20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/3/2014 - Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. -- In 2010, 75 percent of Americans from 17 to 24-years-old were unfit for military duty due to obesity, according to Dr. Curtis Gilroy, U.S. Department of Defense director of accessions policy.
"Health care to Health", a federally funded initiative implemented on select bases in the Department of Defense, has been brought to Shaw to start two new programs which assist in keeping the Air Force family healthy.
The 5210 Healthy Military Children program which was adopted from Pennsylvania State University, began here in August. The Group Lifestyle Balance class, a program adopted from the University of Pittsburg, will begin Oct. 1.
"The 5210 and GLB programs are being created in response to the growing number of obese children and adults as per the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2012," said Margaret Crossen, 20th Medical Operations Squadron health promotion registered dietitian.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents from 2 to 19-years-old are obese. For adults, 20-years-old or older, 69 percent are considered to be obese.
Both programs are free. The 5210 course includes two classes for military parents to learn healthy habits they should implement in their child's life. A doctor's referral letter or primary care manager referral is needed to participate in the GLB program. The GLB course requires a 12-week commitment for the official course, then check-ins with Health care to Health through one year of participation.
The GLB program focuses on weight management, physical activity and healthy eating for spouses and retirees at risk for weight-related health problems including diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke and heart attack.
Both programs were initially implemented at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, and Scott AFB, Illinois.
According to a recent article published by the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office at Scott AFB, "research found that individuals who participated in the 'lifestyle changes group' saw a 58 percent decrease in developing type 2 diabetes and those 60 years and older cut their risk by 71 percent."
"5210 Healthy Military Children teaches moms and dads how to make consistent, healthy meals and exercise choices at home," said Crossen.
5210 stands for five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of being engaged in television or video games, one hour or more of physical activity, and zero sugary drinks a day.
"The class was very good," said Amanda Simonsen, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight section chief. "I think the 5210 initiative is an excellent program for families to eat better, get active, and stay healthy."
In the military, obesity rates are comparable to national rates which impacts mission readiness, said Crossen.
"If we don't start early, there will be increased medical problems, so we are hoping to catch it earlier to prevent it or if it is already a problem, start working to move towards a healthier lifestyle," said Maj. Karyn Revelle, 20th Medical Operations Squadron flight commander.
The goal is to be able to turn the corner on this obesity epidemic, not just in the Air Force, but in the country. The Air Force is taking aim at obesity among dependents and retirees and is hoping that these two programs go service-wide, said Crossen.
For more information, contact Margaret Crossen, or Bonita Clemons at (803) 895-6846.
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