“We wanted to work together, helping people in a positive and healthy way”. That’s what Steve Jones said when asked about his business, a health and wellness store called Abaco Health. He and wife Shauna, who is a trained nutritionist, opened Abaco in July of 2005 with the goal of helping people to achieve optimum health.They stock a wide range of quality vitamins, supplements, and health foods (both packaged and bulk), as well as natural beauty products, pain relief, and cleaning supplies. For the most part, these products are free of preservatives and chemicals that you are likely to find lining the shelves of your local supermarket. They offer sweet alternatives to sugar, cleaner versions of commercial toothpastes, and toxin free hair dyes.

There is a great selection of groceries and supplements for vegetarians and vegans alike, as well as dairy free and gluten free choices for those of us with sensitivities.If you are like most, and you aren’t exactly sure of what you should be eating and what you should be avoiding, then you should book a nutritional consultation with Shauna. She will let you know what it is that your body needs (or doesn’t need) in order for you to experience energy and vitality. In a world where many of us are constantly tired, stressed, run down, and out of energy, we could all benefit from a session with a nutritional counselor. Many ailments can be eliminated easily with simple diet modifications and internal cleansing routines.

Another valuable tool for healing, weight loss, and maintenance of health is regular use of the far infrared sauna. As opposed to a commercial sauna, the heat from that of a far infrared sauna penetrates deeper into the body, up to 1.5 inches. This allows for the stimulation of stubborn fat cells and encourages the release of toxins that are stored within them. During a thirty minute session you can burn up to six hundred calories. It is also excellent cardiovascular conditioning, increasing your heart rate, and speeding up your metabolism. Other benefits include purification of the skin, detoxification, as well as improved healing times. Conveniently enough, Abaco is home to Kelowna’s first far infrared sauna, which is available for use during business hours.

If you would like more information on the products and services offered by Abaco Health, or to book a consultation or sauna session, check out their website, www.abacohealth.com, where internet orders are welcomed (shipping is free within Canada on orders of 75$ or more). However, I encourage you to go in and meet the well educated staff working with Steve and Shauna, who will be sure to answer any questions that you may have. They are located in the Mission on the corner of Gordon and Cook, at #5-3818 Gordon Drive.

See you next time,

Stacy-Lynn