FORT LEE, VA. (Sept. 19, 2013) -- Kenner Army Health Clinic staff members are gearing up for a family day of fun to welcome fall with a health fair and Volksmarch, Oct. 5, 9-11:30 a.m.
The event also will introduce the Army Surgeon General's new Performance Triad Initiative.
The 5K route takes walkers, both human and canine, from the clinic parking lot on A Avenue through the trails of Petersburg National Battlefield to raise awareness of the Performance Triad, an initiative that promotes the importance of physical activity, nutrition and sleep as a holistic approach to care. Information provided at the health fair will educate participants on various ways to make choices to eliminate health risks, such as lack of exercise, obesity and too little sleep, all of which contribute to chronic disease.
Representatives from Kenner's Active Duty Clinic, Family Medicine Clinic, the Department of Behavioral Health, preventive medicine and disease management are among the many health care entities that will be represented. In addition, Army Community Service, the Association of U.S. Army Robert E. Lee Chapter, and members the Health Net network of providers will showcase the services they offer.
"With its crisp morning air and colorful leaves, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors," said Col. Thomas S. Bundt, KAHC commander. "It is the best time of the year for a Volksmarch."
Bundt, who is of German descent, said he hopes to make this event the first of many.
"I'd like every community member to take advantage of the weather, a gorgeous canopy of fall foliage and life enhancing information by joining the Kenner Nation as we walk toward building a healthier community," he said.
In addition to the 5K and health information, the KAHC Family Readiness Group plans to offer German-inspired fare for purchase.
Capt. Marie Daniell, KAHC Medical Department Activity Company commander, said the parking lot will resemble a fest one might see in a small European town.
"We've planned activities and entertainment for participants of all ages," she said. "We've been planning this event for months and we are all excited about welcoming our beneficiaries to learn how to live healthier."
Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, the Army surgeon general and commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command, launched a pilot program for the Performance Triad in February as a strategy to educate and enable military health care beneficiaries to be more proactive in developing healthy behaviors for life.
Military treatment facilities, like Kenner, are launching the program that invests in improving the readiness and resilience of the Army family.
"The life space is where people make decisions about their health related to activity, nutrition and sleep," explained Bundt. "Army medicine estimates that most patients visit a doctor one-to-five times a year, and each visit is about 20 minutes in length. Those 100 minutes are when Army medicine impacts patient health. The other 525,000 minutes a year when people are at work, or at home with their families and where health happens is the "life space."
The triad encourages Army family members to incorporate health-promoting behaviors and decisions into their everyday lives or life space.
Registration for all participants begins at 8:30 a.m. Children, ages 13 years or under, will receive a certificate of achievement. Leashed pets that are current on vaccinations are welcome to join the fun.
For more information, call the KAHC Public Affairs Office at (804) 734-9086 or 734-9186.
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