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Health Promotion uses interactive educational tools and displays, motivational literature and demonstrations to raise awareness of the need to improve and maintain an enhanced level of wellness and self-care. Additionally, Health Promotion interviews athletes to assess their health habits and conducts health screenings in three key areas: BMI-body mass index based on height and weight, BP-blood pressure, and BMD-bone mineral density. Health Promotion is by design fun, interactive, positive and engaging. In this environment, we help athletes learn how small changes in their behaviour can help them improve and maintain good health and sports performance.
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NUTRITION / HYDRATION
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BONE HEALTH
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SUN SAFETY
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TOBACCO AVOIDANCE AND CESSATION
Want to volunteer at a Healthy Athletes event? No prior experience is required but professionals or students in the following or related fields are welcome to volunteer for Health Promotion screenings: Nutrition, Health Education, Nursing, and Medicine. Contact Us!
Additional Resources
HEALTH PROMOTION CLINICAL DIRECTORS
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SHAFEEQ ARMSTRONG | Shafeeq Armstrong has worked for Special Olympics Ontario as a Health Program Developer since 2015 and has volunteered as a basketball coach with the organization since 2012. He is excited about building a level of inclusive health for people with intellectual disabilities. He has an MSc in Human Health and Nutritional Science. Currently, he is completing a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Public Health Policy at the University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
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LARISSA VALENTINE | 
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JANET MCCABE |Dr. Janet McCabe, is an Associate Professor, in Nursing, with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University.  Informed by years of professional registered nursing practice in both acute and rehabilitative pediatric settings,  Janet has worked with Special Olympics Canada and Special Olympics Saskatchewan, and Special Olympics Ontario.  Janet is committed to helping create and advocate for the health of individuals with intellectual disabilities – whether it’s through sport or the education of health care providers, and working with directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families and caregivers.
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KATIE AU | Dr. Katherine Au ("Dr. Katie") is a Clinical Director in Health Promotion for Special Olympics Canada. Dr. Katie is proud to be the owner and Clinic Director of one of Toronto's top-rated multidisciplinary health clinics, as well as an experienced Chiropractor and Fitness Trainer. She has combined professional experience of 26 years in the health and fitness industry with over 10 years as a practicing chiropractor, over 9 years as an acupuncture practitioner and 17 years as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist and fitness coach.
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COURTNEY ANDERSON | Having started as a Community Sport Manager with Special Olympics Alberta, Courtney became passionate about the athletes and their health. Courtney believes the vision of Special Olympics and creating inclusive sport communities is profound and separates Special Olympics from other sport organizations. Courtney believes that Healthy Athletes expands further on this vision to provide inclusive health. With her background in health and nutrition and a graduate degree in Human Kinetics Courtney is excited to be a dedicated team member of the Healthy Athletes program.

OPENING EYES

The mission of Special Olympics – Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® is to improve the quality of life for the millions of individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities by optimizing their vision, eye health and visual skills through quality eye care.

Learn More → STRONG MINDS

Strong Minds aims to teach athletes mental exercises and provide resources to increase relaxation and stress management skills.

Learn More → SPECIAL SMILES

Providing solutions to chronic dental problems, or providing an athlete with a mouth guard, can enhance the athlete’s performance.

Learn More → HEALTHY HEARING

The Healthy Hearing program serves as a global audiological screening, care, and referral program for our athletes.

Learn More → FIT FEET

Many Special Olympics athletes suffer from foot and ankle pain, or deformities that impair their performance. Athletes are not always fitted with the best shoes and socks for their particular sport.

Learn More → FUNFITNESS

FUNfitness is the comprehensive physical therapy component of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® initiative.

Learn More → MEDFEST

Special Olympics MedFest is a free health screening that facilitates the acquisition of the standard sports physical is required under the General Rules of Special Olympics, Inc.

Learn More → HEALTH PROMOTION

Health Promotion is a free screening that offers health information and advice in the areas of nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco cessation, and physical fitness.

Learn More →