Crews Into Shape: Nutrition Awareness Month Challenge Published Feb. 26, 2016 Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs Calling all Airmen! Are you up for a challenge? Airmen are invited to participate in the 16th Annual Crews Into Shape Challenge. Sponsored by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) Department, the challenge will take place March 6 – April 2, 2016. Crews Into Shape offers Airmen the opportunity to practice healthy eating and active living, just in time for March’s Nutrition Awareness Month. The challenge lasts four weeks and uses a team approach to promote wellness, combining the support of friends, colleagues, and family members, to work toward a healthier lifestyle. The challenge is open to all Active Duty and Reserve service members in the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) family members and civilians. Participants form teams of up to 10 members, create a team name and aim to earn points. Points are accrued by: Eating two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily Performing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise or 15 minutes of vigorous exercise daily Maintaining or achieving a goal weight Engaging in other healthy activities Crews Into Shape is a popular initiative within the DoD community. In 2015, 311 Crews and 1,941 registered crew members from all over the DoD participated in the challenge. NMCPHC reports that in 2015, 187 post-challenge survey respondents described enjoying direct benefits through participation in the challenge. Of the respondents, 82 percent reported an increase in daily fruit and vegetable consumption habits, while 78 percent saw an improvement in their daily exercise routines. Celebrate Nutrition Awareness Month. Practice healthy eating and active living. Join the challenge and get Crewsin’ in 2016. Register by March 5, 2016 and Crews Into Shape! For more information, visit the Navy and Marine Corp Public Health Center website.