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Baby Steps to Improve Your Health

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Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, Erin Good, shares three small actions to take every day to improve your health and fitness levels in BIG ways. 

Baby Step: Planning your meals
Even better: Planning your snacks! Since the pandemic, around 41 percent of consumers under age 35 say they’re snacking more than normal. Bump things up a notch and focus on eating real foods instead of bars or processed foods. Healthy snacks contain carbohydrates and protein such as fresh fruit with nuts or seeds (Erin’s pick: cherries and pistachios), raw veggies and cream cheese, or a hard-boiled egg and whole grain crackers. 

Baby Step: Buying baked chips or crackers
Even better: Substituting those with crunchy nuts, chickpea puffs, green pea crisps or popcorn. Don’t be fooled by veggie-named products! Check the food label and pick a salty snack with at least 2-3 grams of fiber to help you feel full and satisfied longer.

Baby Step: Eating fruits and veggies every day
Even better: Eating a rainbow of colors every day including dark greens (spinach, kale, broccoli), red or yellow (carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, watermelon), white (cauliflower, onions, water chestnuts, bananas, apples), and blue or purple (red cabbage, eggplant, blueberries).

New! Hy-Vee Dietitians Host “From Bump to Babe” Classes
Whether you’re a new mom (or planning on becoming pregnant), these new classes are for you! Providing the right nutrition is the best gift you can give your baby while you anticipate their wonderful arrival.   

For more details and easy registration, simply scan the QR code! 

Prenatal Nutrition Tour: Learn the basics of eating for all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum, as well as the best foods to build a healthy baby. 

Fuel Your Fertility Nutrition Tour: Learn the basics of eating to support your fertility, whether you’re planning for pregnancy or simply want to maintain a healthy cycle. 

Virtual Group BEGIN Class
10-Week Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Management Program
Wednesdays from 4:00 – 4:30 PM, starting August 4

Prioritize your health, gain more energy and boost your confidence alongside a nutrition expert! BEGIN is not a diet. BEGIN is a plan to help with lifelong wellness. Learn the necessary tools to tackle your health. For pricing and registration, visit hy-vee.com/health/begin-program/. 

Follow Erin on Hy-Vee’s Healthy You series on HSTV.com – for weekly meal and snack inspiration.

Erin Good, RD, LD
Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com 

Smart Strategies for Summer

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Warmer weather signals the arrival of summer, and with it comes many reasons to celebrate! But often good weather also brings on some of the most tempting eats and drinks around—ice cream, blended coffee beverages, and potato and pasta salads galore, just to name a few. 

Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Erin Good shares her top three warm-weather tips to help you make the healthy choice an easy choice this summer. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!

1. Grill something new and seasonal, like stone fruits. Stone fruits include apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Simply cut in half and remove pit; grill on medium heat cut-side down, flip once; and remove from grill after five minutes, or when fruit is softened and just charred. Enjoy for dessert, or add to a green or grain salad! 

2. Hydrate happier at the pool or baseball game. Plan ahead and make your own fruit-infused waters. Your beverage will not only look delicious, but it’ll taste refreshing while keeping you hydrated. Simply combine thinly sliced strawberries and lemon slices with cold water or try cilantro, lime wedges and watermelon cubes in sparkling water served over crushed ice.

Infused detox water with watermelon, mint and blueberry. Ice cold summer cocktail or lemonade in glass mason jar

3. Plan a picnic everyone can enjoy. Swap potatoes with cauliflower and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to save some serious calories and carbohydrates. Be sure to make extra, as I guarantee this side dish is sure to be popular!

