Members of Restoration Fellowship Church is to hold a two-day wellness symposium at the Bermuda College.

"We have noticed that a number of people in our community are suffering with cancer and receiving treatment in Bermuda and overseas," said Angria Bassett chairperson of the committee organising the symposium.

"There is constant news of those who are being challenged by poor health and being hindered in living a life designed for them by God," she added. She said many in the church's congregation are in the healthcare field and are aware of the growing incidence of several conditions in the local community.

She cited cancer, chronic pain, asthma and allergy-related ailments, as being of particular concern to the committee. "If our community members are ill then we have a less productive community and there will be increased resources required to care for them. So let's keep Bermuda productive."

Ms Bassett explained that her church is heeding a call from the Bible to educate people. "The Bible says that the people perish because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6) and the symposium is one of our answers to that problem," she said.

Local doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have agreed to participate in the free event, but the main speaker will be naturopathic doctor and TV personality, Valerie Saxion.

Dr. Saxion, a mother of eight is the creator and presenter of 'Alternative Health with Valerie Saxion', a weekly programme that airs on Daystar, Inspiration, the Church Channel, FIT TV networks as well as select PAX stations.

She has been ministering health for 29 years. Also an author, she strives to educate her audience about the many benefits of alternative health and natural health protection and its corresponding principles.

Her TV show features discussions on a wide range of health issues, including nutrition, food supplements, and anti-aging advances.

Dr. Saxion will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the symposium on Friday, March 27 at 9.15 a.m., and will lead a workshop at 6.30 p.m.

Following her morning address there will be presentations from nurse Kim Ball on HIV/AIDS in Bermuda. Liz Boden and Jennifer Wilson will talk on asthma and allergies, registered dietician Cymone Hollis on a balanced diet and the Bermuda Heart Foundation on circulatory health.

There will also be a presentation specifically looking at men's health issues.

The symposium begins Friday, March 27 at 9 a.m. In addition to the presentations and workshops, there will be several health stalls and plenty for children to keep them entertained.