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HAWC promotes healthier lifestyles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber E. N. Jacobs
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Tired of the same old boring workouts? Need a break to relax from stress? Are you trying to quit smoking, eat healthier, or maybe just looking to lose a few pounds? The Shaw Air and Wellness Center is a one-stop-shop for it all.

The HAWC's mission is to promote and improve the health and wellness of the Shaw community through programs and services that promote healthy lifestyle choices, improve combat readiness, and prevent disease and injury.

"While the programs are geared towards active-duty servicemembers, we allow dependents, retirees and civilians to participate; we're not going to deny anyone the chance to improve their health," explained Penny Hardin, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion flight chief.

To accomplish their mission, the HAWC has a staff of four, including an exercise physiologist, a registered dietician, and an active-duty diet technician.
This fall we will be adding a fitness technician and new programs such as a Better Body Better Life course, said Hardin.

Currently the HAWC offers over 14 different programs and services.

We have programs for people wanting to loss or gain weight, nutrition and exercise education, running or strength training 101, tobacco cessation, BOD POD evaluations that measure body composition, and a library with information and videos that people can check out for up to two weeks, said Hardin.

The HAWC also has a relaxation room with a massage chair and stand-alone blood pressure screening table that people can use at anytime.

In addition, we do physical training leader certification and help run the base's fitness and Be Well programs, Hardin added.

While the HAWC offers many on-going programs, every month they sponsor a different fitness event.

"The goal is to stay active year-round so we provide monthly programs to keep people active," explained Tech. Sgt. Suzy Bright, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge diet therapy technician. "A lot of people like the accountability that the programs provide because they have to keep track of how active they are and what they are eating."

Some of the upcoming programs include walktober in October which is a 31-day walking program that consists of activities, and rewards, a 30-day turkey trot in November and a 12 days of fitness program in December.

"Every program is different. Some will focus on fitness and some will focus on nutrition or both," said Hardin.

No referral is needed to use the HAWC. Anyone who wants to pursue healthy lifestyle changes or is in need of current fitness or nutritional information is welcomed to stop by.

"Before I came to the HAWC I didn't care about a healthy lifestyle, but now I'm more conscious about what I'm eating and going to physical training," said Staff Sgt. Cory Simcoe, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman. "Don't count the HAWC out. Even if you're getting 85s or 90s on your PT tests, still come over and try it out. You never know they might have something you like. You just need to come over here and see what they have."

All of the programs and services offered by the HAWC are free to DOD ID card holders. Both appointment and walk-in services are available.

"There are a lot of great available resources for people," Said Bright. "The hardest part is probably coming in or calling to schedule an appointment. In the long run you are the only one that can take care of yourself so why not utilize your free sources to do it?"

The HAWC is located in building 495 on Polifka Dr. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 803-895-1216 or visit the Facebook page, AFMS-Shaw-20th Medical Group.