Civilian employees may take three hours a week to exercise

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The changing of seasons from winter to spring this year provides base employees a renewed opportunity for exercise during lunchtime walks or a run to enjoy the welcomed warmer temperatures.

According to the World Health Organization's website, adults ages 18 to 64 should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week -- or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.

For Hanscom's full and part-time Department of Defense civilian workforce, this can be done easily by actively participating in the Air Force Materiel Command civilian fitness and wellness initiative, which permits up to three hours each week of voluntary physical fitness or participation in wellness programs. It is recommended civilians use one hour minimum to 1 ½ hour maximum per session each week.

According to John St. Germain, an Employee and Labor Relations specialist with the 66th Force Support Squadron, the parameters for participation are very clear.

"Fitness activities suitable for excused absence should address cardiovascular and aerobic strength, strength endurance, flexibility and body conditioning," he said. "Wellness program activities offered on Hanscom include but are not limited to annual health assessments, health education classes for nutrition, exercise, stress and weight management and tobacco cessation."

Interested employees must first initiate a request sheet to a first-level supervisor containing the doctor's certificate from his or her primary care provider certifying there are no limiting physical conditions. The request form is not necessary for participation solely in wellness activities, but is required for participation in fitness activities.

Specific times for participation may be dictated by mission requirements and approved absence.

The request form and more information about civilian wellness can be found on the AFMC Wellness website at www.afmcwellness.com. For more information on civilian wellness leave, contact Myron Mann from Civilian Personnel at 781-377-3194.