USANA Health Sciences becomes official supplement provider of the Utah Grizzlies

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:USNA) is proud to announce its partnership with the Utah Grizzlies as the team's official nutritional supplement provider.

"USANA products are recognized as the best and safest in the world, and I am truly excited about our association with such an outstanding organization," said Utah Grizzlies CEO Kevin Bruder. "Not only will USANA vitamins and supplements permit our players to perform at maximum levels and put us closer to achieving our goal of winning the Kelly Cup championship, but the company's strict adherence to the purity requirements established by the World Anti-Doping Agency means they will be safe for our players."

Source: Usana Health Sciences

Utah Grizzlies website: http://www.utahgrizzlies.com

The summit of Cho Oyu at 26,900 ft

Source: What's Up Usana

An 'Ironman' in the United Kingdom

"I was working long hours running my own International Training Consultancy, great money but no time freedom. After my second child was born I decided to look for another career/opportunity and eventually found USANA.

"USANA has allowed me to get back into the sport after a 15 years of merely trying to fit it into my busy schedule. I realized only last year I now have the time to pursue a 25-year dream of competing in an Ironman. The Ironman is on the 4th of June 2010 in Klagenfurt, Austria.

"The above photo is of a 1/2 ironman distance race on the 20th September 2009 New Forest, Hampshire, UK."

Source: What's Up Usana

A note from USANA-sponsored athlete Nikola Girke

"I wanted to let you know how vital the USANA vitamins and nutritionals have been in my training these past months. I have had so much more energy even though my workload and energy output increased dramatically. Typically my body is just so drained after a major event. This is my first time in eight years that I have been healthy. I am so stoked about this.

"Rev3 was also so great. I drank it 15-20 minutes prior to my races and loved the surge of energy. I continue to drink it during training and my results and ability to continue working and stay focused has increased. Love it."

Source: What's Up Usana

Derek Parra: Hello from Milwaukee

Source: What's Up, USANA?

USANA-Sponsored Cyclist Melanie McQuaid Wins XTERRA USA Championship

USANA Health Sciences (NASDAQ: USNA) is proud to announce that Melanie McQuaid, a USANA-sponsored Canadian cyclist, won the XTERRA USA Championship on Saturday in Ogden, Utah.

"Winning the 2009 XTERRA Cup Triathlon Series and the XTERRA USA Championship in Utah this year was all about consistency," Melanie said. "I needed to be consistent in terms of my overall ability and with my health over a really long season. I am thankful that I have support from USANA, and I am confident USANA nutritional support was a secret weapon in coming to races ready to win."

This victory marks McQuaid's sixth XTERRA triathlon win this year and her third XTERRA USA Championship title.

McQuaid was the first person to win the XTERRA Triathlon World Championship three times. Along with three World Championship titles, she has three second-place performances at the World Championships, three overall series titles and eight national titles from the United States and Canada.

SOURCE: USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

Park City TV Recap of US Championships
Source: Melanie's website

Dan Carruthers

Source: http://poweredbyusana.blogspot.com/

USANA-Sponsored Pole Vaulter Steve Hooker Wins Gold at World Championships

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) would like to congratulate USANA-sponsored Olympian Steve Hooker of Australia for his gold medal finish at the track and field world championships in Berlin, Germany.

Hooker overcame an earlier groin injury to clear an impressive 19 feet, 4 inches to claim the gold medal, beating out France’s Romain Mesnil and Renaud Lavillenie.

Last August, Hooker had a gold medal finish and set an Olympic record in the men’s pole vault at the Beijing Games. Hooker is one of many Olympic and professional athletes who trust USANA’s high-quality nutritional products.

Source: Usana Health Sciences

Image source: Fox Sports

USANA-Sponsored Cyclist Melanie McQuaid Wins Fifth Straight XTERRA Race

USANA Health Sciences is proud to announce that Melanie McQuaid, a USANA-sponsored Canadian cyclist, won the XTERRA Atlantic Cup on Sunday in Richmond, Va. She is a perfect five-for-five in XTERRA Cup Series races this year.

"The races have all been very different challenges and Richmond was our shortest race ever," Melanie said. "Speed was the main skill required for this one."

McQuaid led the entire race and hopes to win seven out of the eight XTERRA Cup competitions this year. The XTERRA Cup Championship will take place on Sept. 26 in Ogden, Utah.

McQuaid was the first person to win the XTERRA Triathlon World Championships three times. Along with three World Championships titles, she has three second-place performances at the World Championships, two overall series titles and seven national titles from the United States and Canada.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Melanie is also an experienced public speaker and has been an avid user of USANA products for three years.

She says:

Usana helps me to stay healthy with the insane schedule I keep. In addition to vitamins (I use the Healthpak 100 and Proflavanol) I can trust, Usana also provide me with skin care products that have no added chemicals that I feel good about using daily. The Sense Perfecting Essence is my FAVORITE product. Given my exposure to sunlight, ladies... we need nice products and Usana offers a full complement.

You can read an interview and access her website where her quote was sourced here.

USANA Associate Jennifer Azzi to Be Inducted Into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

USANA Health Sciences Associate and Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Azzi is one of six women who will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. The induction ceremony will take place in Knoxville, Tenn., at the Bijou Theatre.

Along with Azzi, the Class of 2009 also includes Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Jennifer Gillom, Sonja Hogg, Ora Washington and Jill Hutchison.

“I am truly honored by this award, but this honor isn’t just about me,” Azzi said. “If the award itself was made of Lego blocks, each person-teammates, coaches, friends and family would make up this award. I am so grateful that a sport can bring so many people together. That's what I love!”

