Willow Glen, California Since 1992
Cafe Willow Glen
Healthy shopping is found at the House of Nutrition By Staci L. Jameson These days it seems that there are vitamins for sale on every corner. From the gas station to the local grocer, there are boxes, bags and bottles of pills that claim to make people healthier and stronger. But how do people know what they should be taking? According to Monika Keller, owner of House of Nutrition, the first thing you should do is speak to your doctor. "There are many vitamins that you shouldn't take if you are on certain medications. There are many more that you should be taking if you are on medications that drain the body of its natural nutrients, but always ask your doctor first," says Keller. Keller came to the United States from Raciborz, Poland in 1981. She signed up for English classes. After two months Keller ventured out to find employment. She began working for Berman's Department store. Each day she would see a man walking by the window of her store. That man was Phil Keller, the original owner of House of Nutrition. Not long after they met, they were married, and Phil gave the shop to Monika as a wedding gift. The new Mrs. Keller began reading everything she could find on vitamins and nutrition. "I want to help people," Keller says. "It is important to keep your body healthy. It is the only one we are given." Initially Keller has her new customers take a virtual tour of the Health Notes Online program she runs at the front of the store. "The computer asks you questions and then makes recommendations on what would be right for you," says Keller. "People ask my advice, but I have to be careful. I have no degree in nutrition and don't want to give people advice that would hurt them." Once a customer has the printout, Keller happily shows the customer where to find what he or she needs. While some customers come for the diet tonics, others come for the natural packaged fruits and oils that House of Nutrition has to offer. Large refrigeration coolers line one side of the shop, offering several cold health and energy drinks. Although Keller doesn't give medical advice, she has had enough experience to know what certain people shouldn't take. "Some vitamins tend to thin your blood. If you are already taking a blood thinner, you do not want to take those vitamins. So I always ask the customer when they come up to the counter," says Keller. Aside from the vitamins, oils and cool drinks, Keller has included some some-nutritional items in her store - knickknacks and jewelry and stress balls. Keller still believes in the old ways of doing business. She offers a money-back guarantee, as well as a mail order option and personal home delivery for those unable to come to the shop. House of Nutrition, 1371 Lincoln Ave. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 408.292.4109. |
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