by kelsey | Apr 11, 2012 | Etc.
We want to inform you that due to a scheduling conflict, we have switched Dr. Jon’s and Deidra’s talks for this spring session of STRIVE. Thus this next Tuesday, April 17th, Deidra Van Gilder, PharmD will speak and Dr. Jon will give his talk on May 15th. Since some of you past participants still come to the lectures or come to some that you missed during your session, we wanted to inform everyone of this change.
Deidra VanGilder, PharmD is a great resource for questions on vitamins, minerals, supplements, and medications, so be sure to bring those questions with you next Tuesday!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Apr 8, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
A participant in a previous Strive 2 Survive class taught me, as a motivating tool, he carried around with him a rock with the words painted “WIN” on it. Whenever he had trouble deciding on when he needed to work on things, he would rub on this, and WIN represents: When is Now. It kept reminding him that it was up to him to really accomplish what it is he wanted, and he needed to do it now, before it was too late. Of course, never forget that we all can rely on others to help keep us going: friends, neighbors, relatives, training partners in general, that all can help us WIN.

Remember those that are close to us, important to us, to help us achieve our goals, and be healthier to be around longer.

Don”t lose sight of the big picture, of what it is we really want to achieve. Getting there is the challenge and difficult part. But remember, success should be a journey, not a final destination. Have fun along the way. You will be amazed as what you can all learn as you go. This knowledge you need to continue to fall back on, utilize, adapt, and continue to learn from it. We never quit learning. When is Now–WIN-to help you keep going forward. Good luck. Keep moving!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1655
by Dan | Apr 7, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health

The winds were definitely picking up today. The wind is not so bad when it is warm out, but when it is cold, it is another thing. When I started off running this AM with Sarah and some other friends from the running club, it was 51 degrees. We went on a long run, and by the time we were done, it was 41 degrees. I am not sure what the wind chill was, but had to be in the low 30’s. The forecast is calling for some more cold days, with lows down in the 20’s. Still overall not bad, but it is when we start getting used to the warm weather we have been having.

The Lake had lots of white caps on it, and made it very tough to run in. So the group we had running worked as a team, and took turns blocking the wind. We would then just keep trading off. We all got our workout in, and we worked together. It is always more enjoyable exercising with someone else. The conversations, the comraderie. It is no different then how we work through things every day. It is always easier when you have help, and at the same time, you contribute to it. We all have different Winds of Change in our lives every day, regardless of the weather. Keep your chin up, and move forward. As far as the weather, here is hoping that the cold days, and the wind, will be short lived. Have a great Easter coming! Keep moving!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1654
by kelsey | Apr 5, 2012 | Holidays

With Easter just a few days away, you are most likely busy preparing those Easter baskets for your kids, grandkids, etc. Typically Easter baskets are filled with lots of calorie filled candy and sweets, however they don’t nessarily have to be! Easter baskets can still be fun for kids when they are filled with fun non-food items. As you’re preparing those baskets here are some suggestions for you that aren’t loaded with sugar and calories.
- Stickers and sticker bookes
- Temporary tattoos
- Jewelry or beads and string to make your own jewelry
- Barrrettes, hair bands, nail polish
- Music- CDs, Itunes cards, etc
- Small toy cars, small toys
- Playdough
- DVD
- Disposable camera
- Musical instrument
- Mini planters and ssed
- New shovels, pails, sand toys, and sunglasses for spring and summer
We wish you all a very blessed and happy Easter!!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Apr 4, 2012 | Diet, Weight Management

Are you a member of the clean plate club? If so, I’d like to give you permission to drop out! A simple way to eat healthier and achieve a healthy weight is to avoid large portions and eat less. Here are some tips to help you do this:
- Use smaller plates, bowls and glasses.
- Once in a while, get out the measuring cups and measure your portions out into your bowls and plates to give you a better idea for how much you should be eating and what the appropriate portion sizes are.
- Eat slower and make your dining experience last longer…savor each bite!
- Stick to one helping…avoid seconds, thirds, and fourths.
- Fill up on a leafy-green salad or vegetable soup before the main course.
-Kelsey