January 25th, Social Butterfly Club Member Interview: Dr. Michael Friedman
Reporter: Alice Zhou

Alice: Tell me about your company Sequoia Wellness Centre?
Michael: I founded this office in Nov 2003, out of a desire to provide integrative healing in a multi-purpose health facility. It started with just chiropractic and massage therapy and it grew to include Pilates, nutrition counseling, acupuncture and naturopathy.

A: Why did you start?
M: I really enjoy helping people, especially to become healthy and well. Our centre provides them with the tools and information regarding healing, nutrition, exercise, health and wellness, to achieve their health goals. This is my first real job since attaining my Chiropractic license; it’s really a rewarding career that allows me to help others in my community.

A: Where did you get your education?
M: I went to York University back East for my Kinesiology Degree, and then completed my Doctorate of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas.

A: Who are your clients?
M: I get a wide range of clients, they can be from the Downtown Eastside, or around the corner from my office, their age ranges from 12-90, be it teachers, lawyers, men or women. What is common though is that they’re all committed to their health and wellness.

A: What is the most common thing they come in for?
M: Headaches and Back pain is what usually brings people in. People also come because they want to be proactive about their health.

A: What causes them?
M: Sitting for too long, lack of exercise, car accidents, poor diet, there are a variety of reasons that are all related to some form of stress on the body.

A: Any solutions for these pains?
M: Come see me on a regular basis; don’t sit for more than 1 hour at a time, eat a proper diet, stay physically active with regular exercise and keep a positive mental attitude.

A: Does your Jewish heritage background help you in your business?
M: Judaism emphasizes a strong sense of helping those in your community, and giving to others. I guess a part of why I choose to do what I do is helping people and giving back to my community.

A: Your wife is a nutritionist and Yoga teacher at your centre, how did you guys meet?
M: We met at a Yoga studio in Sept 2003, and I invited her to join my BNI Chapter, we started there. We got engaged Sept 2004, and got married in Aug 2005, and now she’s 6 months pregnant with our first child.

A: What is Liz’s background?
M: Liz was trained as a ballet dancer and actor, and had a strong belief in proper nutrition. It was a natural fit for her to join us here at Sequoia Wellness Centre. We work really well together.

A: What characteristics do you think have helped you in your success?
M: Integrity, dedication, hard work and patience.

A: What do you two do for fun?
M: We do Yoga. We enjoy the beauty of British Columbia by taking hikes and we also love to travel.

A: What are the major trends in the health/wellness industry for the next 5-10 years?
M: There will be a major paradigm shift, from waiting until pain/illness starts, to a more proactive lifestyle of health and prevention.

A: What do you take to keep your body healthy?
M: We get regular chiropractic adjustments, regular exercise, keep a positive outlook on life and eat a healthy diet, including a quality fish oil supplement. This is omega 3 fatty acids and has EPA and DHA, which are required by every cell in your body. These ingredients, in conjunction with a healthy, whole foods based diet, can help keep away conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, high cholesterol, etc. We also use an evolution chair when we have to sit for extended periods. This helps build your core and maintains proper posture.

 $179 plus GST at Sequoia Wellness Centre
 $50 at Sequoia Wellness Centre, no taxes

A: Which organizations do you belong to?
M: I’m VP of Membership at BNI, and have been for 4.5 years.

A: What do you and Liz do to stay fit?
M: Liz dances and swims regularly, while I’m the Team Captain of the Golden Bears Hockey Team. We play in The Jewish Community Centre of the Greater Vancouver Adult Hockey League. I also run 3 times a week to get ready for the Vancouver half marathon that’s in May 2007.
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I went for a chiropractic session with Dr. Michael Friedman and found him to be extremely responsive, knowledgeable and caring. If you would like to visit or just get more information, please contact:

Dr. Michael Friedman
Sequoia Wellness
Welcome to True Health
Tel 604 676-0355
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Address: 301-5455 W. Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Web: www.sequoiawellness.com