Friday, January 30, 2009

Steve Hooker honoured with Order of Australia Medal (OAM)

USANA Australia congratulates USANA sponsored athlete, Steve Hooker, on being honoured with Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Steve Hooker won gold and broke an Olympic record in Pole Vault at the Beijing Olympics.

Steve joined the Pole Vaulting elite of the world, clearing a pole vault jump of 6.00m, becoming the 3rd Australian and 14th athlete in the world to achieve this benchmark.
According to the honours committee, Hooker represented the country in an exemplary manner and brought great credit to himself, the Australian Olympic team and the nation.

The Medal of the Order of Australia is part of an honours list, announced twice a year on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday and are the result of nominations put to the Council for the Order of Australia.

Born: 16 July 1982
Melbourne, Victoria
Competing Sport: Pole Vault
Personal Best: pole vault of 6.00m
Steve Hooker has been sponsored by USANA Australia & New Zealand for two years.

Sporting Achievement Highlights:
2008: Beijing Olympic Gold Medal. Olympic record jump of 5.96m
Ranked #1 at Perth Interclub Meet (Perth, Australia)
2006: Ranked #1 at Commonwealth Games (Melbourne, Australia)Ranked #4 at World Athletics Final (Stuttgart, Germany)
Ranked #1 at World Cup (Athens, Greece)

Steve Hooker won gold and broke an Olympic record in Pole Vault at the Beijing Olympics.

Steve joined the Pole Vaulting elite of the world, clearing a pole vault jump of 6.00m, becoming the 3rd Australian and 14th athlete in the world to achieve this benchmark.

Steve was born to be an exceptional athlete. His mother, Erica Nixon, was a long jumper, who won nine national titles and a silver medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games. His father, Bill Hooker, represented Australia in the 800m and 4 x 400m at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and won four national titles.

At the age of 23, Steve headed to WA looking to take his career to the next level with the help of renowned WA Institute of Sport pole vault coach Alex Parnov. In the last two years Steve has risen through the world ranks, and placed on the Olympic path.

Steve will face some solid competition at Beijing, particularly from the US, German and Russian athletes. Steve is planning to give it his best, “I'm going to go out there and keep scrapping. I'm going to go out there and give it 100 percent!”

Steve takes USANA Essentials, Garlic EC, BiOmega III, and Procosamine II.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Safe and Still Delicious - Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bar


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced concerns regarding salmonella contamination of peanut butter and peanut butter products. Be assured that these warnings do not apply to USANA’s Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bar. USANA does not source its peanut butter ingredients from the supplier that the FDA has identified as a potential source of salmonella contamination. In addition, both USANA and its bar manufacturer conduct microbiological tests on each finished batch of Peanut Butter Crunch bars as well as on the raw ingredients that go into the product. The tests we conduct include specific assays for salmonella, as well as for other common microbiological contaminants. We will continue to keep abreast of this situation. But importantly, USANA Associates can be confident that their USANA products have been thoroughly tested and are salmonella-free.

Monday, January 26, 2009

USANA Health Sciences Opens in the Philippines

SALT LAKE CITY – January 19, 2009 – USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA)
today began operations in the Philippines, the 14th market where independent Associates sell USANA’s high quality nutritional supplements.

According to the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines, annual direct selling revenues in the country total about $500 million. As one of the 25 largest markets globally for direct sales, the Philippines offers USANA a significant direct selling opportunity. “During these tough economic times, USANA is fortunate to be able to continue its international growth," said USANA CEO Dave Wentz. “We believe the Philippines will be another strong market for our company. For many USANA Associates, entering the Philippines provides them with a great opportunity to build their business in a market where they already have strong ties.”

For more information about USANA’s products and opportunity, visit contact us.

About USANAUSANA Health Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality nutritionals, personal care, and weight management products that are sold directly to Preferred Customers and Associates throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

RDA's versus Optimal Levels ‏/ Ray D. Strand, M.D.


One of the reasons most physicians do not recommend supplements for their patients, even though studies show that nearly 70% of physicians are taking them themselves, is because they have been taught that all we need are the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of micronutrients. If you consume a healthy diet, it is certainly possible to get this level of nutrients. However, you must understand the origin of RDA’s. These RDA’s were developed in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s to establish the minimal amount of micronutrients required to prevent acute deficiency diseases like pellagra, scurvy, and rickets.

When I began studying about the possible health benefits of taking nutritional supplements, I was concerned about chronic degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s dementia, and macular degeneration. What I quickly learned was that RDA’s have absolutely nothing to do with chronic degenerative diseases. For example, the RDA of vitamin E is 30 IU; however, you don’t begin to see a health benefit until you supplement with at least 100 IU of vitamin E. This health benefit increases as you increase the amount of vitamin E supplemented. Most researchers in nutritional medicine now believe that the optimal level of vitamin E is 400 IU.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Contact me today for more information

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Same Quality Product With More Convenient Packaging

Sensé - Beautiful ScienceTM
Over the coming weeks you will start to notice that the Sensé
  • Gentle Daily Cleanser
  • Hydrating Toner
  • Nutritious Crème Masque
  • Rice Bran Polisher
  • Eye Nourisher

Have fresh new packaging. There is the same amount of product contained in each tube just with a stylish new design. This new packaging continues to present these Sensé products as premium skin- care products ensuring that the whole face care range has a similar fresh look. Purchase Sensé today to maintain healthy, youthful- looking skin, that softens, smoothes, and refines with no parabens or harsh chemical preservatives.

