Marin Healthy Palooza Descends on Mill Valley This Weekend

In what organizer Sandra Evans describes as “the Disney World of health fairs,” the first  - but definitely not the last – Marin Healthy Palooza kicks off on at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Mill Valley Community Center.

The day-long festival goes until 5 p.m. and combines medical speakers, wellness workshops, fun activities like yoga, fitness demonstrations, food vendors offering natural products and more to get people thinking about their eating habits, exercise, and ways to live a healthier lifestyle. And don't forget about the live music and

“Prevention is a message we want to get across,” said Evans of public relation firm Evans & Associates. She, along with the Preventive Medical Center of Marin and the Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Department teamed up to host the event.

While it’s meant to be fun and low-key, the topics will address serious health concerns like managing your hormones while aging, combating allergies and addressing thyroid concerns. Designed for the whole family — from children to seniors — it includes breakout sessions like the Moma Palooza and Anti Stress Palooza and focuses on integrative care offering both eastern and western techniques.

“Our goal is to reach people who are seeking support and information in a non-clinical setting,” Evans said.

They’ve also lined up some key speakers, including Dr. Dean Ornish, the founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Ornish is also a medical consultant to the White House, first appointed by former President Bill Clinton and now for President Barak Obama. He recently released his sixth book, The Spectrum which focuses on nutrition, fitness, love and support, and stress management as the four key components to a healthy life.

Dr. Elson Haas, the founder and director of Haas Health Online and the Preventive Medical Center of Marin – one of the organizers – will also speak about the benefits of healthy detoxification.

The event, he said, is a chance to the get families, friends and co-workers together to enjoy the festivities and maybe learn a thing or two about how to live healthier.

“Our biggest challenge as prevention and wellness professionals,” he said, “is to reach those in the community who may need a little nudge or new information to help them make a serious commitment towards their health by providing solid health information in a fun, easygoing setting.”

IF YOU GO:

• What: Marin Healthy Palooza
• Where: Mill Valley Community Center
• When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Cost: General Admission $20 (until May 10th early bird); Seniors $15; Children under 12 FREE; General Admission day of event $25 (tickets sold at the door).

Here's what else is happening on Mill Valley Patch:

• State Parks Supporters Nab Eclectic Lineup for Mount Tam Jam Benefit
• Police Blotter: Pet Hospital Break-In, Clueless Drivers and a Basketball-Sized Sinkhole
• Police Arrest Alleged Drunk Driver After Crash into 2am Club
• Edna Maguire Won't Be Ready in the Fall — District to Extend School Day to Make December Move Work
• New Homes For Sale in Mill Valley This Week
• Mom Home With Two Kids Deters Kipling Drive Burglars
• Man Accused of Scamming Marin Couple Out of $1.6M Alleges 24-Hour Jail Lockdown
• Lt. Gov. Newsom Bails on Supes Meeting to Hail Marin Voter Turnout
• Marin Residents: Slow Down Plan Bay Area Housing Plan
• State Releases New Numbers on Suspensions and Expulsions at Tam High
• Chase Bank Looks to Build Branch at Blithedale-Camino Alto Gas Station Site
• Evacuation Drill in Panoramic & Edgewood Areas Planned for May 4

For local news like this wherever you go, follow us! And don't forget to sign up for our daily e-newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

"Like" us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for the daily Mill Valley Patch newsletter | Start a blog