VILSECK, Germany -- The Bavaria Army Wellness Center on Rose Barracks officially reopened its doors, Dec. 3, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that introduced increased services for the community.
"This is the newest resource to empower people to improve and sustain their health," said Col. E. Darrin Cox, commander, Bavaria Medical Department Activity. "This is the model for Army Wellness Centers across Europe."
The Bavaria Army Wellness Center, formerly the Army Wellness Center Grafenwoehr, was one of the first five standardized Army Wellness Centers. It originally opened its doors in 2009.
A recent increase in both equipment and staff, however, will allow the center to concentrate more effort in the overall wellness of the community.
The center will continue to provide fitness assessments and metabolic testing, but has added services to include a relaxation chamber for stress management and a BOD POD, a state of-the-art piece of equipment using Air Displacement Plethysmography that accurately measures body fat.
The device, which requires individuals to sit inside a futuristic looking, egg-shaped chamber, is one of only two available at Army Wellness Centers in Europe.
The use of this new equipment will further the Army Wellness Center's goal to address lifestyle behaviors holistically.
Current technology along with evidence-based methods, aims to help individuals improve sleep, nutrition and performance. This is achieved through six core programs: health assessment review, physical fitness, healthy nutrition, stress managements, and wellness and tobacco education.
Through these programs aimed at prevention of chronic disease, Army Wellness Centers are a leading effort in Army Medicine's goal of shifting from a health care system to a system for health. The Bavaria AWC is one of 19 current wellness centers, whose numbers will eventually reach 38.
"With an increase in our integrated and standardized programs and services, we hope to re-energize the community when it comes to preventive health and wellness," said Kim Waller, director of the center.
While the center is open to the community at large, Waller mentioned the significant role it plays in Soldier readiness and resiliency.
"Having a sound mind and healthy body is essential to having a ready and resilient force," said Waller. "A Soldier's body and mind are the most important pieces of equipment they take into combat."
As a part of the Ready and Resilient Campaign, Waller stated that the community would see a greater emphasis on collaborated efforts for both mental and physical wellness in the future.
Each program offered is individualized to address the needs, motivation and confidence level of the participant and is free for the Army community. The center also provides onsite assessment for units within the garrison.
To schedule a metabolic test or fitness assessment, contact the Bavaria Army Wellness Center at DSN 476-4795, CIV 09662-83-4795.
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