Updated Taste and Look - Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bars

The Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bar now has an improved formula. Updated with a smoother, creamier filling and an even better peanut butter flavour! With great-looking new packaging and these tasty improvements, this is one healthy snack that you should purchase today.

Contact me today for more information

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Great Illustration ‏/ Ray D. Strand, M.D.


When you look at a wonderful wood fireplace it usually burns just fine. However, occasionally a spark or hot cinder shoots and burns a little hole in your carpet. Over the months and years, you will have a damaged carpet in front of your fireplace. Look at the fireplace as the furnace of your cell and the hot cinders as free radicals. Your carpet is your body. Whatever part of your body wears out first is the type of disease you will develop. If it is your brain, you could get Alzheimer’s dementia or Parkinson’s disease. If it is your eyes, you could develop a cataract or macular degeneration. If it is your arteries, you could develop a heart attack or stroke.

You are not defenseless against this process. Antioxidants are like the fine wire mesh or glass doors you place in front of your fireplace. The sparks are still going to fly; however, your carpet—your body—is protected. This is the key. To protect your body, you want enough antioxidants on board to handle the number of free radicals you produce. The best way to achieve this goal is to take high-quality, complete and balanced nutritional supplements.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine


Contact me today for more information

Sunday, January 18, 2009

USANA Receives 2009 Editor's Choice Award From NutriSearch

USANA Receives 2009 Editor's Choice Award From NutriSearch
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2009--

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) was selected as the NutriSearch Editor's Choice recipient in the latest edition of the NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements. Two flagship USANA products also received the guide's highest 5-Star Gold Medal rating.
The NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements is designed to help consumers make informed, scientifically based decisions about nutritional supplements. The latest edition features detailed comparisons of more than 1,500 nutritional products. USANA Essentials(TM) and HealthPak 100(TM) received a 5-Star Gold Medal rating from NutriSearch, the guide's highest possible product rating.

"It is an honor to be recognized with the NutriSearch Editor's Choice Award," said USANA CEO Dave Wentz. "USANA is committed to improving the quality of people's lives in a variety of ways, from developing high-quality products, to protecting our environment, to giving back to the community. We are pleased to once again receive the comparative guide's top rating for our nutritional products."

NutriSearch considered several factors when selecting USANA as the Editor's Choice award recipient, including:

  • Evidence of a leadership role within the scientific community and the supplement industry
  • Substantiation of charitable sponsorship both at home and abroad
  • Verification of the company as a community role model
  • Confirmation of responsible environmental stewardship
  • Demonstrable proof of sound business practices

Friday, January 16, 2009

Childhood overweight and obesity are still a concern

A recent Australian survey indicates that childhood overweight and obesity are still a concern. In 2007 The Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey assessed the food and nutrient intake, physical activity levels, and the weight, height and waist circumference among randomly selected children aged 2–16 years. Key findings from the survey released recently indicate that:

  • 72 per cent of children surveyed were at a healthy weight; 17 per cent of boys and girls were classified as overweight; 6 per cent were obese; and 5 per cent were found to be underweight.
  • The children surveyed demonstrated a low level of observance of the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia.

Poor dietary habit is still a great concern for our children, especially for the 14-16 year olds.

  • The proportion of children meeting the guidelines for fruit intake (1–3 serves per day) and vegetable intake (2–4 serves per day) declined with age.
  • 61% of 4–8 year olds consumed adequate fruit (excluding juice), compared to only 1% of 14–16 year old boys and girls
  • Only 22% of 4–8 year old children and 5% of 14–16 year olds met the dietary guidelines for vegetable intake.
  • Saturated fat intake contributed approximately 13–14% of the children’s energy intake, higher than what is recommended in the Dietary Guidelines (saturated fat should contribute less than 10% of total energy intake).
  • Some micronutrient intakes such as calcium, sodium and magnesium are likely to be problematic, particularly for the 14–16 year olds who were the least likely to meet the recommended intake.

Approximately 69% of boys and girls aged 9–16 surveyed accumulated at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most of the days surveyed. The average time spent doing moderate to vigorous physical activity decreased with age. Only 33% of the children aged 9–16 years met the recommendations for screen time in the National Physical Activity Guidelines (no more than two hours of non-educational screen time each day).

