Special Olympics Wisconsin Ties In Lifelong Wellness to Athletic Events
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) is re-launching its Healthy Habits Initiative this year, focused on advancing athletes’ overall wellness through day-to-day healthy living. Sponsored by Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nations’ leading health and well-being companies, the program provides tools and resources to help nearly 10,000 Special Olympics athletes in Wisconsin integrate healthy choices into their routines.
The Healthy Habits program offers educational stations and resources that teach SOWI athletes how to establish health and wellness routines, such as maintaining a nutritious diet. These stations will be available year-round at regional sporting events taking place across the state.
The program can be seen in action on April 11, 2015 at the upcoming State Indoor Sports Tournament, at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Students from the Physical Education and Sports for Individuals with Chronic & Permanent Physical Disability class will lead education stations on nutrition awareness, mental preparation and healthy daily living.
According to Director of Wellness, Melissa Schoenbrodt, teaching SOWI athletes healthy habits ensures they will have a healthy future and reach their full potential on the playing field.
“In order for our athletes to compete, they need to be healthy,” said Schoenbrodt. “Thanks to Humana’s support of the Healthy Habits program, SOWI athletes are learning how they can take preventative measures to live healthy lifestyles.”
In 2014, nearly 8,000 athletes had the opportunity to participate in 19 Healthy Habits events throughout the state. Educational topics covered include:
- Oral Health
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Year-round Training
- Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
- Train Your Brain
- Stress Management
- Foot Health
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Sun Safety
- Cold Weather Safety
- Personal Hygiene
- Bone Mineral Density and Bone Health
- Body Mass Index and Healthy Weight
- Pedestrian Safety
Highlighting the level of participation and engagement in the Healthy Habits Initiative, USA Games Coach, Linda Brothen, said “this is such a great leadership opportunity for athletes. It’s wonderful that they are able to learn about the importance of health and share it with others.”
“At Humana we believe wellness and vitality should last a lifetime, and education is a key component to achieving that goal,” said Kristine Seymour, Humana’s Regional Vice President of Market Development in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. “After such a successful first year implementing the Healthy Habits Initiative, we’re thrilled to once again be partnering with the Special Olympics Wisconsin on this program.
Humana has a long-standing history of supporting Special Olympics Wisconsin. Since 2009, in addition to financial support, the company has also donated jump ropes, stress balls, water bottles and pedometers to encourage athletes to maintain their active lifestyles. Furthermore, at the 31stAnnual State Summer Games, Humana sponsored Dancetown, a digital program which combines the fun of interactive video games with the benefits of exercise. By tracking metrics such as calories burned and skill level, the game entices players to compete with friends, and themselves, to improve their activity level.
For more information on the educational tools available through the Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Healthy Habits Initiative, visitSpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org/athletewellness.
About Special Olympics Wisconsin
SOWI is a statewide organization that unleashes the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health, education, and community building, Special Olympics addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities leading to a more welcoming and inclusive society. With the support of coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 17 Olympic-type sports to nearly 10,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Join our online community by following us on Twitter and Facebook!
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders;
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
- Most recent investor conference presentations;
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