Azzi played for Stanford University's women's basketball team and is regarded by many as one of Stanford's greatest players. While there, she helped lead the team to a 1990 NCAA National Championship, was named NCAA Player of the Year and was selected as MVP for the 1989-90 women's Final Four. Azzi was the youngest person ever inducted into Stanford's Athletic Hall of Fame. She also played professionally as a point guard for the WNBA for five seasons and won a gold medal as part of the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's team.

Outside of her basketball accomplishments, Azzi shares her unique knowledge of health, fitness and leadership as a motivational speaker. She also actively works a successful USANA enterprise with her business partner, Richelle Lund. In addition, she serves as an Athletic Advisory Council member for USANA Health Sciences. USANA's Athletic Advisory Council is dedicated to educating athletes and the public about the health-enhancing properties of nutritional supplements.

Source: Usana Health Sciences

Revitalize! (official advice to WTA Tour players)

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that are needed in small amounts in the diet to support optimal health and performance. They have many important functions in the body which include:

* Energy metabolism
* Formation of blood cells
* Bone growth and health
* Muscle repair
* Improve immune system
* Protection against tissue damage
* Build muscle
* Assist recovery and injury healing

Many people may compete with or experience a nutrient deficiency for a variety of reasons:
* Professional athletes have up to 30% more requirements for many vitamins and minerals compared to non-athletes, due to the energy costs of tennis and of muscle repair and building.
* If total energy intake or dietary variety is restricted, as may occur if a person tries to change their weight.
* During prolonged periods of travel, particularly to countries with a limited or unfamiliar food supply.
* During a heavy competitive schedule and intense physical training load which is common among professional players.
* During times of growth, such as puberty and bone maturation (into the early 20s).
* Pregnancy
* Change of diet e.g. becoming vegetarian

Where possible, vitamin and mineral rich foods should be eaten to provide all the nutritional needs.

Even with the best diet, it may be difficult to meet these high nutritional demands. In these circumstances, people may be advised to take supplements to ensure they receive all their nutritional needs.

Types of Supplements
There are two main types of supplementation that people, especially athletes, may need:

Dietary Supplements
* Contain nutrients usually found in food (Examples: multi-vitamins, calcium, iron)
* Used to help meet nutritional demands, especially when the diet is inadequate and during times of heavy training, illness, or injury.

Sports Supplements
* Conveniently packed products that meet physiological and nutritional needs to assist in sport performance. (Examples: sports bars, drinks, and gels)
* Bars are often used as a recovery snack to supply easily digested carbohydrates, protein, and energy.
* Sports drinks include electrolytes and carbohydrates to promote hydration, fluid intake, and glycogen repletion.
* Sports Gels are easily consumed, semi-solid foods; they maintain blood glucose levels.

Below is a list of vitamins/minerals there main function in the body and some good food options they are found in.

Vitamin/Mineral: Main Function (Good Food Option)
Vitamin A: Promotes Strong teeth and bones: Keeps the skin health and supports night vision, boosts the immune system and aids would healing. Betacarotene (bc) has about 1/6th of the most active form of Vitamin A. (Carrots, sweet potato, slice of cheese, 1/2tlbsp butter/marg)

Vitamin B: This group consists of 11 individual vitamins that have specific roles in the body. They are necessary for energy and macronutrient metabolism (Liver, germ and bran of cereal grains, legumes and nuts)

Vitamin C: It is a powerful antioxidant and is necessary for healthy connective tissue, bones, teeth and cartilage; enhances immune system (Orange, green pepper, pawpaw, strawberries)

Calicum: Required for healthy bones and teeth and essential for proper muscle contraction. (Best together with Vitamin D) (Skim milk, yoghurt)

Vitamin D: Required for Calicum and phosphorous metabolism and for healthy bones and teeth (Sunshine. Skim milk)

Folic Acid: It is required for cell division, production of red blood cells and transmission of genetic code to offspring (Liver, spinach leaves, wheat bran)

Iron: Necessary component of hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen. If deficient, you are likely to fatigue easily (Lean beef, chicken breast)

Magnesium: Important in energy metabolism, maintaining a healthy nervous system, blood vessels and regulation of blood sugar nutes (Whole wheat bread, wheat bran)

Zinc: Part of > 100 enzymes needed for proper body function. Essential for removing CO2 from your muscles (Pork, turkey breast)

Why and How of Supplements

Why? Signs that you may be lacking in certain nutrients can include symptoms like ongoing fatigue, recurrent illnesses or slow-to-heal injuries.

How? Each persons nutritional needs are different, and you should first consult with your doctor or a qualified sports dietitian for a nutrition assessment.
* It may be recommended that you complete a food diary.
* A sports dietitian can analyze the food diary to determine if extra nutrients are needed.
* Consult your doctor to check for medical reasons for deficiencies.
* Blood tests may be required to accurately determine the extent of the problem and to
assist your team to determine the best supplementation for your needs.
* Athletes must comply with the tennis anti-doping program and are 100% responsible for any sport drink or supplement they take.

USANA
In 2006, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour entered into an agreement with USANA Health Sciences to provide vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements to their members. USANA guarantees that products supplied to Sony Ericsson WTA players under their Athlete Guarantee Program are free of substances on the WADA Prohibited List.

USANA products available to players include:
* Body Rox TM and Essentials (multivitamin and mineral supplements)
* Active Calcium (Calcium supplement)
- Poly C (vitamin C supplement).
* Procosa II (glucosamine supplement)
* Iron

A dietitian and USANA scientists are available throughout the year and attend 4-5 tournaments per year to consult with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players and answer any questions they may have regarding their nutrition and how it relates to their health and performance.

Thanks to Susie Parker-Simmons for advice on the dietary part of this topic
Sports Dietitian (RD) & Physiologist
Nutrition Advisor,
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour

DISCLAIMER: The contents of the Game, Set, Health site, are for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological, health care or health management advice. The materials herein are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.

