My Gut Instinct, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Berks County, will host the third annual Guts and Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 8, at FirstEnergy Stadium, in Reading. The public educational fair educates, encourages and empowers community members to take action to live healthier lives.

The handicapped-accessible event for all ages will feature lectures on nutrition and fitness, kid zones on healthy eating and exercise, holistic experts, the Penn State Health St. Joseph’s Mobile Clinic and more.

Educational and inspirational activities include live music, yoga classes, massage stations, an inflatable obstacle course for kids, a community garden and pumpkin patch, cooking demonstrations and a farmers’ market. Food truck vendors will sell a variety of foods and beverages.

My Gut Instinct, founded by Aparna Mele, M.D., aims to promote community awareness of health and wellness through preventative health care and holistic well-being. “The wellness expo is a health wonderland for everyone––a full-senses event for all ages,” offers Mele. “Participants can see colorful fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, and hear the sounds of wellness through music, the drum circle and laughter. Healthy aromas waft from foods, incense and essential oils, invigorating and motivating the community. Interactive activities, such as yoga, rock climbing and dancing let attendees feel wellness. Sampling delicious foods and drinks emphasizes that choosing healthy foods can taste good.”

“Our steering committee is very grateful to work with the leadership of Penn State Health St. Joseph––the title sponsor of the expo––because they have been instrumental in the creation and growth of the event since I first shared the idea with them,” notes Mele. “They are visionaries in preventative care and are active in community-minded events that promote health and wellness.”

“We also extend our gratitude to the many community sponsors and volunteers who make the event possible and share in our joy of promoting good health,” enthuses Mele. Opportunities are still available for event-day volunteers, sponsors, nonprofits and food vendors. Registration forms can be found on the website.

Rain date: October 9. Location 1900 Centre Ave., Reading. Parking is available at Carpenter Technology, across from FirstEnergy Stadium. For more information, visit MyGutInstinct.org.

Gisele Rinaldi Siebold is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks edition. Connect with her at [email protected].