Kelly Ostrem, Author at Little Village

In Tandem

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Kelly Ostrem

Iowa City residents want a few things. They want alternative modes of transportation and a safe, comprehensive bike path that loops throughout Johnson County. At least they wanted these things back in September of 2001 when The Gazette polled citizens for their top ideas to improve the city.

That was nearly 10 years ago, and today, residents are still looking for the same things. The Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) is working to make these improvements happen. JCCOG has outlined and implemented six plans for bicycle trails since 1968. […]

The Rainy Day Plan

Posted on Apr 12, 2010 by Kelly Ostrem

Active Life: April 2010 – The snow has melted and the temperatures are rising slowly. Spring is definitely here, and with it comes that need to emerge from winter hibernation. That first nice day brings people outside in droves. Iowa City’s bike trails are filled with a constant traffic of walkers, joggers and bikers. But […]

Do it for your head: de-stress

Posted on Oct 2, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

Stress is rough. Between home and work, there are countless things to be responsible for doing, knowing and staying on top of. Outside of that are demands from family, friends and other relationships. All those stresses are enough to make one’s head spin. Sometimes stress is a symptom, and it’s important to learn to deal […]

Like a Fish in Water

Posted on Jul 9, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

Swimming has mesmerized me since I was very little. It’s one of the main reasons I absolutely love summer. When the weather heats up, I can just hear the water calling my name, beckoning me to dive in. The dichotomy of air and water fascinates me. In air we can move freely, but we’re still anchored […]

Fitness, meet food

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

The Obama’s are doing it, so shouldn’t we do it too? In case you’re in the dark and missed the First Lady digging around on the White House lawn in March, gardening is in the spotlight this year. Of all the reasons to grow your own food, health of the environment and your own body […]

Health: On the Run

Posted on Apr 8, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

I have lived in Iowa City for three years now. Each end of April brings the River Run 5K. This is the third year that I have sworn that I would do it. But unlike those other two years, this year I’m actually doing it. I have goals, a plan, and this is the year […]

Health: Easy Riders

Posted on Mar 13, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

My thighs burned as I pushed the pedals up another asphalt-covered hill. Each climb was harder than the last and a personal battle, which was to be followed by a spectacular view of snow-patched cornfields as far as the eye could see–-and a nice long coast. These rolling hills of Iowa guide the joyrides for […]

Health: Will Work For Food

Posted on Feb 10, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

Alright, I have a confession to make. I’m currently taking a nutrition class and have been wandering around the mypyramid.gov site. At my age, size and activity level, I should stick to a 2000 calorie diet. (This is to maintain my current weight.) That means that after all the actual nutrients I need daily, I’m […]

Health: Get Moving

Posted on Jan 14, 2009 by Kelly Ostrem

Little Village is making a New Year’s Resolution to get fit. You can too. A lot of New Year’s resolutions start out as good intensions, but by the time February rolls around they are forgotten and the “I’m going to lose weight this year” turns into a “I need to start working out,” which always […]

Health: The Home Stretch

Posted on Dec 5, 2008 by Kelly Ostrem

Amidst the family, friends and festivities that the holidays bring, an unwelcome aspect of the season always seems to creep up. In a season that is supposed to bring good tidings to you and your kin, why does it also bring stress? You need to relax. You can choose from countless methods of relaxation out […]