by Dan | Jun 26, 2013 | Etc.
The last few mornings going out for either an early morning walk or run has been very nice. Very calm winds. Bright sun. Beautiful around the lake. This is why I exercise. The peace and calm…taking it all in. Getting time to just think! It is a great way to start the day. I start planning on how I am going to go at the day, and how I am going to get things done as the day unfolds. It is easy to get lost in the view of things, and the quietness. This time of year outside does not even compare to running on the treadmill in the winter time. There is no boredom now.
Take the time to appreciate what nature has to offer. Take the time to really think about it. As Kelsey just recently posted, “take the time to smell the roses!”. One day this will not be here, and the same goes for us. Enjoy what we have now.
The bike trail has benches along the way that you can sit and just watch, so if you get tired, take a break and just sit back and think. This bench is at Jackson Park, looking out at the lake. It is easy to just let your mind go and relax.
I have been doing the exercise for quite a while now, but today I hit another landmark. Consecutive Day #2100! I am not about to stop now. There is still too much to see, too much to do, and a lot more things to think about!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2100!
by kelsey | Jun 26, 2013 | Food
The recent storm really took a hit on our area and many didn’t have power for hours. I posted this a few months ago, but I thought I would re-post it as I think this content is very important to review during times like these. Without power to your freezer or fridge, the safety of your food is at risk…especially when it’s 80 degrees out. If you don’t have one already, be sure to get a thermometer for your fridge and freezer so you are able to monitor and track temperatures appropriately…and be sure to follow these recommendations below.
Keeping cold foods cool and hot foods hot may be a challenge without power so follow these recommendations to keep your food safe in an emergency.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Watch the temp on both using a thermometer. You want your fridge to stay under 40 degrees and your freezer under zero degrees F.
- The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
- A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- If are you able to, get dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days.
- If you are wondering if your food is safe to consume, you need to evaluate each item separately using a thermometer as you cannot rely on the appearance or odor! If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze. Refrigerated food should be safe as long as power is out no more than 4 hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that have been above 40 °F for 2 hours. Remember…it’s better to discard and buy new than risk it and get sick!
For more tips and detailed recommendations please visit the USDA’s website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/keeping_food_Safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp .
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Jun 25, 2013 | Goals, Motivation, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
We have all heard the saying “stop and smell the roses” but do you practice it!?! Life is busy for everyone…you have your job, family, friends, social activities, etc…all things that are important and fill up your days…but are you taking or should I say making the time to take good care of yourself? Many of us put ourselves last on the list which is very un-selfish, however that often results in our own health being neglected. It’s important to take some time for reflection and self assessment and think about what’s really important and what you need to do daily to help you be healthy, to ensure you are in the best shape to be there for your family and friends and be able to fully enjoy what you like to do.
Eating healthy and exercise are parts of a healthy lifestyle, but so is your mental health and spiritual health and it’s important to take time to foster healthy behaviors with all of these aspects of wellness. It seems like we (me and my family) are always going 100 mph and I’m sure we are not alone with this lifestyle! Sometimes you just need to “stop and smell the roses” and think about all of the great things you have in your life and refocus on your goals and ways to achieve them. Sunday night, my husband and I were out checking our cows and calves in the pasture that my family has owned for many years. As were checking the cows, we experienced a beautiful sunset and the rise of the “super moon”, which was an amazingly beautiful full and bright moon. I stopped on my 4-wheeler (for those who know me, yes I wish I was riding a horse instead ;)) and just took it all in and “stopped and smelled the roses”…the sunset, the moon, the beautiful landscape, and the cattle grazing on the land once ran by grandparents and Dad when he was younger….all awesome things to be thankful for and enjoy. It’s hard to take time to stop and smell the roses, but when you do I will guarantee you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to concur your next set of goals or ambitions….and those little things that have been bothering you will seem minimal now. There is a lot of beauty and great things happening around us, we just need to re-focus and recognize these things and appreciate them! Once you do, the world is yours!
I could watch the the cattle graze all day long….it’s calming and peaceful to watch nature at it’s finest.
The “super moon” rising above the rolling plains. A beautiful site.
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Jun 19, 2013 | Etc.
Check out our new summer commercial by clicking the “I’d Rather Be-Summer” link below! It’s sure to make you laugh and smile as you see some of our great doctors telling you about what they’d “rather be doing!” Regular check-ups and health screenings are essential to keep your body healthy, promote lifelong wellness and longevity, and fight off disease. Be sure to schedule your check-up with your Brown Clinic provider to help keep you in tip-top shape to fully enjoy life!
I’d Rather Be-Summer
by kelsey | Jun 18, 2013 | Diet, Family, Food, Holidays, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
This last weekend, my family had a great Father’s Day celebration all weekend complete with boating, fishing, good food, campfires, and fellowship. My brother Lincoln and his family came from Wisconsin and it’s always a treat to get to be with their two little girls. We had an awesome supper Saturday night to celebrate the great dads and I have to say I was quite proud of our family! We grilled our own Raml Cattle lean steaks, had potatoes on the grills, and a bunch of really great fruits and veggies. As I dished up my plate, I noticed it mirrored the USDA’s MyPlate’s icon and I couldn’t resist taking a picture of it! I think it’s very important to practice what you preach and if I am giving you recommendations on healthy eating, I feel it’s essential for me to practice those recommendations as well! This meal was fairly simple to prepare and was thoroughly enjoyed without the feeling of being too full. Things to have on hand to make a healthy plate include: lean proteins (in this case we used sirloin), plenty of fruits and veggies to complete half of your plate, and a quarter starch or grains (we grilled red potatoes with a little olive oil). When you eat a balanced, portion controlled plate like this, you will feel content and the need to snack and over-eat is greatly decreased. I hope all of you Fathers out there enjoyed your day and got extra special treatment! I know I sure enjoyed the weekend with my family as we celebrated!
My Dad helping me grill.
“BEEF, it’s what’s for dinner.” Our delicious Raml Cattle steaks were perfect for our Father’s Day celebration!
-Kelsey
