The Big Sandy Medical Center's Wellness Center has finally got its direction solidly in place. Ryan Labuda has a degree in Business Management and is a Certified Trainer. Kurt Strutz has a Master's in Physical Therapy. They are excited to offer residents a place to strengthen their bodies and improve mobility and health. Last thing Ryan and Kurt said to me after the interview was to make sure the emphasis is on the people who are here getting healthier and stronger and the kids who are dedicated to strength and prevention of injuries. They are the ones that are doing the hard work.

On the center's walls are ten pictures of local athletes Kurt has worked with in Physical Therapy that are at 100% function. On the other wall will be photographs of local athletes that have gone on to play at a collegiate level. Ryan and Kurt hope to encourage local athletes to believe they can be there too.

For Ryan and Kurt, "It is important to give back" to the community, so they have put together The Body Shop, an unofficial name of a workout session for a group of high school kids working hard and having great camaraderie.

Ryan and Kurt's goal is that colleges always look at Big Sandy. They are talking about not just strength and skill but attitude and leadership. The approach at the Body Shop is personal drive. You can't continue to develop without a better approach using positive thinking and attitude.

In the future, as they go forward, they would like to include younger age groups in The Body Shop, as they are researching what is appropriate.

Individuals needing help with mobility concerns will also benefit from a session at the Body Shop.

The Wellness Center will need to be self-sufficient. The main push of the Wellness Center of the Big Sandy Medical Center is Physical Therapy by Kurt and Chiropractic by Dr. Patrick Kadrmas. I introduced myself to Dr. Kadrams and found him professional and approachable. They are trying to take a common sense approach while continuing to develop the services provided.

They are also hoping to gain more clientele from the surrounding areas.