by kelsey | Sep 11, 2012 | Etc., Wellness/Health
Eleven years ago today, I was a junior at WHS sitting in my pyschology class. It started as a regular Tuesday during KIYI week which is always full of fun and excitement. My parents were gone to New York City with another couple who we showed horses with from Illinois. The men were taking in a medical conference and the women went along for shopping, socializing, and fun. A good family friend was staying with me since my brothers were at college and mom and dad were going to be gone most of the week. The night before I had spoken to them on the phone from the top of the Empire State Building. They were excited to go visit the World Trade Center the next morning and take in some sight seeing before attending the afternoon conference.
The morning of 9/11 is one I will never forget, as I’m sure the rest you will not either. As I sat in class at WHS and watched the horror and destruction on TV, I couldn’t help but wonder if my parents and our good family friends had gone to the WTC that morning and if they were ok. I sat with my classmate’s and the anxiety and nervousness increased as time went on….until the phone range directly into the classroom and our teacher told me it was for me. Bonnie, from the clinic was on the other line….not my parents! Well thankfully, Bonnie told me that due to the extreme busy phone lines, my Dad was only able to get a call into the clinic to let us know they were ok. Bonnie was calling the three of us kids and my parents’ parents to let everyone know they were ok. After we talked the night before, the men made a quick decision to stay at the conference in the morning and sight-see in the afternoon as the material in the morning was more applicable to them. ….Well that one decision most likely saved their lives as they would have been at the WTC that morning of 9/11. They were staying a few miles from the WTC and saw, heard, and smelled the destruction, however they were safe and sound in their hotel. They eventually had to rent a car and drive home from NYC as that was their only means of transportation due to the airlines and trains being shut down.
I know everyone has their own story and memory of 9/11, but every year, I can’t help but be very thankful and count my blessings to still have my parents with me and have our whole family intact. This story isn’t exactly nutrition related, however it is related to wellness as it’s important to have faith and purpose in our lives. We often get bombarded with thoughts of dieting and exercise, but in order to obtain true wellness, we need to think about the big picture and how each facet affects you…which does include, faith, family, friends, and purpose in life. Make the most of each day as you don’t know when it will be your last and make sure you tell your loved ones you care about them. It’s a day to take time to thank our service members and appreciate our freedom. And, as you examine your goals, be sure to think about your purpose and what is driving you to be healthy. For many of us, it’s our family …and today I have a lot to be thankful for!
These pictures are from my wedding 2 years ago (thanks to Kari Mertz Photography!). We now have two more little ones in the family, but I am blessed to have them all and today, I will be counting my blessings!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Sep 3, 2012 | Equipment, Exercise, Family, Holidays, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. You are all appreciated! Labor Day has also come to be celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. You need to get out and enjoy the weather while you can.
As posted by Tori Simon, this was the Paint the Town Pink 5k run/walk this last friday, August 31. You can see Sarah, #106. It was a little windy, but a great night to get out and join others to work together for a good cause, helping to raise money and awareness for breast cancer patients. We think we may work hard and need time off, or work hard exercising, but you need to put yourselves in these patients shoes, and then you will realize what work is, and the struggles they go through. Joining in on a walk/run seemed liked the least we could do.
The weather will be changing soon. Before long, it will get colder, and getting outside for exercise will be tougher. You always have the option of using exercise equipment inside, but there is nothing like being out in the open, enjoying the fresh air, and having a lot better scenery to look at. Here you see my family all working out on exercise equipment on our last vacation in August. If we can’t be outside, we find alternatives. Staying fit is important to our family, and we want it to become important for you.
Exercise is our Labor “of Love” Day, today and everyday! Keep moving everybody! Hope you had a great Labor Day off!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1803
by Dan | Aug 26, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Our recent adventures in Alaska brought us to Juneau, where we went hiking for 4 hours. It was raining, but we still got to see a lot of sites that we would not have had we not gone out hiking. Here we are as we get ready with the group we were with to take off.
You definitely had to have the right gear. With the rain, they helped provide the ponchos. As we went into the rain forest, we got to see some very nice waterfalls.
Everything was so lush and green. They told us that out of a 100 days during the summer time in Alaska, 85 of the days have rain. But you really saw the greens in the rain forest. Moss growing everywhere.
