AFMC promotes 'Colorful Choices' in September Published Sept. 5, 2012 By Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- During the month of September, Air Force Materiel Command will promote its 'Colorful Choices: Fruit and Veggie Initiative.' September is National Fruit and Vegetables Month, an excellent time to revisit these bright and colorful powerhouses of a healthy nutrition plan. Eating the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables can help protect from heart disease, bone loss, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. To get a healthy variety, AFMC Wellness Support Center staff encourages personnel to "think color." Eating fruits and vegetables of different colors gives the body a wide range of valuable nutrients. For example, red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelon and apples contain lycopene and anthocyanins, which help reduce the risk of some cancers and keep the heart healthy. Orange fruits and vegetables help to improve the immune system, strengthen vision and protect against infections. The goal of the Colorful Choices: Fruit and Veggie Initiative is to attend two Colorful Choice classes and complete a pre- and post-survey. Participants who complete this task will be able to choose from one of three completion awards, while supplies last. Throughout September, Civilian Health Promotion Services will be offering three Colorful Choices activities: Fruit and Veggie Health Education Classes, Cardiac Risk Profile screenings and blood pressure screenings. To participate in the Colorful Choices: Fruit and Veggie Initiative: 1) Have an online account at www.afmcwellness.com. Department of Defense civilians need to have a current Health Risk Assessment. Active duty members do not need to complete an HRA to participate. 2) Attend a Colorful Choices class 3) Take a 5 to 10 minute pre-survey (participant identity is anonymous) 4) Attend a second Colorful Choices class 5) Take a 5-10 minute post-survey (participant identity is anonymous) 6) Receive the completion award Hanscom personnel have a variety of classes to choose from. The Colorful Choices 1 class will be offered at three different times. It takes place Sept. 5 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center, Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Building 1305 Brown Conference Room, and Sept. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hanscom Federal Credit Union. The Colorful Choices 2 class will take place Sept. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the HAWC, Sept. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Building 1305 Brown Conference Room and Sept. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hanscom Federal Credit Union. For more information, contact Orlagh Pawlyk, CHPS coordinator, at 781-225-6377 or visit www.afmcwellness.com.