HAWC issues get-outside-and-move summer challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Summer is finally here and fortunately for Team Malmstrom members, the sun hasn't been too shy. Now that the weather has warmed up, it's time for Wing One to go outside.

Although some Airmen may have already saddled up their horses and dusted off their fishing poles, others may be waiting for the perfect time. The 341st Medical Operations Squadron Health and Wellness Center is offering those Airmen the perfect time with the "Not So Bummer Summer" challenge.

Starting June 4 and continuing through July 30, each team of four participants signed up will start keeping track of points, which will be accumulated for every minute spent doing an exercise-based activity. The team of four should have one team leader who will be responsible for keeping track of points and submitting them at the end of each week. The event is open to anyone on base over the age of 12. Families are highly encouraged to participate.

"The reason we're doing this challenge is to basically improve overall health ... because people can get sedentary," said Kandice Hanenburg, HAWC office manager. "In order to be healthy you want to have at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day. This will prevent things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and will also help with stress."

Anything from vigorous aerobic activities to cleaning the house can be counted as exercise-based activities, and points will be awarded based on the amount of time spent doing them. Participants can also get points for doing other things specified by the HAWC, including keeping a food diary, attending the Right Weigh class on June 18, doing pre- and post-body composition measurements, and losing weight or body fat.

Airmen seeking a food diary can use www.sparkpeople.com. The diaries submitted will be looked at by the HAWC dietitian, who will then recommend changes that could improve the member's health.

"If you have an active lifestyle that's where the nutrition diary comes in because you have to look at the other piece," said Kirk Clark, HAWC exercise physiologist. "Part of our education [with this challenge] is to get people to realize there is a balance and you need to offset that balance if weight loss is your goal."

For some people, weight loss is a main goal, but motivation is an issue. According to HAWC officials, this challenge offers motivation through teamwork and the perfect time of year, encouraging Airmen to get outside, be active and watch what they eat.

"We noticed that when you have a team motivating each other, it helps with the continuity to keep things going," Hanenburg said. "When you have somebody to cheer you on it can become more motivational."

The overall goal of the challenge is to promote healthy lifestyles throughout Wing One. By giving Airmen a tool to start healthy behaviors like eating right and being active, the HAWC hopes to see it become habit.

"Our goal is a healthier mindset and a mindset that makes a lifestyle of change," Clark said.

The team with the most points by July 30 will be named the winners. Each member will receive Topsy Turvy tomato planter, a jump rope, a toning wheel, and a HAWC gym bag and water bottle. The individual who accumulates the most points will receive a two-person tent.

For more information or to sign up, contact Hanenburg at 731-4292.