by Dan | Oct 23, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Everyday, a lot of us make a comment that we wish there were more time in the day. More time to do the things we want, or just more time to get the things done that we think need to get done. We have to make priorities all of the time, and those things that are more important need to work there way to the top of the list. At the top of that list should also be our health. We need to make the time to be active, exercise, and allow us to be healthy to do those things in our lives that our important. Those things in life for all of us begins with our families.
Here I am, very proud of my daughter Megan, at her formal TUCKS dance a few weeks ago. My girls are growing up, and I have had the pleasure of being a part of their lives. Of course, she is only one.
Here I am with Molly, just as proud of her that night as well. This is why I exercise every day. This is why I try to be active and remain healthy. I want to be a part of their lives for a long time. I don’t want to imagine what it would be like for them if I were not here.
Staying active has always been a part of this family. Megan is a year round swimmer, and Molly is on the Cross Country and Track teams. Sarah and I have set the tone, and they have taken off with it. You can say all kinds of things, lots of words of encouragement, cheering them on. But you set the tone by leading by example. They have seen us for years exercising, and it now becomes natural. Don’t lose out on this opportunity to do this for your kids/grandkids. It is only too late when you are no longer here. Enjoy your life better, and be around for their life longer as well. In the end, you will all have something to appreciate more, and be thankful for.
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1853
by Dan | Oct 7, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health
Autumn is upon us, and while we get to see all of the color changes appear, we also have to start getting ready for the weather changes, and for the cold to start approaching. This week has given up a taste of the cold that will be coming again. This is where you need to focus on the scenery around us, and take advantage of the good days, the warm times when they do arrive, and get outside, and see things such as this.
Scenes such as this make it easy to get lost in your thoughts, and not even realize you are out exercising. Take it all in. This is a great time to relax, think, and get activity into the day.
So, “whether or not” you think you have time, take advantage while it is still relatively nice, and get outside, and enjoy the Autumn season. Sooner or later, the weather will dictate what we will be able to do outside, and “weather or not” we will be out, or do exercise and activities inside. I will always be an outdoor person. It is much easier to get outside and exercise, than to be “cooped” up inside. So everybody, get out while the going is good, and take advantage of it. Enjoy the view! There really is a lot to see here!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day: 1837
by Dan | Sep 26, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Well, another mile stone after today. I completed 5 consecutive years of exercising every day! Today was the beginning of year 6, and I now continue what I enjoy, and what has thoroughly become a habit. As I think back to all of these days, there were no doubt days that were tough to get out and exercise. Busy at work, stress with home and/or work, and any of a number of countless obligations that I have, and that we all have. I made a commitment to myself, and have kept it going!
When the weather is nice, and you can be outside, it is not hard at all to get out and either walk, run, or bike. You get too busy just looking at everything. It is better than sitting down and watching TV. The scenery never gets dull. With all of the blog posts I have done in the past, you have seen places I have been, where I have gone, and a lot of which I was able to see because we reached it by foot, either walking, climbing, or hiking. When you are outside you never know what you might come across.
Here these geese are taking off in flight. Free to do as they want. It is no different when I am out doing my thing. I am taking off, free to make the choice, and go out and explore, and doing things that in the long run are healthy for me. I would not change anything. My mission is to keep going, and who knows, how far can I go? Time will tell.
Things have been extremely busy with work lately. It has made it tough for me to blog at times. I need to remember why I do this as well. It is enjoyable, and I get to discuss things that are my passion!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1826
by Dan | Jul 30, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Year round, there are fun runs, walks, triathlons, bike rides, that it is easy to find some ways to keep busy, and stay fit. Here this last saturday was the annual Kampeska run, 1/2 marathon, 10K, and 5K. It was great weather, perfect day for getting out for a run. Here I am after I won the 10K for my age group. Whether you win or lose, it does not matter. Get out, and try. I am surprised, and of course, when I saw Rhonda Arbogast taking pictures, I had to ham it up a little more. It is all about having fun, right?
