Carbohydrates are the chemical compounds which are made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. As you maybe aware carbohydrates come from a variety of foods from rice to bread, from sugar to vegetables, etc. When you ingest a food the body metabolizes the carbohydrate into glucose (another carbohydrate) which the body can use as a form of energy.

Sugars are known as "simple carbohydrates", these are even more refined. Whereas other carbohydrates obtained from eating near to raw and less refined products, such as brown rice (and fruit and veg, etc) are known as "complex carbohydrates".

There have been numerous studies and "diets" relating to eating more complex carbohydrates related with the glycemic
index. This is why nutritional labels show both the sugar and carbohydrate values.

All sugars are carbs, but not all carbs are sugars. The carbs that aren't from sugar come from starches and more complex molecules. They are similar in chemical composition to sugar, but more complex in structure. The more complex the carbohydrate molecule, the slower your body will break it down. This makes the energy more time-released instead of a sugar rush and crash.

So next time you pick up something to snack on, find the healthy version with a complex carb, it will do your body good.
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By contributor and massage therapist Rachel Neves @ Breathe Body Works of St Johns

Many different modalities of massage therapy can be used in preventative and maintenance care for chronic health and pain issues. One of the simplest, but most profound positive effects of massage is its effect on the nervous system. It helps to activate the parasympathetic side of the nervous system. This is often referred to as the “rest-and-digest” side, and plays a huge role in
healing. Any reduction of stress and increase in production of Seratonin and other healthy brain chemicals promotes the healing process, so of course massage is an obvious treatment. You may also take into account the powerful healing ability of human touch and interaction. Then there are the mechanical benefits of massage; moving blood, chemical waste products and lymphatic fluid, and stimulating natural nerve and muscle function. (i.e. encouraging perastalsis for IBS sufferers) Acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, swedish massage, craniosacral, myofascial release, and more are all therapies that have resulted in improved daily life and better long term prognosis of many chronic illnesses. Sometimes, with severe illnesses such as Cancer, Hepatitis, and IBS, a patient’s sensitivity level may be so high that they are unable to receive more aggressive forms of manual therapy, and in those cases, lymphatic drainage massage can be an excellent choice. What is it and how can it be beneficial?

Come read the whole aricle under News & Research, you will love it!
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By clicking here you can support us in the fight for clean air.  

We are going out and doing it again folks, come either support our ride by joining in it, or send in your donations for clean air, better lungs or just better living.

It's time to get our ride on! May 19, 2012
http://action.lungusa.org/site/TR/Bike/ALAMP_Mountain_Pacific?px=4756710&pg=personal&fr_id=5060
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Guess what, it’s time to start thinking about support events in 2012, what are your plans? Not sure, or even if you already know, consider riding or supporting the Reach the Beach ride this year. 

What is it? Reach the Beach is put on by the American Lung Association for clean air and healthy lungs. If you’ve ever had someone with lung cancer or lung disease, this is the event you can return support for. There will be 3,000 bike riders that will take to the streets and hills in support of this event. We ride from Portland to the finish line at the Pacific Ocean. The ride is fully supported with breaks every 15 miles and a fat meal at the end.

Reach the Beach is an inspiring, healthy way to spend the day together and conquer your personal fitness goals. You can even give the ride as a gift for someone that is a supporter themselves. The gift certificate you receive covers the entry fee and the fundraising minimum. The great thing about the ride is that the cost of the ride is covered by those who support you. It’s easy, sign up and then go hit your boss, local businesses, friends and relatives to support your ride. You don’t even have to handle any money, donations for your ride can be made right on-line. All proceeds go to the American Lung Association and support of this event.

Why support this event? Lung disease - including asthma, emphysema and lung cancer - is the third leading cause of death in America. Over the last decade, the death rate from lung disease has been growing faster than the death rate from almost any other killer. Since 1915, the American Lung Association in Oregon has been fighting lung disease through education, community service, advocacy, and research. We are working to help those who suffer from lung disease today, and to stop the spread of lung disease tomorrow.

Start time: 7:00-8:00 a.m.
Starting location: Conestoga Middle School
12250 Conestoga Drive, Beaverton, OR

Finishline
Pelican Pub and Cape Kiwanda
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive

To succeed, we need your support. Please join the American Lung Association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. You can do this by participating in Reach the Beach or donating in a rider's name. Thank you for joining the fight against lung disease.
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IMMUNE SUPPORT
The immune system is a series of biological processes within the body that protect against disease by indentifying and killing pathogens. A major part of the immune system are the white blood cells, which form the first line of defense in the immune system by creating  barrier” that hunts down and kills foreign particles in the body. With a compromised immune system, especially drops in white blood cell counts, can lead to infections and disease. Likewise, a “boost” to the immune system would indicate that the body was better suited to fight off infections and diseases naturally.

A recent independent clinical study which met the “Gold Standard” on Lily of the Desert formulas with Aloesorb™ showed a 16% increase in white blood cell counts over the placebo group. White blood cells are a key part of the body’s immune system, and by increasing the amount of white blood cells, the body is better suited to fight off infections and diseases naturally.
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Have you tested out for yourselves why our recipes are being used for many IBS sufferers? Find out why and taste for yourselves how IBS friendly foods feel on the tummy, also what Lefsa is used for and what Monkey Bread tastes like.

