HAWC helps Sabers get a Jump Start on a Healthy Life Style

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Jessica Griffith, exercise physiologist and class instructor, explains to Tech. Sgt. Michael Lopez, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and Sandy Ryan, spouse of Louis Ryan, 52nd Operations Support Squadron, how to calculate the appropriate heart rate range crucial to improving cardiovascular fitness as part of the Jump Start class, Feb. 3. The class is an informative one-hour seminar focused on improving nutrition and exercise habits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Staci Miller)

HAWC helps Sabers get a Jump Start on a Healthy Life Style

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Cordney Morehead, 52nd Force Support Squadron diet technician and class instructor, explains portion sizes during the Jump Start class, Feb. 3. The class is an informative one-hour seminar focused on improving nutrition and exercise habits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Staci Miller)

HAWC helps Sabers get a Jump Start on a Healthy Life Style

Published Feb. 5, 2009
By Airman Staci Miller
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- February is halfway over and some may already be discouraged about their lofty New Year's fitness resolutions. The Health and Wellness Center is here to help. The first Tuesday of every month, it hosts an informative seminar focused on improving nutrition and exercise habits, called "Jump Start."

The voluntary class is open to retirees, civilians, active-duty military members and their dependants. The one-hour class is cut into two segments, with the first half focused on exercise and the second half focused on nutrition.

Jessica Griffith, an exercise physiologist and class instructor, believes the class can be a great motivator.

"The program is designed to give people a jump start in fitness and health, hopefully motivating them to start a lifestyle change," Mrs. Griffith said.

Sandy Ryan, a class participate, thought the class was a welcomed reminder.

"When you aren't living it, you sometimes need it brought to your attention to get on track. The class really brought to focus some things that I already knew," she said.

Students are reminded that moderation is the key, and the importance of a food record- a log kept of each meal, including portion size.

"People who keep a food record typically lose more than those who don't," said Staff Sgt. Cordney Morehead, 52nd Force Support Squadron diet technician and class instructor. "The biggest reason you should lose weight is for yourself."

Sergeant Morehead took time after the class to set up a personal diet plan for a couple of the students.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Lopez, another class participant, said he felt the class was useful even for those who already feel they're living a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about the class or to sign up, call 452-7285.