by kelsey | Oct 2, 2013 | Weight Management, Wellness/Health
To all you parents out there: have you ever struggled with getting your child to eat more fruits and vegetables? Had trouble finding time amidst busy schedules to prepare healthy meals? Do you have a child that would rather sit in front of the TV, computer or video games instead of getting outside and running around? We understand that it’s not always easy to get your child to eat healthy or be active. You want your kids to live a healthy life and learn those habits at an early age. But it’s not always easy. And unfortunately unhealthy habits can lead to childhood obesity and other health concerns.
All of us at Brown Clinic are are concerned about childhood obesity. It has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the last 30 years. Weight management and obesity prevention are very important. Our physicians, pharmacist, and myself understand weight problems and we work together to help patients – including kids – improve their health and wellness while achieving a healthier weight.
Thus it is with great excitement, that we are proud to announce a new program for kids. It’s called STRIVE Kids and it aims at teaching healthy lifestyle habits and eating, and ways to increase physical activity. Here are some specifics about the program:
What:
- 12 month program focused on teaching the child, parents, and family healthy lifestyle habits, healthy eating, and ways to increase physical activity.
- Two visits (minimum) with their physician.
- Eight visits with me, Kelsey Raml, Registered Dietitian. Visits will be monthly for the first 6 months, then at 9 months, and at 12 months.
- Referrals can be made to other health care professionals such as our pharmacist, Deidra, physical therapists, or counselors, if needed.
- All visits and services will be applied their insurance. If parents do not want to bill their insurance for this, there is a cash option available for the nutrition visits.
Why:
- Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the last 30 years.
- Children and adolescents who are obese are more likely to become obese adults.
- Those youth whose weight is in the overweight or obese categories are more likely to have risk of factors for health problems in the future, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Where:
- Appointments with their physician will occur at the doctor’s location (Main or NR).
- Appointments with Kelsey will occur at Northridge.
If you’re interested in learning more about STRIVE Kids, we’re here to answer your questions. Give me a call at 605-884-4226 or email strive2survive@brownclinic.org.
We are really looking forward to helping children strive for healthy habits that will last a lifetime!
Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN
Registered Dietitan
by kelsey | Oct 1, 2013 | Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
The aging process is not a real fun one, so most of us want to do everything we can to make the process go well. One common concern as we get older is forgetfulness. Staying active and keeping your brain engaged with regular tasks are good practices, but it’s also important to eat healthy as certain foods promote brain function and memory. As always, eating a colorful diet will help you, but here are some more specifics!
Eat your veggies: strive to get a variety of vegetables in your diet (each color offers specific nutrients!). The cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens are especially benefecial.
Berries: eat more berries, especially dark ones like blackberries, blueberries and cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that may boost memory function.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may also help improve memory. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and herring are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Aim to get at least 2 servings (3 oz) of fatty fish a week and choose healthy cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or broiling over frying. You may also consider taking a fish oil supplement, but be sure to visit with your doctor about proper dosing before taking it.
As you probably noticed, these foods are foods I have discussed before, so eating a healthy and well balanced intake, will not only aid in a healthy weight and heart, but a healthy and active brain!
-Kelsey
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 kelsey | Sep 26, 2013 | Cooking Tips, Diabetes, Diet, Food, Weight Management
As I have stated before, one of my favorite parts of our STRIVE 2 Survive lectures is getting to taste and enjoy the new and healthy recipes County Fair Foods provides. This last Tuesday they had two really great ones and I can’t resist sharing the recipes with you!
Creamy Spinach and Feta Dip (pictured above)
Ingredients:
6 oz nonfat Greek yogurt3/4 c crumbled feta cheese
2 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 c low-fat/fat free sour cream
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 1/2 cups finely crushed fresh spinach
1 Tbsp fresh dill
1/8 tsp black pepper
Preparation: place yogurt, feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream and crushed garlic clove in a food processor; process until smooth. Spoon yogurt into a medium bowl, stir in spinach, fresh dill, and black pepper. Cover and chill. Enjoy with whole grain pita chips or whole grain crackers such as Wheat Thins or Triscuits. For 1/4 cup serving this gives you 75 calories.
Healthy Cookies (pictured above)
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup dates, pitted, and chopped
1/3 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in oats, dates, oil, and vanilla. Mix well, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cooked sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until lightly brown.
1 cookie has about 50 calories.
Enjoy!
-Kelsey
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
