I just got back from a great week of vacation at Disney, and two of our kids were able to come along, Megan and Nick. The weather was great, the scenery was great, and the rides and adventures were a ton of fun. The first evening there we already went to Magic Kingdom and took in the fireworks and light display of the castle! Wow!
Disney definitely knows how to put on a good show. The next day was spent at Epcot. Lots of walking that day. We put in 9 miles just walking that day. We knew it would be a lot of walking there so I did not run that morning first. I have to admit, it was hard not to go for a run when the sun is shining, it is warm, and there is green grass everywhere!
We tried to at least be aware of what we ate, but when you are on vacation, sometimes you just have to indulge a little bit. They had this great French Café that was incredible. Megan showed what she thought of me threatening to take her food!
The night show at Epcot was also incredible to see. The light show of the Space Ball was amazing.
We also made a day adventure out of Animal Kingdom. They have some great shows, and rides. The Tree of Life, and all of the details involved with it were very impressive.
Four of the days there we went for a run first thing in the morning. We stayed at Port Orleans, Riverside, and they have this great running/walking path to take along the river. It was so easy to get lost in the scenery. These were definitely some of the easiest runs I have been on. Megan usually went with Sarah and I, and Nick went on his own…we were too slow for him!
For the week were there, we ran 16 miles, and covered over 35 miles walking at the parks. It was a busy week, but a good kind of busy. Disney is a perfect example of the better shape you are in, the more ground you can cover. And even with all this, there were things that we did not see. You can’t cover it all while you are there, so you take in what you can. Spending family time, doing family things, was also just a highlight of the trip.
Sarah and I may be getting older, but you are never too old to have fun at Disney. There is something for everyone. Take it in. Have a “magical time”. Live life to the fullest. Sometimes you just have to act like a kid again! Make everyday an adventure. Strive to Survive, and live that life carefree, and worry free. And remember, keep moving everybody!
Help us celebrate a new support group created for people of all ages with diabetes. Family members and caretakers are welcome. The group will meet monthly September-May.
Kick Off Event: Tuesday,March 3rd at 5:30pm at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic Conference Center.
Tuesday, April 7th: Topic Nutrition–a converstaion directed by the Registered Dietitians of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Tuesday, May 5th: Topic Exercise–Dave Greenman from Prairie Lakes Wellness Center will be providing his professional advice.
Brown Clinic experts such as myself, Deidra Van Gilder, PharmD, Dr. Woolley (podiatry), and possible others will be speaking next year so stay tuned for more details!!
For more information please call 882-7908 or visit prairielakes.com.
STRIVE 2 Survive, our 12 week wellness program starts in about 3 weeks, March 12th!! We often have people ask about the results of the program as they try to decide if they should enroll or not. Today’s post is about results as I wanted to share some of the results we have seen: not only weight loss, but great improvements in lab work, BP, and waist circumference, which greatly impacts disease prevention and overall wellness. Below are a few of our participant’s results for you to see how beneficial the program can be! Enrollment is underway right now! Contact us today to get signed up for a better you! Email: strive2survive@brownclinic.org or 884-4226.
Yesterday afternoon was actually a very pleasant day, temperature wise, to go for a run. Sarah and I have been running for decades. I started in Middle School, and ran my first race, the Diet Pepsi 10 K race in SF, as a sophomore in High School. That was many years ago, and many races and adventure’s ago as well. Many things have changed over the years. I have learned a lot about running, and learned the hard way with experience as well. But one thing is for sure, you always have to listen to your body! And if there was ever a time when this was more true, it is now! I just started reading a book this week: Running Past 50.
The book is runners sharing their experiences of how they started running, and what it has done for them. Boy, can I relate! I have always wanted to write my own book, and I think this has helped me come up with an idea. I have always wanted to have it be kind of a autobiography, but I want it related to running, and what I have learned over the years. “Running Through Life” sounds like it may be a good title. The ideas right now are flowing through my head. Real life running experiences, what I know as a physician, combined with motivation for others. I have to say, I like the idea of where this is going. I will have to see what happens over time!
Sarah and I have run many races over the years, and you learn something from every one. The learning is not just about running, but life experiences. You listen to what other people are doing, and what works for them as well. There is nothing that works the same for everybody. Many of the concepts or training plans can be tailored to your own individual needs and desires as well. Many of us who do a lot of running have gone through many training plans. We find out what works, and definitely what does not work! There is no “one size fits all” plan for everybody, so you learn to modify and adapt to your needs, and desires. The basic concepts can be similar, and the road getting there may take many turns. Turns often not expected. But, the final end point can be the same: reaching the goals we want to achieve! Many training partners have been involved along the way, including our kids. They help now keep the motivation going! Oh to be young again, and have the physical capabilities that they have. I just wish I had the knowledge I have now, back then. For all of you old enough to realize how true this is, how many times have you said this same thing?
Megan has been running a lot with us since she has been back home. She helps keep things lively! Never a dull moment! Keep us going Meg!
Of course, those moments of solitude when you just “go”, and also let your mind go as well. Many things over the years have been solved while out on a run. The group runs are good to help get things off your chest too, but there are times when you just need to run alone as well. Just relax, unwind, and go. Leave all of your worries behind, and just pay attention to things you never paid attention to before. We all get in such a hurry with things that life just passes us by. Take it all in. Enjoy the ride. Strive to Survive! And, keep moving everybody!
Spring STRIVE 2 Survive, our 12 week wellness program starts March 10th!! Details are below… contact us today to get your spot reserved for the spring session!
STRIVE 2 Survive: Over 20 years ago Dr. Dan Reiffenberger wrote a grant for the American College of Sports Medicine about the development of a fitness program entitled STRIVE to Survive. The STRIVE represents “Securing Time for Regular Involvement in a Variety of Exercise”. Since that time, it has become our Brown Clinic Wellness Program, with modifications and improvements along the way. It is a 12 week program incorporating exercise and nutrition, with the goal of continuing these types of habits for a lifetime. Our dietitian Kelsey Raml has helped incorporate the nutrition component and Dr. Clark Likness, Dr. Jon McAreavey, and Deidra Van Gilder, PharmD are also involved creating a multi-disciplinary approach to health and wellness. We hold the 12 week program periodically throughout the year. During the 12 weeks, we meet every other Tuesday at the Park and Rec Fieldhouse from 5:30-6:30pm. During the weeks we don’t meet, each participant gets a take home lesson focused on our two main components: diet and exercise. The meetings are held in a group atmosphere, but we can also work with you individually in the clinic if desired.
12 Weeks to a Better You! Brown’s Diet and Exercise Wellness Program. Who: – The Strive2Survive Wellness Program is open to everyone, young and old. – Conducted by Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Board Certified in both Family Medicine and Sports Medicine and Registered Dietitian Kelsey Raml. What: – Lose Weight- Gain Strength – Maintain Fitness- Improve Diet. –
Evaluations: lab work- lipid and glucose, body composition testing-weight, height, BMI, body fat mass and percent, muscle mass…all pre and post the 12 week program. – Free T-shirt – 6 class lectures and 6 take home lessons.
Where: – Park & Rec Fieldhouse
When: March 10: “Healthy Eating Made Easy” Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN March 24: “Exercise for the Health of It” Dr. Dan Reiffenberger & Dr. Eric Woolley April 7: “A Walk thru the Wellness Wheel” Dr. Clark Likness April 21: “Medications…to do or not to do” Deidra VanGilder, PharmD May 5: “Your Equation to Success” Dr. Jon McAreavey “ May 21: “Making Health a Way of Life” STRIVE Team
Cost: – $130
To sign up: Call, e-mail or use the contact form for more information.