Source: Sony Ericsson Womens Tennis Asociation Tour

Dieting a weighty issue for boxers

Selected extracts from source: Dieting a weighty issue for boxers.

For many boxers, the toughest battle can be against the scale. Needing to hit an exact weight in order just to fight can leave boxers with little time to shed several pounds.

WBC light welterweight champion Tim Bradley became a vegan — a diet without animal products such as meat and dairy — for more than three years. Bradley's diet included supplements to help him get the needed nutrition.

No meat, no problem

Bradley, a health fanatic, had a sponsorship deal with Usana, a sports nutrition company that provides the Cathedral City resident his vitamins and supplements.

While talking to one of the officials at Usana, Bradley was asked if he would consider giving up meat and dairy.

“He told me that I would have more energy if I was to go vegan,” Bradley said. “He said when you eat meat, it takes you three days to digest. Do you know how much energy it takes to digest that meat?

“After a month of being a vegan, I was burning fat fast. My metabolism sped up through the roof. I'm down to about 3 percent body fat right now.”

Bradley said now he only gives up meat and dairy when he begins training camp. At the start of his training camp, Bradley will go through a five-day cleanse where he will try to eliminate his cravings.

“I see myself having a lot more energy, clean. I feel cleansed all the time. I can pretty much drink my sweat if I wanted to. I'm pretty much clean,” Bradley said. “I'm serious. You know how you eat a lot of meat or a lot of sodium and then it burns when you get sweat in your eyes? I never have that. I just feel lighter, healthier, my skin looks better, cleaner. Vegan, I think, is the best way to go.”

With out eating meat or dairy, Bradley said he gets a lot of his protein from seeds, nuts and beans.

In the ring, Bradley said he hasn't lost any power. He also has the energy to maintain a furious pace late in the rounds, where he has been at his best.

“It only makes sense,” Bradley said. “You got a silverback Gorilla who eats fruits and vegetable and you see how big and strong they are.”

USANA Athletes

USANA announces partnership with Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 10, 2009-- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a worldwide leader in science-based nutritional supplements, announced today it has signed a two-year agreement to be the official supplement supplier of the Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating Team.

The team, which includes decorated skater Jon Eley, is gaining more recognition as it prepares for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. Eley has won two World Cup silver medals this season and is ranked third in the world in the 500m event. In 2008, the men’s relay team earned a bronze medal at the Short Track Speed Skating World Championships and a silver medal at the Short Track Speed Skating European Championships.

"The National Ice Skating Association (NISA) welcomes this exciting partnership between Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating and USANA,” said NISA General Secretary Keith Horton. “USANA is our first major sponsor in a great number of years, and we are pleased to be associated with such a prestigious and internationally renowned company. This partnership will benefit the athletes and raise the profile of not only NISA but USANA as well."

USANA manufactures a wide variety of nutritional products that are trusted by some of the world’s best athletes. USANA voluntarily follows current Good Manufacturing Practices based on pharmaceutical models for its quality assurance program, meaning its nutritional supplements are treated with the same care that goes into manufacturing pharmaceutical products. Six USANA nutritional supplements recently received independent certification through NSF International's Certified for Sport(TM) program.

"USANA is proud to be partnering with Great Britain Short Track Speed Skating and the premier athletes that make up this talented team," said USANA CEO Dave Wentz. "It is important that these world-class athletes have access to high-quality nutritionals they can trust. We wish them all the best at the upcoming British Championships."

For more information about USANA products, please visit http://www.usana.com.

Source: USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

Newly sponsored USANA athlete Dan Carruthers!

Source: http://poweredbyusana.blogspot.com/

USANA applauds USA Luge athletes on World Championship performances

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2009-- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a proud supporter and the official health supplement supplier of USA Luge, would like to congratulate the many athletes who represented their country at the Lake Placid 2009 FIL Luge World Championships held February 1-8, 2009.

USANA is proud to be associated with such world-class athletes and applauds the following competitors on their award-winning performances:

• Erin Hamlin, who took 12^th at the 2006 Torino Olympic Winter games, became the first non-German to win a World title in 16 years. The gold medal also made Hamlin the first-ever American women's singles athlete to win a World title.

• USA Doubles Team Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin, two-time Olympic medalists, won their sixth-career World bronze medal.
  
  

“Thanks to USANA’s support, along with their tested and safe
nutritional supplements I was able to train hard and recover quickly in preparation for the World Championships,” Hamlin said. “It was nice to finally end the German winning streak, especially at home in front of friends and family.”

USANA announced its partnership with USA Luge in May 2008, introducing USANA's unmatched nutritional products backed by an athlete guarantee of purity from any substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sources:

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.,

Erin Hamlin

Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin

Team Radcliff

The official word from the USANA management team:

"We have also sponsored a local bobsled group, Team Radcliff, as they train to compete and qualify for the Olympics this year. Ivan Radcliff is the leader of this team and happens to be a Utah local, living in Park City. He knew about USANA and came to us to see about becoming yet another athlete that would trust his Olympic hopes to our products and his personal dedication to strength and endurance training.

He is an amazing person and someone that we all agreed embodied the Olympic spirit and drive to be the best. As a result, we agreed to sponsor his team and provide them with supplements, but we also did something a little unique for us here at USANA.

The bobsled sport is a very exciting one for sure,but it is also very expensive since each athlete much fund their own program to get to the Olympics. In an effort to help him out and show our USANA pride as he competes, we agreed to sponsor his bobsled.

It arrived here at our offices and everyone is very excited. We've never done anything like this so we had people sitting in the bobsled, talking about it, asking questions, and wondering what we were going to do with it.

So .... here is a rendering of what we are looking to do to the sled so people will recognize it, Team Radcliff, and USANA as he works his way to the podium in Vancouver. Watch as he competes and join us in cheering him and his team members on!!"

