Navy Revises Exercise Instruction for Civilian Employees

By Sarah Fortney, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

May 29, 2010 - BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) is promoting the modified Navy instruction that promotes civilian staff to schedule exercise into their working hours.

Navy instruction 12700.1B was revised April 21 and no longer requires civilian staff to obtain permission from a physician before they can schedule exercise into their work hours.

"We found it was making it more difficult for people if they had to call their doctor, make an appointment and find out if they were healthy enough to exercise," said Lauren Thomas, department head of Health Promotions at NNMC.

The instruction's wording was also somewhat confusing, she said. Therefore, it was rephrased to help clarify how often and when staff can work out during the day. Per the instruction, staff can exercise up to three hours each week; however, they are still required to first check in and out for the day with their supervisor.

Staff members can spread out their exercise time to best fit their schedule, she added, be it an hour, three days a week or 45 minutes four times a week.

"We are trying to promote the instruction, helping staff members see that they can go on a walk or go to the gym on a regular basis as a way of reducing stress," said Thomas.

NNMC's is focused on raising awareness about the revised instruction to help meet the command's readiness goals and reduce stress in the workplace, said Thomas, who is also a co-chairperson for the team. The team, established as part of the Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2010, will discuss the instruction at board meetings and make sure department heads pass the information on to their staff members.

NNMC's Health Promotions displayed a booth near Main Street for National Employee Health and Fitness Day May 19. Thomas handed out copies of the revised instruction along with pedometers and information about healthy eating and the benefits of working out.

Studies have shown that exercise reduces stress and improves job productivity, said Lt. Cmdr. Mary Parker, Objective 2.2 Goal Team chairperson and NNMC's surgical nursing department head. It can also help raise an individual's metabolic rate.

Parker added that health care providers need to make sure they take care of themselves in order to better care for others.

"It's an opportunity to walk the talk," Parker said. "It's our opportunity to demonstrate the importance and the emphasis on exercise for our patients and beneficiaries."

Ellen Lyons, who works in Immunizations at NNMC, is one of many staff members who has reaped the benefits of exercise. In the last two years, she lost nearly 90 pounds, a success she attributes largely to walking for an hour each day.

Lyons has seen family members struggle with diabetes and other health issues because of their weight. She did not want the same fate.

"I was determined not to be like that," Lyons said. "My main goal was to become healthy."

She believes the Navy's revised instruction is a great way to help people get the exercise they need. She said that once she started walking, it made her feel so enthused and empowered to keep at it.

"You can really energize yourself just by getting out there … it gives you a whole lot of energy, vigor. You can just breeze through the day," Lyons said. "Thanks to my walking, it has made such a difference. I know it pays off."

Health Promotions offers a walking group that meets in the lobby of Building 10 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. for a 30-minute walk.

"You get to meet other people, you talk and have a good time, and you get your exercise in," Thomas said. "Try to take advantage of the opportunity that you have at work … It's a great benefit, it really is."

Thomas added that exercise can also help with weight management, lowering blood pressure, managing diabetes, maintaining good cholesterol levels and getting a good night's sleep.

NNMC's Health Promotions also offers a stress reduction class and a weight management class. For more information, call Health Promotions at 301-295-6649.