(Updated 8:30 a.m., Jan. 13)
Record crowd attends biggest, best Health and Wellness Expo yet
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Dr. William Davis talks to one of his admirers while autographing copies of his book 'Wheat Belly' at the Ottawa Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday. Fred Sherwin/Photo

What do you get when you combine over 200 exhibitors, a long lineup of amazing guest speakers headlined by the author of one of the best selling books in Canada, and a movie screening featuring a ground-breaking documentary on the health care industry? The biggest and best Ottawa Health and Wellness Expo yet, that's what.

Organizers Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp and Rob Dale managed to outdo themselves this year as close to 2,000 people flocked to the Shenkman Arts Centre on Saturday to learn about the latest trends in health and wellness and connect with local businesses offering products and services to help make their lives healthier and more fulfilling.

But the star attraction was American cariodlogist Dr. William Davis, author of the best selling book "Wheat Belly", who gave a key note presentation to a capacity crowd in the 500-seat Harold Shenkman Hall and then autographed copies of his book for 90 minutes afterwards.

Dr. Davis message is a simple one -- lose the wheat, lose the weight. In the book he makes the case that the world's most popular grain is also the world's most destructive dietary ingredient.

Dr. Beauchamp credits Dr. Davis' appearance and willingness to help promote the Expo on local radio and television for its overwhelming success.

"He's spectacular. We did three or four TV shows together and radio. He's been going non-stop," said Dr. Beauchamp.

Dr. Davis says his message of regaining one's health through the elimination of gluten-rich grains such as wheat from their diet is resonating strongly especially among Canadians.

"The message has caught on fire. It's the success of the message that is really resonating with people. About 40 people approached me today telling me that they lost 70 lbs, they're no longer diabetic, their joint pain and acid reflux is completely gone, their astma is gone, their depression has lifted. It's the incredible turnaound in their health that are driving the message," says Dr. Davis.

Dr. Davis' appearance was made possible thanks to the generous support of Paul Rushforth Real Estate. Other key sponsors who helped make this year's Expo posible include the Orléans Kardish Health Food Centre, The Goodlife Fitness Centre and Keller Williams Ottawa Realty.

No one appreciated the turnout more than the exhibitors and vendors. Financial planner Janet Gray has been coming to the Expo for the past four years. She said the attendance at this year's event was the best so far.

"It's been great. It's been very steady. I've seen a lot of new faces nice and a lot of familiar faces as well," said Gray who is with Investors Group Financial Services.

Amanda Smith from the Massage and Treatment Clinic in Orléans was also thrilled with the turnout.

"This is our second year and it's been fantastic. Definitely more people than last year. Kudos to Nathalie Beauchamp for putting on an event like this. It's definitely the busiest in Ottawa," said Smith.

As the seven-hour Expo neared it's conclusion, Family Physiotherapy Centre's Jason Bellefleur was on the verge of losing his voice from having talked to so many people.

"To be honest I'm tired, but it's been an amazing day. A lot more people than last year," said Bellefleur. "Nathalie and Rob have done just a tremendous job and everyone seems to be really happy with the whole experience. We're definitely coming back next year."

Speaking of next year, Dr. Beauchamp is already thinking about how she and her partner can top this year's event.

"That's a good question but I'm already thinking about it," said Dr. Beauchamp before getting back to the task at hand.

(This story was made possible thanks to their generous support of our local business partners.)

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