Monthly Archives: March 2007

For better body frame health: AIM Frame Essentials®

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AIM Frame Essentials® offers a unique glucosamine complex in a highly digestible format that can promote ease of movement and provide much needed support for overworked and stressed joints and joint tissue.

While many other supplements may only contain one form of glucosamine, two types of glucosamine are incorporated into AIM’s Frame Essentials® formula, making this supplement truly unique. When taking AIM Frame Essentials®, users will benefit from glucosamine sulfate plus glucosamine hydrochloride.

Additionally, many glucosamine users experience increased benefits when adding methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a biologically active form of sulfer. MSM serves to enhance the role of glucosamine in providing joint relief. Meanwhile, the AIM Frame Essentials® formula also contains boswellin extract to help maintain blood supply to the joints, and help to reduce joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Ideal cell food for joints

Glucosamine may be the ideal cell food for joints. Many clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with glucosamine results in less pain and an increased range of movement for those experiencing joint and cartilage problems.

Joint and cartilage problems are not just an affliction that impacts the elderly. Depending upon fitness level, occupation, and the amount of muscle and joint stress we have experienced in our lives, cartilage problems can begin when we are in our early forties.

Cartilage is the connective tissue that covers and protects the end of bones. It separates and cushions the bones, serving as a type of shock absorber to buffer our bones from rubbing together during body movement.

As we age, the millions of movements we have made in our lives begin to place wear and tear on cartilage. Cartilage begins to deteriorate. It may deteriorate completely, causing the bones to rub against one another, or the cartilage may break off into bits and begin to irritate the nearby soft muscle and tissue.

Joint pain and stiffness can begin at age 45

According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, the wear and tear of cartilage may become noticeable as early as age 45. The fingers, knees, hips, neck, and lower back are prime targets for cartilage wear. We sometimes feel stiff and sore in these areas. Meanwhile, joint pain is created as nearby muscles attempt to compensate for cartilage loss by working in ways for which these muscles were not designed.

Inflammation and damage to the joints and connective tissue (cartilage) is a condition often referred to as arthritis. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common form is a called osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, where as we have just described, the cartilage breaks down and causes the bones to rub against one another.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the weight-bearing joints, including the knees and elbows, and can manifest with very painful symptoms. The results can be debilitating since this condition impacts our weight-bearing capacity. It can also create havoc for athletes or those with occupations where they absolutely depend on complete mobility.

Staying active is important

As we’ve seen, one might think that osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that only inflicts the elderly, but athletes and sports enthusiasts of all ages are prone to the condition once they reach mid-age. The chance of developing painful joints only increases with age. For the older age group, injury most often occurs when we are participating in the sports activity that we routinely enjoy. In fact, sports-related injuries among those age 65 and older increased by 54 percent during a six-year period when studied by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Athletes and those who exercise regularly may place undue stress on the cartilage and joints of the body. Additionally, the repetitive use of a particular joint may increase the chance for wear and tear of the cartilage, thus causing the bones and surrounding tissue to become irritated, stiff and sore. Being overweight, increasing age, previous joint injury, or repeated damage to the same joint year after year, may further contribute to the problem.

For many people, the reason for age-related sports injury after the age of 40 might simply be this: lack of proper warm up and rest. Rather than push onward as we did during our younger years, experts recommend that we take time to give muscles and joints a brief rest during the sporting event. Starting every exercise routine with adequate stretching and warm up is equally important. Especially as we age, we need to get muscles moving slowly before strenuous physical activity begins.

Low-impact exercises to maintain muscle tone may also be helpful in reducing pain. (Weak or unused muscles may result in more pain.) Mild exercising may also help to maintain the full range of motion. Applying heat or cold can provide temporary relief after an exercising event, and health experts recommend relaxation techniques, as well as maintaining a stable, healthy body weight as key to avoiding sport-related injury and joint stress.

Glucosamine research

Since glucosamine is an amino sugar, it is made in the body from simple carbohydrates (glucose) and the amino acid, glutamine. Our bodies generally use glucose to produce energy, and the amino sugars found in glucosamine are incorporated into the structure of body tissue, such as muscle and nearby connective joint tissue.

Many clinical trials over the years have demonstrated that supplementing with glucosamine results in less pain and increased range of movement for those suffering from joint pain and stress to the connective tissues. Many have found that glucosamine performs better than ibuprofen in providing relief from joint pain, and stiffness, while providing better range of movement.

“Reasonably good evidence indicates that glucosamine supplements effectively relieve pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.” (The Natural Pharmacist, 2004)

“Besides relieving symptoms, there is some evidence that glucosamine might actually slow the progression of the disease.” (The Natural Pharmacist, 2004)

There is no indication that glucosamine interacts with other medications. Of course, you should always consult with your health care practitioner when adding something new to your diet. Children and pregnant women should also consult with a health care practitioner. Likewise, prolonged and/or severe pain should not be overlooked and may require immediate attention as a result of trauma or injury to the joints and limbs.

