A member recently dropped by the HANS office on her way downtown for an afternoon meeting. She was frazzled, with life as busy as ever. "Can you please help me find a good massage?" she pleaded with desperation in her eyes. "Not one of those fluffy little rub downs. But a real massage, somewhere downtown. After 6 pm Pullleaaaze!"

I jumped to work and started scouring the HANS Wellness Directory (www.hans.org/directory) for a "real," downtown, open after 6 pm massage.

Considering her meeting location, I settled on Everest Therapeutics and ended up speaking with Mark Bentz, registered massage therapist, to book the appointment. He assured me that this fellow HANS member would be in good hands, and he was also very excited to tell me he had moved to a new floor-in more ways than one.

Mark is now part of a really neat facility called The Electra Health Floor. Located right downtown at Burrard and Nelson, this "floor" is positively hopping with independently owned and operated health and wellness businesses. And the best part is, it's open from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week, accommodating even the most hectic schedule. I decided a field trip was in order.

What I found was similar to an upscale New York apartment. Once inside, I imagined that someone would soon walk by with a tray of bubbly champagne. No champagne arrived, but I was greeted by Rae at the front desk, followed by Victor, the latter a two-and-a-half-year old Labrador/Retriever who, as it turns out, is Mark's seeing eye dog. My experience was getting more unique each minute.

During my interview with Mark, I could soon tell how very sincerely he enjoys helping people. As it turns out, the hectic HANS member who needed a deep massage did not receive treatment from Mark. Instead, he took the time to listen to her specific concerns and suggested another therapist onsite who could better help her that day.

Mark says that one of the best parts of being involved with the Electra Health Floor is working with a diverse group of professionals who can complement each others for the benefit of the clients. He says he doesn't always have the answers and he loves that clients won't leave empty-handed.

A few of Mark's neighbours are Everest Chiropractic, Elements Acupuncture, Reactive Sport Therapy, Korean hand therapy, Radiloff Rolfing, Dr. Mulvey, FRCPC psychiatry, and Bio-Energy Healing. In addition, the facility is always looking for new healthcare and wellness  therapists. "No one has more diversity than us and we just continue to grow," Mark says. With a shared office floor, shared reception and marketing services, as well as online scheduling and a convenient location, I'd say Mark is right.

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