But the best part is we got to see the Mendenhall Glacier up a lot closer. There was a huge waterfall off to the side, but for this adventure, to get closer to that, we would have had to go on the 7 hour hike.
At one spot, they had built a balcony for picture taking, with this in the background.
It was well worthwhile going on the hike. We got to see things up close that you would not have been able to otherwise. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1795
by Dan | Aug 23, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Attention all you walkers, and runners! A great event is going to take place next friday, August 31, here in Watertown. Paint the Town Pink, through Codington County Cares, is sponsoring a parade, walk, and 5k run. All in recognition of Breast Cancer, and supporting these women and their families for all they go through, and to show support for them! I have blogged before how our family does the Breast Cancer run in SF every May. It is our families way of showing our support as well for my sister-in-law, who is a breast cancer survivor. As I stated back then, we all know somebody, or of someone, who has breast cancer. Let’s all show our support, and come out in support of them this next friday. Below is a flyer outlining times, etc.
Hope to see you there! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1792
by kelsey | Aug 22, 2012 | Cooking Tips, Food, Wellness/Health
With everyone getting back into the groove of school this week, it means children are going back to the cafeteria. The importance of talking with your children about nutrition is crucial to their health. Children need to be able to make healthy decisions on their own. There are several steps a parent can make when helping their child go back to school.
Look over the menu: Review the weekly or monthly school menus with your child and decide which meals they like and dislike. For the days your child decides to eat at school help them distinguish the healthier choice, like choosing fruit instead of a cookie. Studies have shown letting your child help in the decision-making process makes them more likely to follow through with the decision.
Packing your own lunch: Make sure you’re packing meals with enough nutrients to power your child through the rest of their school day. Let your child be a part of the lunch packing process whether if it is making the sandwich or packing fruits into a bag. Pack food your child likes, because if they don’t eat it at home they are not likely to eat them when you’re not around.
Follow up at home: Make sure to follow up their lunch with an equally healthy dinner. Having a well balance meal at every meal is very important. A child who eats healthy at home is more likely to make healthier choices when they are on their own.
Tips for Packing Healthy School Lunches:
- Plastic bags and containers will really help with portions while making a sack lunch.
- Keep in mind that they will not be eating right away and to keep the refrigerated foods cool to keep from spoiling. For example, dairy products such as yogurt, will need a cool pack.
- Pack the lunch the night before with leftovers from dinner to save time in the morning.
- Make sure to include the child while making lunch and give them healthy choices to choose from.
- Try to choose less sugary drinks, like skim milk instead of chocolate milk or crystal light instead of a high sugar juice.
Keeping the lunches safe by keeping all the food at the correct temperatures. Pack cold items in an insulated lunch box with a frozen pack. Keep warm soups in a thermos, make sure the thermos is clean and use very hot water.
Sandwich Ideas
Whole wheat bread with deli meat (try to avoid bologna, pepperoni, and salami)
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter
Crackers and cheese
Pita with hummus
Ham and cheese rolled up in a whole wheat tor-tilla
Crackers and cheese
*This blog post was written by Megan Bren, SDSU Dietetic Student
-Kelsey
by Dan | Aug 19, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Wellness/Health
When we stopped on the cruise in Skagway, the 5 of us went on a biking excursion. We went to the summit, which is the road that that is taken as a means of communication to the other 48 states. We did not have to do a lot of pedaling for the first several miles, but really had to be in control of the brakes. It rained on and off, so we have rain gear. As you can see by Molly, at our first stop, we were having a good time. We had passed the steepest point, but we were ready to go over a bridge, and I for one will admit, I could not look down as we went over it. I just kept saying, “keep your eyes straight ahead!”.
This was one of the views we had coming down. Mountains in the background, clouds, of which several times we were riding our bikes through. Very scenic, but as we got past the initial part of the summit, then we had to be pedaling the bikes.
This was one of our stops along the way. Very cool waterfall in the background. We were not used to having to ride in warmer clothes, much less all of the rain gear, but stayed nice and dry. Very fun ride, one we will all remember. And once again, a great way to do sightseeing!
Keep moving everybody, and enjoy the scenery along the way!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1788
