Building a new culture of health

Story and photo by Kimberly Parker
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Physical resilience is not just about physical fitness, but also includes maintaining a healthy weight and optimal nutrition to be able to accomplish the mission and enjoy life. Health Promotion, formerly known as the Health and Wellness Center, is one tool available to help strengthen physical resilience.
Health Promotion is undergoing restructuring, focusing more on capabilities and less on a health facility. Regardless of the changes, they still offer several tools and resources to help keep Airmen healthy and resilient.

Second Lt. Lindsey Leitz, 86th Aerospace Medical Squadron Nutrition Program Manager, uses mock food to demonstrate the proper serving sizes July 28. Health Promotion, formerly known as the Health & Wellness Center, offers several nutrition classes including Healthy Eating, Hypertension and Heart Health.
Second Lt. Lindsey Leitz, 86th Aerospace Medical Squadron Nutrition Program Manager, uses mock food to demonstrate the proper serving sizes July 28. Health Promotion, formerly known as the Health & Wellness Center, offers several nutrition classes including Healthy Eating, Hypertension and Heart Health.

“We still serve anyone who walks in – active duty, civilian, local nationals, etc.,” said 2nd Lt. Lindsey Leitz, 86th Aerospace Medical Squadron nutrition program manager. “The main products we offer now are nutrition classes and tobacco cessation.”
Nutrition classes offered include Healthy Eating, Hypertension and Heart Health. Health Promotion is also refocusing outreach efforts to promote a culture of healthy living.
“We are available to speak at commander’s calls, group sessions or training days and each presentation can be tailored to fit the needs of the unit,”
said Leitz.
Leitz explained that it is not uncommon for some to experience weight gain during a PCS or when first arriving at a new duty station.
“There are lots of new, good foods or sometimes the stress of moving can cause weight gain which is why we offer a class specific to the Ramstein area called, ‘Eat This, Not That,’”
said Leitz.
The class discusses local restaurants and how to choose healthier options while dining out, making smarter purchases at grocery stores and even discusses dining at the dining facilities. In addition to the classes, Health Promotion will still have the Bod Pod available by appointment. The Bod Pod more accurately measures body fat percentage.
“The Bod Pod is the gold standard in measuring body fat percentage,” said Leitz. “You may not always see results on a scale immediately, but you can see a positive change in body fat percentage by tracking it with the pod.”
Leitz said one of the biggest challenges many face when starting a nutrition plan can simply be sticking with that plan.
“Behavior change is hard, but keep trying. It is important to set up good habits now, that way during more stressful times, like a PCS, you have a plan in place to stay healthy,” she said. “Be sure to use your resources and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
We are here to help.”
During Health Promotion’s transition period, the best way to contact them is through email, 86AMDS.HAWC@ramstein.af.mil. Calendars with class information are posted in the lobby or on Facebook – Ramstein HAWC.