Celebrate National Nutrition Month with a visit to the HAWC

Courtesy Photo | Airmen and spouses perform callisthenic exercises during the McChord Field Fitness Annex's cardio tone class, March 9, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The various weekly classes and services offered at the McChord Field Fitness Annex give service members and families an opportunity to honor National Nutrition Month by meeting routine exercise needs while maintaining a healthy diet. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

03.21.2011

Courtesy Story

Air Mobility Command

By Airman 1st Class Leah Young

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - March is National Nutrition Month -- a time to focus and re-emphasize the importance of eating right and getting plenty of exercise.

To enhance and sustain the strength of the Air Force, every airman is personally obligated to take care of themselves and be ready to answer the nation's call in accordance with the Air Force's "fit to fight" motto. In order to be prepared, the health and wellness center at each Air Force base provides several method to help improve the physical health and fitness of servicemembers and their families.

"I teach in many different forms, but the most common is when a squadron calls and says they would like a presentation," said Anna Betancourt, wellness dietitian at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord HAWC on McChord Field. "I ask them which specific information they would like me to focus on, and that way, it caters to the group's needs. Sometimes they like me to speak a little more about fruits and veggies, or maybe balancing a healthy diet with a good exercise routine."

The dietitian, who's just one part of the HAWC team, conducts not only group briefings, but individual meetings as well.

"When I meet with a client, we develop a very unique program which matches needs and busy schedules," said Betancourt. "I assess their current calorie intake and some other nutritional factors. Then I work with them to design a specific meal plan and exercise schedule that is both manageable and realistic."

The HAWC also provides monthly classes and meetings to deliver the nutritional information in an interesting way.

"I love to change things up and teach fun classes," said Betancourt. "We just had one last month for Valentine's Day and I talked about different kinds of chocolates and candies. I did one over the holidays, at the library, about safe cooking and simple changes to make a healthier meal."

The frequent "commissary tour" gives individuals an opportunity to learn about nutrition outside of the classroom.

"I basically walk them around the commissary and we have tons of fun with it," said Betancourt. "We talk about how to identify the good and bad things on food labels. We also talk about easy alternatives to provide healthier options for their families or just themselves."

When an active duty airman fails a physical training test, they attend one mandatory "Be Well" class hosted at the HAWC.

"When we teach the class after the failure it usually sparks an interest to learn more about eating healthy," said Betancourt. "I usually get a few requests after each 'Be Well' class to talk with the person and set up a meal plan. I have a fairly flexible schedule, and I'm willing to work with the individual to help in any way."

The HAWC at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is like many HAWCs throughout Air Mobility Command and the Air Force where they distribute a monthly newsletter to squadron commanders which contains information about their services.

"The commanders get the newsletter and then send it throughout their squadron," said Betancourt. "It contains articles about things like healthy eating, new recipes and how to easily prevent sports injuries. We put our calendar in there so you can see what time and date all of our classes are scheduled. And we also include all contact information and websites."

According to Betancourt, the low-budget classes are too good to pass up.

"These classes are completely free," said Betancourt. "Free of charge to anyone, including active duty servicemembers, Reservists, family, retirees, dependents and civilians. We provide an excellent service that I think everyone should take advantage of."

For more information, stop by the HAWC at your base.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2011
• Date Posted: 03.21.2011 16:34
• Story ID: 67496
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US