The Thompsons' journey with AIM and their unique downline

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Charlotte and Keith ThompsonSome people call it garbage in, garbage out. Others refer to it as we are what we eat. Charlotte Thompson, a Royal Emerald Director from Sugarcreek, Ohio, has her own unique description: “Our body is the only vehicle we have in which to go through life. It does matter what we put into it. If we eat Twinkies, we will make Twinkie cells. If we continue to do what we have always done, we will continue to get what we have always gotten.”

Charlotte and her husband, Keith, began their journey with The AIM Companies™ in 1997 in a typical AIM story. Keith was not feeling well and was low on energy. They gave AIM’s green barley juice a try on the recommendation of sister-in-law Marlene Rawls. Keith began feeling better in just three days. Marlene then told them that they could purchase AIM products wholesale by becoming a Member.

“I remember all too well what I told her that day,” recalls Charlotte. “I don’t want to sell this stuff. I don’t want to go to a meeting and I don’t want anyone bugging me. Marlene assured me AIM was different. It would do none of the three. With that, I decided to become a Wholesale Member, April 30, 1997.”

Little did she know that the decision to join AIM would lead to a business-building career with the company and, in time, a connection to one of the more unusual downlines in the company. Her part of Ohio is home to the largest settlement of Amish of any state. It is also home to a large number of Mennonites. Commonly thought of as very private, the Amish have become a big part of Charlotte’s downline. She also has a large number of non-Amish in her downline, called “English” by the Amish. “The Amish and Mennonites are people who care about people. We are in rural communities where people know each other and trust their neighbor. We have been invited to eat with many of them. Most Amish don’t have phones in their homes so they often phone us from their workplace or a phone booth nearby. We often get letters in the mail giving us the opportunity to serve them in some way. We go out to their homes if need be to meet them in answer to their letters. We also do home meetings.”

John and Marlene Miller are Amish. They respect and appreciate the effort Charlotte has put into her AIM business and the friend she is to them. “Charlotte always goes the extra mile for everyone,” they say. “She’s been a blessing to us and to AIM.” Another Amish couple, Atlee and Mary Yoder, add: “Keith and Charlotte Thompson are almost like family to us. We had a Christmas supper together at our house.”

Charlotte did not wave a wand and magically connect AIM with the Amish. “One day, shortly after starting on AIM’s barley juice I went for my daily walk with my Amish neighbor. I was so excited about what was happening at our house I had to share it with her. Yes, she wanted to try it too. The next day her aunt went walking with us and wanted a jar also. At that time I had to order more and soon saw I couldn’t keep enough on hand for everyone. I told them the juice could come to their door just as easily as it came to mine. I can get you a wholesale membership. You will also receive a free magazine about the products and health. Wow, that wasn’t hard.”

In the first month, Charlotte received a check for $69. The next month it was $200. Pretty nice for someone laid off at the time and wondering what to do. She told her son, Nathan, that she needed to find a job. His response: “Mom, I think you have a job.” She began talking about AIM in one-on-one meetings, held monthly group meetings, conducted healthy cooking classes, holds an annual picnic for those who attend her monthly meetings, and makes sure she holds meetings within buggy-driving distance for the Amish. For the past three years she and some of her directors have hosted the Ohio BarleyLife Conference. “I know in my heart God brought The AIM Companies™ into my life.” In 2002 husband Keith retired and now the two of them work the business.

The Amish in her downline appreciate her assistance and believe in the value of the product.

Monroe and Barbara Barkman, Sugarcreek, Ohio: They use six AIM products regularly and others occasionally. “AIM is not a new company and it is well-established. AIM Garden Trio® is the best whole food supplement and AIM Herbal Fiberblend® is the best fiber on the market. God created our body to heal itself if given the proper food.”

John and Marlene Miller, Dundee, Ohio: They use all the AIM products, especially during the winter. They became convinced of the worth of the product line after Charlotte shared the Healthy Cell Concept® with them. “AIM products are of the highest quality. The quality has kept The AIM Companies™ in business for 25 years.”

Atlee and Mary Yoder, Apple Creek, Ohio: The family of nine uses nine products. “Our whole family benefits from the AIM products. We first met the Thompsons in May of 2003. They were sent to us by my sister because of my arthritis problem,” says Mary. “We are very excited about AIM products and we try to share them with other people. We tell them about our experiences with the company’s wonderful products.”

The Thompsons are serious about their AIM business. Charlotte takes nutrition classes. She traveled to Utah to learn about AIM Herbal Fiberblend® from its developer, Teresa Schumacher. She has attended courses taught by Janet Pauly and Opal Wright. Keith and Charlotte have attended several Texas BarleyLife conventions. They now host the Ohio conference, and they have attended every AIM international convention since 1998. She takes 10 AIM products, not all of them regularly. Keith also takes 10 products.

