Health, fitness forum offers professional information to servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In conjunction with National Nutrition Month, the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center held a health and fitness forum at the Hercules Theatre here March 19.

The forum consisted of a panel of health and wellness experts in their respective fields who discussed topics such as: injury prevention, fitness and exercise strategies, a nutrient-dense and athletic performance improving diet, and meal planning tools.

A large portion of the forum discussed injuries to servicemembers and how each injury adds up to affect the mission and why it's so important to try and prevent them.

According to Major Brett Bishop, 86th Medical Group Physical Therapy Clinic therapist, the Department of Defense has approximately 900,000 injuries per year, which ultimately adds up to more than $1.5 trillion worth of medical coverage. This means a large percent of the military force is considered to be injured at any given time which effects mission readiness.

"Servicemembers should remember to train hard and smart, not just hard," the major said. "If your body hurts, listen to it."

Overtraining is a major reason people get injured. Some simple steps to prevent injuries during training; proper mechanics, consistency of movement and holding form, scalability and variability, Major Bishop said.

Although training to improve your fitness and overall health is vital, the fuel you put into your body is equally as important.

"You are what you eat, so if you eat garbage you are going to feel like garbage," said Major Bishop.

1st Lt. Philip Menagh, registered dietician at the Ramstein HAWC, spoke about making better choices and filling yourself up with fruits and vegetables and making your plate as colorful as possible.

"When you go to the commissary, shop the perimeter," said Lieutenant Menagh. "All of the produce, protein and dairy are on the outside. Also, I suggest bringing in a bowl to work on Monday and fill it with 10 pieces of fruit and try to have it gone by Friday."
Another tip before going grocery shopping is to plan meals in advance and have an agenda before going to the commissary.

"Menu planning allows you to eat foods that you enjoy and provide a good balance of nutrients for your health while focusing on portion control," said Tech. Sgt. David Fernandez, HAWC dietary therapist technician.

A well balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and dieting the correct way, he added.

"Starvation diets are no good and not healthy for the individual," Sergeant Fernandez said. "Men should consume no less than 1500 and women shouldn't have less than 1200 calories each day."

He also suggested eating smaller portions three-to-five times a day to maintain a higher metabolic rate.

Developing and caring for Airmen and their families is one of the Air Forces top priorities, and this is just is a little piece of caring for the Air Force family by educating servicemembers and their families in all facets of beginning or maintaining a healthy lifestyle while coinciding with the Air Forces year-around culture of fitness.

Another health and wellness forum is scheduled to take place March 26 at the Hercules Theatre from 8 to 10 a.m. and all ID card holders are encouraged to attend and get smart about healthy living and getting fit.