! Each day has gotten a little better, but completely purple, black, and blue. Still can’t run or bike, but have been walking everyday, with relief after doing it. I may not be setting any speed records, but I am still out there doing it. First true injury I have had not related to training! Buddy feels bad because it has limited him too.
All if forgiven Bud! I helped train you into that competitive mode! You definitely won that day!
Today was a great afternoon to get outside and walk. Weather nice, calm winds. I had been doing my walking on the treadmill the last few days so I could control my pace, and if I had to quit, I would already be home. Went well today for a 4 mile walk. Consecutive exercise streak remains intact! I can’t believe how many people asked me this past week if my streak came to an end! Someday, it will end, for whatever reason, but not yet. So, I guess when it does, I will just start the next consecutive streak beginning the next day! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2242
by Dan | Oct 17, 2013 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Wellness/Health
When I am talking to patients, it is much easier to tell them that they need to work on doing more exercise and staying active if I am doing it as well. When in medical school, I had an attending physician that would tell his patients they had to lose weight, and quit smoking. He weighed around 300 pounds, and had his cigarette pack hanging out of his pocket. I am not sure too many people really listened to him with this advice, if he was not going to even follow it himself. I will admit, it is not always easy. But, it is much easier to try and convince someone else to do it, if you believe in it enough yourself to follow your own advice. This not only applies to my practice, but to my own household and family.
Here Nick is last week at his Cross Country meet. You parents out there, if you believe in a healthy lifestyle, and staying active, you too have to commit to it also. There is no better way to get your family and kids to do the same, then if you do it yourself! As for the kids, there is no better way than to teach a healthy lifestyle then seeing it first hand. The famous movie line: “Build it, and they will follow.” Lead by example! There is no method that is more effective than this. This is also what we at Brown Clinic are trying to push and create with our new program, Strive for Kids. A 12 month program of education for kids, parents, and families on healthy lifestyle, and correct eating habits. See our web page for more details as well. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2213
by Dan | Sep 29, 2013 | Exercise, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health
Life is busy. This never changes. The weather is starting to get cooler, and you can tell we are in the Autumn season. When everything is changing color, it is easy to get lost in amazement going outside. Take advantage of these changes. Time to commit yourself to change. Go out walking, biking, whatever. Go out and sit and watch, and take time to think! Before too long we will be stuck inside, just looking out at snow. Go out by the bike trail, pull up a chair by the lake, and just take it in. It is amazing how your mind just takes off, and you can think, relax, figure out things in your life. Soak it up. Everybody needs this time to reflect, and slow down from a fast paced life.
When you take some time to explore, you never know where that path is going to take you. When I am out running, biking, or walking, it is a great time for me to stay healthy, but it is my time to relax, think, and reflect on things for the day. I especially like it early in the morning, and it is quiet, before everybody else is out and about. I can plan for the day. Think about what lies ahead, and what I may do under certain situations. It is relaxing, yet I am working out. Once you get in the habit of this, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Get out and enjoy the changes of the season, and let your mind go!. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2195
by Dan | Sep 25, 2013 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
My early morning run this AM marked the end of 6 years of consecutive daily execise! I began this goal on September 26, 2007. My initial plan was to see if I could accomplish a year in a row. I have to say, that first year was the hardest thing I have ever done! Now, it is habit. I plan for my workouts, and have had to learn to be flexible in the plan, and remember to just go out and move. I have many people to thank, including my training partners over the years. They include my dog Buddy; Tom Beaudry; Steve Hauck; all three of my kids, Molly, Megan, and Nick. But I owe the most gratitude to my wife, Sarah.
Without all of her help… the things she has helped finish at home, with the kids, whatever it took…so it helped allow me time to go workout. There is no doubt, this relationship is a team effort…with everything we do! I can’t thank her enough, and am so lucky and grateful to have her as my wife! She is always by my side, whether running with me, or cheering me on. This goal would not have been achievable, and would not be able to continue to go forward without all of the help she has given me.
Here we are on the bus going to Disney after just finishing the marathon. We have been able to do a lot things, and see many places over the years because of our interest in exercise, and staying fit. Hopefully the adventures still continue. Who knows how far this consecutive streak will go. At this point, it is now a habit, and will just plan on it every day like I have been. Hopefully, I will have Sarah at my side for the majority of it as well! Thank you Sarah! Love ya! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2191
by kelsey | Sep 19, 2013 | Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
I apologize for my lack of posts the last week or so! It’s been a fun and crazy time for me and I am finally getting a chance to post about it! Our fall session of STRIVE 2 Survive started on the 10th and we have a really great group of people that we are excited to work with! They are all off to a great start by working on their diets, working on getting more activity, and taking those necessary strides to improve their health and wellness! The start of a new group is always exciting as we get to meet and work with more people and we all have one thing in common: the desire to learn more about improving our health and wellness!
The rest of my week was even more exciting as I celebrated my 10 year class reunion with my classmates from Watertown High School. It’s hard to believe we’re that old already, but we had a really great turn out and a blast catching up with everyone! This picture was taken by classmate Jenna Bakke Ryan, who so graciously volunteered her photography skills. I may be biased, but I think we look pretty good for 10 years post high school! 🙂
My weekend continued to be exciting as my mom’s family got together for a family reunion in her hometown of Madison. My mom is one of 10 children (two have passed away, so there’s 8 now) and since we are all getting older and families continue to expand, we don’t always see each other real often, which makes gatherings extra special, especially when my grandma will be celebrating her 87th birthday next month! Below is a picture of Grandma and most of her grandkids and great grandkids (we’re missing about 8 others!).
All of these special events serve as a reminder to celebrate life and live each day to it’s fullest. Take time to visit and catch up with old friends and family and most importantly take good care of yourself! Putting our health as a priority will help keep you healthy and strong and able to enjoy all of these great things in life! I know some may feel like eating healthy or exercising is a dreadful thing, but we have to adjust and learn how to make it more fun and enjoyable as these habits truly are the key to a long and healthy life! I hope I get to celebrate my 87th birthday someday too and I know making healthy lifestyle choices will surely help!
-Kelsey
