ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Every New Year, people around the world set goals for personal improvement. Those on Andersen Air Force Base looking to develop their personal resiliency and combat readiness in measurable ways have resources available beyond grit and determination. Instead of fighting to meet a goal alone, the wing has a variety of programs and tools available to service members and their families that offer support to achieve healthy goals in 2014.
Many common New Year's resolutions include:
Eat healthy and exercise regularly:
After an entire holiday season of sweets and homemade food, the bulge can be a brutal battle to fight. Service members are expected to maintain good physical fitness and a healthy physique, while many family members are motivated to stay in shape by their family member in uniform.
The 36th Medical Operations Squadron Health and Wellness Center offers to assist service members and their families with fitness programs and healthy eating courses.
Contact the HAWC at 366-3199 or Coral Reef Fitness Center at 366-6100 to find out more information about the programs and classes.
Reduce or quit consumption of alcohol:
For adults resolving to reduce alcohol consumption, the 36th MDOS Mental Health Flight hosts the Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Treatment Program which educates those who attend on how to drink alcohol responsibly without abusing the substance.
Contact the mental health flight at 366-5125 for more information or to schedule a course.
Quit smoking:
The HAWC offers a monthly course called Tobacco Cessation which educates Tricare beneficiaries about the dangers of smoking, helps set goals to quit and teaches the most effective methods for quitting. Those who are ready to quit smoking can speak with their primary care physician, their dentist or the HAWC for a range of information and support.
Contact the HAWC at 366-3199 for more information or to schedule a course.
Improve education:
The 36th Force Support Squadron Education Center, located in Building 21000, houses three separate colleges for the convenience of Airmen and their families. Those interested in taking college courses at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland University College and Texas Central University can advance their education with the help of tuition assistance or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Contact the education center at 366-3170 for more information about courses.
Learn something new:
From Ballroom dancing lessons to cooking classes, the 36th Force Support Squadron offers many programs to improve overall activity and life skills.
Refer to http://36fss.com for more information about programs the 36th FSS is hosting.
Volunteer:
Andersen Air Force Base and the island of Guam have plenty of volunteer opportunities, from beach clean-ups to set-up and take-down of events.
Service members can contact their immediate supervisor or their unit's first sergeant about future volunteer opportunities.
Save money:
The 36th FSS Airman and Family Readiness Center offers financial management courses which teach tools and techniques to organize finances.
Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 366-8136 for more information about financial management courses or make an appointment.
Read more frequently:
The Andersen library offers a choice of around 40,000 books and audio books for those interested in becoming book worms for this year's resolution. The library is available to military members, dependents, Department of Defense civilian employees and military retirees.
For more information about the library or its programs, call 366-4291.
Improve Stress Management:
Stress affects everyone in different ways. Those interested in signing up for the Life in Balance course may call 36th MDOS Family Advocacy at 366-5167, and those interested in one-on-one treatment may contact their primary care provider at 366-9355.