Cauliflower

Cauliflower “Potato” Salad 
Serves: 5

All you need:
1 lb cauliflower florets, chopped into ½ inch pieces, steamed and cooled
6 hard-boiled Hy-Vee large eggs, peeled and sliced 
¼ cup dill pickle, finely chopped (or sub Hy-Vee dill relish)
1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup red onion, chopped
½ cup Hy-Vee nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp Hy-Vee Dijon mustard
1 ½ tsp dried dill 
1 Tbsp pickle juice (or sub dill relish liquid)
Paprika for garnish 

All you do:

  1. Add cauliflower and eggs in a large bowl. Add pickle, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and red onion. 
  2. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mustard, dill, pickle juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Pour yogurt mixture over the cauliflower; toss gently to coat. Garnish with paprika. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 113 calories, 6 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 320 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 11 g protein 

Connect virtually with Erin at hy-vee.com/health and follow her on Hy-Vee’s Healthy You series on HSTV.com – for weekly meal and snack inspiration.

Erin Good, RD, LD
Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com 

Three Ways to Fix Healthy Eating Slip-Ups

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It shouldn’t be a shock that we nutrition experts don’t always follow our own advice for healthy eating. After all, we’re only human. We lead busy lives, don’t always have time to cook, and we give into temptation, even when it comes to food. Despite that, we ultimately follow two important guidelines: everything in moderation, and get back on track ASAP.

Here are three ways I fix healthy eating slip-ups.

SLIP: Eating in front of screens. 
FIX: Eat at the dinner table. Distracted eating often leads to overeating or feeling less satisfied. Step away from the computer screen or cell phone, and avoid standing up in the kitchen to eat your meal. Use a chair, plate and fork for best results.

SLIP: Not hydrating properly.
FIX: Hydrate regularly with water throughout the entire day. Take a reusable water bottle with you, just as you would your wallet. Take notice, are you more likely to drink ice-cold water vs. room-temperature? Remember, we often confuse dehydration for hunger. Also, don’t forget to check your urine color for extra feedback and accountability.

SLIP: Getting overwhelmed by meal prep.
FIX: Focus on a well-stocked pantry and kitchen. Spring-clean your diet and kitchen pantry while leaving the heavy comfort foods behind! Let your Hy-Vee dietitian take meal planning off your plate with our four-week menu program, Healthy Habits. This menu program outlines what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and comes with an easy-to-follow grocery list.

Connect virtually with Erin today or follow her on Hy-Vee’s YouTube Channel – Hy-Vee Healthy You – for weekly meal inspiration at www.youtube.com/hyvee 

Erin Good, RD, LD
Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com 

Make Your Health #1 in 2021

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The average American diet is more unbalanced than ever, resulting in a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables and high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. But don’t derail your diet any longer! Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Erin Good shares her secret weapon for weight loss and better overall health—Operation: Fiber Up! 

Fiber is a highly underrated nutrition powerhouse. Think about it: 

  • Want to lose weight? Eat more fiber. 
  • Looking to lower your cholesterol or achieve better blood sugar control? Eat more fiber. 
  • Sick of relying on powdery supplements to relieve constipation? Eat more fiber.  

Unfortunately, fiber isn’t nearly as sexy of a subject as protein, the keto diet, or even your new exercise regimen, but when only six percent of Americans* meet the recommended daily intake of fiber (25 grams for women and up to 38 grams for men), it deserves more attention from nearly everyone! 

Fabulous Tasting Fiber: A Delicious Upgrade From Cardboard

  1. Eating more fiber doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming. Nosh on a fresh pear (6 g fiber), one-third of an avocado (3 g fiber), or half a cup of canned black beans (7.6 g fiber) for an easy daily boost.
  2. What type of music best describes your eating habits? Hopefully, it’s not “pop.” Become the family “wokstar” in your kitchen and enjoy more homemade stir-fry! Simply pick your protein (such as chicken breast, shrimp or lean beef), pair with brown rice, and pile on the fiber-filled veggies (such as carrots, broccoli or cauliflower). Add a splash of lower-sodium soy sauce, sprinkle red pepper flakes, a squeeze of fresh ginger paste and ROCK ON! You’re now eating more fiber! 
  3. Veggies still not your jam? Then go nuts! Eating a one-ounce handful of almonds, pistachios or walnuts daily can easily add around three grams of fiber to your diet. Allergic to nuts? Snack on a serving of pumpkin seeds or steamed edamame for an extra two grams of fiber.  

