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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Lay off the BOOZE

While indigestion is not a distinct condition, it may be a sign of an underlying intestinal disorder.Indigestion, is medically known as dyspepsia, and is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness or discomfort during or after a meal. It can also be accompanied by a burning or sharp pain in the upper stomach…YIKES! Unfortunately, people of all ages and of both sexes can be affected by indigestion…so NO ONE can hide.

There are numerous causes of indigestion, however, one specific cause of indigestion it too much alcohol. An individual’s risk of indigestion is increased through excess alcohol consumption because alcohol can severely irritate stomach lining, THUS, causing indigestion!

So take it easy over the holidays and limit your alcohol intake.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Everyone Loves Ulcers and Hernias

Discussing ulcers and hernias is a delightful topic….NOT! Ulcers and hernias are actually gnarly medical conditions. An ulcer is a sore, which means it's an open and painful wound that may cause puss….YUCK! Most ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is the fancy medical term for saying an infection caused by bacteria.

H. pylori bacterium is located in the stomach and if the bacterium combines with acid discharge then it can damage the tissue of the stomach and BAM!...ulcers. While H. pylori are responsible for most of the cases of peptic (stomach) ulcers, other causes of ulcers exist.

• Frequently consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause ulcers…TRANSLATION--too much aspirin or ibuprofen can cause ulcers.
• Smoking also increases the risk of developing an ulcer because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce acid.
• Frequent consumption of alcohol and caffeine will destroy stomach and intestinal lining, and weakens the stomach and intestines and increasing risks of ulcers.
• Severe stress can also cause ulcers…so RELAX!
• Ulcers can also develop naturally depending on the person.

While it remains unclear on how H. pylori bacteria is transmitted, doctors recommend to follow kindergarten etiquette and always wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat...um duh. Also, engage in healthy habits and lifestyles.

Now let’s discuss the pleasant topic of hernias. A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it...OUCH! Hernias develop when a piece of the abdominal wall is destroyed or tears. Possible reasons for the abdominal wall to tear would be that your abdominal wall was weak at birth or a previous surgical incision splits. Other causes for tearing consist of extreme physical stress, internal injuries, pregnancy, or aging. The condition of a hernia can also worsen when pressure from obesity, heavy lifting, severe coughing, etc is cast upon the abdominal cavity. Hernias are also generic. No matter the cause, it is important to see a doctor for medical treatment because hernias will worsen overtime. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent hernias. So cross your fingers and hope you don’t develop one!
With the holiday’s approaching try to avoid situations and activities that can cause ulcers and hernias, and remember...DON’T PUSH IT TOO HARD. Pun intended.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Steven Hengeveld Wins Trophy Lite!


Steve Hengeveld and his brother, Joe, won the Blue Water Desert Challenge, Trophy Lite competition during the October 16th weekend.


On Saturday, Ocotober 16, the team had a combined time of 1 hour 51 mintues with an average of 36 minutes for their three laps. On Sunday, October 17, they rounded out at about 1 hour 52 minutes for their three laps giving them an overal 3 hours 43 minutes for both runs. They won their division of the competition and came in 4th for the overall weekend challenge.


This was Parker, Arizona's maiden run for the Blue Water Desert Challenge with 189 races in total. The 32 mile loop course featured landmarks such as The Matterhorn, John Wayne's Gorge, The Haunted House, The Course Cutter and The Snake Pit. It was a similar format to SCORE's, Laughlin Desert Challenge; racers being broken up into heats of similar speed vehicles.


The event opened Thursday, October 14 with a 2.8 mile time-trial course - favoring the smaller vehicles rather than the large trucks.


Brainard's Natural Remedies is excited for Steve's big win! Looking forward to the next one, the Baja 1000 this month.


For more information please visit Off-Road.com or Race-Dezert for a teaser of the race's highlights.