Of course, not to even be outdone by myself, here I am holding my winning door prize for the race–a hooded sweatshirt. So everybody, get out, and go have some fun. Whether you are walking, running, biking, it does not matter. Just get out and move. Where have I heard that before? Oh, yeah–me! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1768
by Dan | Jul 29, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Wellness/Health
This is the final segment of the heart disease series. Everybody knows somebody, or they themselves personally, have heart disease. No one is immune. Sometimes reminding yourself of the reasons why you should do something about it is as close as your own home. Family should rank as the primary goal. I touch on this more is a minute.
Treatment options include: 1. Medications: These medicines can be used to help lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, improve your blood sugars, but in all, they can help lower your risk of a heart attack. Which medication is right for you depends on your own health issues, and discussion with your doctor.
2. Angioplasty/stent: If you already have heart disease, or had a heart attack, these may be one of the treatments that are used. Angioplasty involves using a balloon to open up the coronary artery, and then placing a stent helps keep it open. If things are too involved for this, then the next step may be…
3. Coronary bypass surgery: Here another blood vessel from your body, very commonly from your leg, is used to “bypass” the areas of blockage. It is reattached above the area of the blockage, to an area below it, so it effectively bypasses the blood flow around the areas of blockage. These 2 options definitely are more advanced ways of treating heart disease, but one of the most effective yet is preventing it from ever getting this severe. This brings up to the last treatment option.
4. Lifestyle changes: This is basically what are entire blog, and Strive 2 Survive program is all about. The more you can do about watching your diet, and increasing your exercise, the better. This can definitely help prevent heart disease from coming on, but are also extremely effective in helping to manage heart disease if any of the other options above come into play also.
Afterall, is life not about having fun!
Wrap your arms around the things in life that are most important to you. We all have to remember we are not going to have them forever. Appreciate them while we can. Family is the center of all of this for me, and why I try to stay healthy. I want to be here and enjoy them a long time. A special thanks to photographer, and friend, Cory Ann Ellis, for once again creating some great family pictures to enjoy forever. Thanks!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1767
by kelsey | Jul 18, 2012 | Goals, Wellness/Health
Many of our regular readers and my friends and family know about my heart issue that resulted in me having to readjust my fitness goals and aspiration. For those new readers of our STRIVE 2 Survive blog, you will have to refer back to a previous post (https://s2sbrownclinic.com/2012/05/the-reality-of-goal-setting/) to get more details. In short, my hopes and dreams of running a half marathon were diminshed when I learned my heart couldn’t take that amount of vigorous activity due to a congenital valve issue. This was a major let down for me, but I am a realist and I knew I had to move on as it wasn’t worth dwelling over and it definetely wasn’t worth dying over!
After a lot of self reflecting, I decided I needed a different goal that was better for my heart and for my spirit. Thus, I decided to sign up for the Beef & Eggs 5k race in Brookings. I also became a part of South Dakota Team BEEF thus promoting two passions of mine: running or activity in general and promoting the benefit of lean protein found in 29 cuts of lean beef. This last weekend, I fulfilled this goal and ran the 5k without any chest pain or shortness of breath. I ran with two of my best friends from college who were on the SDSU Equestrian Team with me and I couldn’t have asked for better support. My friend Anna, who is on the left of me in the picture, also a member of SD Team BEEF and my friend Katie, on the right, were a great support system for me. We weren’t too focused on time, but rather enjoyed each other’s company while doing something we all love.
Setting new goals isn’t always an easy task, especially when you didn’t meet the previous goal, however staying positive about your aspirations and being real about what you are capable of doing will help you. Setting goals pushes you to achieve more in life. In addition, it’s important to reward yourself when meeting the goals. My reward for fulfilling my new goal was a day spent with my friends after the race and it was totally worth it! I am thankful for having a great support system to help me get through the tough times and celebrate the good times.
Tomorrow I will discuss SD Team Beef, so stay tuned!
-Kelsey
