Health Promotion events are focused on improving the quality and length of life for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes by providing them with knowledge and tools to make better decisions about their health and well-being.
To encourage healthy behaviors, reduce risky behaviors and improve self-efficacy and self-advocacy, health care professionals provide athletes health screenings (BMI, blood pressure and bone mineral density (BDM) measurements), interactive educational tools and motivational health information.
Health Promotion focuses on the following core areas:
- Nutrition/hydration
- Bone health
- Sun safety and skin care
- Tobacco avoidance and cessation
- Physical activity
Additional health topics include hygiene and sanitation, sleep deprivation, food and water-borne illness, cardiovascular health and night safety.
Impact
Health Promotion events throughout the US have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes have limited knowledge of proper health practices.
- 37% adult athletes are overweight or obese
- 24% have low bone density
- 23% children and adolescents are overweight or obese
Available Screenings
Health Promotion events are offered at the Summer Games and the Outdoor Sports Tournament.
Volunteer Opportunities
The intent of Health Promotion events is to provide Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes with knowledge and tools to make better decisions about their health and well-being. We seek to encourage athletes’ healthy behaviors, reduce risky behaviors and improve self-efficacy and self-advocacy. At these events, health care professionals conduct athlete interviews and health screenings (BMI, blood pressure and bone mineral density (BDM) measurements) and provide interactive education and health information to motivate athletes’ healthy choices.
To best accomplish these goals and activities, Health Promotion invites volunteers with a special interest in health promotion, who are able to independently participate in the event and are at least 16 years of age and older. Please note that any volunteer under the age of 18 years must obtain a parent or guardian signature on their volunteer registration form. Thank you for your consideration.
To volunteer for Health Promotion please email hpsowi@charter.net.
Medical Advisor
Leah Ederer, MD
Clinical Directors
Judy Stych, DNP, RN, CDDN
Linda Peterson, RD, CD, MPH
Contact
For more information on Health Promotion, please contact Melissa Schoenbrodt, Director of Health Programs.
