HAWC class helps Airmen with back, neck problems Published March 16, 2009 By Airman Brigitte Brantley 23rd Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A class that assists individuals with back and neck issues is scheduled from 2-3 p.m. March 24 to be held at the Health and Wellness Center here. The class, taught by the 23rd Medical Group's physical therapy clinic, targets back and neck problems not related to injuries or trauma. Offered the fourth Tuesday of each month, it is taught in a group setting that allows all participants to ask questions freely, said 1st Lt. Jasmine Ruiz-Diaz, 23rd MDG physical therapist. "People often come into this class not understanding basic concepts about how to avoid back and neck pain," she said. "Once they leave, we generally don't see them come into our office, so we hope they gained enough knowledge to avoid injuries." Individuals who attend the class are from all different backgrounds. "Many of the participants tend to be pregnant women, people whose daily jobs are strenuous or individuals who have been intensely training for an upcoming physical fitness test," said Lieutenant Ruiz-Diaz. "If you're going to start a new training regimen, be safe. Begin it far enough ahead of time that you will be able to properly train without jeopardizing your health." The class allows for individuals to discuss their own issues and covers a number of topics. "The most important thing we teach is recognizing and avoiding repetitive stressors," said Lieutenant Ruiz-Diaz. "We also cover posture, standing, sleeping and injury prevention." "In the end, though, it's about being safe and making sure Airmen are always ready to deploy," said Lieutenant Ruiz-Diaz. "We teach Airmen how to manage or prevent the pain, not cure it. "Our goal is to keep Airmen mission-ready at all times," she added.