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Taking care of number one

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "Being physically fit and healthy is a daily decision," said Penny Hardin, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion flight program coordinator. "Living healthy is not something that can be turned on like auto-pilot; it is something that has to be consciously thought about every day."

The 20th AMDS Health and Wellness Center provides classes, programs, and tools to help individuals stay healthy.

To help with wellness, the HAWC provides stress management classes, a tobacco cessation program, and a relaxation room with massage chair.

"We want people to be healthy and live a healthy life," said Hardin.

For nutrition, the HAWC provides a healthy weight class and the Better Body Better Life program.

Strength and cardio classes are also offered for those who are struggling with or seek to improve their fitness.

"Fitness means a lot to me because it can do so much for you," said Airman 1st Class Daisy King, 20th Medical Support Squadron health service management journeyman. "It helps strengthen muscles, builds endurance and keeps your immune system and metabolism sharp."

On top of these core programs, the HAWC also provides programs throughout the year to keep people motivated and educated on their health.

The "Colorful Choices" program started March 3, and is a nutrition program that compliments National Nutrition Month.

The month of March is National Nutrition Month, which is when the HAWC will be performing unit visits to promote good nutrition.

Colorful Choices is designed to help participants increase fruit and vegetable intake and broaden the spectrum for eating different fruits and vegetables, said Hardin.

The next program on the agenda is "Spring into Motion," which is a program created to help with fitness and motivation. Registration dates are March 24 through March 28, and the program starts April 1.

To kick off the New Year, the HAWC provides "New Year New You." Another spring program is "Route 66." Then, to continue throughout the year the HAWC provides "10K A Day" offered in July; "Walktober" and the "Turkey Trot" offered in the fall; and "12 Days of Fitness" and "Healthy 4 the Holidays" offered during the winter. The programs are provided to help maintain a healthy weight throughout the year and during the holidays.

"There is something for everyone to gain by participating in the programs," said Hardin.

King, who has participated in a few HAWC programs, said using the HAWC is an excellent way to improve health.

"I believe being physically fit is important," said King. "It's something that should be incorporated in everyone's daily lives, not just to look great, but to feel great, strong and empowered. It's a healthier you, and to me, it's motivation to eat healthier and help improve energy levels."

The HAWC also offers a Bod Pod assessment, which evaluates body composition to help determine what level of fitness and health a person is at.

"Fitness and health is important because it helps with quality of life, bottom line," said Hardin. "We want people to be happy and healthy. We're here to help in any way we can."

All programs, events and tools the HAWC offers are free and available to anyone with government identification and base access.

For more information, call (803) 895-1216.