Drinking to good health via juicing is seeing a resurgence in popularity as a new generation discovers the benefits of juiced vegetables, says nutritionist and juicing icon Cherie Calbom, MS. ("The Juice Lady").

"For decades, people with acute medical conditions and those striving for optimum health have turned to juicing nutrient-dense ingredients," says Calbom, author of a new book full of juicing tips, tricks and recipes, "The Juice Lady's Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies," (www.juiceladycherie.com).

"You can supplement your diet with a glass of fresh juice, or go on a days-long cleansing 'juice feast.' And you can use different combinations of ingredients to improve your mood or boost your energy or even help alleviate physical ailments."

Calbom says she witnessed the transformation of a woman who had back and arthritis pain, which caused her many nights of interrupted sleep due to pain in her hands. After six weeks of juicing in the morning and before dinner, she lost 12 pounds and felt more energetic in the mornings. More importantly, her arthritic and back pain has completely ceased.

Calbom suggests these cocktails for people burdened with specific ailments:

• Arthritis helper: One handful of flat leaf parsley; One dark green lettuce leaf; three to four carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed; two stalks of celery with leaves; a two-inch-chunk of ginger root; and one lemon, peeled if not organic. This makes 1 serving. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritic joint pain and help combat oxidative damage to joints.

• The asthma helper: Five carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed; five to six radishes with leaves; one green apple; half a lemon, peeled if not organic. This makes one serving and can be served chilled or at room temperature. Radish is a traditional asthma remedy.

• The headache mender: Half a ripe cantaloupe with seeds and rind removed; half of a cucumber, peeled if not organic; a 1- to 2-inch chunk of ginger root, peeled. Cantaloupe and ginger root have been shown to reduce platelet stickiness, which is related to migraine headaches.

• Cholesterol buster cocktail: Four medium-sized carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed; two ribs of celery, with leaves; two kale leaves; one green apple, such as a Granny Smith, or pippin apple; a 1-inch chunk of ginger root, scrubbed or peeled if old. Ginger root has been shown in numerous scientific studies to reduce inflammation. It's inflammation that is implicated in heart disease. But if you are looking to lower your LDL, juice an apple with your ginger root. Apples contain antioxidants that help to halt oxidation of LDL. It is oxidized LDL that is most harmful.

• The adrenal booster: One handful of parsley; one dark green lettuce leaf; four carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed and ends trimmed; two tomatoes; two ribs of celery with leaves; a dash of hot sauce; a dash of Celtic sea salt. Serves two. The adrenal glands respond to stress; when they're overworked and fatigued, you can experience mood swings and weight gain. Hot peppers and parsley are rich in vitamin C and celery is a great source of natural sodium, both of which are very beneficial for the adrenal glands.

"As with any juice cocktail, these drinks are best imbibed as soon as possible after being processed," Calbom says. "This is 'live food,' which has a full complement of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, biophotons and enzymes. You can make it the night before, however, and drink in the morning or take it with you if you keep it chilled in a covered container."

About Cherie Calbom

Cherie Calbom, MS is the author of 21 books, including the best-seller "Juicing for Life," with 2 million copies sold in the United States and published in 23 countries. Known as "The Juice Lady" for her work with juicing and health, her juice therapy and cleansing programs have been popular for more than a decade. She holds a Master of Science degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She has practiced as a clinical nutritionist at St. Luke Medical Center, Bellevue, Wash., and as a celebrity nutritionist for George Foreman and Richard Simmons.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today released details on the FY 2014/FY 2015 salary and benefits package he has authorized for State of Iowa employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The governor has approved salary increases for state non-contract employees at the same level as provided to members of the State Police Officers Council?which is a series of one percent non-recurring raises on July 1, 2013, Jan. 1, 2014, July 1, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015.

In addition, Gov. Branstad has authorized state non-contract employees to participate in health insurance plans that require a 20% employee contribution, but which also allows employees to earn a $90 a month premium reduction in return for participating in new employee wellness programs.  Those participating in wellness programs can significantly reduce their health insurance premium costs.

State non-contract employees will enroll in these new health insurance programs this fall and they will be effective for the calendar year beginning on Jan. 1, 2014.  In the aggregate, the raises provided by Gov. Branstad will exceed the cost of employee contributions to their health insurance plan.

"We want the best possible deal for state workers in Iowa while protecting the taxpayers who fund state government, which is why we are providing both pay increases and wellness programs to this group of state employees," said Branstad. "We are pleased to offer this great deal for all state non-contract employees, because we will have healthier employees and a better deal for Iowa's taxpayers."

"If Iowa is to have the healthiest state in the nation, it is time for Iowans to have ownership of their own health, starting with our hard-working state employees," said Branstad. "By offering these wellness programs and health risk assessments, these non-contract state employees will identify risk factors to their health and make corrections in order to live long, healthy lives with their families and friends."

The Governor's decision includes the following:

• Employees pay 20 percent of their health insurance premium
• Implementation of a wellness program through which employees can receive a $90 a month reduction in their health insurance premium
• A one percent non-recurring salary increase in July and January of both FY 2014 and FY 2015 in lieu of increases in base pay
• Implementation of merit-based within grade pay increases in each FY 2014 and FY 2015 at the discretion of department and agency directors

The decision covers 3,435 state employees not covered by a collective bargaining contract and will cost $3 million in FY 2014 and $5.7 million in FY 2015.