by kelsey | Oct 22, 2014 | Etc.
A few weeks ago I posted about the Iniated Measure 17, which is on the election ballot (https://s2sbrownclinic.com/2014/09/vote-yes-on-17-patient-choice/). Many of you have probably seen the commercials for both sides of the measure and since we have gotten a lot of questions about it, I thought it was worth of posting again about it. There is a bit of confusion about this measure due to the media and message the other side is giving. Opponents of IM17 are using broad generalities without support and poor interpretation of outdated and irrelevant research to suppor their case. There is no credible evidence to support the oppositions claims that costs will go up. Here is the TRUTH:
1) A key element of IM17 is that providers (doctors) who wish to become a part of a given network must meet the terms put forth by the network. There will be no service cost increases caused by the doctors. If insurance rates go up, it will be the insurance companies that will be increasing the administrative costs.
2) IM17 will increase competition among providers and insurance companies in the state. Competition puts downward pressure on pricing and causes companies to improve in order to be competitive. The big health care groups in SD want you to vote NO so that they can have total control over your insurance and where you go to the doctor. Ie- if you have insurance from one of these health care groups (Sanford or Avera), this measure will eliminate your freedom to choose where you go to the doctor and will in turn mandate you to see one in their group.
3) Eleven other states have similar laws and there are no cost increases.
4) Because out of network fees normally borne by patients will be eliminated, out of pocket costs for patients will go down.
5) Both Wellmark and Dakotacare have open insurance programs for their insured patients and their programs are highly competitive. DakotaCare is operated by the South Dakota State Medical Association, which supports IM17.
Oppositions state that IM17 is more needless government bueaucracy imposing itself on health care. In reality, IM 17 protects against changes that may be occuring in the health care marketplace by ensuring that patients may continue to see their chosen providers.
We value our patients and are passionate for providing quality care to you, thus we kindly ask you to support IM17 by voting YES as we feel your patient choice is important and having a consistent and on-going relationship with a provider is in the best interest of quality care.
For more information, feel free to visit: http://www.sdpatientchoice.org/.
by kelsey | Oct 21, 2014 | Etc.
This is going to be fun week for me!! We have two great breast cancer awareness events tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday this week! Wednesday’s event is Ladies Night at Runnings from 5-7pm (flier above). You can purchase a pink bucket and everything you can fit inside of it will be 15% off with proceeds from the bucket sales going to fight breast cancer. There will be drawings, refreshments, and of course many great vendors (me included!). Be sure to add this to your schedule and come visit me and do some shopping while helping fight breast cancer!
Thursday’s event is our free educational event with Big Stone Therapies from 5:30-7pm at the HyVee Club Room. Dr.Gwen Schaunaman, our radiologist and myself will be teaming up with Big Stone Therapies for a great educational event focused on breast cancer awareness. Topics to be discussed include 3D Mammography, nutrition recommendations for cancer prevention, during and post treatment, cancer self care and special therapy options. . We would love to have you join us!! Be sure to RSVP to Big Stone Therapies at 753-5400 to reserve your spot for this great event!!
Hope to see you at these events!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Oct 15, 2014 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food, Weight Management
Last night’s STRIVE treats were again great thanks to County Fair Foods!! Two new recipes we couldn’t wait to share with all of you!
Strawberry Salsa
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups chopped sweet red peppers
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 cup seeded chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped Anaheim pepper
2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp + 2 tsp honey
2 Tbsp lemon juice
In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine honey and lemon juice; gently stir into strawberry mixture. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Stir just before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon with whole grain or baked tosisto chips.
Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip
1 cup (8oz) fat free yogurt
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 oz reduced fat cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach
1 tsp dill weed
1/8 tsp pepper
Fresh veggies, pretzles, or sliced bread
1) Line a strainer with a coffee filter; place over bowl. Place yogurt in prepared strainer; cover yogurt with a coffee filter. Refridgerate for 2 hours or until yogurt has thickened to the consistency of whipped cream.
2) Transfer yogurt to a food processor (discard liquid from bowl). Add the feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic; cover and process until smooth.
3) Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the spinach, dill, and pepper. Cover and refridgerate until chilled. Serve with vegetables, pretzles, or bread.
by kelsey | Oct 14, 2014 | Diet, Family, Weight Management
It’s that time of year again. Not only are the aisles of Wal-Mart strewn with witch hats, zombie make-up and fairy wings, but of course there is the looming aisle of Halloween candy. It can be easy to over indulge on treats this time of year. Most of the candy passed out to trick-or-treaters comes in “fun size” or “mini” portions. However, looks can be deceiving; people often believe that since they are smaller in size, more can be consumed. Calories from Halloween candy can quickly add up. For example; 3 mini snickers bars pack 300 calories. To burn off that many calories you would have to walk at a brisk pace for 1.5 hours or run for 40 minutes.
Fortunately the 31st of October doesn’t have to mean automatic weight gain. Try waiting until the day before to buy treats to pass out. You will be less likely to feel the need to nibble if you don’t buy it a month ahead of time. Keeping it out of site, such as up in a closet you rarely use, can help you forget that it’s even in the house. The biggest challenge with Halloween candy is the leftovers. After the trick-or-treaters have come and gone we are often left with the reality that we stocked up for 400 doorbell ringers, and only got 15. Buying candy that you don’t like is an easy way to keep you from eating it both before and after the holiday.
Halloween Treats to Try
Sugar-free gum
Boxes of raisins
Animal crackers
Pretzels
Trail mix
Fruit snacks
Lollipops
Non-Candy choices: stickers, small toys, erasers, etc.
Halloween Tricks to Avoid
Candy bars
Caramels
Fudge
Skittles
M&M’s
-Kelsey
by Dan | Oct 12, 2014 | Etc.
There are many obstacles and adversities that an individual needs to overcome to exercise on a regular basis. Our excuses all need to be in order: It is too cold; too hot; too windy; too tired; too rainy; too busy; too etc etc. Before too long we have to realize that our true main obstacle is our mind! If we can overcome our mind, our body will do what comes natural…MOVE!
Dr. George Sheehan, a famous runner and physician, stated: “There will never be a day when we won’t need dedication, discipline, energy, and the feeling that we can change things for the better…What the day brings and every one learns sooner or later, is recurrent challenge…” Time to face that challenge head on. Here I am getting ready for the Goofy challenge this past January. Nervous, and excited…and deep down, wondering “what am I doing?”.
To get ready, we may be anxious, and it will become easier if, at least at the beginning, we anticipate this. So, it is time to face that challenge head on. It is time to do what we are truly capable of accomplishing, and not settle for things that are easy and comfortable. Get out of your comfort zone, and prove to yourself what you are capable of. You will never know until you try! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2571
