ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Health and Wellness Center invites Team Andrews to participate in programs that focus not only on weight loss, but are geared toward overall fitness, including physical condition and mental health.
The programs offered by the HAWC are designed to improve military readiness and productivity, while placing special emphasis on developing and maintaining healthy lifestyles, preventing disease and injury, and promoting physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
"These classes help ensure that the Andrews community is 'Fit to Fight,'" said Sandra Bempong, HAWC Health Education Program manager. Classes offered include the Fitness Fundamentals and Weight Management class, the Tobacco Cessation course and the Stress Management program.
HAWC classes can be tailored for commanders' calls, unit briefings, spouses' groups and DoD civilians and cardholders. Besides those in uniform, the HAWC serves family members, retirees and DoD civilians with classes that benefit everyone.
One class they recommend for everyone is Fitness Fundamentals.
"We can all benefit from better nutrition and better fitness," said Nicole Harrison, HAWC instructor and health promotions technician. "The class teaches participants how to change their diet and start an exercise program to control weight. Ms. Harrison also incorporates cardio and strength training programs and teaches participants to set realistic fitness goals."
"The main thing we tell participants is make sure you get clearance from your doctor and start slow," Ms. Bempong said. "Start walking 15 minutes and build up in small increments to build your routine. If you set goals that are too lofty, you are more likely to fail."
The MicroFit assessment complements the knowledge gained in Fitness Fundamentals. MicroFit is a computerized fitness evaluation system that evaluates health.
"The MicroFit is a mini-physiological lab," Ms. Harrison said. "We take all your standard measurements such as your heart rate, blood pressure, body weight, body fat, strength and flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. We input that into the MicroFit system and it provides the participants with simple and clear pre and post results." MicroFit assessment results provide fitness and wellness profiles.
"The MicroFit can be repeated every three months in an effort to track the participant's progress and so you can readjust the exercise program as needed," Ms. Harrison said. The Fitness Fundamentals course is required before the MicroFit assessment can be administered.
The HAWC Tobacco Cessation classes are another way for Team Andrews warriors to seek total health and wellness. The Tobacco Cessation classes are four-week courses offered on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
"The Tobacco Cessation course provides group support as they all quit together at the same time and discuss triggers that make them want to use tobacco," Ms. Bempong said. Participants are given pharmacological aids and methods to help them quit the habit including medications, patches and gum.
The Stress Management course taught by Adam Shane, the base suicide prevention program manager, is a pathway to mental health for Team Andrews. The class meets the second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. and discusses relaxation and communication techniques, time management and is preventative in nature.
"This program is designed to help improve participants' physical health, achieve greater peace of mind and reduce the negative affects of stress," Ms. Bempong said. "With anxiety and stress associated with deployments and the separations - not to mention the stresses of the outside world including financial challenges, this class can help teach you effective stress management tools."
Since March is National Nutrition Month, the HAWC is also offering special programs throughout the month, including commissary tours and "Supersize Me" movie showings.
The HAWC is located in the West Fitness Center by the weight room. For more information, contact the HAWC at 240-857-5601.