“We appreciate the integrity of The AIM Companies™,” says Charlotte. “AIM grows its own barley in healthy soil in Canada, not in California. People want to hear about the products and what they can do for their health. Other companies talk about money. AIM wants people first to know what the products will do for them then they can share or sell them to others. When you know about a good thing, it is hard to keep it quiet.”

The Thompsons amazingly have traveled to all 50 states, have been married for 40 years, have three grown boys, and four grandchildren. “Our sons take AIM BarleyLife® and it has been fun to watch our little grandsons eat AIM BarleyLife® like candy.”

Ralph Peterson, Portland, North Dakota, Royal Emerald Director, and a Member of AIM’s Presidential Advisory Council, has worked with the Thompsons: “Charlotte cares about all the people she comes into contact with. Not only does she have a desire to learn, but she has an unselfish desire to share that knowledge with others. She and Keith make a great AIM team. They are very special people.”

Meet the Lotshaws of Lotshaw Helping Hands…a part of the AIM family

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Charles and Linda Lotshaw

One of the nice things about a multi-level member organization such as The AIM Companies™ is that it attracts a variety of memberships, each truly unique. No two are exactly alike, sort of like what you hear about snowflakes. Each AIM Member has his/her own look, personality, and interests.

Charles and Linda Lotshaw are AIM Directors. They live in Corona, California, which is located in a small valley 50 miles from Los Angeles and about 60 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Since 1972 they have owned a heating and cooling business. They have been married for 45 years, have two children, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He enjoys playing some golf – “I am not very good at it” – and she likes to garden. But for thousands and thousands of children and adults in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho, they are Charles and Linda of Lotshaw Helping Hands and they are here to help. What began as a project to help their church’s food ministry by lending it their truck and some warehouse space has now become Lotshaw Helping Hands, a non-profit 501(c)3 ministry founded by Charles and Linda in 1983. “We never intended to start a ministry,” says Linda. The assistance given the local church turned into Charles developing a network of churches and donors that just kept growing and growing. It reached the point where it became a life of its own. Now the Lotshaws travel 35,000 miles annually to, in their words, “embrace people with genuine needs from any culture, ethnicity, or religious background. Real need can occur in the life of anyone. As is within our means and ability, Helping Hands is committed to assisting those with whom we are brought into contact.” Their motto: Serving, Sharing, Loving, Caring.

“We help these families because we feel that this is what God wants us to do,” says Linda. Primarily, their focus is on children although they still offer aid to adults if the resources are available. “We feel that by helping children, we are helping their parents,” explains Linda. “When you help a child it blesses their parents. We do not take a paycheck. The joy of helping children, seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing the excitement in their voices, is more than enough.”

Everything done by Lotshaw Helping Hands is funded by donations received from those who are aware of the program and also through their newsletter. Programs include:
■  A shopping trip for needy children to an area J.C. Penney store in which each child receives a $100 gift card and is accompanied by an adult volunteer to make sure purchases are for needed items. Typical items are shoes, socks, a coat, underwear, and school clothes. Penney’s cooperates by often offering discounts and specials so the $100 can purchase a few more items. Children are selected based on the recommendation of a local school, a social need agency, a Native American reservation census report, etc. Lotshaw Helping Hands holds this event several times per year, assists 60 children at a time, so each trip takes $6,000 just to cover the cost of the shopping trip for the kids. The Lotshaw ministry adds a special surprise gift pack and two bags filled with candy, toys, and school supplies. The AIM Companies™ assists the Lotshaws with volunteers and a cash donation for the kids’ shopping trips in Idaho.

■  There is an outreach program for military families who are in need due to a 
    mother or father stationed elsewhere.
■  Farm laborers and Native American children and adults benefit from an annual
    events program tailored to meet their individual needs including food and clothing.
■  Bicycle donations are encouraged. The bikes are refurbished through a prison
    program in California. At the various events involving Lotshaw Helping Hands,
    they are given to children in need of a bike.
■  At times donations of building supplies and household items make it possible
    to distribute to those with corresponding needs. Such aid has gone to
    children’s homes and churches on Native American reservations.

“It is truly a blessing to be able to help all of these people and see how God has used our ministry to make a difference in their lives,” says Linda. “Many of the low income schools that we have been privileged to work with have said that their children have never experienced anything like this before. One of the things we hear most is that the children feel special and comment that ‘This is the best day of my life.’ Many children have never been shopping for clothes or even to a mall.”

Lotshaw Helping Hands sponsored a Penney’s shopping trip for needy kids at a school in the Nampa, Idaho, area. Nampa is AIM’s headquarters. The school counselor wrote a thank you that has no doubt been said many times to the Lotshaws: “Our staff has been so excited to see the kids in their new clothes. Many years, as the weather turns cold, we have lots of kids improperly dressed on chilly days. All of our Penney’s and Helping Hands kids have warm sweatshirts, pants, and shoes. For the generosity you have shown our community, may you be well blessed.”

The Lotshaws point to such expressions of gratitude as the best reward of all. They talk about notes from kids who, for the first time, have decent shoes and clothes. Others comment on a rise in self-esteem. Parents with nothing offer the Lotshaws personal treasures as a way to say thanks. School counselors share the thrill of seeing kids with some joy in their lives, something missing for too many of them.

