by kelsey | Jan 29, 2013 | Goals, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
As we look to the end of the week, the long month of January comes to an end and February greets us. This also means that for those that made New Year’s resolutions, you’re a month into your new plan. How’s it going? What are you doing really well? What needs work? Take some time for reflection and think about these questions. When I work with my patients, we talk about a lot of different things from activity, nutrition, and behavior modification and it’s hard to tackle it all at once….and usually when we do we become overwhelmed and throw in the towel and start that viscous cycle all over again! In efforts of promoting life long habits, focus on a few things at a time and as you feel you have mastered those new habits, pick another few to focus on. Over time you will have a new healthy lifestyle that you can maintain! Use your calendar or your journal to keep track of your goals and be sure to reward yourself along the way!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Jan 24, 2013 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Sarah competed in the Half Marathon at the run Disney weekend. She did a great job! Here she is coming through Epcot. Originally were told that there were 39,000 people registerd for this, but 23,126 finished. Sarah finished in 45th place for her division, and 484 for female finishers. She came in at 1:55:57, and her goal was again to break 2 hours.
She is coming across the finish line here, with all of the confetti on the ground. She too had a great time, and wants to do it again next year.
Here she is proudly displaying her medal for finishing! It is great when you can accomplish your goals, and then get a medal to show for it as well. It was great the rest of the time we were in Disney, because all of the finishers for the half marathon and marathon wore their medals each day while at the theme parks, all grinning ear to ear, and proud of what they had accomplished. It made the moment even bette! Keep working on your goals, whatever they may be. No goal is too small or too big, as long as you make it for you! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1947
by kelsey | Jan 24, 2013 | Diet, Weight Management
Thanks to the popular Dr. Oz show, raspberry ketones became a craze in the last few years as Dr.Oz discussed them as being helpful for weight loss. I was recently asked about them and if they’re effective so I thought I’d discuss this topic on the blog for everyone to learn the facts about this supplement. When we hear “raspberry ketones” we may think of the raspberry fruit, but in reality this is a supplement…not a fruit. Raspberry ketone is a chemical derived from red raspberries and is thought to increase lean body mass and increase metabolism. Even though the very popular doctor and tv host promotes this for weight loss, it is important to note that there is no sufficient or reliable research indicating this is effective for weight loss. It’s also important to note that the supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA like prescription drugs are so many companies promote their products just to earn the big bucks, not necessarily telling you the truth about their products. To date, there is no magical pill that aids in weight loss (whoever finds it will be rich I’m sure!). There are several new prescription drugs that may work, however the best way to speed up your metabolism and lose weight for good is a balanced, portion controlled diet with regular activity…which includes at least 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week and at least 2 days of body resistance activities to aid in muscle toning. We are always looking for the quick fix and easy way out, but the best way to improve your health is making lifestyle changes that you can stick with rather than the quick fix. If you are ever wondering about a supplement, don’t hesitate to contact us as many supplements can interact with your medications and body and we can look them up for you and provide proper guidance and instructions for you!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Jan 17, 2013 | Exercise, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Here Steve and I are following the marathon showing off our medals. It was very warm and humid, but we had a great day! Steve finished his first marathon, and is now ready to take on some more.
Here we are coming up to the finish line, raising our arms in celebration. It has been a year long of training, and getting ready for this day. There is no feeling like coming across the finish line at this point.
Of course, after all of that work, we needed to celebrate a little bit, and get some calories put back in. The reward for all of the work!
It goes to show, if you set a goal, and stay focused, you can achieve it. It always helps when somebody else is there to help push and motivate along the way. We accomplished it, and are ready for the next goal. Stay tuned as I show off some other pictures, and stories from the marathon, and events of the weekend. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day#: 1940
by kelsey | Jan 17, 2013 | Wellness/Health
With all of this talk about the flu and illness, I thought it was fitting to discuss how nutrition can play a key role in boosting your immune system. A healthy and balanced diet not only helps your heart and your waist line, but it aids in a healthy immune system as well….especially a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C is helpful in boosting your immune system. Vitamin C is very rich in citrus fruits such as oranges. Sleep can also make a difference. If you aren’t getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep most nights of the week, your immune system can be weak and more susceptible to illness. Another essential method to ward off illness is proper hand washing. Thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds under warm, soapy water regularly throughout the day. Using hand sanitizer is also beneficial. Taking good care of yourself will help you live a longer and healthier life, but it will also keep your immune system strong to fight off infections and illness…which is ever more important right now during flu season!
Strive to get your 5 a day fruits and veggies, engage in regular activity, and practice good sleep habits, and your immune system will be in prime shape to keep you healthy!
-Kelsey
