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Sally Sharik sees a lot of tired people around town.
And despite people not working as strenuously as they did decades ago, there is something missing.
That missing link, she contends, is a good dose of herbs and other natural supplements.
The need stems from the lack of nutrients in much of the processed food eaten by most people, said Sharik, a registered nurse with 13 years in the industry.
"I think the quality of what we're eating is what the problem is," Sharik said.
Sharik independently provides people with advice on herbal products and said she has no interest in making money through her endeavors. She said she gets calls from 10 to 15 people a week, and that people are hungry for alternative solutions.
Much of the problem, she said, in addition to the lack of nutrients, is that people aren't taking care of their bodies.
"I find a great deal of people that are extremely tired, that are extremely worn out," Sharik said.
Sharik is part of an emerging presence in Warsaw that is advocating the use of alternative medicine, and is affiliated with the Wholistic Institute of Mind, Body and Spirit, a loosely organized group of people in Warsaw and Winona Lake who are offering a series of free seminars on various issues.
Holistic health practices involve a range of different concepts and, above all, require an open mind.
Michelle Webster, who organized the Wholistic Institute, is slowly making inroads in a community that is characteristically slow to change.
So far, turnout at local discussions has been light.
Webster established the Wholistic Institute through her home and on the Internet. The website is 4u2bwhole.com/WIBNMS.
Webster is a consultant in natural health issues and works with therapies involving herbs, essential oils, color, sound and other alternative concepts.
She said she'd like to see the institute used as a forum on health-related issues and not as a political or a social soapbox.
"We have a long way to go," Webster said.
But she contends, "If you look at the research and really think about what I'm doing, it's so scientific. I wouldn't be involved in it if there wasn't any basis for it."
While Webster believes the community's outlook remains quite narrow, there are signs suggesting area people are at least open to the idea.
Brennan's Pharmacy has begun selling natural wellness products and will eventually open the Wellness Store in downtown Warsaw. The Wellness Store is part of a chain that has hundreds of outlets across the United States.
Among the items available are herbal products, essential oils, literature and homeopathic remedies.
Pharmacist Bill Harris has been speaking on the issue locally and recently talked with a group from Retired Tigers Apartments.
"Most of them were in their 60s and 70s. It's not exactly an easy sell group, but the interest is there," Harris said.
The customers turn to alternative medicine because of the cost and side effects of pharmaceuticals, Harris said.
Interest in the products has been good so far. Many of the people already know what they want, which is an indication of the existing demand, Harris said.
Most of the products are sought to reduce mild depression, increase vitality or help against arthritis, he said.
Meanwhile, the institute's free discussions look at a range of issues beyond natural health.
One of the highlights in the series arrives Tuesday when author Dr. Len Horowitz, a nationally recognized expert on viruses and vaccines, will present his theory on the scientific explanation behind AIDS and other emerging viruses.
Horowitz will speak at the Ramada Inn in Warsaw at 7 p.m. A $5 donation will be sought, but nobody will be turned away, Webster said.
Among other classes being offered is a discussion on aromatherapy, and color and sound therapy by Webster on March 10; a look at traditional uses of herbs by Sharik on March 17; natural child birth by Roxanne Parker on March 24; home schooling by Tamara Orr on April 7; and Tai Chi Chuan by Denise Beno on April 14.
The sessions are held at the Warsaw Community Public Library and start at 7 p.m.
Webster has taught natural health seminars across the United States, but her interest spans further into other related areas.
She is certified in cosmo-therapy, established by Dr. Dietrich Gumbel of Germany. The program involves the integration of therapies with all seven senses along with the pituitary and the heart.
Holistic approaches toward health should not be confused with some aspects of New Age thinking, Webster said.
Webster said she's a devout Christian and incorporates her religion into parts of her personal program. She draws a distinct difference between holistic health and New Age.
"In New Age there has to be other spirits involved in guiding either health processes or health attitudes," Webster said.
Advocates of natural health say they want people to take more control of their concerns instead of relying soley on doctors.
"I'm not trying to be a doctor or diagnose anything. I'm just trying to allow people to understand how their bodies works, and then how they can nurse their body so it will actually fight (minor illnesses) on their on," Sharik said.
Health food isn't new to Warsaw, though.
The Health Food Store on Center Street has been open for 20 years. Owners Chuck and Patty Wiersema say sales have steadily risen since they bought it 10 years ago.
"It's a very good time to be in the health food business," Patty Wiersema said.