Blake Bowyer is a marketing associate at AIM in Nampa. He volunteered to help with last year’s shopping trip. “Lotshaw Helping Hands was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. As I watched the kids file off the bus, I could see excitement in their eyes. I was assigned two young boys. They were in disbelief that they could shop for new clothes, ones they got to choose. It was heartwarming. The fact that they were so thankful for what they were being given made me realize all of the things I take for granted.”

The Lotshaws obviously are high energy, highly-motivated people. Their motivation, they say, comes from their belief in Jesus Christ. “We feel that using the Bible as a guide for our life is the best piece of advice we have ever received.” They also feel that all they do “should be done with the utmost integrity.” They say they get their energy level from AIM BarleyLife®, augmented by a number of other AIM products each of them uses. “If we miss taking our AIM BarleyLife® in the morning, we notice a big difference in our energy level and overall well-being,” says Linda. So they will not forget, they line their kitchen counter with AIM products.

“Our annual schedule is based upon the amount of money we receive in donations.” says Linda. Lotshaw Helping Hands is on the road some portion of each month. “The needs are ongoing and increasing,” Linda states. “We do all we can with what we receive.”

AIM Peak Endurance – Lighting the fire within

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AIM Peak Endurance®, which has been very popular since the 14-ounce canisters were officially introduced in January, is now available in single servings in a 30-count package. The single servings contain the exact same ingredients as the canister with the added convenience of portability. The recommended serving size is two of the packets per day so put a couple in your pocket or in a purse in the morning and you are ready for the day ahead.

Mountain climber Martin Benning, an AIM-sponsored athlete, will not hit the mountain without his AIM products – AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, AIM CellSparc 360®, AIM GinkgoSense™, AIMega®, and now – AIM Peak Endurance®. “Whether I am climbing at high altitudes or training at sea level, AIM Peak Endurance® is a key element in my success at 14,411 feet. Roughly one-half the elevation of Mt. Everest, Mt. Rainier (in Washington state) is the fifth highest peak in the continental United States. On two separate training climbs – one with AIM products and one without – I was able to see measurable differences in both my SpO2 saturation, which is the amount of oxygen absorbed in the blood, and in overall performance. Using a combination of AIM products including AIM Peak Endurance®, I was able to measure a 3 percent increase in the blood oxygen saturation at the summit, a more efficient heart rate, and an overall increase in energy,” says Benning.

“AIM Peak Endurance® elevates the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the blood, cells, and tissue. ATP is at the core of human energy and is critical for every function in our cells. AIM Peak Endurance® also enhances the delivery of glucose, nutrients, electrolytes, B vitamins, and oxygen, which I need to perform. Typical energy drinks are loaded with sugar and unnecessary calories. AIM Peak Endurance® provides the ATP, complex carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins with almost none of the sugar,” concludes Benning.

Benning obviously is a fan of AIM Peak Endurance® because of the boost it gives him as an athlete. The key ingredient in the product is ATP, the energizer for the cells. Think of AIM BarleyLife® as the wood in a fire and AIM Peak Endurance® as the igniter. ATP begins diminishing at age 30 and by the time a person reaches age 70, the body is producing one-half of what it did at the younger age. AIM Peak Endurance® replaces the ATP lost through age, stress, daily life, and exercise.

While ATP is the major component of the product, AIM Peak Endurance® is a unique combination that does a body a whole lot of good – Peak ATP®, B vitamins, electrolytes, vitamin C, and phosphorus. All of them contribute mightily to the health and wellness as measured by the percentage of Daily Value (DV) in a 2,000-calorie diet.

ATP: It is the primary source of energy for every function that occurs within each cell of the body. When ATP is depleted, cells cease to function properly. Without ATP, says researcher Dr. Eliezer Rapaport, there is no life. ATP increases energy levels without boosting the heart rate, contrary to what occurs with caffeine, ginseng, or ephedra.

B vitamins: These vitamins are necessary for deriving energy from carbohydrates and for building muscle. Each of the vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 – in the two recommended daily servings of AIM Peak Endurance® supplies 100 percent of the DV.

Electrolytes: The AIM product contains five electrolytes. Most sports drinks, by comparison, contain only three and are loaded with sugar, normally 10-35 grams. AIM Peak Endurance® has only a single gram of sugar. Electrolytes conduct electrical currents, or nerve impulses, in our body. They are reduced through exercise and sweat. The electrolytes and their DV per two servings: Calcium, 20 percent; sodium 18 percent; magnesium, 12 percent; chloride, 12 percent; and potassium, 6 percent.

Vitamin C: Two servings of AIM Peak Endurance® supplies 100 percent of the DV. Vitamin C, the sunshine vitamin, helps maintain connective tissue, collagen, and bone health. It aids in healing wounds, supports the immune system, counters free radicals, recycles the body’s vitamin E, and can reduce allergy symptoms.

