No Snow, but Signs of Winter

Well, we don’t have any snow yet, but the weather keeps changing, and keeps adding in some of these cold days.  We got very lucky this weekend, reaching up and over 50 degrees yesterday and today.  Take advantage of these days, and get outside and move.  I saw many people out today doing just that:  biking, walking, running.  This is December!  In South Dakota!  Take advantage of them.  Here one side of the lake the wind has blown to shove the ice that is developing.  From the other side:

…More ice is seen, but leaves a very pretty design.  We really do need the moisture, but at this point, there is nothing else we can do about that.  We can make a change to get out and be active, and take advantage of what nature has given us.  When temperatures are like this, it oveall does not make Winter seem so long.  Keeping being positive, and keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1793

Overcome Holiday Emotional Eating

 

 

 

 

 

The holidays can bring out a variety of emotions and when food is at every holiday party or gathering, it can be challenging to practice portion control and make good choices. The first step in overcoming emotional eating is to recognize what emotions cause you to eat more. Keeping a food log that includes your feelings and emotions in relationship to your intake will help you increase your awareness. Once you know what is causing the urge to overeat, the next step is to figure out how to avoid or overcome that situation or feeling. Think about what needs to change in your life to break the pattern of emotional eating, how can you reduce your stress, and channel your energy in another direction that is away from food.  If certain foods are more tempting to you, then do not buy them or keep them in your home. If you slip up from time to time, do not get down on yourself! Instead, overcome it and get back on track the next meal or snack and examine each fall back as a way to find out more about what is causing your emotional eating. Exercise is also helpful as it produces natural endorphins that boost mood, so next time you get the urge, get moving!

-Kelsey

 

Writers Block

Well it’s difficult to write this, but Dr. Dan and I have a case of writer’s block and we need your help!! We use this blog to educate and inform our patients and STRIVE participants about diet and exercise topics you want to learn more about.  Please helps us overcome writer’s blog and tell us what you want to learn more about! It can be anything related to health, wellness, diet, and exercise…we want to hear from you! You can email us at strive2survive@brownclinic.org, comment on the blog or Facebook, or call us! This is your opportunity to get free advice from experts in the field and learn more about ways to improve your wellness!

We look forward to hearing from you!!

-Kelsey & Dr. Dan

Jumpstart your New Year with STRIVE 2 Survive!

Even though we are in the middle of the holiday season, we are already planning for the New Year with our Winter STRIVE 2 Survive program planned to kick off on January 8th.  The results are still coming in for our fall session and so far we have seen incredible improvements in weight, cholesterol, blood sugars, blood pressure, and overall health! The common feedback we are getting is that STRIVE 2 Survive has really helped them learn how to make healthy choices and implement the education gained into their everyday lives. In addition, Dr. Dan has helped inspire them all to be more active.  Even though it’s a month away, we encourage you to consider making plans to start the New Year in a great way by putting YOU and your HEALTH first by signing up for STRIVE 2 Survive! I encourage you to check out the dates of the lectures in our “calendar” tab and contact me if you have any questions or desire additional information. We are looking forward to another great group of people as we work together to STRIVE 2 Survive!

-Kelsey

strive2survive@brownclinic.org

884-4226

Lighted Parade in Watertown

Here is our Brown Clinic float for the Lighted Parade here following Thanksgiving.  Very cold out, but the wind had gone way down.  It was nice to get out and walk, and was much easier to stay warm moving.  All in all, it was a good turn out again this year.  Our theme this year was “Have a yabba-dabba-do Christmas” with the Flinstones characters.  The Flinstones car is sitting in the trailer here.

Here we are.  Pebbles, Bam Bam, Wilma, Betty, and Fred.  Our float won for “Most Original”.  It was a scramble to get set before the judging.  Our generator went out when we pulled up in line, and we had to go find someone with another one, but got it set up in time.  It is always a good time to start off following Thanksgiving.

Keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1784