Health Promotion
Health Promotion events are focused on improving the quality and length of life for Special Olympics Indiana athletes by providing athletes with knowledge and tools to make better decisions about their overall health.
To encourage healthy behaviors, reduce risks 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
- 37% adult athletes are overweight or obese
- 24% have low bone density
- 23% children and adolescents are overweight or obese
Health Disciplines & Screenings
