Pillars of Wellness: Physical

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
A person's wellness consists of four dimensions that identify a person's inner being. At anytime one or all these dimensions could be in duress. The dimensions are physical, emotion, social and spiritual. These dimensions may be familiar because of the Wingman Boldface card, supervisors and commander's calls. 

The physical dimension deals with the functional operation of the body. It can involve exercise, balanced and healthy diet, appearance and self-image, medical self-care, relaxation and physical environment. Expanding one's knowledge of this dimension can be an integral part in living a healthy lifestyle and being fit to fight. 

La Rue Campbell, Hill Air Force Base's Wingman coordinator stated, "A person's wellness is more than getting enough sleep or attending church, it about understanding what ails you and doing something positive to correct it." 

Senior leadership has already encouraged people to totally embrace physical fitness weather military or Air Force civil servant through programs like Civilian Health Promotion Services or continued Air Force physical fitness.

"Our work force is our only appreciable asset," said General Bruce Carlson, commander for Air Force Material Command. "Our success in AFMC depends on our work force -- one that is healthy, safe, motivated, excited, interested and whole in terms of its overall wellness. Our efforts will help our people gain value, improve their quality of life and help them become even more productive over time."

It has been more than three years since the implementation of the new Air Force fitness program and the results show significant progress toward mission readiness.  

"Our mission requires us to be physically fit," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley said. "Being fit can prove to be the deciding factor between life and death for Airmen and their fellow Wingmen when combat actions require extreme physical exertion. Airmen must constantly hone their physical abilities to withstand and overcome the demanding rigors of deployment and combat."

Below are some suggested ways to enhance physical wellness from.

Exercise: This is a balanced menu of physical activities that provides an opportunity for development and maintenance of each component of physical fitness--cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Combining two of these activities can improve an appearance, reduce stress and improve work performance.

Balanced and healthy diet: An opportunity for a balanced diet, cleansing the body of toxicants, and making wise food choices. Try to limit consumption of sugar and carbs since these two elements are the main culprits in obesity in over 50 percent of Americans today.

Appearance & self-image: Adopting an exercise program and a healthy diet program can improve overall appearance. It can also build self-confidence that would enable you to obtain both organizational and personal goals. Additionally, October is National Dental Hygiene Month where the American Dental Hygienist's Association and dental hygienists, celebrate this month by reaching out to local communities to provide education and resources that can help improve not only oral health but overall health for each and every member of the community.

Medical self-care: Seek medical treatment when illness or injury are known, use of proper medication, make scheduled medical/dental appointments, consult with the CHPS and medical provider for additional questions on health related issues. October is National Breast Cancer awareness month. To learn more about breast cancer, the 75th Medical Group will be hosting the 1st Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at Club Hill on 3Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon cost is $13.14 for non-club members and $11.14 for members.

Relaxation: Many people suffer from sleeping disorders and do nothing about it. Make an appointment with CHPS and/or a medical provider for advice on combating insomnia and other sleep disorders. Personal safety is important but also the safety of fellow co-workers who depend on everyone to be alert to prevent possible safety mishaps. It is important to make every effort to increase relaxation time--do not wait until a safety mishap occurs at home or work before taking action.

Brain stimulation: Feeding the brain is often overlooked but equally important to one's wellness. Join a book club, have intellectual conversations with friends or get hooked on Sudoku puzzles to improve mental retention. Also, pursuing an educational degree can stimulate the brain.

Physical wellness takes some effort but is not unattainable. Whatever path that is taken, from exercise to brain stimulation, everyone should do something to improve their current condition. If you have adopted a physical fitness plan and it is not working then consult with a professional for more direction. 

"We have an opportunity here not only to decrease the risk of early death, but also improve folks' productivity at work and overall quality of life," General Carlson said.

La Rue Campbell, Hill Wingman coordinator, contributed to this story.