Health and wellness businesses successfully launched on ABC’s Shark Tank show will be spotlighted at the 4th Annual Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo on October 17 and 18 at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. The Shark Tank Health Zone, a special new attraction for the expo, will feature Billy Blanks Jr., creator and director of Dance It Out, along with Nuts ‘N More, First Defense Nasal Screens and others.

A certified professional known for designing feel-good fitness programs that make working out fun, Blanks’ Dance It Out company’s dance programs are expanding in America, Japan and other countries. In addition, Blanks is an accomplished director and choreographer. His DVDs will be available for purchase and signing. Blanks will conduct one-hour dance fitness classes on Saturday at 1:30pm and Sunday at noon. To preregister for one of the free classes, call TMK Sports & Entertainment at 203-531-3047.

Nuts ‘N More started four years ago when the founders sought healthy alternatives for adding protein to the diet without resorting to bars or shakes. The company has expanded from high protein peanut and almond butters to other nut-based products such as Almond Infused Protein and a new Peanut Powder line. The products will be available for tasting and purchasing.

First Defense Nasal Screens are designed to help filter and reduce the amount of contaminants that people inhale in all types of environments. They can be worn for up to 24 hours and seal 100 percent of the nasal passage. Self-cleaning, they will not clog and can be worn in extremely hot and cold temperatures without losing their extra strength moisture-resistant and repelling hypo-allergenic adhesive.

The 4th Annual Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo will feature complimentary health screenings for adults by Stamford Hospital, children’s activities, and athlete and author appearances in addition to information, products, services and demos from over 90 exhibitors. Admission and parking are free. The public is asked to bring nonperishable food to donate for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

In addition to the title sponsor, Stamford Hospital, sponsors include Grade A ShopRite, CVS Health, EBMAS CT Martial Arts, Karl Chevrolet, the Microsoft Store Danbury Fair Mall and Healthy CT, Passport For Life. Media sponsors are Star 99.9, 95.9 the Fox, News 12 Connecticut, Moffly Media/Stamford Magazine, Natural Awakenings Fairfield County, Fairfield Parent and Hearst Media Services. The event kicks off on Saturday with the 2nd Annual Run Walk for Health & Hunger, a 5K to benefit The Food Bank.

For more information, visit HWS-Expos.com. Expo hours are 9am to 4pm on October 17 and 11am to 4pm on October 18. Location: Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford. See ad, page 53.