Have you ever read a book that has affected you in some way?

My current read is the Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan and I’m only about halfway through it. I am really enjoying the book because it talks about my favorite subject, food, and the agricultural industry too.

There were moments in the book where I felt compelled to be vegetarian but have come to the conclusion that eating meat is not bad as long as the animal was treated right.

Posted in Student Bloggers, Student Life | 1 Comment

Today is officially the first day of summer! June 21 is the summer solstice, the day when the earth is tilted closest to the sun. That means it is also the longest day of the year with 15 hours of daylight.

To kick off the next 3 months here’s a list of 10 things to do while the sun is shining and the days are long.

1. Des Moines Art festival June 25-27, this 3-day annual event is a favorite. Learn more about the featured artists later this week.

Posted in Current Students, Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Prospective Students | 3 Comments

Potato salad is a staple at summer picnics, but I’m not a fan of gloppy potato salad. So I went looking for a lighter version that would satisfy my husband’s request for creamy and my desire for lower calories. This recipe meets both demands with extra veggies and light ranch dressing for a tangy zip.

What’s your favorite picnic recipe?

Light potato salad (adapted from this recipe)

1-1/2 pounds round red potatoes
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch-long pieces
2 cups broccoli and/or cauliflower florets
1/2 cup bottled reduced-calorie ranch salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Posted in Healthy Cooking | 7 Comments

Whether you are a long-time runner or have a goal to run your first 5K this summer, Des Moines and the surrounding areas have plenty of road races to choose–including DMU’s 3rd annual Run-Day-Voo, August 14.

Here are some of our favorites. For a complete list of races, check out Fitness Sports (visit the store next time youu need running shoes, they have a great selection!)

June 19, Clive Running Festival, 10K, 5K, 1 mile
July 11, Ankeny Summer Fest, 5K
August 14, DMU Run-Day-Voo, 5K
September 26, 10-mile Capital Pursuit
October 17, Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon

Posted in Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Prospective Students, Student Life | 3 Comments

Now you don’t have to own a bike to enjoy the trails throughout the city. This summer for the first time, Des Moines Parks and Recreation teamed up with Bike World to offer bike rentals at the concession stand at Gray’s Lake Park. You can choose from hybrid, mountain or road bikes in adult and children’s sizes. Rent for a few hours or an entire week.

Get more information on the Gray’s Lake Park Facebook page.

Posted in Current Students, Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Prospective Students, Student Life | 4 Comments

Ever wonder what our fabulous students end up doing after they graduate? We caught up with 4 graduating seniors at the annual commencement picnic a few weeks ago and asked them where they were headed after they got their diplomas and what one of their favorite memories was from their time at Des Moines University. Here’s what they said:

Posted in New Students, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Prospective Students | 3 Comments