CHPS offers health education programs

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom's Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS) offers base employees several opportunities to achieve a healthier lifestyle by attending their many classes and screenings.

In April, during National Stress Awareness Month, CHPS will offer a six week stress management series focused on developing coping strategies to reduce stress.

"Many health issues can be prevented through lifestyle modifications," said Orlagh M. Pawlyk, Civilian Health Promotion Services health promotion coordinator. "Our goal is to educate employees to live a healthier lifestyle and reduce high-risk indicators."

CHPS is offering several other classes throughout the month of April, in addition to the stress management series. A complete list of class offerings can be found on www.AFMCwellness.com.

According to Pawlyk, employees may also schedule classes to be held in their office building. To request a class for a unit, email CHPSHanscom@foh.hhs.gov.

"Our goal is to reach out to employees on base and determine how best we can assist them, whether that's in our building or in theirs," said Pawlyk. "We want to provide them the tools to better manage their health."

Civilian employees are also eligible to participate in a free walk-in cardiac risk profile (CRP) on Friday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center in Building 1540. The CRP includes a finger stick, checking the cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and body mass index. The CRP screening takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is followed by a brief explanation of what the individual's results actually mean.

Participants should refrain from eating or drinking anything besides water for 12 hours prior to the screening for most accurate results.

"Heart disease is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States," continued Pawlyk. "The cardiac risk profile is a good indicator for people who may be at risk."

Additionally in April, civilian employees are encouraged to complete the online Health Risk Appraisal, available at www.AFMCwellness.com.

Once employees create an account on the wellness site, they are prompted to complete the appraisal. The HRA takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks a variety of questions, such as the amount of fruits or vegetables one eats each day, to the amount of exercise one participates in.

Afterwards, the user is presented with a personalized summary with tips on how to better certain aspects of their health. Employees who complete the survey during April will receive a free T-shirt.

T-shirts can be redeemed by bringing a copy of the HRA completion certificate to the CHPS office, located in the HAWC, Building 1540.

Anyone looking for additional information about classes or other services can call CHPS at 781-225-6377 or email CHPSHanscom@foh.hhs.gov.