by kelsey | Sep 11, 2012 | Etc., Wellness/Health
Eleven years ago today, I was a junior at WHS sitting in my pyschology class. It started as a regular Tuesday during KIYI week which is always full of fun and excitement. My parents were gone to New York City with another couple who we showed horses with from Illinois. The men were taking in a medical conference and the women went along for shopping, socializing, and fun. A good family friend was staying with me since my brothers were at college and mom and dad were going to be gone most of the week. The night before I had spoken to them on the phone from the top of the Empire State Building. They were excited to go visit the World Trade Center the next morning and take in some sight seeing before attending the afternoon conference.
The morning of 9/11 is one I will never forget, as I’m sure the rest you will not either. As I sat in class at WHS and watched the horror and destruction on TV, I couldn’t help but wonder if my parents and our good family friends had gone to the WTC that morning and if they were ok. I sat with my classmate’s and the anxiety and nervousness increased as time went on….until the phone range directly into the classroom and our teacher told me it was for me. Bonnie, from the clinic was on the other line….not my parents! Well thankfully, Bonnie told me that due to the extreme busy phone lines, my Dad was only able to get a call into the clinic to let us know they were ok. Bonnie was calling the three of us kids and my parents’ parents to let everyone know they were ok. After we talked the night before, the men made a quick decision to stay at the conference in the morning and sight-see in the afternoon as the material in the morning was more applicable to them. ….Well that one decision most likely saved their lives as they would have been at the WTC that morning of 9/11. They were staying a few miles from the WTC and saw, heard, and smelled the destruction, however they were safe and sound in their hotel. They eventually had to rent a car and drive home from NYC as that was their only means of transportation due to the airlines and trains being shut down.
I know everyone has their own story and memory of 9/11, but every year, I can’t help but be very thankful and count my blessings to still have my parents with me and have our whole family intact. This story isn’t exactly nutrition related, however it is related to wellness as it’s important to have faith and purpose in our lives. We often get bombarded with thoughts of dieting and exercise, but in order to obtain true wellness, we need to think about the big picture and how each facet affects you…which does include, faith, family, friends, and purpose in life. Make the most of each day as you don’t know when it will be your last and make sure you tell your loved ones you care about them. It’s a day to take time to thank our service members and appreciate our freedom. And, as you examine your goals, be sure to think about your purpose and what is driving you to be healthy. For many of us, it’s our family …and today I have a lot to be thankful for!
These pictures are from my wedding 2 years ago (thanks to Kari Mertz Photography!). We now have two more little ones in the family, but I am blessed to have them all and today, I will be counting my blessings!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 6, 2012 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food
The Grilled Chicken Breasts with Caesar Salad was a big hit at Tuesday’s meeting thanks to County Fair Foods! South Dakotans rank at the bottom of the list for fruit and vegetable consumption, so increasing our produce intake is something we all need to work on. Be sure to try out this salad to help boost your vegetable intake!
Grilled Chicken Breasts
Grill chicken breasts on outdoor grill
Season with Chef Secret seasoning
Baste with Walden Farms BBQ Sauce
Ceasar Salad
1 bunch of romaine lettuce
1 bottle of fat free Caesar dressing
1 package of fat free croutons
1 c fresh parmesan cheese
Wash lettuce, tear into bite size pieces and toss with dressing in a large bowl.
Top salad with parmesan cheese, chicken, and croutons
Enjoy!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 5, 2012 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food
One of my favorite parts of the STRIVE 2 Survive lectures is enjoying the tasty and healthy treats County Fair Foods provides for our participants. Last night we had a really great Chicken Ceasar Salad and an excellent Healthy Homemade Salsa. Right now is a great time for salsa as tomotoes are in season. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, lycopene, vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories. Be sure to try out this healthy salsa recipe with some whole grain chips or baked chips.
Healthy Homemade Salsa
6 fresh tomatoes chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno finely chopped (take seeds out to make it less hot)
1/2 white onion chopped
Mix all ingredients together and serve with whole grain chips.
Stay tuned to tomorrow’s post for the salad recipe!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 4, 2012 | Etc.
Today is the unofficial start of fall and I couldn’t be more excited to start it off in an exciting way with kicking off our fall session of STRIVE 2 Survive. We have a great group signed up and we look forward to working with everyone! STRIVE 2 Survive is an overall wellness program that really focuses on disease prevention and helping you achieve a healthy body and promote longevity. We know there will always be bumps along the road thus it’s our goal to give you the tools you need to live healthy and work through those challenging times. There are many ways to get that quick fix for weight loss, however we’re really focused on promoting life long improvements through lifestyle changes. Weight loss, cholesterol improvement, glucose improvement, blood sugar improvement, activity improvement and improvement in overall wellness have been seen in our participants (see our results and feedback page for more details!). Our team offers a variety of experts in their specialized area to provide the Watertown area with a top notch team. We do still have some room, so if you’re interested, be sure to contact us today to learn more and get signed up!
Our first lecture starts tonight at 5:30pm at the County Fair Banquet Hall….hope to see you there!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Sep 3, 2012 | Equipment, Exercise, Family, Holidays, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. You are all appreciated! Labor Day has also come to be celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. You need to get out and enjoy the weather while you can.
As posted by Tori Simon, this was the Paint the Town Pink 5k run/walk this last friday, August 31. You can see Sarah, #106. It was a little windy, but a great night to get out and join others to work together for a good cause, helping to raise money and awareness for breast cancer patients. We think we may work hard and need time off, or work hard exercising, but you need to put yourselves in these patients shoes, and then you will realize what work is, and the struggles they go through. Joining in on a walk/run seemed liked the least we could do.
The weather will be changing soon. Before long, it will get colder, and getting outside for exercise will be tougher. You always have the option of using exercise equipment inside, but there is nothing like being out in the open, enjoying the fresh air, and having a lot better scenery to look at. Here you see my family all working out on exercise equipment on our last vacation in August. If we can’t be outside, we find alternatives. Staying fit is important to our family, and we want it to become important for you.
Exercise is our Labor “of Love” Day, today and everyday! Keep moving everybody! Hope you had a great Labor Day off!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1803
