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The 435th Services Squadron plays a big role in helping future leaders become fit and maintaining healthy lifestyles by sponsoring the “FitFactor” program offered to ID cardholders at Air Force installations.
“The FitFactor program has been around since fall 2005, with the main purpose for youth to get up, get out and get active,” said Jennifer Hodges, program director for the Sembach Youth Programs.
“To join the program you must be at least 6 years of age and adults are able to enroll as well. This program is truly for the entire family. Anyone who is an ID cardholder or a dependent is allowed to register at their local youth center,” said Mrs. Hodges.
The program is based on a point scale that is earned from participating in various activities.
“Members can log up to 100 points a day for completing their chores, playing ball or just avoiding junk food to give a few examples,” said Mrs. Hodges. The points awarded range depending on the toughness of the activity.
The points are then logged while incor-porating the honor system, which is just another way the Air Force is installing “Integrity first,” into the everyday lives of the Air Force community.
“The FitFactor honor system is a code that all FitFactor participants agree upon when they register. All points you record are based on actual activities and events that you participated in or did that week,” said the program director.
There are six FitFactor levels beginning with “Energy” and ending with “Feel the Power.” Each level is separated by a different amount of points earned. When a certain level has been reached, a prize will be awarded to the participant. Backpacks, coolers, dog tags, T-shirts and pedometers are just an example of the many prizes offered.
To register for FitFactor, individuals must visit their local youth center. For those who would like to participate, but are under the age of 13, a parental permission form is needed upon registration.
“Reality is, there has been a drastic rise in the rates of youth and teen obesity in the recent years,” said Mrs. Hodges. “The main goal behind this program is to fight the epidemic of youth obesity and get youth active.”
Fit Factor allows youth and their family members to challenge themselves to lead healthier lives and achieve that end together, as a family unit.
For details about the program, contact the youth center or visit www.afgetfit.com.