Need more inspiration, motivation or clarification on what foods are best for a healthier you? Ask an expert! Your Hy-Vee Dietitian is highly skilled in providing you with the best tools to kick your old eating habits! Together let’s conquer your health goals! Connect with Erin virtually today.

Erin Good, RD, LD

Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian

egood@hy-vee.com 

*Source: Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Click to access PartD_Ch1_CurrIntakes_first-print.pdf

How to Stick to Healthier Habits, with Erin Good

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January 1, 2020 marks the beginning of not only a new year, but a new decade. And of course, New Year’s brings with it the traditional resolutions—for many of us, they include eating better and exercising more.  However, it’s also notoriously difficult to stick to these resolutions.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the failure rate for New Year’s resolutions is around 80 percent, and most people have abandoned theirs by the middle of February—not exactly encouraging odds.  Even worse, the demoralized feelings this can cause can lead to a lack of motivation and confidence that can permeate other areas of our lives.

So, if we want to use the start of a new decade to make permanent, positive changes in our eating and exercise habits, how can we best set ourselves up for success? 

Luckily, Waukee Hy-Vee Dietitian Erin Good, RD, LD, has some great ideas.

Good, of course, is very familiar with the struggle to stay committed to healthier habits from her work in nutrition.  One thing she recommends to help you stay committed is adding the word “no” to your vocabulary, pointing out that “saying ‘yes’ to your New Year’s resolution may mean saying ‘no’ to something else.”

 “Say ‘no’ to a TV show to choose exercise, say ‘no’ to lunch out at work to choose bringing leftovers from home, [and] say ‘no’ to overcommitting yourself and instead keeping time for yourself and your needs, health and happiness,” she advised.

Two other strategies Good recommends for people working to implement new habits are to start small and consider convenience.  In terms of healthier eating, “Are you more likely to eat more vegetables if they’re already cut and cleaned for you?” she asks.  “Would you roast more veggies if all you had to do was toss them in oil and season to taste?”

Considering the simplest ways to make things more convenient can go a long way.  Frozen veggies—many of which are available in steamable packages that are ready to eat after five minutes in the microwave—are another easy way to work in more servings per day.  

According to Good, considering convenience can also be crucial when considering workout options.  She recommends finding a gym with a convenient location and drive time.

She also said that it pays to consider which forms of exercise are most motivational for you, and to determine whether you would benefit more from attending group classes or having a workout buddy for extra accountability.

In terms of healthy habits, the ones Good recommends to just about everybody are some of the most familiar.  Upping your water intake is one of them. She says you should aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.  “Carry your water bottle with you everywhere, like you do your wallet,” she said.

And we could all stand to keep a close eye on our added sugar intake.  Many people are surprised to learn that the dietary recommendation for daily added sugar is no more than 25 grams per day.  (For reference, a 12-oz. can of Coke contains 39 grams. Yikes!)

To make things worse, added sugar can be found in items like salad dressings and pasta sauces, in addition to the usual suspects, like soda and candy.  Good recommends being thoughtful about how you spend your daily added sugar allowance, deciding whether you would prefer to enjoy it on things like candy, cookies or your favorite condiments.  Less added sugar means fewer empty calories, making it easier to keep off unwanted pounds.

Other habits Good universally recommends to clients include—yay!—sleeping more.  “Find two to three days per week that you can go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier, and/or wake up later,” she advises.  “Extra sleep equals extra control of your hunger hormones.” Think of this as permission to relax (and maybe sleep in) a bit more often.

Good also points out that being connected with others can help boost a healthy mindset.  “Surround yourself with friends, family and coworkers that have similar health goals as you,” she said.  It can be easier to stick to healthier habits when those around you are trying to do the same.

And of course, don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Committing to making healthy changes is difficult in the best of circumstances, and we could all benefit from added guidance now and then.  If you’re not sure where to start, or need more inspiration, motivation or clarification on which foods are best for you, Good recommends scheduling a free, personalized nutrition tour with your local Hy-Vee dietitian.

