Fit 4 Life program presents options Published Aug. 9, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs Tinker AFB, Okla. -- Despite popular perception, the civilian "Fit 4 Life" program is not strictly a fitness program. The time, which accommodates up to three hours a week, can also be used for on-base wellness programs. Organizations that offer acceptable fitness alternatives include the Civilian Health Promotion Services, Health and Wellness Center, Employee Assistance Program and Airman and Family Readiness Center. While there are some restrictions, officials said it is important to stress there are alternatives to solely working out. "I strongly believe that a healthier work force is ultimately a safer, more productive work force and I fully support Tinker [Air Force Base] employees' participation in fitness/wellness activities," wrote Maj. Gen. David Gillett, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, in a recent memo. Wellness programs focus on a wide variety of topics, including health education classes for nutrition, exercise, anger, stress, weight management and tobacco cessation. Or, should an individual need to speak with a professional, appointments can be arranged during the Fit 4 Life time. William Swigert, OC-ALC director of Personnel, said if a supervisor is aware, a first visit with an EAP counselor, can be made without using leave. If following appointments are necessary, they can be scheduled during the work day and the time, as long as it requires no more than three hours a week, can be counted as Fit 4 Life. EAP is a free counseling service that aids troubled Air Force Materiel Command civilians. EAP allows up to six free sessions for a civilian or dependents. "If you're having problems, programs are available to you," said Karen Blackwell, Health Promotions Flight Chief for the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Take advantage of them." AFMC first introduced the Fit 4 Life concept in October 2004, but it was limited to offering incentives for fitness efforts and it could not be used during work hours. In April 2005, the program was revised. New amendments stated up to three hours a week could be used for fitness. Nearly a year later, the program was amended again, allowing civilians to participate in wellness activities during scheduled Fit 4 Life time. For more information about wellness programs, go to http://wwwmil.tinker.af.mil/Fit4Life/dToolKit.asp. Tinker Employee Assistance Program Counselors The Employee Assistance Program is a professional resource available to help resolve life challenges. On-line Assessments are available for first-time visitors: https://www.magellanassist.com/default.asp Assessments available include: ·Alcohol Use screening ·Depression screening ·Social readjustment rating scale 24 hour hotline: 800-222-364: Local EAP counselors: 734-6691 or 734-6687 HAWC, 734-5505: Tobacco Cessation The Health and Wellness Center offers a tobacco cessation program through the American Lung Association. Counseling received from the ALA is free to all military beneficiaries and DoD civilians. Call 1-800-548-8252 anytime 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to speak with a Registered Nurse or respiratory therapist from the American Lung Association. SLIM Time Interactive support sessions emphasizing weight management through lifestyle changes. The brown bag lunch class is offered weekly, on Thursday's from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Running Clinic A one-hour course taught by a physical therapist that focuses on improving breathing, running mechanics, shoe selection and more. Offered once a month. Civilian Fitness Leader Course This is to teach civilians as part of the Fit 4 Life to lead safe and effective group exercise classes and/or provide assistance in exercise to members enrolled in the Fit 4 Life Program. Relaxation stations The Wellness Center has two chairs to massage away your built up stress as well as one chair in the Civilian Health Promotions Office (3001 Lighthouse location opening soon). Anger and Stress Management Classes Classes are four weeks long and open to civilian employees as well as active duty. Classes are taught at the HAWC, but the instructors are from Mental Health. Nutritional Medicine, 736-2169: Diabetic Class Learn to make healthy food choices thru balance and consistency in this two-day class in a two-week period. Diabetes Support Group Topics include nutrition, physical activity, dental health, foot care, stress management, and more, held the second Friday of the month Fitness and Nutrition This class provides information for lifestyle changes on weight loss, increased physical fitness, improved self-esteem and more. These classes are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Spaces are limited. Healthy Heart Class The Nutritional Medicine Clinic offers this two-hour class by appointment once a month at 1 p.m.in the HAWC classroom. This class provides information on making healthy food selections, reading food labels and other important ways to help lower cholesterol. Spaces are limited.