Are you looking to take control of your health and general well-being, but need extra support to get started? Visiting the Fort Rucker Army Wellness Center may be the answer.
The AWC at Fort Rucker provides Active-Duty Soldiers/Reserve/National Guard, Dependents, Military Retirees, and Department of the Army Civilians with free primary prevention programs and services that promote enhanced and sustained healthy lifestyles to improve their overall well-being.
AWC is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a professional staff that run a variety of assessments and tests to help create an action plan and provide you with tools and educational classes, so you can be on your way 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.
"The AWC is here to help achieve both Soldier and Family Readiness," said Anna Schwartz, Project lead of the AWC. "It is imperative that both are always ready. The AWC provides individuals information about themselves and empowers them to achieve their wellness goals. All of our services are individualized. When you visit us, you're going to get a tailored plan just for you."
Examples of services provided at the AWC 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 Schwartz. "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."
One Monday a month from April to September, the AWC is partnering with the Fort Rucker Ready Resilient Training Center to offer Civilian Fitness Program Performance Enhancement Sessions. These sessions are designed for eligible beneficiaries to improve mindset, motivation, and exercise performance.
"We're excited to offer these sessions in addition to our regular classes and daily services," said Schwartz. "Some of the offered sessions will include building confidence, stress management, goal setting and time management."
Referrals for AWC services can be made 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. Unit commanders can also call or stop in to schedule unit assessments, coaching, educational classes on site or at their location since most of our equipment is portable.
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.
"Improving health and fitness across the force remains a top priority for Army leadership. 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 Lt. Col. Jon Baker, Lyster Army Health Clinic Commander. "The AWC is all about partnering with Soldiers, Families, Civilians and Retirees to make and sustain healthy lifestyle choices."
"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, Building 4102 and is open Mon-Fri 0730 -- 1530, reduced hours Wed 0730 -- 1200. You can keep track of upcoming classes and events by following on Facebook @fortruckerawc.
For more information or to schedule an appointment or class reservation, call 334-255-3923.
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