Result from this latest survey reinforced the value of establishing healthy eating and regular exercise patterns for children’s health and wellbeing. The foundations for optimal health begin at early age from childhood, and progress day by day. Establishing sound nutritional foundation and tackling overweight and obesity, is without any doubt, very important for every stages in life.

Gastroenterology. 2008 Oct;135(4):1163-7.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Oxidative Stress - You Are Rusting Inside ‏/ Ray D. Strand, M.D.


When you produce more free radicals than you can manage, you create what is known as oxidative stress. Oxygen is essential for life itself; however, it is also inherently dangerous for our existence. The same process that causes a cut apple to turn brown or metal to rust also causes your body to rust inside. This process of oxidative stress is the underlying cause of the overwhelming majority of chronic degenerative diseases.

Oxidative stress is literally the dark-side of oxygen. However, we are not defenseless against this process. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize a free radical. Balance is the key. You need to have enough antioxidants available to handle the number of free radicals produced. Then you are able to prevent oxidative stress from occurring.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.

Specialist in Nutritional Medicine



Monday, January 12, 2009

Dietary fiber from whole grains protects against cancer of the small intestine

Many large studies have found that people with higher intakes of dietary fiber and whole grains have a lower risk of colorectal cancer. However, until now there has been very little information on dietary and other risk factors for cancer of the small intestine. New research shows that people with the highest intakes of dietary fiber have a lower risk for cancer of the small intestine.

In a new study published in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers conducted a large population study to determine the relationship between intake of dietary fiber and the incidence of small intestinal cancer. Dietary information was gathered from 293,703 men and 198,618 women who participated in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study.

After eight years of follow-up it was determined that dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of small intestinal cancer. The group with the highest intake of fiber from grains had a 49% lower risk of small intestine cancer compared to the group with the lowest intake. Likewise, the group that consumed the most whole-grain foods had a 41% lower incidence of the disease compared to the group eating the least whole-grain foods.

Since similar dietary factors and results have been seen in studies involving cancer of the large intestine, it is likely that grain fiber and whole grain foods may protect against lower gastrointestinal cancers.

Gastroenterology. 2008 Oct;135(4):1163-7.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Whey improves insulin response in type 2 diabetics

In type 2 diabetics, whey added to high-GI meals may increase insulin secretion and improve blood glucose clearance after a meal. This can be of significant benefit to those with reduced insulin secretion and/or compromised blood glucose regulation.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers evaluated whether supplementation of high-glycemic meals (GI) with whey proteins would increase insulin secretion and improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetics.

Subjects with type 2 diabetes were served a high-GI breakfast and lunch supplemented with whey on one day, and lean ham and lactose on another day.

When whey was included in the meal, insulin responses were significantly higher for both breakfast and lunch than when it was not included. In addition, blood glucose response was significantly reduced after lunch with the inclusion of whey.

In type 2 diabetics, whey added to high-GI meals may increase insulin secretion and improve blood glucose clearance after a meal. This can be of significant benefit to those with reduced insulin secretion and/or compromised blood glucose regulation.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 82, No. 1, 69-75, July 2005

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The Number of Free Radicals You Produce is NOT Steady ‏/ Ray D. Strand, M.D



There are a certain number of free radicals produced when you simply metabolize your food. However, there are many things that increase the number of free radicals you produce:

Excessive Stress
Excessive Exercise
Pollutants in our air, food, and water
Sunlight
Radiation
Medication
Cigarette smoke

Because of our stressful lifestyles, polluted environment, and over- medicated societies, this generation must contend with more free radicals than any previous generation. This leads to a problem known as oxidative stress, which will be the topic of our next post.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine


Contact me today for more information

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Enemy - Free Radicals

In the process of creating energy within the furnace or fireplace of a cell, occasionally a charged oxygen molecule is created called a free radical.

A free radical is an oxygen molecule that has at least one unpaired electron in its outer orbit. This literally gives the molecule an electrical charge, which creates very rapid movement as it tries to find an electron from the tissue around it. If it is not readily neutralized by an antioxidant, it can go on to damage the cell wall, vessel wall, proteins, fats, and even the DNA nucleus of the cell.

The medical and scientific literature has shown us beyond a shadow of a doubt that the root cause of over 70 chronic degenerative diseases is the result of oxidative stress from excessive free radicals. These are diseases like heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and the list goes on and on. These diseases concern us, and we would certainly like to avoid them. You will learn in this blog why taking nutritional supplements gives you the best opportunity to prevent or delay these diseases.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Recipe of the Month

Healthy Salmon Salad (Serves 4)


Ingredients


200g smoked or cooked salmon, flaked

1 tbsp OptOmega or olive oil

Juice of ½ lemon

1/2 cup black olives

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

2 1/2 cups baby salad potatoes, cooked, cooled and halved

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Lettuce or other salad leaves, washed and torn

3/4 cup fine beans, cooked and drained

Small can anchovy fillets (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Whisk the oil and lemon juice together, add salt and pepper. Put all other ingredients into a large bowl. Mix in the dressing.