Start now to be fit for life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Fitness in the Air Force is a hot topic. Being fit is not just about being ready for a physical fitness test, but being ready for every aspect of life.

Because a healthy diet, good sleep habits and exercise are needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Moody's Health and Wellness Center offers the resources Airmen need to meet and exceed fitness standards and stay mission ready.

"Limiting negative health choices now will help you achieve better overall health in the long run," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Garrett, 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron human performance flight commander. "It's OK to occasionally indulge or miss going to the gym if you are making consistent healthy choices a majority of the time."

Airmen often stress about their upcoming physical fitness test, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle year round can help Airmen withstand, recover and grow when stressed.

"Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps mitigate the stress of waiting until the last minute to prepare for a physical fitness test," said Garrett. "Make the choices now to lower body fat, quit using tobacco or start going to the gym.

"It's not just the Air Force physical fitness assessment around the corner you want to think about, but being healthy later on in life."

A healthy diet can help maintain focus, fight off fatigue and maintain healthy stress levels.

"What you eat can affect your stress levels. Eating frequently and making healthy choices helps keep you feeling focused and collected," said Kayla K. Scherf, HAWC registered dietitian. "Not eating or eating foods that are not the best choice for you can lead to feeling fatigued. You will be able to better deal with your demanding day if you are well fueled. "

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle or deciding to make the changes to become a healthier person doesn't have to happen all at once.

"Start making small steps and work your way up if you decide to make a change to your diet or exercise," said Garrett. "The changes you make last longer and are of better quality if you take smaller steps.

"Nobody is perfect; it's ok if you fall off the wagon. Just use the knowledge you have to hop back on and start making smart choices again," said Garrett.

Members of team Moody who have questions or would like help making healthy lifestyles changes can call the HAWC at 229-257-4292. They have several resources available to help Airmen lead a healthy lifestyle and enable them to support the mission and meet the demands of military life.