52nd FSS hosts first health fair for local nationals

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alison Stewart
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The 52nd Force Support Squadron Civilian Development Forum held the first health fair for local nationals at the Health and Wellness Center in the PowerHaus Gym on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 24, 2019, to promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing in the workforce.

“We are aiming to provide more awareness of healthy options available to the workforce,” said Paula Blackwell, 52nd FSS civilian personnel officer. “We also want to educate on healthy living.”

Blackwell said this was the first time Spangdahlem AB has brought in outside insurance companies to provide helpful information to local nationals, the largest civilian population of the workforce on base.

The health fair included booths from the 52nd Dental Squadron, a blood pressure test, and a booth by a non-profit health insurance company analyzing participants’ balance and emphasizing the importance of stability.

Those attending toured the fitness center to encourage the implementation of healthy living.

Approximately 250 attendees participated in activities that included a cycling class, a live healthy-cooking demonstration, and presentations on back issues and preventative exercises.

“It made an impact on promoting healthy lifestyles,” said Denise Wilson, 52nd FSS Human Resource specialist. “After going through all the stations and receiving the results, people feel like they really need to change something to meet personal health goals.”

U.S. Air Force Col. Marlyce Roth, 52nd Mission Support Group commander, gave opening remarks to the crowd and encouraged them to implement the tools they learned at the fair into their everyday lives.

 “I want to emphasize again that your health is very important to us,” said Roth. “As your employer, we strive to provide you the tools for a healthier lifestyle. We do this because we value you not only as a person, but for your contributions to fulfill the mission of Spangdahlem Air Base.”