S eeking out natural health practitioners, organic home products and other holistic tools can be time consuming and even overwhelming. To make it easier for the public to connect with alternative health practitioners, Dr. Joanne Flanagan founded the North Shore Wellness Body, Mind & Spirit Expo in 2015. The expo is held every April and October, and takes place this spring from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 28, at the Four Points Sheraton Milwaukee.

“The expo gathers like-minded providers of alternative health care all in one place,” Flanagan says. “When a person walks through the door, they can spend the whole day learning and trying products, rather than going to separate businesses all over town. It’s a great way to introduce people to new ideas and technologies.”

As a teacher, author and lecturer on natural health topics such as increasing energy and reducing stress, Flanagan met and forged connections with a vast array of holistic wellness experts and entrepreneurs, many of whom were enthusiastic about participating in the expo either as an exhibitor or presenter.

The name Wellness Body, Mind & Spirit Expo exemplifies the diverse offerings of products and services in the physical, mental and spiritual areas. Flanagan expects over 70 exhibitors this year, including naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, fitness experts, chiropractors, life coaches, regenerative medicine experts, acupuncturists, artists, astrologers, and psychics; as well as those specializing in gemstones and crystals, bath and body care items, and more.

Flanagan notes there’s something for everyone, and although there might be several practitioners offering the same modality, each brings their own styles and techniques to their practices. “The participating chiropractors will do free evaluations, but each one does something a little different,” she emphasizes. “People can also get free chair massages, try foot reflexology, get a sample reiki session, experience a Biomat, or have an aura photograph taken.”

Some wellness expos shun metaphysical arts practitioners like psychics and astrologers, but Flanagan welcomes them to have a presence at the expo, since she believes that those mediums can play crucial roles in achieving whole-person wellness. She vets all vendors to make sure that they are credible.

Flanagan has many repeat exhibitors at the expo, and some will be new, such as a holistic hospice business, an integrative eye care specialist, a Biomat practitioner and a home improvement contractor specializing in helping homeowners achieve healthy, allergen-free homes. Also new are several vendors offering education and products related to cannabidiol (CBD), the non-hallucinogenic derivative from the hemp plant that has been highly touted for relief of pain, anxiety and other issues.

Flanagan will be one of several experts offering free lectures during the expo. She will discuss how to protect oneself from electromagnetic radiation exposure. Other speakers include Dr. Evan Norum of Advantage Chiropractic, who will talk about how chiropractic can heal the body-brain connection; Deborah Lighthart, who will offer energy healing techniques with an Ocean Drum; and author Susan Lukas, who will read a chapter from her latest book Abiding Flame and discuss love and relationships.

The Four Points Sheraton hotel will have healthy vegetarian food available for purchase. Flanagan is also excited to welcome radio station 102.1 FM to the expo. Sponsors include Equilibrex Energy Balancing Pendant, Natural Awakenings Milwaukee magazine, Nature’s Pathways magazine and SuperBodies, Inc.

The Wellness Body, Mind & Spirit Expo drew 600 attendees at the October event. Flanagan observes that recently more medical doctors that want to learn about holistic modalities have been attending because they’re starting to get questions from patients interested in integrative and natural alternatives to traditional medicine. “We want to empower everyone through education and alternative health awareness,” Flanagan concludes.

Cost: $7; kids under 12 free. Location: 8900 N. Kildeer Ct., Brown Deer. For more information, call 414-349-4932 or visit WellnessBodyMindSpirit.com.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.