Connie Standifer moved to Alabaster when dirt roads, farms and outhouses dominated the land. Now, 50 years and 14 great-grandchildren later, the 85-year-old firecracker doesn't look a day older than 65 and is passionate about staying healthy to take care of her family, friends and the community.

Standifer always saw the value in taking vitamins and supplements but it wasn't until after her husband died during heart surgery at 53-years-young that she decided to open a health foods store. Standifer first opened Healthy Harvey's in Pelham, Alabama in 1978 then opened a second store, Healthy Harvey's 2, less than a year ago in Alabaster.

"I want as many people as possible to know that they don't have to be sick."

Standifer has kept her family healthy with her products for years. "There is so much fast food now that children and adults aren't getting the nutrients that they need.

The megavitamin that I carry is unbelievable and I haven't raised the price in 28 years."

A few years ago Standifer tore her rotator cuff and after nine months of suffering, she accepted a customer's advice to try a particular herb. "Two weeks later I didn't notice any more pain," she said. Standifer also had immense success with natural alternatives when she experienced a gall bladder attack 16 years ago.

"We need the medical world for our emergencies and we need them to diagnose medical problems, but supplements and a healthy diet can help as well," she said. "God grace us natural things to use for our bodies."

Some of Standifers customers have shopped with her since the day her business opened and many who have moved away still order Healthy Harvey's products because of the agreeable results they've had.

"My closest friend now is 12 years younger than I am and many of the people my age are all gone," she said. "But, because I've stayed healthy, I still have enough energy to enjoy my great grandchildren."