NAME: Georgena Schwarzinski

PROFESSION: Melaleuca referral agent

GETTING INVOLVED IN WELLNESS AS A LIFESTYLE:In 1994, Schwarzinski was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and two different doctors told her she would never walk again. When she heard about Melaleuca’s 90-day challenge the next year, that if she didn’t feel better after taking their products for that time, she would get 100 percent of her money back. “So I had a challenge for them,” she said. She converted her home to only that company’s household cleaning products and used their nutrition supplements. “Within 8 months, I was walking. Not far, maybe four feet without holding on to anything. It was amazing.”

MAINTAINING THAT WELLNESS FOR HERSELF: Schwarzinski works to keep her MS in check by keeping toxins out of her environment, getting proper nutrition for her body, drinking plenty of water and exercising. She works out three times a week at a Mooresville fitness club with a group of friends.

INSPIRING WELLNESS IN OTHERS: Schwarzinski said her greatest effort to inspire wellness in others is education. “You can have the best hairstyle and makeup, but if your cells don’t get the proper nutrition, it means nothing.”

Best wellness advice: Proper nutrition and diet, avoid food and hygiene products with fillers and empty calories. Drinking plenty of water, not sodas or coffee, four quarts a day if possible, along with exercise. “And the power of positive thinking, which is more important than people know.”