HAWC ‘team health challenge’ offers fresh start on new year

Got a new year’s resolution to lose or maintain weight? Weight is one aspect of health that is under our control and has a huge impact on our overall health. We all know being overweight negatively affects fitness levels. But it’s important to remember your fitness level directly impacts your ability to do your job, and that in turn directly affects your and your unit’s readiness.

An additional benefit of achieving a healthy weight is reducing the risk of lifelong scourges like diabetes and heart disease. If you or friends, family, and co-workers would like to increase your level of readiness and improve your health, the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center may have just the challenge for you.

Starting in January, the HAWC will host a 12-week Team Health Challenge in observance of Healthy Weight month. The challenge is open to everyone in the KMC, including active-duty, family members and Department of Defense civilians. Healthy activities will be tracked over a 12-week period and team and individual prizes will be awarded.

The Team Health Challenge presents an opportunity for individuals to adopt a healthier way of life, not just a diet. Instead of going on a crash or fad diet, it is important to make lifestyle changes that last a lifetime. Doing this will ensure you are losing weight in a healthy way and makes it easier to maintain your weight loss. The Team Health Challenge offers an excellent opportunity to jump start a transformation into healthy habits, such as eating well and being active.

If weight loss, increasing fitness or establishing healthy habits are already part of your goals, you do not need to attempt it alone. The team environment is motivational, supportive and sparks friendly competition in and among teams. To get started, gather your friends, family or co-workers to form a team, then call the HAWC at 480-4292 to register. Registration runs through Jan. 19. There will be a team coach meeting on Jan. 22 at noon.