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Rutgers School of Health Related Professions Brings Health Screening Team to Special Olympics
Faculty, staff, students and alumni volunteered their time and talent to help keep athletes healthy and well.
More than 50 faculty, staff, students, and alumni from Rutgers School of Health Related Professions screened athletes participating in the 2016 Special Olympics New Jersey as part of an effort to educate the competitors on staying healthy.
The nation’s largest allied health school with more than 35 health programs, Rutgers School of Health Related Professions led a multi-disciplinary team of volunteers who screened for blood pressure, bone density, height, weight and body mass index. Interactive education exhibits invited the athletes to learn about safe hand washing techniques, hydration, sun safety, smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity.
“With our expertise in various health disciplines, we are in a unique position to collaborate as a team and support the athletes by providing individual screenings and education to enhance their overall lifestyle,” said Gerri McKay, RD, Ed.M, associate professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, who coordinated the volunteers.
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Among them was Cherlyn Scantlebury, principal management assistant in Nutritional Sciences, who was helping out for the 25th consecutive year. This year, she registered athletes, remembering many of them from previous Olympics.
“Whether it is bronze, silver or gold, they wear those medals with pride. We always congratulate them on winning those medals and they smile. Those smiles make my heart swell,” said Ms. Scantlebury, who for many years, brought her husband, Terence, and their niece and nephew, as volunteers. “Volunteering at this event is my way of giving back.”
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The group was at the Special Olympics at the College of New Jersey on June 11 and 12 as part of the Healthy Athletes program, designed to help the athletes improve their health and fitness.
Screening and education was done by faculty and students from these programs: Physician Assistant, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Dietetic Internship, and the Cardiac and Vascular Sonography programs. Rutgers School of Health Related Profession programs are in Newark, Scotch Plains, Piscataway ,and Stratford.
Volunteers included Avril Lecky, Director of Faculty Affairs, and Carol Sadley, PA-C, Ed. M., as well as
Joann Rittersbach, BS, MT (ASCP) and Ms. McKay, both of whom trained as Clinical Directors for Health Promotions and liaisons with Andrea R. Picariello, healthy communities manager for Special Olympics, NJ.
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