by kelsey | Aug 3, 2011 | Diet, Food, Weight Management
Most of you would probably never guess where my good friend and fellow Brown Clinic Physicians Assistant Stefanie Kranz and myself went for lunch today….McDonalds. Now you’re probably thinking why would 2 health professionals choose one of the so-called worst fast food restaurants to eat lunch at! Well, the main reason was that we were crunched for time, which I’m sure applies to many of you as well. However we also wanted to go somewhere that had good salads. Yes, you read that correctly, salads! In the last few years fast food places such as McDonalds have really improved their menus and now offer several health conscious choices. Before you order the typical value meal, look for other options such as a tasty summer salad, yogurt parfait, or even a smoothie over the icecream treat. Another tip is to share a meal if you really want those fries. This will allow you to get your fix, while still being mindful. Key words to look for are grilled, baked, broiled (stay away from breaded items) and watch out for the extra sauces added to burgers, sandwiches, etc. You can also look up their nutrition information online to help you make a good choice!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Aug 2, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
The State Swim meet for SD was this last 3 day weekend down in SF. Lots of kids! Very hot and humid. Here is Megan on lane 5 taking off for the backstroke. Tons of kids swimming, and lots of parents screaming!
Here is Megan leading in the backstroke. If only I could swim like her! Swimming is a great form of exercise, and when we have access to a pool here in town, it is one form of exercise to take advantage of. I had a patient in today who started swimming earlier this year. He had neck and back pain and was overweight. He could not swim one length of the pool to start with, which is 25 meters. He now has no back or neck pain, swims a couple of MILES at a time, loves it, and has lost over 25#! If something is worth having or fighting for, then you have to make the effort to keep going. If he had quit at the beginning, nothing would have changed. You have to find your own motivation, match it to your abilities, and work at it! It will be worth the process. Good luck!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1407
by kelsey | Aug 2, 2011 | Exercise, Heart Health
A recent review published in Circulation, the American Heart Association’s journal indicated that even small amounts of activity (10-15 min/day) are good for your heart. Current recommendations are to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity activity most days of the week. This review found that those who do this will have a 14% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who are sedentary. If you engage in twice the recommendations (300 minutes) you will lower your risk to 20% and if you do 750 minutes/week your risk drops even more to 25%. Thus showing more is better, but something’s better than nothing!
Our body’s were designed to be able to be active and move around and Dr. Dan is a true testiment to this! As you track his exercise days, his risk for heart disease based on his exercise routine is very low. Myself on the other hand do not get as much activity as he does. My goal is to get 3-5 days a week in of moderate-high intensity activity. There are times when we feel time crunched or have to tend to other obligations or responsiblities, but this review shows us that every little bit counts, so if you can only get 15-20 minutes in…go for it! It will still reduce your risk of heart disease compared to being sedentary.
I have included a picture of my little furry friends that accompany me on my runs every once in awhile. Cinch and Wrangler are our cattle working Australian Shepherd dogs on the ranch and every once awhile come with me when they have extra energy to expend. Running on gravel roads in the country has it’s challenges, but there is nothing better than getting out there with fresh air and wide open spaces. 🙂
-Kelsey
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/exercise/story/2011/08/A-small-amount-of-exercise-is-good-for-your-heart/49757422/1?csp=ylf
http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=1393
by Dan | Jul 30, 2011 | Exercise, Family, Weather
Friday was the opening day ceremony for the National Softball Tournament here in Watertown. Some 58 teams, with over 800 athletes participated. It was quite the ceremony with everybody marching in and being introduced. It was great as a spectator as well.
Here is Molly’s team…Spiegel Construction, for 18 and under teams. Great weather for the tournament, and to watch as well. Lots of walking involved, not only for the athletes, but for all of us parents and spectators getting back and forth to all of the games. We were getting just as tired as they were. Lots of fun, and memories to last forever.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1404
by Dan | Jul 28, 2011 | Equipment, Exercise
The National Softball Tournament is being held in Watertown beginning today, for the next 4 days. Here Molly is pitching in their first game. Very hot outside, and humid, so have to keep reminding them to drink. Great competition, and great exercise. A fun way to work on your health. They keep safety in mind by wearing face masks, at least for the pitchers. Some of the teams all of the infielders wear them. A good idea!
The kid has some power and some wheels. Here she is hitting a double in the game. They ended up losing the first game to a team from North Dakota. Many states are here for this tournament. Everybody have fun playing, watching, and competing.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1402
