Warren HAWC offers new programs for members

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The health and wellness center has many programs to help bring healthy life changes to the members of the Mighty Ninety.

One of the biggest goals the HAWC staff has is changing the negative stigma associated with using their services.

The HAWC staff is working with the Top 3 and first sergeant's groups to try and get some of the programs they offer into the units. That way, individuals won't have to come into the HAWC, trained professionals will be in the unit for them to go to, said Tom O'Brien, HAWC health promotion educator.

Hopefully the units can help change the HAWC's negative stigma, Mr. O'Brien said.
"We have to provide the Air Force directed programs for individuals whom fail the physical fitness test," Mr. O'Brien said. "But we have so many other programs to help bring a healthy lifestyle change.

"Our four core programs are tobacco prevention, optimal nutrition and healthy weight, physical activity and community partnerships," he said.

Tobacco cessation is one of the main programs Mr. O'Brien runs.

There is a new 12-week group lifestyle balance course the HAWC will be offering, Mr. O'Brien said. The course focuses on nutrition and fitness.

The goal with this program is to focus on curbing habits that could contribute to diabetes, said Cindy Mulcahy, a registered dietitian.

"A collaborative effort is key for change," Ms. Mulcahy said. "It's important [for us] to focus on all the contributing factors, so we can help you change."

Some other classes the HAWC offer are a running clinic, metabolic syndrome classes, gate analysis, stress relief and a massage chair, and back safety and injury prevention classes.

"Anybody can go to any class, as long as they've scheduled it, at anytime," Ms. Mulcahy said. "We want to provide the help to better you, but we need you to look at yourself to see what needs changed that we can help with."

That means individuals shouldn't wait until they're directed to go through any particular class. They can take steps now to prevent having to go through a class later, Ms. Mulcahy said.

For more information call 773-4292.