by Dan | Oct 3, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health

The weather this weekend was amazing! It was great spending time outside. It looks like the bulk of this week is going to be much of the same. Don’t waste it! Get out and enjoy it! The leaves changing color make it very pretty to watch. It was a great weekend to go biking. I had gone out earlier, and then later Sarah and Megan went out for a ride.

Here they are coming home. Of course, Megan is shielding her eyes from the camera, not the sun. The two of them have been doing quite a few rides together these last few weeks. It was great motivation to get Megan out doing something other than swimming. This is also where it is good to have a training partner, friend, daughter, mother, son, spouse, pet, whatever the case may be, to help get you motivated to get out and exercise. Keep each other going. Enjoy the coming week.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1467
by Dan | Oct 2, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health

It was a very busy week, both at home and at work. It was homecoming week for the Watertown Arrows, with lots of activities for the kids, and for the parents, to be busy. We also had a cross country meet, the homecoming parade, the girls were in the powder puff football game, the actuall football game friday night, and then Molly and Nick had a band competition in SF yesterday. We all were staying very active this week. With the weather these last few weekends, it has been great to get outside and enjoy it. Keep going, and spend time outside as long as we can.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1466
by kelsey | Sep 29, 2011 | Food

Have you heard about the listeria outbreak on the news involving canteloupe? According to the CDC 13 people have died and 72 people are affected in 18 states. They have linked it back to Jensen Farms in Colorado. Since the discovery of the deadliest food borne illness outbreak, Jensen Farms has voluntarily recalled all melons. They are still researching the root cause of the outbreak. Listeria can cause fever, confusion, vomiting, and neck stiffness. Those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly are at greater risk. South Dakota is not affected by this outbreak, however many of our surrounding states are. Proper food safety practices are very important to avoid food borne illness. Be sure to always wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds before working with food, wash your produce thoroughly before eating (yes- this includes the outside of the melon) and do not cross contaminate with other foods like raw meat.
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 28, 2011 | Wellness/Health

Today is the Brown Clinic Flu Shot Clinic. It is at the Northridge Clinic from 7:30 am-7:30pm and is for all ages. It may seem a little early to get the flu shot, however South Dakota had it’s first case of the flu confirmed this week. When we think about flu prevention, it’s important to discuss that eating a healthy and balanced diet helps keep your immune system in tip top shape, thus aiding in the prevention of illness. A diet hearty in fruits and vegetables will provide your body with added vitamins and minerals essential to prevent illness. Next time you’re at the store, try selecting fruits and vegetables in all different colors as each color offers various nutrients. And don’t forget to stop by Northridge to get your flu shot!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Sep 27, 2011 | Weight Management, Wellness/Health

As I read Dr. Dan’s post today, I couldn’t help but smile and be proud that I get the opportunity to work with him and be a part of this awesome wellness team at the Brown Clinic. He truly is a great role model for “practicing what he preaches.” As he stated, getting into the habit of exercising daily has now resulted in a total lifestyle change and part of his daily routine. This is exactly what we like to promote with STRIVE 2 Survive….lifelong healthy habits!
Lately I have had an over-abundance of questions regaring many fad diets out there. As I examine each one through, I always find something missing when compared to the recommendations of MyPlate and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines. Fad diets are usually missing one part of the puzzle, whether it may be a food group such as carbs or it recommends not exercising. These characteristics are why it is labeled a fad diet. You may lose weight for a short period of time, however your body really can’t go forever without the balance of nutrients recommended by MyPlate. Try working on one or two goals that will become habit and eventually a lifestyle. For example, if you aren’t a water drinker, try setting a goal of at least 5 glasses a day and gradually work up to 8. Or if you are wanting to get more fruits or vegetables in your day, set a goal to get at least one at each meal. Gradually this will become habit and part of your daily intake.
-Kelsey