Thanks to everyone who made our 2007 Healthfest a success. We had 700 visitors plus well over a 100 exhibitors and speakers. Holistic practitioners and vendors were busy all day with a steady flow of visitors from opening through the closing drum circle. There were 65 tables of practitioners, vendors and artists plus 24 hourly workshops and demonstrations. Everything flowed smoothly, although it was difficult finding a parking place outside at peak times. Our purpose was to educate and we hope we were able to do that for you. Contact information for exhibitors and presenters will remain online for a time for your convenience.

Our fourth Healthfest will be held in late March 2009. Why skip a year? We're all volunteers and the Healthfest is an act of love for us. We had a wonderful,joyful experience and don't want to turn the event into a chore. We plan to thoroughly enjoy bringing you Healthfest 2009 and look forward to seeing you then.

----- Healthfest Committee       

Exhibitors: In the exhibit area are 60 tables where you can meet area practitioners, ask questions and pick up literature. Areas represented include naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, energy healing, hypnotherapy, natural childbirth services, woman's health, pet therapy, biofeedback, spas, life coaching and herbs. In a quieter area of the gym you can experience a massage or an energy treatment. There are also vendors selling discounted holistic health books, natural cleaning products, handcrafted dolls, gems and minerals, herbal products and teas. List of Exhibitors.

Workshops: There are 18 hourly workshops in three classrooms on a wide range of topics including natural childbirth, past life therapy, anti-aging, breathwork energy healing, weight management and nutrition. Many of the talks will focus on Stress Reduction/Management. List of workshops and times.

Demonstrations: Throughout the day are 5 hourly demonstrations and talks in the gym that will include QiGong/Tai Chi, Yoga, singing bowls, Pilates and drumming. At noon in the Auditorium a musical performance will take place with a Native American theme.

Art Show: You will also find the work of area artists in the gym. The art is spiritually themed in that it is intended to be uplifting and peaceful. Art is another tool for healing.

Admission is $5 adults, children under 16 free. Admission includes all talks and activities. All proceed go to the Vernon Youth Services Bureau for local youth programs.

There is no food available at the fair. If you are looking for a restaurant for lunch you'll find a good selection within two miles by traveling west on Hartford Tnpk. (Rte 30S). They include Charlie's, Rein's Deli, Vernon Diner, Lotus, 99 Restaurant, Oriental Cafe, JoyLuck, Denny's and Angellino's.

Alternative, complementary, holistic and integrative medicine are names you may see applied to what are sometimes considered as non-conventional. Not long ago practices such as acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, energy, herbs and even nutrition were not part of the healthcare system; but in the last decade they have moved into the mainstream, and are increasingly backed up by sound research. Studies show that half of us have tried at least one form of alternative healthcare.

Integrative Medicine is the term now preferred by hospitals and is considered to be choosing the most appropriate of all available options for the patient, be they conventional or non-conventional.

Key features of Integrative Medicine are:
* Consideration of the whole person; we are more than the sum of our parts.
* Treat everyone as unique. Our family, work, environment and mental state all affect our health.
* Emphasize healing rather than curing. Address the cause rather than the symptoms.
* Create a partnership between patient and practitioner; take responsibility for your own health.

Vernon Youth Services Bureau (Alan Slobodien, Director) is a community based agency dedicated to providing: information and referral, prevention services, early intervention services, crisis intervention services, program coordination, and program development.