It’s pretty easy to forget sometimes that there’s a lot more to feeling healthy than going for an annual checkup with the family doctor. Powell River, despite its size, is home to numerous options for a person to take charge of their health and search for alternative or complementary means to achieve wellness.
The Spirit of Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 2 is intended to help people find out about complementary health care services in Powell River, to try some pressure free and see what works for them.
The event is designed to be as interactive as possible so that visitors can really have a taste of the services available. Mini massage or reflexology sessions will be offered, for a reduced cost, and there will be demonstrations and educational seminars throughout the day.
Co-producer Mara Hynninen believes the event will be a great way to find out about a health service people may be curious about but are cautious about booking an appointment for. People who have always wondered what a chiropractor does, for instance, will find that the fair will give them a chance to learn and decide whether or not that could be an option in their health care.
Natural health products, massage therapy, women’s health, reflexology, acupressure, myofascial cupping, energy therapy, angel therapy, zumba fitness and more will be among the health services featured at the fair. Mainstream health services will be offered as well and there will be information on vaccines, mammograms and other medical services.
Rather than setting out to present an alternative to mainstream medical services, Hynninen would rather see the wellness options featured as complementary.
“I think that we need both. We’ve got an amazing medical system...but we also need the complementary health care as well,” said Hynninen. “I think that people are beginning to see that it does work hand in hand with the more orthodox system, which is great.”
Hynninen and co-producer Robin Morrison have been organizing the fair for some time now and hope it can be turned into an annual event.
An overtaxed health care system is another reason they feel complementary health services are so important. “People taking charge of their own health and seeking other ways of taking care of themselves will help that,” said Hynninen.
The fair will take place from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm at Carlson Community Club.
