The James Cook University Hospital is hosting its first alternative health fair this month. Christen Pears reports.

WE have never been more aware of the importance of healthy living. Our diets are under constant scrutiny, complementary medicine is becoming increasingly popular and we're urged to exercise at every opportunity. But there are so many choices, so much conflicting advice, it's often difficult to know where to start with a new regime.

The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough is hosting its first Healthy Alternative Fair this month, which seems a good place to start. The fair will bring together products and practitioners from across the region and further afield to promote health and good living. From fruit juices to natural tanning systems and Indian head massage to Chinese herbalism, it will offer something for everyone.

The event is being organised by Southside Radio, the hospital's acclaimed radio station, which has been providing entertainment to patients for almost 20 years. It will raise much-needed funds for new radio equipment.

Many of the exhibitors are regular guests on Southside Radio, which dubs itself "the healthy alternative" and regularly explores health issues on air.

Station director Alex Lewczuk says: "As a station, we are keen to promote healthy living. It's all about caring for the whole person, boosting morale and inspiring people.

"There is a need in the 21st century to re-think and re-assess where we are going and this will provide an opportunity to look at the alternatives. It's a whole lifestyle package."

Among the exhibitors will be Bannatyne's health club, Saltburn-based massage and holistic therapy centre Healing Hands and The Vegan Society. As well as the obvious health stalls, there will also be representatives from clothing stores, cosmetics companies and even a North-Yorkshire company that makes silk-filled duvets.

All of the exhibitors promote natural products and healthy living. Mandarina Textiles, which produces the duvets, finds they are particularly beneficial for those suffering from asthma or allergies. Cavalliert is a cosmetics company which uses natural ingredients from the Greek countryside.

Allison McKay, of AM Creative Productions, is producing the event. She says: "It's all about feeling good and the things that make you feel good. That could be having your hair done or buying a new outfit. It isn't just about health and therapies."

The stallholders will be looking after visitors' minds, as well as bodies. Cate Clark has just set up a new business, Inspiring Others, and is hosting motivational workshops across the UK. She encourages people to realise their potential and will be offering consultations to visitors to the fair.

She says: "When people think about health, they automatically think about the body but the mind is just as important. I inspire people to fulfil their dreams and create the life they want. It's amazing what beneficial effects that can have on the body."

The fair will take place in the atrium - an enormous, light-filled space at the heart of the hospital, and is aimed at patients, staff and members of the public.

The hospital is no stranger to alternative treatments and is home to the Holistic Cancer Care Centre, which offers patients a range of therapies.

Alex says: "The fair designed to be complementary rather than competitive and it has the full backing of the trust. We are reaching the stage where complementary medicine is very much in keeping with conventional medicine and we're hoping that this will become a regular event."

* The Healthy Alternative Fair will take place in the atrium at the James Cook University Hospital on February 13 from 10am to 7pm. Entry is free.