ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Army Wellness Centers promote, enhance, and sustain healthy lifestyles to improve the overall well being of Soldiers, Family members, and DOD civilians and contractors through integrated and standardized programs and services. AWC staff members take into account all of an individual's physical, psychological and social circumstances when providing services. A holistic approach is needed to fully assess the whole person. The AWC Core Program includes a Health Assessment Review, Physical Fitness, Healthy Nutrition, Stress Management, General Wellness Education and Tobacco Education.
This is the first of a series about members of Team APG who have reached their weight and fitness goals through the APG Army Wellness Center.
APG Star reaches her limits
Lita Singh expected to drop a lot of weight when she returned to work and the gym after the birth of her daughter. But for some reason, the stubborn pounds wouldn't budge. Singh is an administrative clerk with the Directorate of Emergency Services. A former information technology specialist with Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, she also is the daughter of Sue Singh, KUSAHC public health nurse.
With a naturally small build, Singh wasn't used to dealing with weight issues.
She returned to work weighting about 145 pounds, up from about 122 pounds before her pregnancy.
"I lost a little down to around 140 pounds but that was it," she said.
"As soon as I got back to work I started hitting the gym; pretty much doing my own thing or what I thought other people did to lose weight. After not seeing the results I wanted, my mom recommended the Army Wellness Center."
She said the treatment and advice she received at the AWC got her on track.
"The staff is so knowledgeable and nice. There are no stupid questions," she said. "They made it clear they are not there to criticize but to be helpful. I felt very comfortable. If not for their help I probably would not have the results I have today."
She added that the AWC approach, which considers the whole person, gives a personal touch to the assessment.
"Setting goals and seeing your status on paper helps bring things into focus," she said. "It also strengthens your resolve. I still work out but the main thing I do different is watch what I eat. I eat more proteins and vegetables, limit breads and pastas, and stay away from fast foods."
Singh works out daily, Monday through Friday. She participates in the Boot Camp fitness classes offered through MWR and makes it a point to do cardio exercises at least 25 minutes per day.
"It's really hard to motivate yourself," she added, "but AWC works with you and helps you stay focused."
Today Singh is a healthy 119 pounds.
"I tell everyone about the Army Wellness Center," she said, "because they know that when you look good and feel good, you're a happier person."
The APG North (Aberdeen) AWC is located in Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 410-306-1024. The APG South (Edgewood) AWC, located in Bldg. E4110, accepts clients three days per month. The center will open July 11, 23 and 29 and Aug. 5, 14 and 27. To schedule an appointment, call 410-306-1024 or visit the AWC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArmyWellnessCenter .
The AWC Program is a U.S. Army Medical Command Program overseen by the U.S. Army Public Health Command.
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