(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Wellness Park, the new Blanchard Valley Health System campus off County Road 99, is taking an innovative approach to patient care by introducing a calming room featuring adaptive color technology. This specially designed space helps reduce anxiety and improve focus in children undergoing rehabilitation, offering a transformative impact on their therapeutic experience.
“Children facing physical and emotional challenges in rehabilitation often experience heightened stress and sensory overload,” explained Becky Alexander, PT, a physical therapist at Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine. “To address this, we now offer a calming room equipped with soft textures, minimal distractions, and dynamic lighting that shifts colors to match a child’s emotional needs.”
Research shows that different colors have distinct psychological effects, making them a valuable tool in rehabilitation settings. Cool colors like blues and greens promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, while warm colors like yellows and oranges encourage energy and motivation. Soft pinks and purples foster comfort and emotional balance, helping children feel more at ease. The ability to use adaptive color changes allows the environment to shift dynamically, supporting a child’s changing emotional and cognitive needs throughout therapy.
The benefits of these innovative calming rooms are significant. A customizable environment helps lower anxiety and stress, ensuring children feel at ease before and during therapy sessions. Specific color schemes aid concentration, especially for children with ADHD or sensory processing challenges, improving focus and engagement. Exposure to calming hues promotes self-soothing and emotional resilience, contributing to better rehabilitation outcomes.
“The new calming room at Wellness Park can enhance the overall therapy experience for our young patients,” added Alexander.
“Wellness Park was designed to expand access to comprehensive health services all in one location,” said Jenn Reese, director of the Musculoskeletal Service Line at BVHS. “From on-site x-ray and lab services to rehabilitation, and from expert primary care physicians to a range of specialty providers, this campus brings together the full spectrum of care. Families no longer need to travel to multiple locations—we’ve created a destination for healing, innovation, and convenience.”
The Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine is located at 3401 Wellness Way in Findlay, and the phone number is 419.425.3199. For more information about the services offered at Wellness Park, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/wellness.
