ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The goal of the U.S. Army's Ready and Resilient Campaign is to improve human performance among all U.S. Army personnel - both Soldiers and civilians. Readiness is the strategic focus of the Community Health Promotion Council, and its leaders are responsible for removing any obstacles in the way of readiness.
"The CHPC is an installation-wide platform used to discuss and address RIA workforce health, wellness and resiliency needs," said Elizabeth Rodriguez, health promotion officer, ASC.
The CHPC also partners with local private sector professionals who provide services in support of the R2C. Within the R2C governing body, CHPC members recommend, coordinate and ensure the integration of physical health and wellness programs including health education, supportive social and physical environments, integrated worksite wellness programs, synchronization between interrelated programs, and screening programs.
The Civilian Fitness Program is one of several readiness initiatives supported by CHPC at U.S. Army Sustainment Command.
Offered by the ASC Wellness Division, the CFP is an ASC R2C-driven initiative designed to improve unit readiness by creating a healthier and more productive work force. The goals of CFP include increasing work performance and productivity, reducing risk factors for debilitating diseases, improving ability to manage stress, developing positive lifestyle behaviors and creating a culture of wellness.
"The CFP affords participants three admin hours per week for a six-month period to improve overall fitness, develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, and enhance quality of work-life through education and wellness initiatives," said Linda Ottman, CFP manager, ASC.
Per Army regulation 600-63, Army Health Promotion, health promotion encompasses the following functional areas: Health education, behavioral health, physical health, spiritual health, environmental and/or social health.
"This is an opportunity to get fit, decrease your risk factors, manage stress and learn to eat healthy," said Ottman.
Lauren Biswell, program specialist, ASC Wellness Division, provided current program data showing that participants who completed the CFP lost 2 percent of their body weight and 1.74 percent of their body fat, based on data collected at the beginning and end of the program.
"The program helped me reduce stress, maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated," said Bethany Carbajal, logistics management specialist, ASC.
"Honestly, I wish we could do it our whole career," Carbajal said. "With a new baby and a busy schedule, I needed all the extra time I could get to do something I love, which is working out."
Another CFP graduate, Melissa Nunn, program analyst, ASC, also benefited from the added time CFP afforded her to work out.
"I took full advantage of the three hours admin per week," Nunn said. "Physical activity isn't just about losing weight; it is the best stress reliever I know of. We all have busy, stressful lives, and physical activity provides a balance."
Another ASC wellness initiative, unofficially coined "the stair-wellness initiative," can be utilized by any employee, even if not enrolled in the CFP. The program entails climbing the stairs of buildings 390 or 350.
According to Dr. Karen K. Lee, M.D., senior adviser of Built Environment and Healthy Housing at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, climbing stairs burns more calories than jogging and two additional minutes of stair climbing per day is enough to prevent middle-age weight gain.
For CFP registration questions, contact Linda Ottman at 309-782-4690 or Lauren Biswell at 309-782-0695, or email either at usarmy.ria.asc.mbx.wellness@mail.mil .
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