Stevens Point, Wis.: The 'wellest' place to be

That's right - smack middle of the state of Wisconsin is a little town (population of 26,000) called Stevens Point. It is quite a quaint little place. The few blocks of downtown are full of the cutest ma-n-pop-owned restaurants and shops, and the "strip" Ts into the Wisconsin River, which you often find paddlers, jet-skiers, boaters, and families feeding the lil' duckies. Stevens Point is one of the greenest places you'll ever see, too, with miles and miles of running, biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

The city hosts an event called Walk Wisconsin, where people are invited to walk the trails for the health of it. Needless to say this place has a strong focus around health and wellness. It is a priority for the city, county, and the state. And, ahhhh, the people of the Midwest are tough to beat. Most everyone is very welcoming and happy to help a visitor.

Now, you think this city is full of wellness throughout the usual year, but a whopping 1,000-plus National Wellness Conference participants pump up the wellness energy immensely during the second week in July. This is the National Wellness Institute's 33rd annual conference, and oh what a joy it is going to be to try to explain it in this article.

Imagine having the opportunity to learn about the newest wellness happenings, resources, and knowledge mixed with the coolest personal enhancement activities - a 5K, swimming, belly dancing, hula hooping, line dancing, and mindful meditation, just to name a few. It is the perfect time to learn a new skill or perfect an old one. Hooping, here I come ... And it is said to be the most positive experience - professionally and personally. Each person reports the amazing "feel" of the conference.

For the long-time attendees, the conference is somewhat like an annual wellness camp. It is a time to reunite with old friends and a perfect time to meet new well-enthusiasts. For the first-timers, all I hear is about the aura, happiness, and positivity. I guess as a staff, we are doing an a-OK job, but what would it be without the couple hundred presentations? Our presenters are the finest around and their subjects include motivational interviewing, worksite wellness, tai chi, stress management, life/personal coaching, K-12 wellness, international wellness, what you can do to save our planet, living your life with purpose, and positive psychology.

Not surprisingly, your six dimensions of wellness are in full effect. I wish you all could fully experience the National Wellness Conference.

There is just something about happy, shiny people bringing lots of goodness to one place - in hot and muggy central Wisconsin during the month of July.

• Laura Brownlee is a Carson City resident and works with the National Wellness Institute. She can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.