Light therapy, relaxation rooms get makeover Published Feb. 22, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing Health and Wellness Center recently refurbished their light therapy and relaxation rooms. "We were going through the process of looking into what we can do for process improvements and the light therapy and relaxation rooms came to mind," said Tech Sgt. Timmy Odom Jr., 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of health promotions. According to Odom, the rooms were plain and undecorated until Lt. Col. Elizabeth Anderson-Doze, 48th AMXS flight commander, and her son Justin Doze decided to step up and donated their time and talent to paint murals in both rooms. "She and her son painted a nice Jamaican beach scene in the sun therapy room and then painted a Japanese bamboo forest over in the relaxation room," said Odom. "Now it almost feels like you are there and hopefully that will increase the number of people coming and using the free services that we offer here at the HAWC." Anderson-Doze said she encourages people to use these free services. "The sun therapy room is really important, especially in England," she said. "There is a direct correlation between the amount of Vitamin D that your body absorbs and the ability to make serotonin; sometimes people get depressed a lot easier during the winter months, and it's because they don't realize they are not getting enough sunshine." According to Anderson-Doze, the sun lamps expose the body to Vitamin D that it needs to elevate one's mood, so it's an alternative to medication or therapy. According to Odom, the relaxation room can help people unwind and is a great place for one to take a mental break. "Everyone gets stressed and everyone needs to download," said Odom. "That's why the relaxation room is here, and it's free." Odom and Anderson-Doze both agree that the relaxation room is a great place to collect onesself. "The relaxation room is great if you are feeling stressed," said Anderson-Doze. "You can just sit there, chill out and listen to the fountain of water or bring your own music and just relax." The light therapy room and relaxation room are open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. For more information, call the HAWC at 226-2710 or 01638522710 USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)