Vermont Healthcare Profiles - One Family’s Triumph over Cancer Becomes a Wellness Journey for Many

August 13, 2007 Good Housekeeping Located on over 570 acres on picturesque Darling Hill, the Stepping Stone  Spa and Wellness Center is dedicated to promoting a nourishing and healthy lifestyle for body, mind, and spirit. Richard Downing, a man of strong Catholic faith with 35 foster children, 4 biological children, 3 adopted children, and 50 grandchildren, had just sold his highly successful financial company when he was diagnosed with cancer. Though this news would shatter some, it was a call to action for Richard. An avid reader, he began extensively researching alternative treatments,  preventive health, and nutrition. From this knowledge, he created a vision for the Stepping Stone Spa and Wellness Center. Four Pillars of Life "The four pillars of life, emotional/mental, physical, nutritional, and spiritual balance, are the foundations of the Stepping Stone and spring directly from Richard’s vision,” says Jennifer Kirchoff , program director and personal trainer at Stepping Stone.  “Adhering to these pillars is how Richard beat the cancer. He learned that the majority of chronic diseases can be avoided, reduced, or eliminated simply by making intelligent, preventive measures and decisions to lead a healthier life style...and that is what we embody here at our Wellness Center. Our goal is to help others avoid the traumatic cancer treatments Richard was forced to endure.” Education “Our educational Wellness Program offerings are physicianled,” continues Jennifer. “ These workshops include such notable speakers as Dr. Christine Girard, chief medical officer of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona.  The addition of Dr. David Katz as our medical director will only serve to enhance these offerings.” Enrichment With its dedication to education and wellness, this award-winning spa offers an enriching experience. “Guests deeply appreciate the therapeutic and pampering offerings of massages, herbal body wraps, salt and sugar scrubs, as well as lavish accommodations in any of our four guest rooms,” says Jennifer. “Our commitment to a holistic and preventive approach includes such healthy essentials as organic meals in our Garden Cafe down to the smallest detail of all-natural massage oils.” MEMBER: New England Inns & Resorts, Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce AWARD: Business Improvement Award Introducing Dr. David Katz Director of Medical Programming Stepping Stone Spa and Wellness Center is proud to announce the addition of Dr. David Katz, Director of Yale Prevention Research, as Director of Medical Programming. Featured by Oprah, ABC and the New York Times, Dr. Katz will help us develop weight, nutrition management, healthy heart, and cancer prevention Wellness Programs. “Whether you are fighting a disease or taking responsibility for your family’s health, education and nutrition are vital,” says Dr. Katz. www.davidkatzmd.com For your journey to well-being or to see a current listing of educational offerings:  Stepping Stone Spa Wellness Programs  To view a reprint of this Good Housekeeping article: Click here to view the article.