Source: USANA blog

USANA products listed on Informed-Sport web site

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) today announced that six of its nutritional supplements are currently listed with Informed-Sport, a supplement testing program designed to test supplements and their ingredients for inadvertent contamination with substances prohibited in sport.

Informed-Sport and its sister organization, Informed-Choice, certify that nutritional products have been tested by the world's leading independent laboratory for substances banned by the governing bodies of world sports.

"We are delighted at USANA's continued support of HFL's supplement testing services, and in particular, their backing of both the Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport programs," said Catherine Judkins, Business Development Manager for HFL Sport Science. "Through these services, USANA can reassure their customers that USANA products are safe to use."

In recent months, USANA's Mega Antioxidant, Chelated Mineral, Active Calcium(TM), Procosa(R) II, Poly C(R) and Body Rox(TM) supplements have been regularly tested and found free of prohibited substances by HFL Sport Science, the testing lab for Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport.

"We are proud to have our high-quality products listed by a trusted third-party organization like HFL Sport Science," said Dr. Tim Wood, USANA Executive Vice President of Research and Development.

USANA Health Sciences strives to provide products that are safe and effective for both athletes and the general public through exceptional quality systems and manufacturing practices. This listing by Informed-Sport is yet another demonstration that USANA truly provides Nutritionals You Can Trust."

USANA's safe and high-quality products have helped it become the official supplement provider of premier athletic organizations including US Speedskating, Speed Skating Canada, Biathlon Canada, Cross Country Canada, USA Luge, USA Bobsled and the elite athletes of the WTA Sony Ericsson Tour.

At a time when many athletes are concerned that taking a supplement could jeopardize their ability to qualify for competition, USANA has stepped forward to create a powerful athlete guarantee. The company has entered into agreements with select Olympic athletes that guarantee that should an athlete test positive for a banned substance as a result of taking a USANA nutritional product, USANA will compensate the athlete up to two times his or her earnings up to $1 million. USANA proves its commitment to athletes and its confidence in its products by offering the same guarantee to the elite tennis players of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

For more information about Informed-Sport and its testing parameters, visit www.informed-sport.com.

See Educational links and downloads:

Booklet - Supplements and Banned Substance Contamination: Offering an Informed Choice

News/Information

1. Click here to view UK Sport's position statement on supplements
2. News Article: UK Sport eases position on food supplements
3. Analysis of supplements that are not regularly tested for banned substances available on the UK market shows that 1 in 10 may be contaminated. Follow this link for related articles. Click here for a summary of the findings
4. Drugs banned by the World Anti Doping Agency found in 1 in 10 supplements. Click here.
5. Survey of products available on the US market - a risk for athletes? Click here for a summary of the results

For more information about USANA's products and opportunity, visit www.usana.com.

Source: USANA Health Sciences

Steve Hooker, Pole Vault Gold Medal, Olympic Record

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. would like to congratulate USANA-sponsored Olympian Steve Hooker of Australia for his gold medal finish and Olympic record in the men's pole vault at the Beijing Games.

Hooker cleared an impressive 19 feet, 4 1/4 inches to claim the gold medal and the Olympic record. He also became the first Australian man to win a gold medal in track and field since 1968.

Hooker is one of many Olympic and professional athletes who trust USANA's high-quality nutritional products. USANA applauds Hooker and all of the athletes at the 2008 Summer Games for their hard work and dedication to sport.

For more information about USANA's high-quality products, please visit www.usana.com.

Steve Hooker's profile

Becca wins bronze

Image source

Becca Ward on the right is representing the United States in fencing. She took home bronze in the Beijing individual sabre to help the Americans to a sweep.

Read Becca's profile.

Gina Grain, champion Canadian cyclist

Some people are easily discouraged. Any bump in the road causes them to veer off course. Gina Grain rides right over bumps in the road without even braking. In high school, she blew out both knees within three weeks of each other, effectively ending her soccer career. Most people would mourn the loss of their athletic career and move on to something less physically taxing. Grain became an Olympic cyclist ...

The Road to the Olympic Games 2008...

"As I take in the opportunity to train and rest at home preparing for the 2007 world track championships, it is a time to tone in and focus on the smallest but most important details of peak performance. Training is a full time job, even though my training hours may range from 2-5 hrs, the training continues with other aspects of peak performance at home. Through the years of training to compete, now comes a time of training to WIN.

This is where I have to take all the years of experimenting with my body in training such as: training methods and techniques, competition needs, nutrition (pre, post and during exercise), sleeping needs, types of recovery required (massage, cold baths, stretching, yoga etc), bike fit, equipment needs, psychological preparation, physiological testing and social needs; I take all the tools that I have, all the experience and knowledge that I have gained through experience and put every piece of the puzzle together.

Having the confidence in what I am doing and being able to prepare properly for the big year coming into the Olympics is what I have been working on for the past 10 years. Throughout the next few issues, I will be detailing my preparation so that you as family, friends and sponsors can follow with me to 2008! Gina" ... source ...

Read why Gina is increasing her USANA Fish Oil Supplementation and her RED SQUARE Flax Seed cereal for the air quality in Beijing ... read here.

Source: www.ginagrain.com

British Lawn Tennis Association endorses USANA

The National Tennis Centre provides world-class services in biomechanics, fitness, psychology, physiotherapy and rehab, strength and conditioning, medical support and nutrition.

The NTC is led by Head of Sports Science Dr. Ann Quinn, who has approved the USANA products for use by British tennis players.

Ann’s lifelong passion is tennis. She is a world renowned sport scientist who has an impeccable and unparalleled technical, academic, applied tennis competence and credibility.

Ann set up Quintessential Difference, a sports consultancy, specialising in tennis in 1986, and has been a sport scientist to high profile tennis players plus players and teams of other sports including cricket and swimming.