Monday, October 18, 2010

SCORE's Baja 1000

From the official Baja Unlimited website:

The Tecate SCORE Baja 1000


The granddaddy of all desert races, the legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 attracts adventurers from around the world. Held annually in the treacherous and unforgiving Mexican desert, the race is the crown jewel of SCORE Desert racing, attracting over 350 entries from 30 States and a dozen countries each year, including Jesse James, NASCAR champion Robby Gordon and action sports stars Cameron Steele and Travis Pastrana. Its grueling course runs through villages along the peninsula luring nearly 200,000 spectators. Little more than half of the racers will finish this incredible test of man and machine where mechanical failures and vehicle flip-overs are all part of the ride.

Brainard's Natural Remedies owner Elliott Brainard and possibly off-road racer Steve Hengeveld will be attending (racing) in this year's Baja 1000. Come out and join them on November 18!

You can find more information HERE.


If you're unable to view the video, please click here. (video credit: gavinwhalen7806)

Monday, August 23, 2010

Pre-Season for the Dallas Cowboys

Last week the Dallas Cowboys held their training camp in Oxnard, California, and our very own Blueberry Girl was lucky enough to sit in on a training session and meet some of the players afterward. The players were really friendly and excited for the opportunity to meet their fans.

Gabby, the Blueberry Girl and her friends posed for some pictures with players including tight end Scott Sicko and offensive tackle Will Barker. One of the friends had Barker sign a football for her husband saying “For the Man Cave.”

The Cowboys’ pre-season is off to a good start with 2 wins and 1 loss. We look forward to the official start of their season on September 12 when they play Washington!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Tribute to Mojave Desert Deaths

There are many types of people in the world and they have many varying interests. However, there is a unique group of people who share a passion for off-road sports. These special individuals appreciate the freedom from their daily, regulated lives that off-road sports provide.

It’s the freedom to drive, ride on a race across the open landscape without rules, speed limits or authority telling them how they should be controlled. Unfortunately, the accident that happened last Saturday night took the lives of some fellow enthusiasts who were enjoying their sport. They went to the desert to participate, in their own way, and be a part of something they love.

A part of all of us who live for these sports was lost in this tragic accident. A part of all of us that realize the risks and dangers involved, but understand that’s what makes life worthwhile. It’s difficult for the families and friends left behind, the driver and co-driver in the vehicle, and for the rest of us, but understand that life’s passions are important to survive.

Remember these people for how they lived and enjoyed life. It’s sad that they are gone and the passing of time will heal those wounds for all of us. Live life and embrace the people around you who choose to share it with you.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Highlights from the KC Hilites Midnight Special

Joe Hengeveld signing autographs for the youngin's.
Elliott Brainard and Lindsey Carnett.
Just finished the first half of the race!
Elliott in front of the Henge racing vehicle.
Thumbs up for racing!
Elliott, the navigator.

Lindsey Carnett and I headed out to the desert this past weekend for the KC Hilites Midnight Special to cheer on the racers. The rundown below:

106 degrees and we’re driving through the Mojave Desert- I’m thinking “turn this car around! I’m not getting out of the air conditioned car!”. As I pass a sign saying “The Mojave Desert- your link to outerspace” and I watch a tumbleweed roll by I can’t help having the classic western movie tune play in my head. Doodledoo wah wah wah.

This past weekend I was out supporting Henge Racing in the KC Hilites Midnight Special in Ridgecrest, CA. As I walked around handing out samples I got to experience the off-roading culture. It was great to see how receptive everyone was to the Brainard's Natural Remedies antacids. After all the hotdogs, bean dip and beer they were all following me around for more!

Off roading was fun to learn about- the precision of gas mileage and high tech GPS systems. One of the Henge Racing driver's wife, Julie, was sitting with me explaining the math that goes into planning each race; from split times to gas mileage every thing was very precise - needed to be precise. Julie is pregnant and after noticing her discomfort from eating all of the racing food, we happily stocked her up with Brainard's Natural Antacids.



The intense race went from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Can you even imagine what the racers felt like afterwards? Or even during? Henge Racing did amazing well during the race, with a stuck throttle, fuel pump replacement, lights weren’t working correctly and a brake scare they still finished 5th!

I'd love to go to another but next time I bringing a pocket fan!