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HAWC helps educate ‘Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa B. White
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
March has officially been recognized as National Nutrition Month for more than 40 years.

This year's theme is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day," and the 36th Medical Operations Squadron Health and Wellness Center on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, offers several classes and seminars to encourage and educate service members, their families and other TRICARE beneficiaries on leading a healthy lifestyle.

"We're only half of the equation whether people succeed or not with their wellness goals," said Tech. Sgt. Michelle Clinton-Hahn, 36th MDOS HAWC NCO in charge. "We can give them the tools and education to accomplish it, but they have to be the ones who want it for themselves. The information is only as good as them wanting to apply it."

March's schedule at the center included seven classes covering topics of menu planning, weight loss, children's nutrition, sugar vs. sweetener, making healthier choices, and diabetes or cholesterol control, as well as four occasions where the staff manned information booths around the base to interact with the community. So far this month, they've been able to reach out to nearly 150 people through their programs and efforts.

"The nutrition class I attended was very informative and I learned a lot I didn't already know before," said Senior Airman Stephanie Bushnell, 36th MDOS public health technician. "I went to the class because I wanted to take that step toward being healthier and being able to share that with my family. And it's awesome they provide these classes on base because it saves a lot of time and money and it's a great resource."

Based on surveys conducted following the classes, statistics show the students finish the classes with more knowledge on the topics covered. Also, with their newfound understanding of how to improve their health, the HAWC staff received feedback on patients' desires to continue down the healthier path by asking for more classes, specifically fitness basics.

"We offer classes based on what people are asking for and the 36th Medical Group's goals for the base population," Clinton-Hahn said, who is also a dietetic technician, registered, and a certified dietary manager. "When we offer classes people are interested in, they are more likely to attend the classes and succeed in reaching their goals because they want to be there."

With taking a step in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle, she also noted the benefits that come along with it.

"A lot of different types of diseases and cancers can be prevented through having a healthy diet," the dietetic technician said. "Proper nutrition is important because excess calories can lead to unwanted weight gain, and for military members, it is the No. 1 thing they worry about when it is time for their fitness assessment. Fitness comes with proper nutrition."

She also stressed the importance of nutrition specific to military members to help maintain an appropriate weight and appearance standards. A healthy lifestyle full of essential nutrients can help people perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently.

"It gives people more energy and enhances their cognitive skills to be able to function better," the dietetic technician said. "Whether you work behind a desk or out on the flightline all day, everyone can benefit from getting the proper nutrition."

Though National Nutrition Month is observed every March, the HAWC staff would like to remind everyone to eat healthy every day all year. In order to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle, the center will continue to provide classes every month, and has representatives who can work with units during commander's calls.

For more information, contact the HAWC at 366-3199.