Two keynote speakers will address integrative medicine during the community event, “Wellness Across the Age Spectrum,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium, 2113 Hughes Drive at the north end of campus off ProMedica Parkway.

The free, public event is sponsored by ProMedica Health System. This year’s theme, integrative medicine, emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between patients and their doctors, using various conventional and alternative therapies.

Dr. Mounir Elkhatib, director of The Great Lakes Center for Integrative Medicine and a clinical associate professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, will discuss “The Mediterranean Diet.” Elkhatib, formerly with Sylvania Internists, is a longtime advocate of alternative therapies, including herbal supplements.

Dr. Richard Flanigan, preventive cardiologist and assistant clinical professor of cardiology at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, will present “The Language of Healing.” Flanigan co-authored the book, “Longevity Made Simple,” with his daughter, Dr. Kate Flanigan Sawyer, which offers information and advice for living a healthier life based on clinical experience and scientific research.

Audience members will have the opportunity ask questions if time permits.

“The intent of the conference is to help people understand more about integrative medicine, and that integrative is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes into account the whole person — body, mind and spirit, including all aspects of lifestyle,” said Judy Gonia, ProMedica director of continuing medical education.

In its fifth year, the annual event features wellness-oriented themes such as “Reconnecting with Your Wild Food Heritage.” While Gonia’s department focuses on education for the physicians and some of the allied health professions, the “Wellness Across the Age Spectrum” series addresses issues important to nonprofessionals as well, using evidence-based research to educate through “layman’s language.”

“What we try to do is once or twice a year, we bring in a speaker who is unique,” she added. “It may have a focus not only for medical people but also for the community. We try to do a presentation in the evening for the community as a community service.”

ProMedica requests that guests make reservations Sept. 22. For more information, call (419) 291-7901 or e-mail carrie.niemic@promedica.org.