Phosphorus: The DV is 40 percent with two servings. Often referred to as the forgotten but necessary nutrient, it is essential for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissue. It also plays a role in the proper growth of bones. The body uses phosphorus in protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme activation, and as a component of nucleotides and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).
AIM Peak Endurance® is one great product, whatever your need. As an athlete or someone who enjoys being physically active, it functions as an immediate and effective energy booster during exercise (rapid absorption or isotonic) or as a replenisher (re-hydration or hypotonic) after exercise. For AIM Members 30 years and older, the product’s ATP content serves as a replacement for the ATP lost as a normal outcome of aging. What your body loses daily, AIM Peak Endurance® replaces with the ease of two servings per day.

A common question with all the variety and applications of the AIM products is if AIM Peak Endurance® can be taken with other AIM products. The short answer is yes. Because of the product’s ability to enhance blood flow, it is logical to conclude that it will help distribute other AIM products throughout the body. However, in the case of AIM BarleyLife® products, combining the two products could result in the loss of some of the enzymatic benefits of the barley powder. It is recommended that AIM Peak Endurance® and AIM BarleyLife® servings be taken one hour apart.

How a product or the ingredients in a product impact a person varies. Judy Taylor is the wife of Dave Taylor, AIM’s vice president of finance and international operations. Judy was involved in an auto accident several years ago resulting in her having to leave her job due to the pain. She tried everything, but nothing worked as promised or hoped. Then along came AIM Peak Endurance®. She is now back at work, and her quality of life has been restored.

Says Judy: “Ten years ago I developed fibromyalgia as a result of a severe whiplash injury. Being both a type A personality and a registered nurse, I had every confidence that I could quickly overcome this challenge. My arrogance quickly evaporated in the face of chronic pain and fatigue, when limited to no treatment options. Despite my strong will, and a fabulous team of my medical doctor, my chiropractor, my acupuncturist, my Chinese herbalist, my massage therapist, and my loving family, I never got significantly better.

“This background explains why I view AIM Peak Endurance® as my own personal miracle! Within days of taking the product twice a day, I had a vast decrease in the amount of my daily pain. I still have challenges related to my fibromyalgia, as it is a multi-faceted disease, but with my pain under control, everything else seems easy. In my case, the cost of the product is more than paid for in real dollars by the decrease in visits to both my chiropractor and massage therapist. In ‘soft’ dollars, the increase in my quality of life is beyond value. Thank you AIM for your investment in bringing this product to market.”
     

 

Finding an even Keel

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Balancing sugar and insulin levels is necessary in preventing diabetes

The body gets the energy it needs to function from the metabolism of blood sugar (glucose). Blood sugar is created during the digestion of foods and is taken into the blood from the intestines. After a meal, blood sugar levels rise sharply. The pancreas responds by releasing enough insulin, a hormone, to escort all the newly added sugar into cells where it can be used. Insulin bonds to receptor sites on the outside of muscle cells and other tissues and acts like a key to open a doorway into the cells through which the sugar can enter. When insulin is active, blood sugar levels fall. Excess blood sugar is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen and is converted to blood sugar and released as needed for energy. When the pancreas does not release enough insulin or when the cells do not accept it, blood sugar levels rise, resulting in a condition called diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes

The two most common types of diabetes are Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, most often occurs in children and young adults. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) claims that Type I diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes. Type II diabetes, also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes, most often develops in overweight adults. It is the most common form of the disease. The ADA indicates that Type II diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes. It is also more common in people of Native American, Hispanic, and African-American descent.

The ADA also estimates that approximately 14 million Americans under the age of 50 (about 5 percent of the population) have diabetes. This number increases to 10 to 15 percent in those over 50. Unfortunately, as many as one-half of them are unaware that they have it.

The symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, weight loss, and increased appetite. If left untreated, it can damage or cause failure of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and other body organs.

Lifestyle habits

Sometimes called age-onset or adult-onset diabetes, Type II diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions due to an increased number of older Americans and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

The typical American diet is one high in fats, refined sugars, and animal products, and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. When we eat simple carbohydrates, we receive a quick, intense but short-lived burst of energy due to the increase in blood sugar. This causes a large burst of insulin to enter the bloodstream. When insulin removes blood sugar from the bloodstream, the body believes that the energy is gone and that we need to eat and we feel hungry again. The result is a cycle of intense energy as blood sugar rises, a letdown as insulin is released, and then a feeling of hunger again. The amount of insulin needed to remove blood sugar and the intensity of the cycle can result in inefficiency in the system and lead to diabetes.

Preventive measures

Balancing sugar and insulin levels is necessary in preventing diabetes. While insulin tablets and injections are used in more severe cases, diet and moderate exercise can often support healthy blood sugar levels in those with mild, early, or late onset of the disease.

If we eat smaller amounts of food that are less carbohydrate-heavy throughout the day instead of the larger meals we are accustomed to, we will not experience energy ups and downs and will have energy all day.

