Athletes can make sure they’re in perfect shape for competition by attending Health Promotions, part of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, at Special Olympics Wisconsin’s State Summer Games in Stevens Point on Friday, June 6.
Since 2008, Health Promotions has ensured Special Olympics athletes receive free screenings for blood pressure (BP), bone mineral density (BMD) and body mass index (BMI), among others. But screenings are just one part of what makes Health Promotions such an important initiative for athletes.
“The focus is on fun and education,” said Melissa Schoenbrodt, Director of Wellness Initiatives for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Schoenbrodt emphasized that Health Promotions isn’t about lecturing athletes about how to get in shape. Instead, the discipline offers a variety of hands-on activities designed to engage the athletes, including games and giveaways.
“It’s really different from all of the other disciplines,” she said.
Each athlete receives different Health Promotions advice tailored to their needs after volunteer medical professional’s interview them on their health habits and screen their BP, BMD and BMI. Depending on the results, athletes may be sent to stations such as sun safety, where they will learn about keeping themselves protected from the sun’s rays, and bone health, where they will learn how to keep their bones strong.
Health Promotions continues to raise the bar in helping athletes get healthy. This year, Special Olympics Wisconsin will phone participants after the event to follow up if there are concerns from the initial screening to ensure they are on track.
This program is one of many free health screenings Special Olympics Healthy Athletes offers. Any registered athlete can take advantage of the services, regardless of whether they are competition at the tournament where it is offered.
“An athlete does not have to be competing at Summer Games to go through Healthy Athletes,” said Schoenbrodt, encouraging all athletes to visit.
Health Promotions isn’t the only discipline athletes can visit at the Summer Games. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative will offer three other disciplines athletes can use and enjoy. Volunteer medical professionals will perform free eye, ear, and dental screenings at the tournament. Athletes may even receive a pair of free prescription eyeglasses at the Opening Eyes station!
For more information about Healthy Athletes at the 2014 Summer Games, visit www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/athletewellness/
