Breast Cancer Prevention

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought it’d be fitting to discuss the importance of a healthy diet in relation to breast cancer prevention. According to the SD Department of Health, breast cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer (besides skin cancers) and the 2nd leading cause of death in South Dakota women. Following a low fat diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in preventing breast cancer. In addition, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity and limit alcohol consumption.  Breast feeding has also been linked to breast cancer prevention. Eating healthy not only impacts our weight, it truly does aid in disease prevention and longevity!

-Kelsey

Winter STRIVE 2 Survive starting January 3rd

We are excited to release our dates for our winter STRIVE 2 Survive session! If you want to learn more and/or put your name on the list for this session, feel free to email us at strive2survive@brownclinic.org or call 884-4226.

January 3: “Exercise for the Health of It” Dr. Dan Reiffenberger

January 17: “Healthy Eating Made Easy” Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN

January 31: “Your Equation to Success” Dr. Jon McAreavey

February 14: “A Walk thru the Wellness Wheel” Dr. Clark Likness

February 28: “Medications…to do or not to do” Deidra VanGilder, Pharm D

March 13: “Making Health a Way of Life” STRIVE Team

-Kelsey

Parents Trying to Keep Up

This weekend in Brandon was the ESD cross country championship.  Here Molly is leading for us in the JV race.  She ran 4000 meters, and with the course they had, was 2 big loops, and one small loop.  The big loops included a very big hill.  Sarah and I, between 4 different races to watch, easily covered about 3 miles ourselves just trying to keep up and cheer, not only for our own kids, but Watertown as well.

Here Nick is at the bottom of the hill.  He had to cover 5000 meters, and was 3 big loops, with that big hill each loop.  We chose to at least stay at the bottom of the hill, and then kept running back and forth across the center of the course.  I think by the time it was all done, we needed someone to cheer for all of the parents.  It is a great way to show your kids how being active is important.  They are in running a race, we can run back and forth for them as well.  The good thing is the rain held off until everything was done. 

Here is to a good week coming.  Stay active.

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1473

Happy Anniversary Sarah!

Today is our wedding anniversary.  21 years for Sarah and I.  Just like everybody else, we have been through a lot, but we keep each other going.  Whether it is taking care of our kids, our health, or each other, we are always there, and always have been.  I may do a lot of my exercise with my Golden Retriever, Buddy, but Sarah is my ultimate training partner/partner in general.  It is so much easier to focus on your health, and to try and eat right, and exercise, when your spouse is on the same page as you.  If your spouse or partner is not with you, keep trying.  Some day it may surprise you.  We both ran today, and I also rode the bike.  We are always active, and keep each other motivated. 

Here is to many, many more years Sarah!  Thanks to our friend/photographer Cory Ann Ellis for taking great pictures!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1470

A Favorite Meal of Mine

Following a healthy and balanced diet isn’t always easy. Sometimes the healthy foods cost a bit more and it may require a little more work compared to driving thru the fast food drive thru or putting a frozen pizza in the oven. One of my favorite meals that’s very healthy and well balanced is stir fry. It’s a great way to get a lot of good veggies, lean protein, and some whole grains. In addition, if you cook your veggies and meat with olive oil or canola oil on the stove, you’re getting additional healthy fats and omega 3 fatty acids. When I make this meal, like I did last night, I usually try to make a little extra as it’s great for left overs. I use the frozen stir fry veggies, lean skinless, boneless chicken breast, and whole grain rice (cooked in a rice cooker). These are my preferences, however you could make your own mixture according to your taste preferences, which is another great thing about stir fry! In addition to the balanced meal, this doesn’t take long to make at all so it’s a great option for when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to take a lot of time to prepare a meal. Now I must mention that my all time favorite meal is roast beef and mashed potatoes….but I’ll save that one for another day!

-Kelsey