Healthy living alternatives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
"This is part one of a series on healthy living and the Air Force." 

In today's Air Force, Airmen are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle, to include making smart food choices and consistently working out. 

Baker Field House offers various equipment, multiple programs and classes as well as employs an assortment of fitness experts to help Iceman reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 
The Health and Wellness Center dietitian, Susan Runyan, teaches free cooking classes and performs demonstrations at the commissary to inform Airmen and their families about healthy meals. Teaching these classes can help Iceman achieve and maintain a healthy weight and can contribute to a person's overall health and well-being. 

"A healthy diet gives us the nutrients we need to maintain health and activity," said Ms. Runyan. "Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help our immune system prevent disease; they even reduce our risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. We need protein, carbohydrates and fat for energy as well as to maintain muscle, brain function, and all systems in the body. We need a variety of foods for the best health." 

Classes focus on teaching Icemen to cook lighter--how to substitute fatty foods with leaner alternatives, and making healthy choices. The HAWC also offers a variety of programs including Weight Management, Heart Smart and Goals. Each program is designed to help participants begin and sustain a healthy lifestyle. 

"Not only is eating right important for personal health," said Ms. Runyan, "but to perform the job of defending the nation Airmen needs to be in better shape than the average citizen. Good nutrition helps them perform well physically and mentally. It helps them resist disease and recover more quickly if they get sick. It is important to the individual, their family and their country." 

Since a smart diet is only part of being healthy there are additional options for Icemen. The fitness center also offers free classes for everyone ages 16 and older. 

"Everyone, from advanced to beginners, would benefit from the classes," said Tech. Sgt. Diane Schmitt, 354th Force Support Squadron, Fitness and Sports Director. "The instructors teach all levels, showing different techniques to increase the intensity if the individual needs more of a challenge or lower the intensity if the individual is struggling." 

Some of the classes offered are Boot Camp, Step, Water Aerobics and Spin. 

"We choose the classes offered by what is needed for active duty personnel," said Sergeant Schmitt. "The majority of classes are aimed at maintaining our "fit to fight" standards and getting people back into the standard when they fall below." 

Classes are chosen for several reasons. Total Body Conditioning, Muscle Pump, Boot Camp, Spin, and Step classes are designed to help build strength and endurance. Water aerobics helps build the same areas as well as help individuals with different types of injuries and can help the rehabilitation process after an injury or surgery. 

While some people may prefer group instruction, some people may prefer something more personal. 

People interested in one-on-one instruction can schedule an appointment with a personal trainer. While at a fee, personal trainers assess a person's fitness level and set a program to help meet goals and teach them the best way to exercise. 

"It is good to use a personal trainer to set up a program specifically designed for you and your goals," said Sergeant Schmitt. 

Eielson has the programs, equipment, and facilities available, providing healthy options for Icemen, but it is up to the individual person to use the resources and incorporate them in their daily life.