Good Health-A Best Practice at the Detroit Arsenal

By Ms. Lori Grein (IMCOM)July 17, 2009

Good Health-A Best Practice at the Detroit Arsenal
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mi. - In an effort to promote better health among the DA Civilian workforce, the USAG-Detroit Arsenal and TACOM Life Cycle Management Command have joined forces to endorse the Civilian Health Promotion Program here.

Brenda Lee McCullough, Garrison Manager, explained the significance of the program. "It is very important for everyone to take a personal interest in their health so they can lead a productive life at home and work. When employees are healthy their mood is better and they are more likely to be a more positive contributor to the entire team. Our program is in line with the President's agenda of improving the health of federal employees."

The interest in CHPP has been an enormous success! Within the first week of introduction, the maximum participation of 200 was reached and the wait list continues to grow daily.

First-line supervisors may approve up to three hours per week of excused time in order for DA Civilian employees to participate in nutritional education and strength-training exercises. Pre and post physical evaluations are mandatory and participants are monitored throughout the six month training period by qualified professionals.

Benefits of regular exercise are well documented and include: weight management, improved sleep, strengthening of heart, lungs and muscles, management of certain chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, increased emotional well-being, and improved endurance.

When discussing health care innovations and progress, President Barack Obama has stated, "We've taken proven measures that have been applied in the private sector and seeing how we can apply those, for example, to federal employees. . . All this [is] designed to save tax-payers money, save businesses money, and ultimately make the American people healthier and happier."

Senior leaders of the Detroit Arsenal continue to set the standard for incorporating innovative approaches to promoting the wellbeing of the workforce. Through CHPP, all personnel have the potential to build strong, healthy eating and exercise habits.