HAWC promotes health with counseling, events

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Along with typical fitness amenities, Incirlik's Health and Wellness Center offers services for anyone seeking other assistance. 

"We have programs to help improve fitness and promote weight loss for Incirlik personnel,"said 1st Lt. Sarah Montoya-Ortega, 39th Medical Operations Squadron health promotion manager. 

Though the HAWC provides a wide range of services, some people may think the HAWC is only geared towards helping those who have failed their annual fitness test. 

"Though we do have programs aimed to help those who fail their fitness test, the main focus of the HAWC is fitness, nutrition and tobacco cessation," said Lieutenant Montoya-Ortega. 

The HAWC also offers assistance for those seeking a more balanced diet. 

"Our dietician, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Normand, goes to units all over base giving briefings on living a healthy life through better eating habits," said Lieutenant Montoya-Ortega. "People can also come to the HAWC for one-on-one counseling sessions to help get their eating habits under control." 

Incirlik's HAWC is involved with events that promote healthy living such as the Great American Smokeout Dual-a-thon, which took place Nov. 22. 

"Though it rained, there were about 10 people who showed up for either the 5K run or to bike 10K," said Seth Jenny, 39 MDOS fitness program manager for the HAWC. "The reason for the dual-a-thon was to raise awareness for smoking cessation and physical fitness." 

An upcoming event is the six-week, 10,000 Step Pedometer Challenge which begins Jan. 12 and ends Feb. 22. 

"Participants will enter daily steps they accumulated and then electronically track their total steps each week," said Mr. Jenny. "The goal is to walk at least five miles a day to reach a total of 10, 000 steps. There will be prizes given to the top three people with the most steps accumulated." 

Along with these events and the fitness improvement class, there are tobacco cessation, excercise and health classes available. 

"In the end, everything depends on the individual," said Mr. Jenny. "If someone really wants to see improvement in a specific facet of their life, and is willing to learn and make lifestyle adjustments, there will be tremendous results. The services provided at the HAWC are free; the only cost is the time people are willing to spend and the patience to see to them flourish." 

For more information on HAWC programs, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 676-7061.