Missing meals is just as detrimental as eating big meals. When we consistently skip meals, the body becomes accustomed to storing energy so that it has it for later when it thinks it will need it. This energy eventually becomes fat. Overweight or obesity is a risk factor for diabetes.

The body has a phenomenal capacity to adjust to its situation. However, over time, these adjustments become routine. When the body doesn’t operate the way it was meant to, problems such as diabetes arise. The good news is that just as the body can learn “bad” habits or ways of dealing with its situation, it can relearn the way it was meant to operate. Many Type II diabetics will experience benefits from weight loss, usually achieved through better nutrition and moderate exercise.

GlucochromIn one study, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that moderate exercise helped reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes in those who are most at risk. By walking 30 minutes per day and losing 15 pounds, high-risk study participants were able to reduce their odds of developing Type II diabetes by 58 percent. Researchers in the NIH study chose participants whose glucose tests revealed that they were already improperly processing blood sugar. Those participants who exercised moderately for 150 minutes per week and lost 5 to 7 percent of their weight successfully prevented the onset of diabetes for at least 3 years.

AIM products

AIM GlucoChrom™ is specifically developed to provide strong nutritional support for healthy blood sugar management. It is the ideal product for those seeking to maintain their good health and to support the natural blood sugar balance of the body.

AIM Garden Trio- Whole Food Nutrition

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Garden Trio

Carol Day “I am a busy home-schooling mother of nine children. Our family has been using the AIM Garden Trio® for more than 10 years. Every morning the first thing each family member does is drink their AIM Garden Trio®. I don’t know what I would do without it. It is a quick, easy, economical way to get excellent nutrition in my kids at the beginning of the day. It is my intention to provide healthy meals for my family, but sometimes a busy schedule sidetracks me and the meals don’t include the fresh fruits or vegetables I intended. Thanks to the AIM Garden Trio® I don’t have to beat myself up over this.

“There are times when my older kids are gone from home and eat fast food with friends. Once again, I know they had an excellent nutritional start to their day and I don’t sweat the fast food. My kids are the healthiest kids I know. When other families are succumbing to colds and the flu, we generally remain unscathed. My kids are also excellent athletes. Our house is full of swimming trophies and medals. I know that AIM Garden Trio® contributes to their excellent health and physical abilities. We’ll be taking it for life.”
—Carol Day, Director, Peyton, Colorado

That is quite an endorsement for one of AIM’s top-selling products. What is it about the product that makes it so good for so many in the Day family and, therefore, in yours as well? The AIM Garden Trio® includes AIM BarleyLife®, AIM RediBeets®, and AIM Just Carrots®. Barley, beets, carrots – each brings valuable nutrients to the body plus all three supply the body with something very necessary, live enzymes. Enzymes are the catalysts for the body’s essential chemical reactions and are necessary for providing cellular energy, digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and rebuilding and replenishing tissues, organs, and cells.

A breakdown of the three components of AIM Garden Trio® demonstrates the value of these three all-natural, vegetable juice powder concentrates. Think of the products as a three-legged milk stool. The stool works because all three legs support the weight of the milker. It is similar with the AIM Garden Trio®. Barley, carrots, and beets provide a foundation for whole body health and wellness.

And it comes in juice form, a valuable but often overlooked method of delivery. Juicing separates the juice of a fruit or vegetable from the fiber. While eating raw fruits and vegetables is a real value to the body, nonetheless a large amount of energy is used in handling digestion and absorption due to the bulk and density of the fruit or vegetable. Juicing enables the body to ingest and absorb the maximum amount of nutrients available within 15 minutes of intake because the bulk and pulp are removed.

AIM BarleyLife®: AIM’s flagship product, leg one of the stool, is made of young green barley plants grown and harvested in the nutrient-rich soil. The young plants are loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals thought to be essential to health). Green barley research shows that barley contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports the immune system, and may play a role in lowering cholesterol.

AIM Just Carrots®: This leg of the stool contains beta-carotene and other carotenoids, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, and folate. Beta-carotene is the best-known of the group. The body changes it into vitamin A, which is important in strengthening the immune system and promoting healthy cell growth. Beta-carotene also serves as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals and help prevent them from causing membrane damage. The carrots in the product are residue-free, thus eliminating the chance to ingest harmful toxins.

AIM RediBeets®: Beets are a storehouse of nutrients good for the body. This third leg of the stool contains phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin, folate, and betaine. It takes eight ounces of beets to make one teaspoon of AIM RediBeets®. The beets, as with the carrots, are residue-free (thus no toxins) and are processed (juice separated from the fiber) at a temperature designed not to damage their valuable nutrients.

Ray franthamRay Grantham, a Group Builder from Okemah, Oklahoma, is a real believer in the AIM Garden Trio®. He was in public school education for 35 years and at the same time he served as a minister. When he retired from public schools in 2003, his life as a pastor continued and increased because he now had more time to dedicate to it.