“Dare to do this new decade differently, starting with the foods you place in your shopping cart,” she said.  “Walk with a nutrition expert by your side aisle-by-aisle at Hy-Vee and find the best foods to keep you fit, focused and full of energy in 2020.”  

With some smart planning, support from the people in our lives and extra shut-eye, this can be the year our New Year’s resolutions finally stick.  Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle as we head into a new decade!

Come Out Ahead This Cold and Flu Season

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It’s the time of year when short sleeves are replaced by down jackets, which means we’re quickly entering the “cold and flu season.” While we tend to use cold and flu interchangeably, and they’re both respiratory illnesses that tend to surface at similar times, they’re actually separate illnesses caused by different viruses.

Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Cold symptoms are usually milder than those of the flu, and colds generally don’t result in serious health problems like the flu can.

A sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more. Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it’s possible to get a cold any time of the year.

Most people recover from a cold in about a week. Getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help cold sufferers feel better. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make a cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving non-prescription cold medicines to children, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. This can happen when you shake hands with someone who has a cold, or touches a surface, like a doorknob, that has respiratory viruses on it, and then touches your eyes, mouth or nose.

There are several ways you can reduce your risk of getting a cold:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
  • Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:

  • Stay home while you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands.
  • Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
  • A cough and sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away, or a cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
  • Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs.

This article was brought to you by :

Doctor Julianne Sarcone, ARNP
Mercy Clinics Family Medicine Waukee.
(515) 643-7000
25 W. Hickman Rd.

 

Faces of Waukee: Mercy Doctors

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Sarah Jackson, M.D.

Christopher A Etscheidt, MD

Tell us a little about your families.

SJ: I have a little family of four—me, my husband Eric and our two girls, Sigrid and Iselin. Sigrid is our spunky, spirited three-year-old, and Iselin is (so far) our laid-back three-month-old. We enjoy taking the girls to parks, the science center and the zoo.

CE: I live with my wife and eight-month-old daughter. I grew up in Eastern Iowa and my wife grew up in Ames. We love to spend time with each other and our families. I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and did all of my medical school and residency training at the University of Iowa. I’ve been at the Waukee Pediatric clinic for two years now.

What made you want to become a doctor?

SJ: I initially went to college with no plans for med school. I got to my senior year and wanted a job where I could help people. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I’m very interested in people’s stories, which is what I think has helped bridge my theater major with my job as a doctor.

CE: I knew I wanted to become a pediatrician after my third year medical school rotation in pediatrics. I am kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics fits perfectly with my personality. It allows me to have fun at my job every day.

What do you like most about helping patients in the Waukee community?

SJ: I love living in the community I serve. We live in Urbandale, but very close to Waukee. I like seeing familiar faces when we are out and about doing things.

CE: The thing I like most about helping patients in Waukee is that my patients and their families are people just like me. Iowans share a common bond and the Waukee community showcases that. Being able to relate to and understand my patients helps me take better care of them.

What advice might you have for parents wanting to teach their children about preventing illness?

SJ: The best way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. Teaching kids to cover their cough early on is a great skill too. And I’m never without some hand sanitizer in my bag!

CE: I would tell them the best way to avoid any illness is prevention. Whether it’s exercising every day, eating more vegetables or washing our hands, I would tell parents to display good behavior for their kids. Make prevention part of your daily routines. Starting early and making prevention part of your child’s life will allow them to develop strategies and good behaviors that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

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2018 Waukee / Des Moines Fitness Club Guide

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You’re not alone if your 2018 resolution includes hitting a local gym more often or finding your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Now the big question, “How do I find the ‘perfect’ gym for my workout goals?” Luckily, we have compiled a list of the top Waukee gyms to get you moving just a little bit faster!

Waukee YMCA LogoWaukee YMCA

Visit Website
Address: 210 N Warrior Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-9996
Hours: Weekdays: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Family rates range from $57 to $79 per month; Individual rates range from $42 to $56 per month
Childcare: Free with family membership; 6 weeks to 8 years old

The YMCA is a fantastic place for families with kids of all ages! As a nonprofit organization, the Y is focused on building the community and youth development. Whether you are looking for fitness classes or activities for the kids, the Y has just about everything you could want!

