Those looking to take control of their health and general well-being, but who find they need extra support to get started with a plan may find an answer by visiting the new Army Wellness Center at Fort Rucker.
The Fort Rucker Army Wellness Center hosts a ribbon cutting for the opening of the center June 17 at 9 a.m.
A U.S. Army Medical Command initiative overseen by the Army Public Health Center, the AWC at Fort Rucker is the 28th center to open its doors and will officially begin seeing eligible Fort Rucker community July 1.
The AWC provides active-duty Soldiers, Reserve members, National Guard members, family members, military retirees, and Department of the Army civilians with free standardized primary prevention programs and services that promote enhanced and sustained healthy lifestyles to improve the overall wellbeing of Soldiers and family members.
The new AWC is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a professional staff who will run a variety of assessments and tests to set people up with an action plan and provide them with tools and educational classes, so they can be on theirway to better health.
The AWC approach is holistic, taking into account all of an individual's physical, psychological and social circumstances to meet individualized goals in both health and fitness.
Services include health assessment, biometric screening, exercise testing, exercise prescription, body composition analysis, metabolic testing, biofeedback, wellness coaching,
and education in healthy nutrition, weight management, stress management, general wellness, good sleep habits and tobacco education.
"These services would potentially cost someone thousands at an off-post establishment and are absolutely free to eligible clients," said Anna Schwartz, project lead of the AWC. "One of our main goals is to prevent disease and other health issues. We want to assist our clients in achieving and maintaining healthy lifestyles with positive behavior change."
Referrals can be made to AWC by medical providers or unit commanders; however, self-referrals may also be made and are always welcome, although it is best to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure preparation guidelines are adhered to.
When a client visits the AWC, their encounter is documented in their electronic health record. Their medical provider is integrated into their wellness plan, has the ability to give direction and oversight to the wellness center, and is able to follow their patients' progress.
"The center promotes and encourages living healthy lifestyles using a whole person approach. We know that engaging in healthy habits now will improve readiness and prevent long-term and costly diseases later," said Col. Gary Wheeler, Lyster Army Health Clinic commander. "The AWC is all about partnering with Soldiers, families, civilians and retirees to make and sustain healthy lifestyle choices."
Improving health and fitness across the force remains a top priority for Army leadership. AWCs are a leading effort in Amy Medicine's goal of transforming from a healthcare system to a system for health.
"We have so much to offer the Fort Rucker community, especially in regard to Soldier readiness and resiliency," Schwartz said. "We hope this center will inspire everyone to make health and fitness a priority because a healthier environment or installation has a direct impact on Soldier performance and, ultimately, well-being."
The Army Wellness Center is located at 4102 Gladiator Street, Bldg. 4102, and is open Mondays-Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays when the center is open 7:30 a.m. to noon.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 255-3923.
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