Jan. 24, 2014 Maintain mental fitness for a healthy life The challenges of working in the Air Force can be both physically and mentally taxing. Mental fitness is approaching life's challenges in a positive way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character with choices and actions."When we celebrate attitudes and actions, we want to encourage
Jan. 22, 2014 Military Anti-Tobacco Initiatives Recognized at White House Ceremony Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, joined Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak at the White House on Jan. 17 to mark the release of the Surgeon General's new report on smoking and to recognize the Department of Defense and other federal agencies for their work in reducing
Jan. 17, 2014 Team Hickam advised against temporary weight loss solutions An increased emphasis on resiliency and readiness has led Airmen to potentially extreme or harmful measures to quickly shed extra pounds; however Hickam Human Performance and Rehabilitation Center personnel recommend Airmen choose quality over quantity when it comes to losing weight."Airmen should
Jan. 13, 2014 DOD focuses on healthy, active lifestyle for kids With the national rate of childhood obesity increasing, the Defense Department wants to ensure children in military families lead healthy and active lifestyles, the Defense Department's director of the office of family policy and children and youth said.In a recent interview with American Forces
Jan. 13, 2014 Sesame Street book teaches kids resilience The Defense Department and Sesame Street have unveiled a book and DVD to develop resilience in young children.Barbara Thompson, the director of the office of family policy/children and youth said "Little Children, BIG Challenges" lets military children know that challenges are a part of life.
Jan. 8, 2014 Military blood program director urges generosity The director of the Armed Services Blood Program wants all service members to be part of a new arms race.Col. Richard H. McBride wants service members to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to help fellow service members and their families.Historically, blood levels shrink around the holidays,
Jan. 7, 2014 Military Consolidates Vaccine Agencies The Military Vaccine Agency and Vaccine Healthcare Centers Network have unified as one agency ready to provide the military community with the highest quality immunization standards and practices.Immunization is a cornerstone of the Military Health System's shift in focus from treating disease to
Dec. 31, 2013 Preventive Care for a Healthy, Happy New Year As we count down to 2014, a popular trend is to New Year's resolutions. Some resolutions are physical, like losing weight, while others are behavioral, like 'stop procrastinating' or 'be more positive'. No matter which resolutions beneficiaries make, TRICARE recommends they put their health first
Dec. 27, 2013 Bioenvironmental flight: 'Detect to protect' While most individuals may only know them for the gasmask fit test they receive, bioenvironmental engineering flight's motto and mission to 'Detect to Protect' is a vital part in ensuring all Airmen are able to safely and effectively complete their jobs, day in and day out. Also known as BEE, the
Dec. 26, 2013 Five Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite Adult Hypothermia Signs- Uncontrollable shivering- Exhaustion- Confusion, drowsiness- Memory loss- Slurred speechInfant Hypothermia Signs- Bright red, cold skin- Very low energyIn the U.S., approximately 700 deaths occur each year from hypothermia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Dec. 16, 2013 DOD adds synthetic marijuana to random drug testing The Defense Department has expanded its zero tolerance for the use of illicit drugs to include synthetic marijuana, also known as "spice," the director of DOD's drug testing and program policy said here today.In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Army Lt. Col.
Dec. 16, 2013 Master sergeant's journey to healthier lifestyle, body At 5 feet 5 inches and 232 pounds, he looked in the mirror and wasn't proud of what he saw. "If I can't look at myself, how can my kids and everyone else look at me and think I look okay?"He decided enough was enough; it was time for a change. "The last 17 years I fought to keep my weight off, it's
Dec. 16, 2013 12 tips for coping with stress, depression and the holidays Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and affect your health. Seeking support, being realistic and planning ahead can help ward off stress and depression. For some people, the holidays bring unwelcome guests -- stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect
Dec. 16, 2013 Take It Slow On Ice and Snow Winter is quickly approaching and the dangers associated with driving on snowy and icy roads are more imminent. Being properly prepared to travel in these conditions can help avoid emergency vehicle mishaps. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each year 24 percent of weather-related
Dec. 13, 2013 JBSA-Randolph mental health professionals help ease holiday stress The holidays should be a time of peace and joy, an enjoyable respite from the grind of everyday life, but it is often marked by overwhelming stress created by the demands of the season, from shopping and decorating to social events and family gatherings. For young Airmen away from home for the first
Dec. 13, 2013 CJCS visits Aviano, stresses resiliency to overseas service members Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lauded service members on their selfless service and encouraged resiliency throughout the forces during a day-long visit Dec. 11 here.The highest ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, accompanied by Marine Sgt. Maj.
Dec. 12, 2013 Fitness excellence sets Maxwell pharmacy apart On the hour, every hour, the 42nd Medical Group's pharmacy flight gathers in a back room and starts counting, not prescription refills, but repetitions of pushups, sit-ups or pull-ups. While maintaining the busiest pharmacy in Alabama, the pharmacy cannot afford to not have the energy to support the
Dec. 12, 2013 Gum chewing: a healthy habit Did you know that gum chewing can help prevent dental disease? A 2008 review in the Journal of the American Dental Association stated that chewing sugar free gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. When you chew gum it stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is
Dec. 3, 2013 Helping Family Caregivers Cope with Traumatic Brain Injuries A number of returning service members have sustained brain injuries in the line of duty. These injuries significantly change not only their lives, but also those of their family members, who often make tremendous sacrifices to care for their wounded warriors. The Defense Department is committed to
Dec. 3, 2013 Festive food: Healthy habits for happy holidays Warm turkey, savory stuffing, rich green bean casserole -- and don't forget pumpkin pie. With the holiday season on the horizon and all of the food that comes along with it, it is important to know what, and how much, we are eating.Many people often overlook healthy eating habits during the