It is a great balance between high intensity workouts, including Bootcamp to Spinning, and low impact exercise, like Yoga or Tai Chi.

 

Farrell’s

Visit Website
Address: 215 N. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-978-3000
Hours: Varies
Cost: Contact For Pricing
Childcare: No

Farrell’s is a 10-week program that combines cardio, strength training and healthy eating habits to achieve extreme results.

If you have set high fitness goals this year, then Farrell’s might just be the solution for you, in 45 minute workouts, six days a week.

 

 Anytime Fitness Waukee Iowa LogoAnytime Fitness

Visit Website
Address: 790 Alice’s Rd., Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-6543
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: $37/month; 7 day free trial available
Childcare: No

If your schedule prevents you from getting to the gym, then this is the fitness solution for you. Anytime Fitness is literally open 24/7 for it’s members leaving little excuse not to get to the gym.

With a full selection of cardio and strength equipment, you will find just what you are looking for in a gym! Membership even includes free tanning and weight loss programs.

 

Elite Edge Gyms Waukee Iowa LogoElite Edge

Visit Website
Address: 495 Southeast Alice’s Road, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-8100
Hours: Varies
Cost: Call For Pricing
Childcare: No

If you are looking for a program that gets results with more guidance, then this gym is likely the perfect fit for you. With a personal training group of no more than 4 people, you work closely with a trainer on achieving your fitness goals.

These Bootcamp style classes offer high-intensity workouts including cardio, strength training and toning.

 

Lifetime Fitness Waukee Iowa LogoLifetime Fitness

Visit Website
Address: 11911 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 515-362-3500
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Visit website to request pricing; Includes 14 day money back guarantee
Childcare: Yes with membership

Truly your one-stop health and fitness solution, Lifetime Fitness has everything from robust exercise equipment, a spa, child center and swimming pool.

Whether you are trying to get into shape, looking for a healthier lifestyle or simply wanting to get your kids involved in activities, Lifetime Fitness is more than just a gym.

 

 Aspen Athletic Club

Visit Website
Address: See locations
Phone: 888-994-3834
Hours: M-Th 5 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; F 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 7:15 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Current offer is $9.95/month!
Childcare: Yes

Aspen Athletic Club offers 5 different locations across the Des Moines area, giving you the flexibility to workout close to home or work.

From group fitness classes to massage, Aspen gives you the variety you need to meet your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle all year long.

 

 Mission Fitness Iowa

Visit Website
Address: 75 NE Venture Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: (515) 978-7111
Hours: Varies
Cost: Try 1 Week For Free; Call For Pricing
Childcare: No

Mission Fitness Iowa is focused on offering an environment for everyone to achieve their fitness goals from personal training to fitness classes for any level!

What are your fitness goals? Do you have any local gym?

Waukee’s 8 Year Old Miracle

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Ella Goering isn’t your typical 8-year-old. With a mature, caretaking personality, you can find her reading and crafting alongside older children or adults, unless she’s taking care of younger children. Then, she’s a mother hen. In her wise, young years, Ella’s faced more than most anyone will encounter in a lifetime: she has a brain tumor.

“Ella fell at school in kindergarten and hit her head pretty badly,” said Ella’s mom, Sherri. “Shortly after the fall, she began getting headaches. After seeing several doctors, they determined she had a concussion and time would be the best medicine. Ella would still get headaches about once a month after vigorous activity, but usually laying down for a bit would help.”

The family managed the headaches for almost a year, and then they started to become more frequent. Different doctors told the family it was anything from the flu to migraines. Yet, Sherri knew something more was going on. In December of 2015, Ella had an MRI.

“We went in that morning for the MRI and had actually planned to spend the rest of the day Christmas shopping,” said Sherri. “As Ella was coming out of sedation, the radiologist and nurses came in to talk to me in a private room. I immediately sensed something was very wrong, but I couldn’t have imagined what they were about to tell me. Thank God my dad was there. I thought I was going to faint when they told me Ella had a large brain tumor.”