She has worked closely with Pat Cash, Pat Rafter as well as the Australian Rules Football Team and Paralympic gold medallist, John Lindsay.

Ann has a strong academic background; she is a doctor of Philosophy from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, has a diploma in nutrition from the College of Nutritional Medicine in England and has written extensively.

Ann has also regularly lectured in performance psychology at the University of Melbourne and as spoken at a multitude of international speaking engagements.

In 2000, Ann was awarded the Australian Sports Medal from the Prime Minister of Australia for her contribution to tennis and in 2002/3 she was awarded the International Tennis Federation Award for Services to the Game in recognition of long and distinguished service to coaching and the game of tennis.

In 2005, Ann was appointed Sports Science Advisor to TTC Tennis Club in Kashiwa, Japan and in 2006 she was appointed as a Sport Science Consultant to the ITF assisting the development of their education modules for juniors.

Source: Quinnessential Coaching

Alex Puskitas underdog athlete who incorporates all we want to express with the "Best of Us" campaign

He is capable of overcoming the odds and ‘bringing out his best’ in order to achieve his goals. He symbolizes the spirit of the athlete - the participation and striving to be your best.



Source: olympic.org

Ed's note: ... posted for a bit of colour ...

Jennifer Heil inducted into Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

Olympic champion Jennifer Heil, one of the world's most decorated freestyle mogul skiers, was inducted Friday into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Heil, a four-time World Cup champion whose home town is Spruce Grove, Alberta, brought home gold at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, to become the first Canadian woman to win a gold medal in the sport.

"I am very touched to be inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame," Heil said. "To be inducted at any time is special, but I am grateful to have the opportunity to stop to celebrate my career to this date with my family, friends, community and supporters."

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a worldwide leader in high-quality, science-based nutritional supplements, congratulates Heil on her induction to the hall of fame and is proud to sponsor her as she prepares for the 2010 Vancouver Games. Heil is a long-time user of USANA nutritional products, which she believes help her stay healthy during high-performance training.

"USANA products are an integral part of my daily routine," she explained. "They help ensure that I maintain good health along with proper energy levels to train, travel and compete around the world."

In addition to excelling on the slopes, Heil is involved in several local and international child-centered charitable organizations such as Plan Canada, KidSport and Kids Kottage. She is also committed to attracting the next generation of female athletes by hosting an annual mogul ski camp and speaking to students across the country.

USANA profile sheet

Sources: USANA Health Sciences and Jennifer Heil

USANA becomes official nutritional supplement supplier of USA Luge

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- USA Luge announced, Tuesday, May 20, that USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) has agreed to a three-year relationship with the association as its official nutritional supplement supplier. The Salt Lake City, Utah based company will provide the association with products and supplements tailored to each member of the U.S. luge team. USANA will also be a part of USA Luge's Adopt-an-Athlete program, providing direct support to individual athletes on the U.S. national team.

"Finding a safe, tested and reliable source of nutritional supplements for our athletes is not an easy task," remarked USA Luge's marketing director Gordy Sheer. "We are glad to have a trusted, quality brand like USANA to help our teams train harder and recover faster."

Along with its line of drink mixes and nutritional bars, USANA Health Sciences also manufactures world-class nutritional supplements that are distributed in several countries around the world. Six USANA products recently received certification through NSF International's Certified for Sport(TM) program. NSF's independent certification helps athletes make educated decisions about the safety of the dietary supplements they choose to take.

"USANA is honored to be the trusted name in nutrition for some of the world's premier athletes, including the team members of USA Luge," said USANA president Dave Wentz. "We are pleased to provide these world-class athletes with the highest quality nutritional supplements and look forward to their continued success."

Source: USA Luge

USANA Health Sciences Teams up with Mexico's Pachuca Soccer Club

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2008--USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a worldwide leader in science-based nutritional supplements, announced today it will be the official supplement supplier of Club Pachuca, Mexico's oldest professional soccer club.

Pachuca's players will join a growing number of premier athletes from a wide range of sports who have turned to USANA's high-quality nutritional products to help them maintain their health.

"We have had the chance to give USANA products to our first team players, and we have found them to show very pleasant results," said Andres Fassi, Club Pachuca Sports Director. "We are very happy to be able to establish this sponsorship agreement with USANA, a leading nutritional supplement company not only in Mexico, but also worldwide."

USANA voluntarily follows current Good Manufacturing Practices based on pharmaceutical models for its quality assurance program, meaning its nutritional supplements are treated with the same care that goes into manufacturing pharmaceutical products. Six USANA nutritional supplements also recently received independent certification through NSF International's Certified for Sport(TM) program. NSF's certification helps athletes make educated decisions about the safety of the dietary supplements they choose to take.

"For more than a decade, world-renowned athletes have trusted their health to USANA," said USANA President Dave Wentz. "Today, we are proud to partner with one of Mexico's most successful soccer clubs, providing Pachuca's elite players with pure, high-quality supplementation."

Source: USANA Health Sciences

USANA's Timothy 'Desert Storm' Bradley Wins WBC World Championship

SALT LAKE CITY, May 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) today announced USANA Associate and undefeated boxer Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley captured the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, May 10, in Nottingham, England, with a 12-round decision over Great Britain's Junior Witter.

Bradley, who trains in Palm Springs, Calif., used his speed and strong overhand right to knock Witter to the canvas in the sixth round and relied on his superior stamina en route to a split decision victory and boxing's most coveted belt.

"It was the best I've ever felt in my whole career," said Bradley, who improved to 22-0 with the 12-round victory over the reigning champion. "I wasn't even breathing hard after 12 rounds. I was so geared, so focused. I'd been taking my USANA products all week and I felt so energized. USANA definitely was one of the reasons why I won this fight."

USANA Health Sciences, Inc., a worldwide leader in science-based nutritional supplements, recognizes nutrition is key to athletic success and is proud to support the world's best athletes such as Bradley.

