If you take a multi-vitamin and mineral pill to help supplement the nutrients you may not be getting through your diet, how do you know if it is effective? With so many brands to choose from, is there really a difference?

Now thanks to new technology available for the first time in the Twin Cities, in about four minutes you can get an assessment that will tell you if your supplements are working. Measuring your body's antioxidant levels is as simple as wrapping your hand around a scanner that is about the size of a football. At the same time, you can learn why experts rate some supplement brands higher than others.

Using new non-invasive laser technology, a device called a biophotonic scanner can measure the level of antioxidants in your body through your palm. The scanner was developed by the University of Utah with support and funding by the National Science Foundation.

"It's been said that the amount of antioxidants you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you're going to live. In the future, knowing your antioxidant level could be as important as knowing your cholesterol level," says Ted Manley, CEO of the first retail store in America to offer the scans.

His anti-aging and nutrition centers, called Your Body Repair Shop^SM, are located in The Mall of America and Ridgedale Mall. Manley will also set up a mini-store within the upcoming Body Mind Life Expo™, to be held March 18-19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, where he will make biophotonic scans available to attendees.

Manley admits that he was initially skeptical about the scanner's validity, but became convinced of its usefulness after learning that it had been scrutinized by scientists across the country. "The scanners put an accountability factor into antioxidant supplements that previously never existed," he says.

In addition to determining their antioxidant levels, customers at any Your Body Repair Shop^SM location can also learn about the differences in quality among supplement brands in as many as 15 different health and wellness categories ranging from weight loss products to those supporting heart health.

Your Body Repair Shop^SM features the top rated brands in each product category, based on independent, third party analysis. "We respect the fact that people are busy and we want to make supplement buying as convenient as possible. By featuring only the highest quality brands, we do the research for our customers," Manley explains. "We even post all of the product ratings so that they can see how the different brands compare."

Although the stores have been open less than a year, this unique concept is already attracting a legion of loyal customers. "In addition to baby boomers, we get people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are interested in getting scanned and taking supplements because they know they're not eating well. Plus they are tired of shopping at places where they don't know the quality of what they are buying."

Manley comments that, "We're not selling the cheapest brands available. But people are willing to pay for quality. They have a real comfort level that these brands are effective."

Many of these top brands will be available from the mini-store at the Body Mind Life Expo™. The store will also be scanning antioxidant levels. "As an added convenience, we offer a direct ship program to customers so that they don't have to return to the store monthly for their supplement supply," says Manley. "People will be able to sign up for the direct ship program during the expo and take their first 30-day supply with them."

Experts predict that the wellness/anti-aging industry, already valued at $200 billion a year, will become a trillion dollar industry over next 10 years. "People are becoming more conscious about their health and quality of life. We feel we're setting a new standard for quality, and employing the newest technology with our scanner," says Manley.

The Body Mind Life Expo™ is the Midwest's largest health and natural products expo, featuring hundreds of cutting edge products and services, free informative seminars, and nonstop entertainment. Now in its fifth year, the expo is designed to help people explore their wellness options and re-energize their busy lives.

From ancient Far Eastern therapies to healthy cooking for families on the go, this is a fun opportunity for anyone interested in self-improvement to explore the latest in products and services. The event, produced by Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc., draws thousands of visitors each year.

Visit the Body Mind Life Expo™ online at www.101Expos.com or by calling the Expo hotline at 612-798-7256. The Expo is sponsored by Your Body Repair Shop^SM, and KSTC Channel 45 TV.

Media note: To schedule an interview with Ted Manley, or a Body Mind Life Expo™ spokesperson, please contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

Ted R. Manley serves as the chief executive officer for Your Body Repair Shop. In addition, Manley is president and chief operating officer of Minnetonka Boat Club and Rental. With more than 30 years of senior level retail experience, Manley has served in executive capacities with many nationally recognized growth companies including Grow Biz International (N/K/A/ Winmark Corp.), Play it Again Sports, Once Upon a Child and Brauns Fashions (N/K/A Christopher & Banks).

A graduate of Drake University, Manley is married and has five children and three grandchildren.