Programs provide health and wellness

  • Published
  • By Adrian R. Rowan
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Health and Wellness Center at Dover Air Force Base, Del., offers a multitude of services of which some people may not be aware. The team at the HAWC is comprised of Thomas Ward, the health promotion manager, Kate Jennings, a registered dietitian, and John Walters, the fitness program manager. Each HAWC team member conducts several different classes and services.

Ward teaches tobacco cessation, which can help Dover members quit smoking, Mondays from 9-10 a.m. Individual counseling is available for shift workers. Ward also offers Stress Management and Relaxation classes, which can be coordinated through the clinic and Leadership Pathways.

Jennings teaches several classes, including a Healthy Heart class for people with cholesterol and high blood pressure issues. She also teaches a diabetes course for people trying to manage the disease. Both classes are usually recommended through 436th Medical Group referrals. She offers members the chance to relieve stress by using the relaxation room. There are individual appointments available for weight loss and disease management.

Walters conducts many programs at the HAWC, including profile management. He can create a tailored exercise regimen for members on a profile, so they may still workout with an injury or duty limiting condition. He offers gait analysis for all military members, retirees and dependents, by doctor's referral, which allows him to provide a shoe prescription based on an individual's unique gait. Walters also teaches the Fitness Assessment Cell course, designed to teach military members how to administer the Physical Training test. The "90 in 90" program is also taught by Walters. According to Walters this program is a rigorous physical program that guarantees attendees will pass the PT assessment with a 90 percent or higher in 90 days.

Walters and Jennings also run several programs together such as Be Well, Bod Pod, and John and Kate Minus Weight. The Bod Pod uses air displacement to measure body composition and identifies total fat and lean mass. The program is available by appointment only; Wednesdays for males and Fridays for females. John and Kate Minus Weight teaches basic nutrition and exercise.

For more information about these programs, contact the HAWC at 677-3733.