“Our church was going through a building program and the demands on my life were almost double. My weight increased dramatically during this stressful time because I am an emotional eater,” says Ray. His weight ballooned to 268 pounds, he had no energy, and his health was at risk. “I decided if I wanted to continue to live and share life with my family, friends, and congregation that I must do something. I read a testimonial in the Partners Living Well magazine that said the AIM Garden Trio® had helped this person lose weight. I thought I had nothing to lose except a lot of extra weight. I began faithfully taking the AIM Garden Trio®. My wife and I both noticed that my energy level increased, and my appetite decreased. My doctor, who I had not seen for a year, was very delighted and impressed with the weight loss. He said to keep up the good work. I did not go into detail with him about the weight loss program other than I told him that I had had a lifestyle change.

“At times I take the AIM Garden Trio® twice a day if I am experiencing weakness or excessive hunger. To date (early in 2007) I have lost 56 pounds and am still going on my new lifestyle toward health.” In addition, Ray reports he has shared the combination of barley, carrots, and beets with his friends and family, and “they too have experienced a good effect.” He says he had tried a weight-loss program but could not stabilize his appetite and energy level.

As noted earlier, the AIM Garden Trio® is one of AIM’s most popular products. AIM BarleyLife® is first, followed by AIM Herbal Fiberblend®. It seems that the more Members know and understand barley, carrots, and beets, the more they recognize the value of the AIM Garden Trio® in playing a role in whole body health. There is something in these three for everyone. Taking three products can seem a bit daunting but all three can be taken together, individually, or with other AIM products. For maximum absorption of the nutrients found in the AIM Garden Trio®, follow the instructions on the canister and on the data sheet.

The body functions best when its cells are healthy and receiving proper nutrition. The foundation for AIM’s commitment to wellness is the Healthy Cell Concept®. Among its tenets is the idea that cell health requires proper cell food, a healthy cell environment and cell protection. If you think about what the AIM Garden Trio® is capable of providing, you need to introduce some green, orange, and red into your diet. When you feel your best, you do your best.

For better body frame health: AIM Frame Essentials

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Frame EssentialsAIM Frame Essentials® offers a unique glucosamine complex in a highly digestible format that can promote ease of movement and provide much needed support for overworked and stressed joints and joint tissue.

While many other supplements may only contain one form of glucosamine, two types of glucosamine are incorporated into AIM’s Frame Essentials® formula, making this supplement truly unique. When taking AIM Frame Essentials®, users will benefit from glucosamine sulfate plus glucosamine hydrochloride.

Additionally, many glucosamine users experience increased benefits when adding methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a biologically active form of sulfer. MSM serves to enhance the role of glucosamine in providing joint relief. Meanwhile, the AIM Frame Essentials® formula also contains boswellin extract to help maintain blood supply to the joints, and help to reduce joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Ideal cell food for joints

Glucosamine may be the ideal cell food for joints. Many clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with glucosamine results in less pain and an increased range of movement for those experiencing joint and cartilage problems.

Joint and cartilage problems are not just an affliction that impacts the elderly. Depending upon fitness level, occupation, and the amount of muscle and joint stress we have experienced in our lives, cartilage problems can begin when we are in our early forties.

Cartilage is the connective tissue that covers and protects the end of bones. It separates and cushions the bones, serving as a type of shock absorber to buffer our bones from rubbing together during body movement.

As we age, the millions of movements we have made in our lives begin to place wear and tear on cartilage. Cartilage begins to deteriorate. It may deteriorate completely, causing the bones to rub against one another, or the cartilage may break off into bits and begin to irritate the nearby soft muscle and tissue.

Joint pain and stiffness can begin at age 45

According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, the wear and tear of cartilage may become noticeable as early as age 45. The fingers, knees, hips, neck, and lower back are prime targets for cartilage wear. We sometimes feel stiff and sore in these areas. Meanwhile, joint pain is created as nearby muscles attempt to compensate for cartilage loss by working in ways for which these muscles were not designed.

Inflammation and damage to the joints and connective tissue (cartilage) is a condition often referred to as arthritis. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common form is a called osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, where as we have just described, the cartilage breaks down and causes the bones to rub against one another.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the weight-bearing joints, including the knees and elbows, and can manifest with very painful symptoms. The results can be debilitating since this condition impacts our weight-bearing capacity. It can also create havoc for athletes or those with occupations where they absolutely depend on complete mobility.

Staying active is important

As we’ve seen, one might think that osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that only inflicts the elderly, but athletes and sports enthusiasts of all ages are prone to the condition once they reach mid-age. The chance of developing painful joints only increases with age. For the older age group, injury most often occurs when we are participating in the sports activity that we routinely enjoy. In fact, sports-related injuries among those age 65 and older increased by 54 percent during a six-year period when studied by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Athletes and those who exercise regularly may place undue stress on the cartilage and joints of the body. Additionally, the repetitive use of a particular joint may increase the chance for wear and tear of the cartilage, thus causing the bones and surrounding tissue to become irritated, stiff and sore. Being overweight, increasing age, previous joint injury, or repeated damage to the same joint year after year, may further contribute to the problem.

