‘Proactive health’: Wellness Expo hits Saskatoon with new approach to health care

Wellness takes centre stage this weekend as the 17th annual Saskatoon Wellness Expo takes over Prairieland Park.

The event invites residents to explore every aspects of healthy living, from fitness and nutrition to mental health, financial wellness and spiritual growth.

Rick Thiessen hosts the expos across Canada along with his wife and has been holding it in Saskatoon for 17 years.

“Canada has a great medical system, but it’s called reactive health care. You can’t go see a doctor or go to a hospital, do something without having a problem, and then you hope that somebody can help you treat the symptoms or the repercussions from that problem,” he said.

The two-day event focuses on prevention where possible.

“The education of society has become more cognizant of proactive health. Taking care of yourself. Don’t let that go. We should eat well, drink well, exercise well, spiritually, be connected,” he said.

The event brings together dozens of exhibitors, organizations and local businesses, all focused on helping visitors live their best lives. Some come from as far away as Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

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There are scheduled speakers throughout the day also sharing information about health and wellness.

There’s everything from healthy foods to financial wellness exhibits and square-dancing demonstrations.

One of the new booths at the expo this year, called The Drip Wellness, focuses on injectable wellness supplements like therapy infusions and vitamin booster injections.

“It is a great way to receive vitamins, just because it bypasses your GI tract and it goes directly into your bloodstream or your muscles, so your body is able to absorb it better because it’s more available in your bloodstream,” said Mariah Kaspardlov, a nurse with the company.

Being at the Saskatoon show is advantageous for the company, she said, because it’s relatively new to the city.

“It helps to raise awareness about the options that people have for IV and how it can really benefit their health. A lot of people feel amazing with it,” she said.

Another booth is Sirius Health Thai Massage, which was offering free sessions at the show. For company owner Grant Martens, this Saskatoon expo is the best way to reach his target audience and get them the help they need.

“Almost everybody who walks through the door is looking for something with their health that isn’t working with Western medicine. And so, in terms of conversion rates, as a business manager, whoever lies down becomes a client,” he said.

The event has become so popular, according to Thiessen, that they turn down some applicants if they aren’t a good fit for the overall philosophy and intent of the show.

The event is expected to see about 3,000 people through the doors before it closes on Sunday.