The official diagnosis was medulloblastoma, an aggressive, cancerous brain tumor. The tumor was at the base of Ella’s spine, causing a blockage so the fluid couldn’t flow to the spine, which caused the headaches and visual trouble. Ella, Sherri and family were transferred to Iowa City, where Ella was scheduled for surgery to drain the excess fluid from her brain and to remove the tumor. However, Ella didn’t come out of surgery as planned.

“Ella woke up unable to talk, walk, swallow and more. After a week, we found out she developed posterior fossa syndrome (PFS). It was the scariest time of our lives,” said Sherri.

Ella and Sherri were sent to MD Anderson in Texas for proton radiation, where they spent 91 days in the hospital doing radiation, chemotherapy and intense therapy to regain Ella’s abilities. Ella’s father Jerrod stayed in Iowa with 4-year-old Adelle.

“Being thousands of miles from everyone and everything we knew was heart-wrenching, but we knew it was going to offer the best treatment option for the type of brain tumor she had,” said Sherri. “We were incredibly grateful for technology, so we could see our family. Ella’s best friend, Kendall, called almost every single night. Kendall would do the talking for both of them, since Ella couldn’t speak. That friendship would inspire anyone to call their friends and catch up.”

Slowly but surely, Ella started making progress. Each new development, from swallowing to squeezing a hand for yes/no communication to regaining her voice, was a big win. Yet somehow, her cancer grew during treatment. When the radiation and chemo were complete, Sherri and Ella made their way home to Iowa. Without a doubt, the entire journey changed their family.

“If not for deep faith in a plan larger than my own, I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through each day. God told me to trust Him,” said Sherri.

In an act of complete surrender in faith, the family focused on quality of life, stopping treatment to allow Ella to experience life to the fullest. That next December, the family’s prayers were once again answered.

“I learned of a ketone supplement that could help her,” explained Sherri. “I did a ton of research and contacted the company. I took it myself before giving Ella the recommended dose for children the next day. I was across the house when I heard loud belly laughter. I knew it wasn’t Adelle’s laugh, and I ran to find Ella laughing hard with happy tears rolling down her cheeks.”

The ketone supplement continued to benefit Ella. She regained some of her strength and her schoolwork began to improve, too. Since then, her MRI’s have been stable, and Sherri said they don’t talk or think too much about the cancer itself.

“Our minds can’t orchestrate the series of events that God’s plan entails,” said Sherri. “Living in a surrendered place has opened us up to what I perceive as miracles. I’m not saying I don’t worry or fall into trying to control life, but when I realize I’m doing it, I surrender and let it go.”

“If you see us out and about, feel free to smile and say hello,” she continued. “Ella does use a walker, so it helps when parents talk with their kids about why that is, instead of having others stare or ask condition-specific questions.”

Sherri posts updates on her Facebook page, facebook.com/ellagoering. These days, the forum is filled with walking practice and sleepovers with new friends from school.

“I pray no one has to face anything like this, but life is happening for all of us,” said Sherri. “Everyone has a story, and I hope what you take from ours is to let go and let God. God has everything figured out, and as hard as it can be, we need to step out of the way and let Him work.”

The Adventures of Paul & Moose: Serving the Community Through Animal Therapy

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Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and for Waukee resident Paul Mohlke and his 6-year-old labradoodle, Moose, the title couldn’t be more fitting. Not only do they share the typical owner-pet bond, but these two are committed to community outreach through animal therapy.

Their story began about seven years ago, when Mohlke became ill and ended up in the hospital. It was during his hospital stay that he first experienced what a therapy dog could do.

“My sisters knew I had always liked dogs, but with my work and my schedule, I wasn’t in a position to have one of my own,” said Mohlke. “During my time in the hospital, my sisters asked the staff if the therapy dog could come to my room. As soon as the dog came in, everything changed, and I instantly knew I wanted to have this same impact on people.”

