vitality.

According to Canadian pharmacist Sherry Torkos a routine that takes into account traditional and complementary medicine, lifestyle, nutrition and supplements, is a sound formula for good health.

"I believe in a holistic approach, one that's not based solely on herbs or medicine,'' she said. "I think things like exercise and spirituality have roles to play.

"My focus is on preventive medicine. I think we all need to be more proactive when it comes to our health.'' Ms Torkos has spent the week sharing her pharmaceutical and holistic health care knowledge with the local medical community and the public at large.

"I've been meeting with different community groups and professionals to discuss complementary medicine and where it fits into health care,'' she explained. "I have also been holding consultations with the public.'' Healthy living Ms Torkos has written articles for the American Journal of Natural Medicine and the Internal Journal of Integrative Medicine and penned two books -- Vanish Varicose Veins and The Secret of St. John's Wart Revealed.

She serves on the medical advisor board for the Canadian Celiac Association and is a regular contributor to Canadian publications like Health Watch Magazine, and Healthy Living Guide.

During her stay, Ms Torkos has addressed employees of the Bank of Bermuda, the nursing staff at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.

Today, she will visit pharmacies in Warwick, Paget and Collector Hill before stopping off at the Bermuda Pharmacy on Pitts Bay Road in Hamilton to meet the public.

"My goal is to provide education and information on complementary medicine as well as tell people what they should look for when selecting supplements.'' Ms Torkos said that judging by their response, she thinks her message was getting through to locals.

"I've had great response so far,'' she said. "I've met a lot of nice people who seem very interested.'' Phoenix spokesperson Pauline Girling said the store was pleased with the public's response to Ms Torkos and planned to facilitate more interaction between locals and the medical community.

"We want to do this more often and encourage two-way communication between the public and the medical profession.''