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BE WELL program

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Health Promotion officials recently announced significant changes to the BE WELL Core Program. The purpose of Be Well is to provide Airmen and leadership with the necessary resources and tools to optimize fitness and health. Participation is mandatory for all Airmen with an unsatisfactory fitness score and available for other members who wish to improve their fitness.

Participant responses from BE WELL follow-up surveys were also taken into consideration when establishing the need for change.

"The previous BE WELL version is not consistent with future Health Promotion staffing models," said Will Carpenter, Health Promotion manager. "There is a wide variation in participant needs among those attending the course."

The Air Force Medical Operations Agency assembled a team of health promotion professionals as well as a focus group of Airmen to develop standardized methodology and tools to support the revision of the BE WELL program.

"We were able to recognize deficiencies in the former program; notably three hours away from their work center to attend a course," said Carpenter.

Carpenter went on to say that the focal group requested more specific information depending on portions of the fitness test the member struggled with.

"With the new version, it will work out better for commanders while providing specific information to the member on areas of concern," said Carpenter.

A new course of action with multiple choices available to the airman related to their fitness assessment component failure has been identified and will be implemented.

The end result of this effort offers greater flexibility to unit commanders and their Airmen without reducing services.

A three hour class was offered weekly depending on the length of the course and the different briefers attending.

"Through the Health and Wellness Center, BE WELL 2.0 will offer the individual and the Commander up to five options to assist the member in their overall fitness and physical fitness test preparation," Carpenter said. "This gives flexibility and multiple options for commanders to choose from while being able to minimize effects on the mission."

Carpenter went on to say that the member can set up an individualized plan of action to help meet their needs. The original version was a class that covered exercise, nutrition and behavior changes; however, it did not go in depth with these topics.

Airmen who fail their assessment will have access to a full suite of options delivered by health promotion professionals. These options include BE WELL Online, a healthy weight management program, physical conditioning that have been customized to each individual installation, and telephonic health coaching through Military One Source.

AFI 36-2905 allows up to 10 duty days for a member to complete one of the interventions. BE WELL Online has previously been utilized primarily by GSUs and Reserve units but are available to anyone.

"The HAWC currently offers a Strength Training 101 and a Running 101 to assist those members who require help in the pushup, sit-ups or cardiovascular component," said Carpenter. "For those who need assistance with abdominal circumference or weight management, we offer a Better Body Better Life program or Nutrition Essentials."

Airmen will have the flexibility of choosing, with commander approval, a minimum of one option or as many as they feel is necessary to become successful in their fitness goals.

The Be Well program restructuring allows for increased prevention measures. The program is available to all who would like to participate.

"The HAWC has subject matter experts that a member can work with to improve any fitness level," he said. "The exercise physiologist and dietitian are available for counseling and program modification to assist members in meeting their fitness goals."

The Bod Pod is available for those who want to track their fitness progress but do not see the scale changing as rapidly as they would like. The exercise physiologist can perform a Gait Analysis to record the member's running form, helping correct deficiencies or issues that may lead to injury.

"Our classes are open to everyone and not just those dealing with a PT test," said Carpenter. "There are a number of exercise programs and diet plans out there that may not help the individual achieve the goals they have set. We help sort through all this information to ensure you have the proper program for your individual needs."