We've got lots of great courses through the spring and summer. Register now to kick the season off right!

As always, be safe in the outdoors,

When planning an excursion, be it a quick afternoon at the boulder or a couple of weeks in the backcountry, nutrition is key. The once obscure energy bar has now become the mainstream popular solution. Enjoy this quick quiz on some energy bar facts.

1. T or F - All nutrition/energy bars are essentially the same.
2. T or F - Energy Bars for use in the backcountry should have a high glycemic index.
3. T or F - Diet/weight loss bar regimens should be continued during backcountry excursions.
4. T or F - Most energy bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals and provide complete and balanced nutrition.

Answers:

1. False - Energy bars fall into four main categories:
   • Energy/Supplement Bars
   • Protein Bars
   • Diet/Weight Loss Bars
   • Meal Replacement Bars

2. True - The Energy/Supplement category of bars usually has a high glycemic index meaning that the carbohydrates are digested quickly and provide a good energy boost. Furthermore a good ratio of calories from carbohydrates-proteins-fats is 70-15-15. These bars are optimal for backcountry use.
3. False - Diet/Weight Loss Bars are a poor choice for outdoor activity since they do not provide the high calorie intake required by outdoor activity. Energy/Supplement bars are a better choice.
4. False - Although energy bars are a great energy source and they are fortified with many vitamins and minerals, they do not completely subsitute good nutrition. No more than one meal a day should be substituted with energy bars, and you should supplement with fresh fruit whether eating as a snack or a meal.

Also, be sure to hydrate always, especially when eating energy bars to ensure that you stay strong and steady on your backcountry adventures. Keep exploring and be safe!

Flagstaff, Arizona - April 4-6, 2008

Set in the Ponderosa Pine forests of the Colorado Plateau, this Awls course is being presented by Northern Arizona University. This is a weekend course available for 17.5 hours of CME credits and Wilderness Medical Society FAWM credits.

Moab, UT- May 28-31, 2008

This AWLS course is taught in the spectacular red rocks area of Moab Utah. You will learn the practical hands-on skills of wilderness medicine in a warm weather setting, with a focus on hiking, biking, rafting and climbing related medical issues. You can certify in AWLS and obtain CME credits.

Joe Wheeler State Park, Alabama - June 20 - 22, 2008

The forests, lakes and rivers of Northwest Alabama are the setting for this AWLS® course being held at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge with immediate access to outdoor teaching in a wilderness setting. This is a weekend course available for 17.5 hours of CME credits and Wilderness Medical Society FAWM credits.

We've got our full summer course schedule up on our website!

The Advanced Wilderness Life Support certification course was originally developed at the University of Utah School of Medicine and has grown significantly since its creation in 1997. The increasing demand for certification resulted in the creation of a new organization, AdventureMed, to promote the responsible growth of the AWLS program. AWLS certification is available to anyone with a medical degree or certification including: MD, DO, RN, DDS, DPM, PA, EMT and Paramedic.

The Wilderness Life Support Institute, a nonprofit organization, was founded by Paul S. Auerbach, MD and Richard Ingebretsen, MD to oversee the content and quality of the AWLS certification program.

The mission of AWLS is to create competence in medical professionals, enabling them to effectively manage emergency medical situations outside traditional medical facilities.