Dr. Lara Lauzon presented For the Wellth of It, a talk which stressed the importance of self care for persons working in non-profit organizations. In keeping with Heraclitus, who said "There is nothing permanent except change," Dr. Lauzon guides her own life on the principle that "as long as things are consistently inconsistent I can manage." She defines wellness as a zest for living, and recommends focusing on overall lifestyle rather than fitness level. Many comical references to her past career as television fitness host effectively illustrated her point - that one can be very fit but not truly well.

Dr. Lauzon went on to describe some previous wellness research models, beginning with Herbert L. Dunn's High Level Wellness (1973). In Dunn's view, wellness depends on three criteria: a person's direction and progress, the total individual (physical, emotional, social and spiritual), and how s/he functions in good and tough times. John W. Travis deals with topics ranging from individual to global wellness, but focusses on children. He relates wellness to finding meaning - What can I contribute to society? - and achieving one's life potential - What legacy will I leave?

William Hettler suggests something similar, that the work we do for our survival may not be the work we need for our wellness. Volunteering or doing crafts and engaging in hobbies are necessary not just for the sake of community, but also for the sake of fulfilling our own needs. Dr. Lauzon points to the strong individualism and independence in western society; Hettler suggests that our biggest struggle today is to become interdependent.

Then Dr. Lauzon turned to the YM/YWCA logo which depicts mind, body and spirit. Reminded of the First Nations Medicine Wheel, she expressed considerable respect and admiration and suggested that it could contribute much to the Western understanding of wellness, particularly in its emphasis on the interconnectedness of life, nature and respect for elders.

Current research was her next focus. Steven Blair has demonstrated that three 10-minute sessions of moderate aerobic activity derive the same health benefits as one 30-minute workout, thus destroying the 'lack of time' excuse for not exercising.

Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation demonstrates a new technique for determining the meaning of caloric content - a pedometer that measures the number of steps required to burn calories of different high fat foods. Hans Selye argues that certain stress can spice up our lives, but that we must allow for downtime and consider how we respond to change. Also important to wellness is the environment and concerns such as deforestation and pollution.

In closing, Dr. Lauzon stressed to her audience that self-responsibility for health means we are better able to help others. She recommends that we all begin by assessing our current lifestyle. By acknowledging past patterns at home and at work, we can develop patterns of lifestyle change uniquely suitable to ourselves. We can take on new activities that will help us grow toward our potential, which is the difference between job enrichment and job enlargement as described by Heizberg's motivation theory.

Following Dr. Lauzon's presentation and the conference lunch, participants were encouraged to join in two back-to-back BREAKOUT or ACTIVITY SESSIONS, which reinforced the idea that wellness involves treating the mind, spirit and body.

Physical activities included: YOGA by Pnina Benjamini, a SCAVENGER HUNT led by Linda Hill, TRANCE DANCE taught by Navaro Franco, and RE-CONNECTING WITH NATURE, an outdoor workshop with John Scull.

Participants interested in issues related to food and hunger chose from FOOD SECURITY with Eileen Bennewith, COMMUNITY KITCHENS with Lori Ianniardino, JUBILEE GARDEN with Thomas Marek, or FOLK HERBALISM with Bernice Woollam.

Alternative healing and associated topics appealed to professional or amateur health practitioners. Activities included ACUPRESSURE with Raven Cloudwalker, ART THERAPY with Catherine Fraser, NATIONAL POLICY & ETHICAL PRACTICE OF HERBALISM with Gillian Leverkus, MINDFULNESS MEDITATION with Pat Savola, and QUW'UT'SUN TRADITIONAL HEALING with Sarah Modeste.

Finally, activities to tickle one's imagination included ASTRONOMY with Ed Boddaert, PHOTOGRAPHY with Trevor Hancock, and HEALTHY HOMES - HEALTHY COMMUNITY with Thomas Marek.