HAWC launches new weight loss program Healthy Heroes

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Godfrey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In today's Air Force, Airmen must always be fit to fight, but in a world where we are bombarded with a dichotomy of influence, it can be difficult. A simple act such as standing in line at the grocery store becomes a battlefield where candy bars and health and fitness magazines flood us with temptations and tricks. What can we do?

The HAWC has many successful programs aimed at helping Airmen pass their fitness assessment, but the HAWC realized a need to focus on teaching healthy habits for positive long term effects.

Cindy Davis, the HAWC's registered dietician, accepted the challenge and put together Healthy Heroes, a 90-day intensive program directed at transforming diet and fitness patterns. Soon after, Nerissa Atkisson, a health fitness technician, rounded out the duo with her fitness expertise.

Since the program started April 19, 11 of the original 15 are still pushing and are as determined as ever to lose weight and transition to a healthier lifestyle, and they are seeing results.

"I've lost 13 pounds and it's only been three weeks, and I just passed my PT test. It's motivating," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Jordan, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Participants give a lot of the credit for their success to Ms. Davis and Ms. Atkisson.

"Nerissa and Cindy are great. They motivate us, they keep us on track. They yell at us sometimes, but that helps," said the staff sergeant with a smile. "It may seem like they are holding your hand throughout the program but some people just need that. They monitor how we eat, our PT sessions, and just keep on our backs to make sure we are meeting our goals."

Like most Airmen, these participants have jobs and families who they dedicate their time to, sometimes making health and wellness a lower priority. It takes serious dedication and motivating factors to keep them focused on this program and everything else in their lives.

For Tech. Sgt. David Hanneman, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, his family's livelihood depends on it.

"I need this job for my family and my son. We are a single income family and we just had a little one two months ago," said Sergeant Hanneman. "My little boy has already had two major surgeries and will need more in the future. What they offer in this program can help."

As of January 1, 2010, the fitness assessment requires that all Airmen pass every component of the test. For some this is no problem, but others who relied on some components to compensate for the others, this has presented a new challenge.

"The Air Force says that's the way it has to be. I had to figure out how to make my abdominal circumference work for me," said Sergeant Hanneman.

Before these participants could start the program there were some very specific requirements in order to be considered. With squadron commander approval, those who have failed or were within five points of failing their fitness assessment were considered for participation. Participants also could have no medical issues or upcoming life events to interfere with their new diets and exercise regime.

Ms. Davis focuses on the nutrition component and Ms. Atkisson focuses on the fitness. First-hand help from these experts help Airmen make the right decisions about diet and exercise.

Healthy Heroes requires its participants to keep a detailed food log. Each participant meets with Ms. Davis to review, weigh in and participate in a nutrition support group each week.

Ms. Davis helps show participants healthy alternatives for snacks and low calories meals that they can take home to their families, but without sacrificing taste and satisfaction.

"I help give ideas for healthy snacks and meals. Once I provided tangerine slices with cinnamon as a great snack alternative," said Ms. Davis. "I also met with each participant to discuss their diets at the beginning of the program."

Fitness enthusiast, Ms. Atkisson doesn't let up on the Airmen either. Every day of the week she leads fitness sessions, and the participants are required to attend at least three of them.

"Nerissa's class is a real eye opener. She hits a lot of muscle groups that I tend to avoid on purpose because they hurt like crazy. She is relentless at beating them up," said Sergeant Hanneman.

At the end of the 90 days, the HAWC will evaluate the success of this intensive approach, but until then, Ms. Davis and Ms. Atkisson will continue to push the Healthy Heroes to their limits and toward a healthier and happier way of life.