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
by Dan | Sep 27, 2011 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Well, today I started a new year. I finished after yesterday, 4 years in a row of exercsising everyday! Now it is second nature. I do it without even thinking about it. That is what you need to do in regards to your exercise and activity. Once it becomes a habit, it becomes much easier. Don’t get me wrong, there are days that are still tougher than others, but the hardest part is getting out and doing it. Once you get going, the rest gets much easier, and you feel so much better, and are happy for doing it. Keep your chin up! Keep at it! You can do it too! Remember to pick activities that you like to do. If you do activities that seem more of a chore, or you really don’t like doing, you won’t continue with it. I enjoy my activities, and right now, would not have it any other way!

Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise day #: 1461
by Dan | Sep 25, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health

This morning was perfect to go out for a walk, so of course, I took my training buddy, “Buddy”. We were out walking, and Sarah was coming back from running, so he had to go greet her as well, and then wanted to go running with her. He turned 9 this summer, and the running is getting a little tough for him, but he does great walking, so he had to finish up with me.

We took a little break about half way through, and went and watched the Lake from the new dock they put in this summer. Very nice day. Our days of this weather are getting more limited by the day, so make sure you get out with your training “buddy” and enjoy the weather. Here is to a good week coming.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive exercise day #: 1459
by kelsey | Sep 22, 2011 | Weight Management

The American Dietetic Association has a great public feature to their site that offers great nutrition tips. I thought I’d share these with you as you work to trim your waistline. These tips don’t require huge changes, however will give you great results!
- Downsize Your Dishes. Use smaller plates and bowls to help you eat less. We tend to fill up the dish we’re using and then eat it all. Our brains also think we are getting more when the same amount of food is placed in a smaller dish.
- Savor Your Meals. Eating slowly helps you consume only what your body needs to feel satisfied. Eating too quickly, in less than 20 to 30 minutes, leads to overeating and feeling uncomfortably full afterwards.
- Leave Some Food on Your Plate. This is especially important if you grew up in the “clean plate club.” By leaving even a few bites, you can focus more on your internal signals of satisfaction and less on eating food just because it is there.
- Don’t Eat Out of a Bag or Box. When you eat out of a package, you are likely to keep eating until it’s all gone – no matter how many servings the package actually contains. Pour one serving into a small bowl.
- Choose Your Glass Wisely. Here’s another place where our eyes play tricks on us. When glasses are short and wide, we tend to fill them with more fluid and to drink more. Use a slender glass for any beverage except water.
- Rethink Your Drinks. High-calorie beverages like soft drinks, juice drinks, energy drinks, specialty coffees and alcohol add calories just like solid foods. Whenever possible, replace these drinks with plenty of water.
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6849
-Kelsey