Heart and Sole initiative takes off
Posted 1/23/2013 Updated 1/23/2013
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by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
1/23/2013 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- February is American Heart month and Air Force Materiel Command is hosting multiple activities to promote a healthy heart for all personnel.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately every 25 seconds an American will have a coronary event. To help prevent heart disease and increase awareness of heart healthy lifestyle habits, Civilian Health Promotion Services will be conducting heart healthy activities throughout the month.
One particular program is the Heart and Sole walking initiative, which involves both the AFMC Wellness Support center website, www.AFMCWellness.com, and the Pedometer Walking Program.
The goal of this initiative is to log steps into the Pedometer Walking Program five days a week for a total of 140,000 steps during the month of February. Individuals who complete this task will receive a travel fitness kit.
The Heart and Sole walking initiative may help reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure, decreasing body fat and managing body weight, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes and by lowering bad and raising good cholesterol.
In addition to staying involved in the multiple programs and activities being held throughout the month, personnel can also make healthy changes to lower the risk of a heart attack and stroke by maintaining healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, limiting dietary fat and cholesterol, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
How to participate in the Heart and Sole initiative:
1. Create an online account at www.AFMCWellness.com. Air Force civilians need a current Health Risk Assessment. Active duty personnel do not need a current HRA to participate.
2. Enroll in the Heart and Sole walking initiative.
3. Print the wellness profile certificate.
4. Take the certificate to pick up a pedometer at the Hanscom CHPS office, located in the Health and Wellness Center, Building 1540.
5. Log steps five days a week during the month of February.
- Week 1: Log at least 4,000 steps a day (20,000/week)
- Week 2: Log at least 6,000 steps a day (30,000/week)
- Week 3: Log at least 8,000 steps a day (40,000/week)
- Week 4: Log at least 10,000 steps a day (50,000/week)
The Heart and Sole walking initiative is open to all active duty and appropriated fund AFMC civilian employees.
For more information on American Heart Month or the Heart and Sole Initiative, contact Orlagh Pawlyk, CHPS coordinator, at 781-225-6377. |
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