"The entire USANA family congratulates Timothy on his tremendous accomplishment," USANA President Dave Wentz said. "We are pleased to provide world-class athletes with the highest quality nutritional supplements to help them realize their dreams and achieve their goals of being the best in their sport."

Bradley, 24, utilized USANA's RESET weight-management program to safely trim his weight to compete in the 140-pound weight class. The newly crowned champion credited USANA with helping him realize his childhood dream.

"I felt like a million bucks in the ring," Bradley said. "Thanks to USANA for helping my dreams come true. I am now officially a world champion--the No. 1 rated fighter in the 140-pound division because of my nutrition."

Source: USANA Health Sciences

USANA Partners with CBA Champion Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry

SALT LAKE CITY, Apr 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a worldwide leader in science-based nutritional supplements, today announced it will be the supplement supplier of the Continental Basketball Association champion Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry.

The Oklahoma-based Cavalry recently completed their championship season, finishing 34-18 and becoming the first expansion team since 2001-02 to win a CBA title.

Former NBA player Greg Minor and his wife, Stephanie, who started a USANA business eight months ago, introduced USANA products to the team in February, not long after Greg was named the Cavalry's assistant coach.

"I introduced the products to the players at a shoot-around one day and they fell in love with them," said Minor, who provided his players with USANA's HealthPak 100(TM) nutritional supplements, as well as Oatmeal Raisin Nutrition Bars and Iced Lemon Fibergy Bars(TM). "My vision as a coach is to have a lifelong partnership with USANA. I know from experience that professional basketball players need these supplements not only during their playing careers but also in retirement."

Minor, a former first-round NBA Draft pick out of the University of Louisville, spent five seasons with the Boston Celtics before a hip injury ended his playing career.

"I wish I had the opportunity to take USANA supplements when I played for the Celtics," Minor said. "I retired from the NBA in 2001 and began looking for different supplements to take. By far, USANA offers the best nutritional supplements I've come across."

Source: Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry website

USANA Becomes Official Supplement Supplier of USA Bobsled Team Radcliff

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2008--USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), a worldwide leader in science-based nutritional supplements, today announced it has signed a two-year sponsorship agreement to be the official supplement supplier of nationally ranked USA Bobsled Team Radcliff.

"I've done a lot of research on a variety of supplements and found the absorption rate of USANA's products into the system is unmatched," said Ivan Radcliff, 34, a World Cup silver medalist and a member of five world championship teams. "That's what helped me earn a fourth-place finish at the final race of the season in Lake Placid, N.Y."

USA Bobsled Team Radcliff, currently ranked fourth nationally, features Radcliff and Jim Carriel, and will include two athletes yet to be selected. USANA's agreement with the team extends through the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

"I'm very pleased to be associated with such a great company and I look forward to the future, including Vancouver," said Radcliff, who trains in Park City, Utah, and works for the Park City Fire District. "I've known about USANA for years because of its association with the US Speedskating Team and appreciate the way the company stands behind its athletes."

USANA continues to be the trusted name in nutrition among many of the world's premier winter athletes, including the US Speedskating Team, USA Luge and Speed Skating Canada. Six USANA products recently received certification through NSF International's Certified for Sport(TM) program. NSF's independent certification helps athletes make educated decisions about the safety of the dietary supplements they choose to take.

"USANA is proud to associate itself with the world's greatest athletes and is thrilled to sponsor USA Bobsled Team Radcliff as it prepares for the Vancouver Winter Games," USANA President Dave Wentz said. "We recognize that proper nutrition is vital to athletic success, which is why we're pleased to provide these world-class athletes with the highest quality nutritional supplements."

Source: USANA Health Sciences

Richelle Lund's story

Before joining USANA, Richelle was working full time as a strength and conditioning coach for the WNBA. She had also trained Olympic Gold Medalists, NCAA champions, and NBA players in addition to running Franklin Covey’s wellness center, the number one wellness center in the United States.

It was while training an athlete for the Sydney Olympics that Richelle began her search for the optimal nutritional supplement to help her athlete perform at her absolute best.

“I promised her that I would find something she could take,” Richelle recalls. “I started researching companies; I researched over 100 and met with over 30, and it kept coming down to the same thing: I would ask them to guarantee in writing that my athlete wouldn’t test positive for banned substances while taking their supplements, and nobody would.”

Richelle continued her search, eventually happening upon USANA through the Physicians’ Desk Reference.

“I called USANA and met with Dr. Tim Wood. I was very impressed because the conversation was very scientific and focused solely on the health of the athlete, not on trying to make her bigger, faster, stronger,” she says. Richelle’s athlete began taking the HealthPak™ and began training in Sydney. “When she ran out, she actually called me and asked me to overnight her one!” Richelle laughs.

Richelle began recommending USANA products to all her athletes, including her WNBA team.

“That year we went to the Western Conference Finals. The next year the team got sold to San Antonio where their new strength coach put them on an energy drink. They went from first place to last place.” For Richelle, everything was and is about the products. “I was telling everybody from NBA guys to successful business people about the products,” she states. “I didn’t know there was a business side of USANA until I met Collette Larsen. Once she explained it, I just got it and started to build my business after that.”

Since starting to actively build her USANA business, Richelle has had the time to coach her sons’ basketball teams (both undefeated!) and travel more.

USANA receives certification through NSF's Certified for Sport Program

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2008--USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA) recently received certification of six of its products through NSF International's Certified for Sport(TM) program. NSF's independent certification helps athletes make educated decisions about the safety of the dietary supplements they choose to take.

