Medical Corner: Slim down, stress less

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Graf
  • Health and Wellness Center
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For a Slimmer You
Are you ready to lose that extra weight you've been carrying around? Did you make a New Year's resolution to be in a little better shape? Would you like some help with your goals; and maybe have a little fun while winning prizes?

In recognition of Healthy Weight Month, the Fitness Center and the HAWC are sponsoring the 5th Annual Largest Loser event. The Largest Loser is a multi-faceted program designed to help Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their family members from Malmstrom lose weight in a healthy manner; within a team environment that fosters support and camraderie. The program begins Jan. 31 and runs until April 29. Aside from the opportunity to win one of the $4,348 worth of prizes and free gifts, to include a recumbent bike and a wide variety of professional massages, participants have additional access to educational opportunities to give them that extra edge towards self improvement.

New this year is the team concept to instill motivation and increase the success rates among participants. Teams will be made up of four people. To sign up, participants can call 731-3621 or they can report to the Fitness Center counter Jan. 26-28 at any time during business hours.

For more information, please contact the Fitness Center at 731-3621 or the HAWC at 731-4292.

Stress Recognition
Stress is a fact of life and a necessity for growth. It's also responsible for a multitude of positive and/or negative responses that occur throughout any aspect of a person's life. Stress may affect cognitive function, physiology and emotions. Additional impact would likely occur within relationships, finances and spirituality. Accurately identifying stressors, then appropriately responding to them, is the challenge we all face, every day.

Likely, a large pool of knowledge and experience has already been amassed that's served everyone well. To add to these resources, the Health and Wellness Center is providing a thorough, one-session Stress Management class, every Tuesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Participants will discover their modern-day ties to ancient human experiences, identify specifically how their life may be impacted by their stressors, and have an opportunity to learn and practice relaxation techniques that can take the edge off their stress level enough so they're better able to tackle what's been bogging them down.

For more information or to attend a class, call the HAWC at 731-4292.