SPEAKER HERE BOOSTS WELLNESS MOVEMENT

People who follow a wellness routine are better looking, more popular, happier and healthier, says Donald Ardell, credited with starting the nation's wellness movement.

Ardell was the keynote speaker at the Healthy Lifestyles conference held Friday and Saturday at the Show Me Center. About 250 people attended the event.

Ardell also talked with Cape Girardeau executives Friday morning, providing them information on forming "well companies."

"Wellness is its own reward, a richer way to stay alive," said Ardell.

His book, "High Level Wellness: An Alternative to Doctors, Drugs and Disease," sparked the wellness movement in Southern California; the movement has migrated across the country.

Ardell said: "Most illnesses are avoidable and are a factor of lifestyle."

He said eight of the top 10 killers and causes of disease are directly related to lifestyle choices.

"You also have to understand the limits of what medicine can do for your health," Ardell said. "Doctors can do a lot to help you recover from illness.

"But that stops at the zero point. Doctors can't make you become well. They can't make you lose weight, for example. You must do that yourself. Moving toward wellness is your responsibility."

Wellness, he said, includes nutrition and fitness, but it also includes stress management and boredom avoidance, having fun, and each person taking responsibility for themselves.

He had been advocating wellness for the past 15 years. While the idea has become better known, Ardell said he still faces a same problem.

"The people who come out to hear me are those who are already living healthy lifestyles," he said.

So he is now working with companies to reach other people who may not be living his message.

"They don't come to work to hear a message about wellness. They come to earn some money. But while they are at work, we have an audience."

"Stress at the workplace causes all kinds of illnesses," Ardell said. "And worse than that, it causes lost potential."

Companies are interested in passing on that message, he said. "They are hiring me to come in and set up wellness programs.

"It makes sense," Ardell said. "They are getting $7.20 back for every $1 invested, even when programs fall short of what I describe as a well company."

Companies make up costs by increasing productivity and decreasing absenteeism of employees.

He has recently begun work with a ski resort interested in creating a well environment for its employees as well as its guests.

"The whole business is dedicated to the celebration of body, mind and spirit," Ardell said. "And that's not so bizarre anymore. Companies are willing to invest money in these kinds of programs."

At first, he said, large companies were the ones interested in wellness programs. Now, smaller companies are also interested.

Ardell said information about starting a company wellness program is available by writing to him and including a self addressed stamped envelope. Write: Donald B. Ardell, 9901 Lake Georgia Drive, Orlando, Fla. 32817.