For many people, the reason for age-related sports injury after the age of 40 might simply be this: lack of proper warm up and rest. Rather than push onward as we did during our younger years, experts recommend that we take time to give muscles and joints a brief rest during the sporting event. Starting every exercise routine with adequate stretching and warm up is equally important. Especially as we age, we need to get muscles moving slowly before strenuous physical activity begins.

Low-impact exercises to maintain muscle tone may also be helpful in reducing pain. (Weak or unused muscles may result in more pain.) Mild exercising may also help to maintain the full range of motion. Applying heat or cold can provide temporary relief after an exercising event, and health experts recommend relaxation techniques, as well as maintaining a stable, healthy body weight as key to avoiding sport-related injury and joint stress.

Glucosamine research

Since glucosamine is an amino sugar, it is made in the body from simple carbohydrates (glucose) and the amino acid, glutamine. Our bodies generally use glucose to produce energy, and the amino sugars found in glucosamine are incorporated into the structure of body tissue, such as muscle and nearby connective joint tissue.

Many clinical trials over the years have demonstrated that supplementing with glucosamine results in less pain and increased range of movement for those suffering from joint pain and stress to the connective tissues. Many have found that glucosamine performs better than ibuprofen in providing relief from joint pain, and stiffness, while providing better range of movement.

“Reasonably good evidence indicates that glucosamine supplements effectively relieve pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.” (The Natural Pharmacist, 2004)

“Besides relieving symptoms, there is some evidence that glucosamine might actually slow the progression of the disease.” (The Natural Pharmacist, 2004)

There is no indication that glucosamine interacts with other medications. Of course, you should always consult with your health care practitioner when adding something new to your diet. Children and pregnant women should also consult with a health care practitioner. Likewise, prolonged and/or severe pain should not be overlooked and may require immediate attention as a result of trauma or injury to the joints and limbs.

Leaders' edge: It's AIMazing what advertising can do

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In the January-February “Leaders’ Edge,” we mentioned that some AIM Australian Members were having great success with an ad they published featuring a testimony on the use of AIM Herbal Fiberblend®.
The success of their ad has been remarkable enough that we thought we would share the possibilities of what simple advertising can do. We encourage Members to think outside-of-the-box and be inspired to try advertising in your area so that you might achieve similar success. Melinda Lewis, AIM Australia’s general manager: “We’ve had considerable success through Member advertising here,” reports Melinda. “The Members pay for the advertisements themselves and I really believe part of the success has been the offer of a CD and booklet in the advertisements. These ads are featured on the front page of the mail order catalogue (which is a twice yearly insert to Queensland Country Life).” Queensland Country Life is a rural newspaper with a circulation of approximately 35,661.

According to Melinda, a downline Director paid for the advertisement in Queensland Country Life, at a cost of around $350. By the end of October 2006 this small advertisement had already generated 214 new Members. Another Director, who formerly owned a training business and has great people skills, followed up by phoning those 214 people and, consequently, they began placing second orders.

Another small advertisement was placed in a local newspaper on the Gold Coast, which generated 55 new Members in October. Again, says Melinda, the advertisement made an offer of a CD and a booklet. The key to advertising, she believes, is to make an offer.

And the news just keeps getting better. These AIM Australia Directors signed up a total of 155 new Members in November. These new Members generated a total of 11,727 BVP, resulting in $mart $tart Bonuses totaling $2,345 US. Plus, regular commissions paid to them at the Director title for these new Members in November was $2,111 US. They also earned the maximum shares amount in the Director’s Growth Bonus Pool, greatly increasing their earnings.

What started as a minimal investment in advertising has produced great returns! Some of the new sign-ups are already signing up new Members. Thus, the growth continues. As of mid-December 2006, these Directors had a total of 524 Members in their combined downline. This is substantial growth and earnings for someone who started with AIM in February 2006. Remember, all these good results have come about in less than a year. Isn’t it AIMazing what a little advertising can do? What is stopping you?
When advertising, these are some important guidelines to consider:
■   All advertising must clearly indicate that you are an Independent Distributor of AIM International, Inc.
■   All advertising must list your name and your phone number as the contact information – not AIM’s. AIM’s contact         
     information must not appear in your ad.
■  Follow the advertising guidelines of your country and AIM’s Internet and Advertising Guidelines. The information can be 
    found on AIM’s corporate website, www.barleylife.com. Go to Member Resources, Member Forms.
■  A disclaimer at the end of your ad is strongly recommended: All information provided is for educational purposes only and
    is not to be regarded as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific advice about your
    situation.Advertising, as our example from Australia shows, should not be considered an expense. It is an investment in
    your business.

There is no guarantee it will work but there is a guarantee that if you don’t give it a try, you have no chance of realizing the success seen by your fellow Members in Australia.
All information provided is for educational purposes only and is not to be regarded as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific advice about your situation.