Wellness Park

Rocky Mountain College
Fortin Education Center
Billings , Montana

The Wellness Park at the Summer Games is how Special Olympics Montana advocates the Healthy Athlete Program. At Wellness Park, numerous health screenings and health education is available for athletes, their coaches and families. Health care professionals from around the state volunteer their time and expertise to supervise the screenings and provide one-to-one education. Clinical students and community volunteers also provide support and learn to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Information we receive from these screenings help us gain a better understanding of the health conditions of our Montana athletes. We use this information to advocate for our athletes and guide us in promoting improved, healthier lifestyles for all. Since 2007, we have learned the following about Montana athletes:

·         43% failed hearing tests,

·         45% had gum disease,

·         26% had below normal Bone Mineral Density,

·         11% are overweight,

·         18 % are obese, and

·         62% had one or more foot diseases or conditions.

Wellness Park offers fun health and interactive health screenings and education activities in a friendly, positive atmosphere that promotes improved health and fitness of the athletes. For those who have never experienced Wellness Park, you owe it to yourself to make time to visit with the clinical professionals – ask questions, get screened and feel better about being a healthy athlete.

The Healthy Athletes Wellness Park at the 2012 Montana State Summer Games in Billings will feature the following screenings:

Opening Eyes:   New for 2012 in Billings! Check back for details.

Special Smiles:   Visit the Special Smiles booth where our smile specialists will check your teeth and gums and help you learn the proper ways to keep those pearly whites looking bright! Get a brand new tooth care kit – a toothbrush, toothpaste and get a FREE mouth guard and other dental aids.

FUNfitness: If you want to become stronger and faster for your next event, you should come to FUNfitness. Visit us for flexibility, strength, and balance testing and we'll create a customized exercise program just for you. Remember…fitness is FUN!

Fit Feet:  Keep your feet healthy and have Fit Feet for life! Professionals will examine and measure your feet for proper shoe fit. Get information regarding good foot hygiene, basic foot care and resources for podiatrists and orthotic care.

Healthy Hearing:  Now hear this! Visit the hearing professionals to find out if you’re hearing as well as you should. 

Health Promotion.  It’s fun to be a healthy athlete! Learn a variety of ways to live a healthier life, from eating the right foods for increased energy, losing weight, and just feeling better. Learn why it’s important to drink unsweetened beverages like water, why you need to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, and how to live a tobacco free life.

Nutrition:   What are your favorite foods? Talk to our dietitians and learn about these foods to see how best to choose the right amounts for proper nutrition.

Hydration:   To perform your best during training and competitions, keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water for your good health! Stop by the "Hydration Station" for a cool, refreshing drink of water.

Tobacco Free:   Rid yourself of the chewing tobacco and smoking curse. Get information on how best to kick the habit to become "tobacco free."

Strong Bones:   Everyone wants healthy bones! Have the density of your bones checked. Find out just how strong your bones are and what you can do to make them stronger. Also, have your height and weight measured to learn about your body mass index (BMI), and get your blood pressure tested.

Sun Safety:   Beware! Too much sun can be dangerous. Come learn how the right clothing and headgear can be your protective armor. Decorate a visor to wear, and protect yourself from the wickedly harmful effects of the sun.

First Aid:   Do you have a scrape that needs to be cleaned or bandaged? Or perhaps you’re feeling a little under the weather? Stop by the Wellness Park First Aid Station where professional staff will be on hand to assist with minor aches, pains and cuts.

Wellness Park Details

Wednesday, May 16th and Thursday, May 17th, 2012
  9am to 3pm