Every day for the remainder of his hospitalization, Mohlke was able to see the therapy dog, and it was because of those visits that he began researching dog breeds and the process of training a therapy dog.

Roughly a month later, he was leaving a Walgreens when he noticed a dog sitting behind the wheel of the car parked next to his. Not knowing the breed, he stayed in the parking lot until the dog’s owner returned. He learned the breed that captured his attention was a labradoodle, a mix between a Labrador and a poodle. Not long after, he connected with a family that raises labradoodles in rural Northeastern Iowa.

“I let them know I was planning to train a puppy for therapy work,” said Mohlke. “Two days after our first conversation, they reached out saying someone returned one of the puppies due to conflicting emotions about losing a dog not long before. The next day, I went to meet the puppy, and once I saw him, I knew Moose was the one.”

Coincidentally, Mohlke learned the family who returned Moose also had plans to train him for therapy work. It’s as if Moose was destined to be a therapy dog.

The duo started therapy dog classes when Moose turned 2 years old. Mohlke used a center in Urbandale to help with the training, and he and Moose worked together one night a week for an entire year. At the end of 12 months, Moose took a test through Therapy Dog International.

“Moose has a great personality and loves people, so he was easy to train,” said Mohlke. “But, the testing felt a little like how I imagine American Idol contestants must feel. After the testing, all of the handlers, along with the dogs, were brought into a room, and Therapy Dog International selected some of us to move to another room, while the rest stayed. That’s how Moose earned his certification, and it was extremely rewarding.”

With a formal certification in hand, Therapy Dog International connected Mohlke and Moose with places in Central Iowa looking for therapy dogs. The first place they were sent was the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VA), and four years later, you can still find them meeting with veterans there for two hours on Saturday mornings. Additionally, every Tuesday, they visit the students and staff at Orchard Place School.

Mohlke explained that these two sites are very different, but the variety works well for them. He gets to interact with veterans at the VA, and Moose loves the kids and the attention they give him at Orchard Place.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to impact someone’s day—you can just do the littlest thing, and it makes all the difference,” said Mohlke. “I’ve had kids ask, when Moose and I are getting ready to leave, if they can just give me a hug, and the students make cards for Moose on his birthday every year. I’ve also received a letter from the daughter of a veteran who passed away, telling me how our visits meant everything to her father. Things like that make it all worth it.”

Mohlke and Moose were named “Volunteers of the Year” for Orchard Place this past year for the service they provide. Perhaps it’s partly because, as Mohlke explained, Moose is extremely perceptive during their visits, finding and sitting with the people who need him most.

“On a recent visit to the school, Moose gave particular attention to one girl,” explained Mohlke. “He kept licking her and making her laugh. Her teacher told me that she wasn’t having a good day, and somehow, Moose just knew.”

While “working” does leave Moose enjoying recovery naps at home afterward, Mohlke believes Moose loves his job. “His tail just wags all the time,” he said. “Moose really likes it because, just like us, he enjoys having a purpose and a job to do.”

Moose even has a baseball card that Mohlke makes himself and hands out to the people they meet. The front features a smiling headshot of Moose, bandana around his neck, and on the back, people can learn more about the friendly labradoodle, including his favorite toy (squeaky tennis balls), his favorite treats (hot dogs and string cheese) and his favorite activities (chasing rabbits and squirrels, along with visiting people, of course).

Mohlke explained that he’s looking forward to retirement, so he and Moose can visit even more organizations that request therapy dog visits, such as hospices and hospitals.

“I’ve found that Moose has the ability to help anyone, regardless of their role,” said Mohlke. “I’ve had nurses run us down in the hall, asking to see him because they’ve missed him so much. And now, a lot of the kids we see say that when they grow up, they want to do this. It’s rewarding to know they’ll know what a program like this is and what it means to experience it firsthand. Life is more than just work and having a job. When I was in the hospital seven years ago, I asked myself, ‘What’s my purpose?’ And, I can honestly say both Moose and I have found ours.”

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