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Natural Choice Wellness Expo Proves Popular

by Marie Nantes

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"I learned so much from that session." "What a great conference!" "Will this be on again next year?" These are just a few of the positive comments over heard in the halls of the Delta during the weekend of March 16-18 at the Natural Choice Wellness Expo and Trade Show. The Wellness Expo organizers partnered with the Atlantic Organic Growers which was operated simultaneously to offer participants of both conferences opportunities to explore both topic areas. The Wellness Expo brought in such noted speakers as Dr. David Rowland, Co-publisher of Health Naturally, Canada's Self Health Care Magazine; Judit Rajhathy, author of the well known book "Free to Fly"; Rev. Gerry Robinson and Rev. Phyllis Robinson, well-known Fen Shui practitioner, and Canadian Certified Aroma-therapist respectively.

The kick off to the conference was on Friday evening with the opening ceremonies consisting of keynote speaker, Dr. David Rowland MBA., PhD, whose address "You are in Charge" emphasized that we are ultimately responsible for our own health. He cautioned that abdicating this responsibility costs us our personal freedoms. Judit Rajhatchy was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In addition to Dr. Rowland, the members of the panel included Dr. Don Ling MD, PEI Director of Health Services, Dr. Doug Carmody MD., internal medicine and president of AIM (PEI Association of Integrated Medicine). Following the panel presentation was a question period which provided a lively exchange between the audience and panel members. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Kathy Campbell, violinist, Marie Nantes, soloist, and Gwenth Islay Jeffrey, step dancer. The evening closed with a violin solo "Wild Rose of the Mountain" by Dr. David Rowland.

For the next two days, participants at the Wellness Expo enjoyed over 28 workshops and sessions on the various types of complementary therapies (e.g. NAET: Nambudripad Allergy Eliminating Therapy, Bioenergetics, Naturopathy) and spiritual themes ( e.g. Life after Death, Medicine Wheel, Meditation, Power of Prayer). In these sessions, participants learned about complementary practices and how they can successfully complement modern medicine.

In addition to the workshops and sessions, the conference also offered an exhibition totaling 80 booths in the Delta Ballroom. While 40 of the booths focused on Wellness, the remainder related to organic food and the organic industry. People also had the opportunity to experience reflexology, therapeutic touch, massage, and reiki through the sampler room.

Saturday evening offered an opportunity to socialize over a vegetarian buffet which included three main courses, three salads, three desserts and lots of extra's. The ingredients for every dish were listed so those with food sensitivities could better enjoy the selection. At the event, the first annual Natural Choice Wellness Advocate Awards were presented to a deserving practitioner from each of the Maritime provinces. Those attending then enjoyed a spoof by comedians Mavis and Dorothy titled "Which Way to the Salad Bar."

The Expo concluded on Sunday evening with an interfaith celebration officiated by Rev. Barry King. At the celebration 13 religious traditions were represented by practitioners who shared ceremonies and readings with those gathered. The service celebrated the many faces of God and the power of "spirit" in our lives. All who participated in this year's Natural Choice Wellness Expo were impressed with the quality and organization of the event. Congratulations to Rev. Barry and Rev. Sandi King whose vision conceived the Wellness Expo weekend and whose courage and hard work made it a successful reality. Bravo! We eagerly anticipate next year's Expo!

Marie Nantes is a teacher at Bluefield High School, Charlottetown.

 

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