The Prairie Wind Fitness Center
                                          by Sheridan County Health Plus, Inc   

Why a Fitness Center

Fitness:  There are very few knowledgeable people who argue against physical fitness as a laudable
    goal.  Many of us have been advised over and over to get the exercise that leads to fitness. But.....
    it is very difficult to achieve this in the long run.  There are many reasons that can explain this
    discrepancy between knowledge and lack of action.  Humans are social animals and we like to
    do things together.  Most of us would prefer to exercise in a group situation with some direction.
    This facility will accomplish this.  It also gives year around climate stability increasing the comfort
    level of the participants.  The hydro-pool and exercise pool are low impact exercise for those
    with medical disabilities.

Recreation:  Games are enjoyed by many people and they keep us mentally sharp as well as
    physically fit.  This facility will offer many different activities in order to appeal to the greatest
    number of local residents.

Education:  The facility will employ a fulltime graduate in sports medicine or other health related
    degree.  They will be able to provide educational lectures and organized activities centered around
    physical fitness and health promotion to keep interest high.

Health:  County residents who have suffered medical problems such as heart attacks, strokes,
    cerebral palsy, sports injuries, joint replacement and others, will be able to continue the therapy
    here after they have completed their formal medical based therapy at the hospital.

Economic development:  Such a first class facility will be a draw for people outside of our
    immediate area to come for therapeutic and recreational activities.  It may well be an amenity
    that will sway a new retiree to stay in town or one move back to the town they were raised in. 
    It could also be the reason that a potential professional chooses Plentywood as a home over
    another similar town with fewer amenities.

Health cost containment:  Chronic illness such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, arthritis, back pain
    are all very expensive illnesses.  Most of these illnesses are treated with expensive medications
    and/or surgical procedures.  It is well known that proper physical training, weight loss, and education
    significantly lowers medication need and therefore costs.  Wellness programs that have been
    started by companies have been shown to lower employee absenteeism and often lower health
    insurance costs and out of pocket medical costs.

Extra weight, higher cost:   From the New York Times