On February 4, 2009 from 7-9 pm, at Pilates Sarasota, five leading Sarasota health, fitness and nutrition professionals will deliver the seminar, ‘How to Make 2009 Your Healthiest and Best Year Ever,’ as a community awareness and fundraising event for Katelyn Joy Derstine Scholarship Fund benefitting Sarasota High School Senior Girls.

“The purpose of this event is to kick-off 2009 by teaching Sarasota residents a proven strategy for achieving their New Year’s Resolutions of health and fitness and raising money for a great charity that I feel strongly about,” explains Pilates Sarasota owner, Shannon Willits, a certified fitness and nutrition professional with 16-years experience serving hundreds of Sarasota residents.

“Most people set health and fitness goals for the New Year, and start off with full momentum, but burn out quickly and never reach their goals. At this seminar, we will reveal how anyone with the desire can make 2009 the year their weight loss and fitness goals are finally achieved,” says Willits. “The line-up of health, fitness and personal care experts I’ve assembled is formidable. We’re all very confident we can have a real impact on the health of our community – and raise money for a worthy cause at the same time. We intentionally chose the name of the event because of its big promise. Sarasota residents have supported our businesses over the years, and now we want to give back by showing them how to make 2009 their best year yet,” explains Willits.

Dr. Maureen Maguire of First Physicians Group, Dr. Jessica Lipham, ND of Sarasota Healing Arts, Dr. Chippy Nalluri, MD of Heart Specialists of Sarasota and Jack Ryan, LMT, CNMT of Soar Point Massage, will also be in attendance to share tips and information on their programs for making 2009 the best year ever for all in attendance.

The ‘How to Make 2009 Your Healthiest and Best Year Ever’ seminar and fundraising event for KJD Scholarship Fund will begin at 7 p.m. at Pilates Sarasota. All Sarasota residents over 15 years of age are invited. There is no cost to attend other than a small $10 donation to The KJD Scholarship Fund at the door. Additional information about the event is available at www.sarasotabestyearever.com.

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Note To Editor: Shannon Willits is available for candid and informative interviews on health and fitness. She can be reached directly at 941-993-8316.

Dr. Maureen Maguire, MD, Gynecologist, First Physician's Group
Presentation: "10 Greatest Hits – for Reducing Your Risk for Cancer" You'll learn how reducing your "Hits" reduces your risk.

Shannon Willits, Owner, Pilates Sarasota
Presentation: "5 Keys to Transforming Your Body in Record Time" You'll get a step-by-step plan for getting in the best shape of your life called "Your Best Body Blueprint." Shannon is a certified personal trainer, Stott Pilates instructor and certified nutrition consultant. She has helped hundreds of Sarasota men and women just like you achieve their health and fitness goals.

Dr. Chippy Nalluri, MD, Cardiologist, Heart Specialists of Sarasota
Presentation: "Women and Heart Disease" You'll learn that Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women, how to recognize symptoms, and importantly how to alter your risk. Dr. Nalluri's practice focuses on diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with a special emphasis on non-invasive imaging, women's health, preventive cardiology and congestive heart failure.

Dr. Jessica Lipham, ND, Owner, Sarasota Healing Arts
Presentation: "Whole food nutrition for weight loss: debunking the myths of low fat foods" well as the dangers lurking within consumption of soy (that fabulous "health food" impressed upon women for its supposed menopausal protection.) Using Weston A Price's work and the latest topic specific research, Dr. Jessica will highlight how to approach a whole food diet in relation to weight loss and weight loss maintenance.

Jack Ryan, LMT, CNMT, Owner, Soar Point Massage
Presentation: "How to Live Pain-Free in 2009" Jack will present on how he helps people heal their pain through Education, Manual Therapy and Self Responsibility. Jack has multiple techniques and has helped hundreds of clients manage pain.