Kristi's April/ May 2026
Health and Fitness Page
Welcome to Spring! At this writing, just a week ago we had a
snowstorm and a week later it was 79 degrees here in the cities! One
never knows what the weather will be like this time of year in
Minnesota! We were fortunate to leave our ski trip in the
Upper Peninsula a day early or we would have been stuck there
several additional days! As the weather warms, we will plan to have
some bike training rides not only for our 31st MS 150 Purple Pumpers
team but also open to anyone! Please also notice the upcoming
social events below!
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Upcoming Social
Events
Thursday April 23rd- Breakfast at Fat Nats, St. Anthony 9:45
Saturday May 2- The goal is to have a Purple Pumpers Training
Ride this Day; details to be announced
We hope to have at least two additional training rides prior to the
MS 150... details to come
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Support Us!
Help support the Purple Pumpers 31st MS 150 team! Over the
years with your help riding and donating we have raised over
$227,000 for these efforts! Thanks to all who ride; thanks to all
who donate. I will double any donation up to the first $250
donated; you can also donate to the team! Here are the links:
Kristi's MS 150 fundraising for 2026:
Kristi's Fundraising Page
>
Purple Pumpers fundraising for 2026:
Kristi's MS 150 fundraising for 2026:
Purple Pumper's Fundraising Page
Some of our team celebrating at the finish!!! - Thanks again to
all
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Thailand! - Some folks were interested in seeing some Thailand
photos. I had the blessing of presenting (had 4
presentations) at our World OT Congress in Bangkok Thailand.
Though I have had the opportunity to present research on 6
continents, I have never been to Thailand. It was a
wonderful trip, the people were amazing, andyes, it was very warm
(OK hot). It is always such a gift to explore other
cultures.
Photos at the Grand Palace- If you go to Bangkok I highly
recommend a tour here!
Golden
Buddha
Fun Longboat tour
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Health and Fitness Information
*In our society of fast food and
packaged goods, people often get excess salt
(sodium). According to "low-salt favorites"
publication, one corn tortilla has 3 mg of salt but
a flour tortilla may have up to 234 mg of
sodium. In addition, you can cut the salt
content in canned veggies by 30-40% if you rinse
them ahead of time. >>> We
Americans eat too much fat. In the past, the
American Medical Association testified to the FDA
that there is a need to urge Americans to reduce
salt as it is a factor in high blood pressure and
cardiovascular disease. American Council on
Exercise Fitness identifies several means to reduce
salt in your diet. Here are a few:
1. Read food labels and pay attention to
sodium content
2. Consume more potassium which helps blunt the
unhealthy effects of salt
3. eat as many fresh and whole foods as
possible
4. Consume dairy products- they have lower amounts
of salt
5. Limit fast foods
6. Cook with whole, not processed foods
7. Try not to use too much added salt in your foods
8. Use alternative spices and flavor additives such
as lemon juice
*Work Space-- I admit, I am incredibly lucky as my
positions as a Certified Group Fitness
Instructor(still use it in private practice)
Professor, and Private Practice Occupational
Therapist truly bring me to my knees in gratitude as
I cannot imagine more fulfilling jobs. ... If
you are someone who spends a lot of time in the same
work space, a past "Experience Life" Lifetime magazine
quotes a study conducted in England and United
States. The study found that those who are empowered
to personalize their work space showed an average
27% increase in well being and 32% in
productivity. My office at St. Kates is full
of gifts and pictures of those most close and I too
surround myself with little reminders of the
beautiful things in life.
*As the weather gets warmer (hopefully very soon),
use those extra opportunities for a little
additional exercise. An extra 10 minute walk during
the day, parking further from the store, and taking
the stairs will provide a little extra boost to your
day!! In addition, as temperatures rise, don't
forget to keep hydrated for exercise!
*If you'd like a healthful alternative to Peanut
Butter, according to Fitness , almond
butter is a tasty alternative and packs up to 83%
more fiber in addition to being higher in Vitamin E
and several minerals... mmm sounds good!
*Some folks lament over unexplained fluctuations in
weight within a 24 hour period, keep in mind that
water weight can shift 2-5 pounds and therefore it
is the fitness/ weight/ body composition through
time that is of importance.
* A recent large scale Japanese study of over 85,000
people found that skipping breakfast was associated
with unhealthy lifestyle and increased risk of
mortality- remember to have a healthy and nutritious
breakfast!
*The above information is for
educational purposes only and is not meant to
replace the advice of your physician and health care
professional.
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In
Memory
We pause in memory of Karen Malver, a kind hearted spirit who
graced our group fitness class (and many others) for several
years. Karen was an amazing cook, friend to so many in and out of
the club, and an avid biker. She will be dearly
missed. A group of us had the fortune of attending one
of her Celebration of Life events.
Thanks Karen, may you dance with the angels!
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Blessings to each of you,
Kristi