Other recipes are:
Flour or Corn Tortillas
Fish Tacos
Fruit Cobbler
Breakfast Risotto
Carrot Potato soup
Naan
and many more are found under Nutrition & Maintenance, Recipe
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Over the past month there have been a number of items that have been recalled due to allergy findings. Please be aware of the following items for food allergens.

Peanut:
1 - The Kroger Co. is recalling select containers of Private Selection Extreme Moose Tracks Ice Cream because it may contain undeclared peanuts. The product is identified as Private Selection Extreme Moose Tracks Ice Cream sold in 16-oz. pints with a “sell by” date of June 18, 2012 under the following UPC Code: 11110 52909.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, portions of eastern Missouri, Ohio and northern Kentucky, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. The recall also includes Kroger stores in Illinois and Indiana that operate under the following banner names: Jay C, Food 4 Less (Chicago area), Owen’s, Pay  Less, and Scott’s. Customers may return the product to stores for a full refund or replacement. Consumers who have questions may contact the company at 800-KROGERS (800-576-4377).

Milk:
2 - NOW Foods is recalling selected lots of its “Brewer’s Yeast Tablets” due to undeclared milk. These lots were produced between March and June 2011. 

The products were distributed throughout the U.S. The recall affects “Brewer’s Yeast Tablets,” 10 grain, 650 mg., 200-tablet 
bottle, with U.S. lot numbers 1334119, 1354098, and 1362375, and product code 2410; and “Brewer’s Yeast Tablets,” 10 grain, 650 mg., 500-tablet bottle, with U.S. lot  numbers 1347607, 1334773, and 1358774, and product code 2412. The product code is located on the label and the lot number is located on the bottom  of the package.Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (888) 669-3663. 

3 - Flowers Foods is recalling several varieties of “Mrs. Freshley’s cereal bars” in dual language packages due to undeclared milk. The product was sold in discount stores in the U.S. in a French-English multipack carton and to food and convenience stores in the Quebec and Ontario provinces of Canada.  

The recall affects: Mrs. Freshley’s Canadian Label Apple Cinnamon Fruit and Pastry Cereal Bars, UPC 072250002400, Mrs. Freshley’s Canadian Label Blueberry Fruit and Pastry Cereal Bars, UPC 072250002387, Mrs. Freshley’s Canadian Label Strawberry Fruit and Pastry Cereal Bars, UPC 072250002363.  Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (866) 245-8921, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, or via e-mail by visiting the “Contact Us” page on www.mrsfreshleys.com. 

Shrimp:
4 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company is recalling a limited quantity of one variety of LEAN CUISINE® Dinnertime Selects which is mislabeled. The packaging identifies the meal as containing chicken, however, an error has been discovered and approximately 200 packages contain shrimp. 

The product possibly was shipped to retailers in Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state. The recall affects LEAN CUISINE® Dinnertime Selects  Chicken Fettuccini/UPC code 13800-14880 with a production code of 1253595911G  and a “best before” date of October 2012. Consumers who have purchased to the product may contact Nestlé consumer services at (800) 542-6935, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, to  receive a full refund. 

Wheat:
5 - Chef’s Requested Foods, Inc., is recalling approximately 875 pounds of center cut steak due to undeclared wheat. This product may instead contain turkey filets. 

The recall affects “Chef’s Requested Center Cut Steak Hand Trimmed, Bacon Wrapped Beef Steaks Enhanced with up to twenty percent of a lightly seasoned solution,” which is sold in 10-oz. plastic double cup packages. The product is identified by the establishment number “EST. 5792” inside the USDA mark of inspection and “Use or Freeze by 11/12/11” on the side of the package. The products were produced on Oct. 6, 2011 and shipped to retail establishments in Arizona, California, Maryland, Ohio, and Texas.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at (405) 239-2610. 

If you have any questions or concerns on any of these items please call the phone numbers provided.
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Thank you for all those that wore their yellow and that supported Live Strong Day! Over 10,000 pledges went for the fight against
cancer and helping people Live strong during their fight against cancer. We are looking forward to the next time we can once again show our support on October 2, 2012. Mark the date on your calendar so you to can show your support. Thanks again everyone!
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Neurological impairments can be most difficult to adjust to. Changes to your every day functions are perminately altered. A world of unending feelings of frusteration can be overwhelming. Take comfort, there are ways to walk you through your every day life and help you to function throughout your life.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America just posted these 12 Tips for managing neurological dysfunction.

Give yourself time
Create structure
Reduce distractions
Make reminders for yourself
Try cognitive retraining exercises
Prioritize activities
Use assistive devices
Establish a safe home environment
Be aware of limitations
Get healthy in other areas
Be open with your cancer team
Seek emotional support

For more information on how to incorportate these tips contact Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Make sure you take the necessary precations intended for your condition. Do not attempt to illiminate your professional care from any part of your recovery plan.
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Nearly 40,000 people descended on the National Mall to participate in the 22nd  running of the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure® in Washington, D.C. Today’s event  raised more than $5 million to fund breast cancer programs for women in need  throughout the National Capital Area and across the globe.
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