HAWC offers comprehensive health programs

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Many people's resolutions for the new year include achieving better health and fitness. Staying motivated to accomplish these goals, however, can be challenging. The Health and Wellness Center offers wellness services through the Civilian Health Promotion Program, an Air Force Materiel Command-wide program designed to improve civilians' health and well-being, to help Hanscom's civilian personnel attain their health and fitness goals.

Civilians interested in participating in HAWC programs should begin by scheduling a Cardiac Risk Screening with Deanne Casey, R.N., Federal Occupational Health nurse coordinator and health educator for CHPS. Screenings include a quick finger stick for a Cardiac Risk Profile. A simple finger prick offers total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose measurements. Blood pressure analysis and a check of height, weight and Body Mass Index are also included in the screening.

Appointments for group and individual screenings with Ms. Casey are available from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on most workdays. Screenings for office groups can be held in conference rooms, while individual screenings will be administered at the Health and Wellness Center. Results are available within 10 minutes, and the appointment can be used as part of the three paid hours per week that Defense Department civilians are allotted for wellness and fitness.

The second step is to visit the Wellness Support Center at www.afmcwellness.com  to fill out a Health Risk Appraisal. Every individual who submits an HRA can receive a free pedometer. After submitting the HRA, each participant will receive a wellness profile. This individualized feedback is tailored to help the individual to make informed decisions in a number of important wellness categories, as well as identify any potential health risks. The Web site uses an encoding process ensuring that the information entered remains anonymous. The Web site is also available to active duty personnel.

Personnel wishing to begin a fitness program can make an appointment with Will Carpenter, 66th Medical Group Health Promotion manager, or Craig Brickl, 66 MDG exercise physiologist, for advice on an exercise program, nutrition and weight loss.

Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Brickl begin creating fitness and rehabilitative programs by administering a MicroFit assessment. The MicroFit evaluation measures standard fitness components, such as vital signs, blood pressure readings, height, weight and body fat measurements and strength and flexibility, Mr. Brickl said.

The evaluation helps Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Brickl in assessing an individual's beginning fitness state, allowing them to tailor aerobic and strength training programs according to each individual's needs. It also sets a starting point from which to measure progress, Mr. Brickl said.

To help ensure participants' motivation and success, the HAWC also offers exercise equipment for individuals who prefer to exercise in a more private setting than the Sports and Fitness Center.

Those interested in a comprehensive health program should try the HAWC's Lighten Up program. The program runs for eight weeks and meets once per week. The courses teach proper nutrition, along with weight management skills. This program is designed to help individuals make permanent, healthy lifestyle choices. To register, e-mail Ms. Casey at Deanne.Casey.ctr@hanscom.af.mil.

For more information on classes and programs or to schedule an appointment, call (781) 377-6560.