USANA's Essentials(TM) (Mega Antioxidant and Chelated Mineral), Proflavonal(R) 90, Procosa(R) II, Active Calcium(TM) and Body Rox(TM) supplements are now approved to carry NSF's trusted Certified for Sport mark. USANA also received Good Manufacturing Practices registration and dietary supplement certification in 2007 through NSF. These are just some of the third-party findings that help consumers and athletes know USANA products are Nutritionals You Can Trust.

"The Certified for Sport program validates USANA's guarantee that our nutritional products are complete, balanced, safe and effective," said Dr. Tim Wood, USANA Executive Vice President of Research and Development. "This latest certification, as with all of our third-party testing, is based on regular product formulas--the same products that USANA customers take every day. Receiving this certification is just another step toward fulfilling our goal of providing supplements that everyday consumers and world-class athletes can trust."

The NSF Certified for Sport program was developed to meet the growing demand of athletes, coaches and all others concerned about banned substances. The NSF Certified for Sport(TM) Mark helps consumers know that products have met NSF's stringent independent certification guidelines. Products are tested and facilities are inspected for a wide range of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the NFL/NFLPA and MLB/MLBPA. The list includes stimulants, narcotics, steroids, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, beta blockers, masking agents and other banned substances.

High-quality formulas, a rigorous quality assurance program and third-party certifications have helped USANA earn the trust of many world-class athletes and athletic organizations, including United States Speedskating, Speed Skating Canada, USA Luge and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

"It is imperative for our athletes to know precisely what they're putting into their bodies," said Stacey Allaster, President of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. "With USANA's guaranteed assurance of the quality of their products, our athletes can trust that they will be able to attain optimal health and fitness without the fear of violating the strict WADA code they all adhere to."

USANA has taken its assurances to athletes one step further through its unique Athlete Guarantee Program. Select athletes who participate in the program are guaranteed compensation up to $1 million if they should test positive for a substance banned by WADA as a result of taking USANA(R) nutritional products.

About NSF

NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water, air and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd., organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.

About USANA

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

SOURCE: USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

Denis Waitley, chair of USANA Athletic Advisory Council

Denis Waitley is one of America's most respected authors, keynote lecturers and productivity consultants on high performance human achievement.

He has studied and counseled winners in every field from Apollo astronauts to Superbowl champions, from sales achievers to government leaders and youth groups. During the 1980's, he served as Chairman of Psychology on the U. S. Olympic Committee's Sports Medicine Council, responsible for performance enhancement of all U. S. Olympic athletes.

Source: http://www.waitley.com/

USANA sheet on Dr. Denis Waitley, Prominent Life Coach

Athlete Approved Video

Derek Parra Olympic Gold medallist

Credits his success to the fact that he actually enjoys training. Considers his "beating the odds" and getting to where he is today as greatest accomplishment ... it is a "far cry from Southern California," says Parra ... in addition lists friendships made while competing a great accomplishment ... strongest influence is family, friends, and faith ... enjoys many types of music, movies, and books ... favorite food is Italian/Mexican...loves talking with others and teaching ... always eats a pack of Fig Newtons the night before the race.

Source: www.qsports.net/webdp.html

Jason Parker Olympic Silver medallist

"I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and all those who have watched, supported, and believed in me over the last 20 years of my speed skating career. If it wasn't for all of you, I never would have been able to persevere in the face of adversity and achieve my Olympic Dream!"

Source: www.jasonparker.ca

Jennifer Azzi Olympic Gold medallist

Jennifer has won an NCAA Basketball Championship at Stanford University, and was honored with both the Naismith and Wade Trophies. She is an Olympic Gold Medalist and is regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game of basketball.

As the Salt Lake Tribune expressed:

"Jennifer Azzi is no doubt the best fit athlete to play the sport of basketball, male or female."

Source: http://www.jenniferazzi.com/

USANA profile sheet on Jennifer Azzi, Olympic Gold Medalist

News update 15/07/08: Jennifer is being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Class of 2009

Renee Young natural body builder

Age is not just a number. It's really more a state of mind that has a direct effect on how we feel and look and what we do. Exercise for those in their 50's used to mean an afternoon stroll in the park or a rousing game of lawn bowling. Now, for a 58-year-old like me, it means hitting the gym hard and getting ready for my next Bodybuilding or Figure contest. At 58, most people wouldn't even imagine being on stage. But this girl's not just there, she's there to win! In November 2003, for the first time, I competed in the Natural Olympia in Auckland, New Zealand, winning the Gold medal in Grand Masters Bodybuilding, 4th in Grand Masters Figure, and then 5th in Open Women's Figure, Short Class.

Source: Renee's USANA website

Progressive Development, Illinois

Progressive Development is a sport performance enhancement company whose mission is to help individuals and teams maximize performance through scientific based programs and training. We strive to offer the highest possible quality and wide range of services to meet all your sport enhancement needs. Whatever the sport, athletes of any age and performance level can benefit from our variety of services to build the complete athlete.

Source: http://www.prodevsports.com/

Progressive Development's USANA Athlete page

British Columbia Wrestling

Source: http://www.bcwrestling.com/

JoAnn Dahlkoetter, California

Source: http://www.sports-psych.com/

Werner Berger, North America

SUCCESS ON EVEREST !!!

On May 22nd, 2007 at 8.08 Nepalese-time (10.23 p.m. Toronto-time May 21st) Werner Berger realized his dream and stood on top of the world.

Werner is the oldest North American to have stood atop the summit of Everest, and we believe him to be the fourth oldest person in the world to have accomplished that feat. Werner is the oldest North American to have completed the 'Seven Summits'.

Source: http://www.meetmeatthetop.com/

USANA profile sheet on Werner Berger, Expert Mountain Climber

Nigel King Yachting, UK

Nigel’s passion for sailing has involved him in Volvo Ocean Races, the Jules Verne Trophy, Olympic trials and many classic yachting events around the world. His skills and talents have brought him together with some of the sport's top skippers; Mike Golding, Ellen MacArthur, Paul Cayard and Dee Caffari, to name but a few.

