Last year, two local business owners, Terri Street of Atlantic Retreat and Dr. Jeff Michael of Optimal Health Chiropractic, combined forces to bring a new kind of event to Berlin, MD—one that focused on a holistic approach to health and wellness. The first annual Berlin Holistic Health Fair shared options towards a healthier lifestyle with approximately 100 eager attendees. February 25^th, the Holistic Health Fair returns to Berlin, and organizers are anticipating at least twice the turnout.

The Holistic Health Fair features alternative health practices that differ from the mainstream, and may be considered by some to be a little out of the box, begging the question as to how well the more unconventional approaches are received in a small town environment. Not to worry, says Grow Berlin Green Project Manager and proprietor of Nanakai’s Organic Spirit, Debbi Colley,

“Berlin is really on the forefront of alternative approaches on a wide spectrum, and continuing to move forward.”

“It’s great for a diverse group of folks who may not yet be into alternative approaches, and it’s kid-friendly,” said Colley.The health fair includes a wide spectrum of businesses—yoga, reiki, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, organic foods and cooking—appealing to a vast audience.

One of the goals of the Holistic Health Fair is to open up these practices so community members can explore their options. On a national level, alterative approaches to health are gaining popularity and acceptance as viable and even preferred options for health care and maintaining wellness. Many insurance companies have moved to coverage for chiropractic care, and some even include gym memberships, yoga classes, massage therapy and acupuncture.   Atlantic Retreat and Optimal Health Chiropractic co-sponsor the event. They are joined by Colley’s Nanakai’s Organic Spirit—who will be serving vegan sample plates for tasting including olive walnut spread, quinoa, celery salad for $5—Upper  Room Studio, and many others. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event. Holistic practices focus on the whole person rather than an illness or just treating symptoms. People are taught to be responsible for their own well-being on a daily basis through the connection of mind, body, and spirit resulting in optimal health. In this way, all of the businesses presenting at the Holistic Health Fair can work in conjunction to bring about a better way of life, for you.

If You Go:

• 2^nd Annual Berlin Holistic Health Fair
• Saturday February 25^th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Berlin Chamber of Commerce Building, 14 South Main St., Berlin, MD 21811
• All ages welcome and encouraged to attend
• Entry is free
• Demonstrations and giveaways throughout the day
• Visit the Holistic Health Fair on Facebook