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New HAWC program promotes lifestyle management

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  From Jan. 21 through March 17, the Health and Wellness Center held an eight-week "New Year New You" program, which challenged participants to work individually on their lifestyle management within numerous categories.

"Participants were to complete one to four goals in each category a week," explained Penny Hardin, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion manager. "The categories of focus were: wellness, nutrition, fitness, and food and activity tracker."

There were 71 participants total, and each person and/or group completed between two to three goals a week, said Hardin. They filled out and tracked all activities and goals on their goals tracking sheet.

"Participants picked up a packet with all the information on getting started, rules, schedule, resources, tracking sheet, and the description of each goal to reach," said Tech. Sgt. Suzy Bright, 20th AMDS NCO in charge of health promotion.

Participants were able to incorporate friends and family for any or all categories.

"Our family participated," said Joni Jackson, wife of Taiwan Jackson, 20th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "We had already been eating healthy and making sure we participated in physical activities, but the 'New Year New You' helped us to focus more on staying constant and on track."

The program was done individually, but there were classes held every Friday to assist participants, said Hardin.

"Each Friday voluntary classes were held at the HAWC by people around base, giving helpful information to participants and giving them a more hands-on approach," said Hardin.

"The purpose of the program was to help Team Shaw participants live a healthier and happier life," said Hardin. "The program not only focused on fitness and nutrition, but on physical and mental wellness."

By the end of the program, our family learned more helpful information regarding all aspects of our daily lives, said Jackson.

"I like all the HAWC's challenges," said Lt. Col. Danielle Budzo, U.S. Air Forces Central weather division chief. "It gives me structure for health and fitness. I lost 10 pounds, I'm less hungry and I now make smarter food choices." 

"The HAWC has numerous programs held throughout the year assisting Team Shaw members in many wellness categories," added Hardin.

For additional information, contact the HAWC at 895-1216.