Source: http://www.nigelkingyachting.com/

Wellness Sports Connection, California

Source: www.wellnesssportsconnection.com/

Online Fitness Plus, Florida

"The subject of "Fitness" continues to climb on the list of important factors or considerations in more and more worried minds each year. With the ever-growing rise in health care expenses and detrimental facts found each day from research, people are taking the responsibility of their own health and wellness in their own hands.

It is a pleasure for Online Fitness Plus to make our customized service programs and top shelf products available, accessible, and professional in any way so we can be a part of helping others achieve their utmost excellence in health physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether our customers need help with losing weight or fat, gaining lean muscle tissue, or getting prepared for a sporting event year, we are more than qualified to help."

Text source: http://www.onlinefitnessplus.com/

USANA Health Sciences Applauds Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Players' Performance at Wimbledon 2007

Image: ESPN
USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: USNA), the official health supplement supplier of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, would like to congratulate the 2007 Wimbledon Women's Doubles Champions.

-- Ladies Doubles - Cara Black (ZIM) & Liezel Huber (RSA) --

Wimbledon, the oldest major championship in tennis, is commonly regarded as the most prestigious international tennis competition.

In late 2006, USANA announced its partnership with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, introducing USANA's unmatched nutritional products to 400 of the world's most elite athletes in women's tennis.

"Tennis is an extremely rigorous sport and very demanding on the body," said South African native and ladies doubles champion Liezel Huber.

"Since taking USANA products, I have truly experienced a noticeable difference in my health. I firmly believe that USANA's world-class nutritional supplements played a major role in my performance at Wimbledon 2007."

For more information about the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, please visit http://www.sonyericssonwtatour.com/.

USANA profile sheet on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour

Safe supplements for women's tour

Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 August 2006, 21:48 GMT 22:48 UK

Image: BBC Sport

Justin Henin-Hardenne has welcomed the news


Female tennis players will soon be able to take vitamins and supplements without fear of failing a drugs test.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has signed a deal with Usana Health Sciences Inc to supply the tour with products guaranteed to be safe.

Since a spate of positive tests blamed on contaminated supplements tennis pros have been wary of taking them.

Justine Henin-Hardenne said: "I want to make sure whatever I put in my body is free of prohibited substances."

The French Open champion added: "Any assurances that players are able to receive from vitamin companies that their products are pure is really great."

Usana is a leading global vitamin and health supplement manufacturer.

It will guarantee that the products it supplies to the WTA Tour will not contain any substances which will fall foul of the World Anti-Doping Authority (Wada).

Each player who participates in the programme will be eligible to sign an "athlete guarantee agreement" with Usana.

Under the agreement the manufacturer will pay the player twice her prize money earnings from the prior year, up to $1m (£530,000), should the player test positive for a substance prohibited by Wada because of using a Usana product.

"This is fantastic news for players," said WTA Tour chief executive Larry Scott.

"Up until now, the inability of our players to take vitamins and health supplements without fear of accidentally ingesting a prohibited substance has been a real issue."

Nutritional supplements tested by a Wada-accredited laboratory and approved by men's tennis body the ATP have been available to male professionals since the beginning of 2005.

Read the Press Release on the WTA - USANA Agreement here.

Boxer Jose Rivera wins welterweight title again

Professional Boxer and USANA Associate Jose Antonio Rivera fought for a second super welterweight title on Saturday, May 6. Jose did not disappoint. He impressed fans and fellow Associates alike by winning again! 33-year-old Jose wowed the fans with his incredible physical strength and skill as he pummeled his 22-year-old opponent, Alejandro Garcia.

Rivera has been through vigorous training and nutritional changes to prepare him for this fight. Part of his nutritional changes included implementing USANA supplements into his regimen.

Reporter Bud Barth explains, "... Rivera made other changes too. He replaced longtime trainer Luis “Chico” Lopez with former Hartford cruiserweight John Scully, added a new personal trainer (Radovan Serbula of Boston), and expanded his nutrition program to include USANA, which Rivera credits with bolstering his energy, recovery time, and overall health."*

Congratulations Jose! Jose is actively building his USANA business and we are proud to support him as one of our professional athletes!

*Taken from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Some sponsored athletes

USANA profile sheet on US Speedskating Team

USANA profile sheet on Speedskating Canada

Source: http://www.usana.com/dotCom/company/ag/sponsored

Don Beebe, Super Bowl champion

Don had a nine-year NFL career, during which he played on six Super Bowl teams. Perhaps he is best remembered for catching Leon Lett from behind after spotting him a thirty-five yard head start during Super Bowl XXVII, one of the greatest character displays in league history. Don retired with some of the fastest forty-yard dash clockings ever recorded. Don has passed down his legacy to House of Speed, which is devoted to improving athletic performance and character for participants in all sports.

Image source: www.dallasnews.com

Text source: www.houseofspeed.com

Athlete Guarantee Program

Trust is a major issue for athletes competing for a place in the Olympics and other high profile athletic competitions.

Taking nutritional supplements to help maintain health shouldn't place an athlete at risk for testing positive for a banned substance. Broadly publicized allegations of contaminants in supplements lead many top athletes to wonder if taking supplements will jeopardize their future ability to qualify for competition. In fact, national Olympic committees have written to their athletes warning them of the potential danger of contaminants, encouraging them not to consume any nutritional supplements.

To date, no nutritional supplement company has stepped forward to assume their portion of the liability that a banned substance contamination would create. USANA offers an ironclad solution through its Athlete Guarantee Program. This confident stance in a high stakes venture strengthens our industry-leading position and affirms our commitment to providing "Nutritionals You Can Trust."

Source: USANA website - Athlete Guarantee Program