Henner Stands Up for Natural Health at Keynote

Henner Stands Up for Natural Health at Keynote

In contrast to previous SupplySide keynote speakers, the individual filling that role for SupplySide West 2004 came not from politically charged Capitol Hill or from the multimillion-dollar sports arena, but from glamorous Hollywood. Seasoned actress, singer and writer Marilu Henner used her keynote platform to encourage industry executives to commit to furthering widespread awareness of the importance of good health throughout life. Henner promised to join the industry in accomplishing this monumental goal by enlisting the celebrity community to publicize the importance of healthy living and generate support for the natural products industry.

Henners commitment to good health is well-known. She has authored numerous books on health and wellness and offers online classes about well-being including one known as the Total Health Makeover^®. Only eight days prior to her SupplySide appearance, Henner testified before Congress regarding the importance of nutrition and dietary supplements.

The keynote presentation, held Sept. 30 and sponsored by Unigen Pharmaceuticals, drew an appreciative crowd prior to the opening of the exhibit hall. During her energetic talk, Henner shared anecdotes from her unique upbringing in the Logan Square area of Chicago and explained how her background helped her in part to find the inspiration she needed to become healthier. The petite, red-haired, actress said she achieved greater personal wellness by reading labels and giving up smoking, caffeine, sugar, meat and unhealthy fats. In her quest for better health, Henner said she also learned how to combine foods, exercise more, reduce stress, get adequate sleep and to approach life with an attitude she describes as having gusto. Gusto is all about attitude and well-being, she said. Its the connection between how you think and how you feel.

Henner stressed the importance of taking dietary supplements, calling herself a supplement slut. She called for a revamping of dietary guidelines and opined that labels should warn of preservatives, steroids, hormones and other potentially harmful additives. Henner also recommended that those in the natural products business examine the industry to determine what can be done to advance it. What can we do in this industry to move it forward, she asked Every one of us needs to first look inside and ask ourselves, Am I walking my talk? Am I eating well? You cant just eat well and not take supplements. On the other hand, you cant eat poorly and just take supplements.

Beyond just walking the walk, she encouraged industry members to make their voices heard. We need to join together and make sure that our message is heard, she said. We need to stand up for ourselves and make sure our message is heardwe can help people with our products. We can also help people by living a lifestyle of enlightenment in terms of diet and exercise. Its not just some magic pill that people can take and then everythings going to be better.

Henner concluded industry members must be relentless in garnering support for the industry. We have to get out there and inspire people and bring people together, she said. Its so important that people know there is an alternative to going to the doctor and saying, fix me. Good health is not just a privilegeits a right.

We have to get out there and inspire people and bring people together. Its so important that people know there is an alternative to going to the doctor and saying, fix me. Good health is not just a privilegeits a right.

Marilu Henner, actress, singer, writer