WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Throughout 2016, Civilian Health Promotion Services will celebrate its 10-year anniversary of providing health and wellness services to Air Force Materiel Command’s workforce.
The CHPS program began in 2006 in collaboration with Federal Occupational Health to maintain a healthy and productive civilian workforce and to support AFMC’s goal of enhancing the wellness and safety of its employees.
“Building a culture of health and resilience in this command is a top priority,” said Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, AFMC Commander. “CHPS is an excellent resource that provides our workforce the tools and support to enhance their physical, mental and social well-being.”
The personal benefits of wellness also extend to the workplace, according to Col. Janice Wallace, AFMC Command Surgeon.
“Healthy employees are more productive at work and at home,” she said. “Making healthy lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Over the past 10 years, CHPS health and wellness programs have encouraged the AFMC workforce to lose weight, eat healthy, lower cholesterol and increase physical activity. CHPS wellness challenges that helped the workforce achieve their wellness goals include: Freeze the Gain, Be Active, Team Lean Challenge and Spring into Shape.
CHPS wellness challenges have had more than 29,000 participants, and these individuals collectively have lost 37,000 pounds, walked 72,000 miles and completed more than 34,000 hours of physical activity.
To help the workforce understand their current health status, CHPS has conducted 100,000 cardiac risk profile screenings, which measures cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure values. More than182,000 participants have attended CHPS health education classes to learn healthy lifestyle behaviors such as preventing type 2 diabetes and exercising with arthritis.
CHPS has also promoted and conducted Comprehensive Airman Fitness resilience campaigns through collaborative Integrated Delivery System partnerships including Mental Fitness, Chronic Pain Management, Stay Safe & Drive Sober and Strengthening Relationships.
Be active. Feel good. Enjoy life. CHPS provides many resources to help employees maintain and improve their health and well-being. For more information, visit AFMCwellness.com or call Hill AFB CHPS at 801-586-9585.
