Group supports healthy living

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Austin M. Duran
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A group of Laughlin airmen were interested in living healthier and losing weight. They heard about a "wellness race" in which people earned points for performing certain healthy activities. They kept each other accountable and completed the program with personal success.

These airmen voluntarily decided to continue their accountability with one another and continued to meet weekly.

"We thought that the accountability of having people supporting you was most important," said Maj. Melissa Gould, 47th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander. "Having your peers, and not the intimidation of a professional, makes living healthy fun and not burdensome. It turned into something we were doing with our friends as opposed to a dietary regimen."

The group meets once a week and shares their progress with the group.

"We meet Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the Health and Wellness Center, attendance is not taken, and anyone is free to come and go as they please," said Janet Tuohy, 47th Medical Operations Squadron internal behavioral health consultant. "We meet and track our water, food and exercise choices and compare that with our goals of feeling better, losing weight or adding muscle tone. We simply talk and share what has worked for each of us."

Although weight loss is not their sole focus, several members have lost significant weight with their new lifestyle plans.

"We focus on healthy living and lifestyles as opposed to weight loss," said Maj. Gould. "We are trying to foster overall health instead of fad dieting to achieve a specific goal. Two of our members have lost 25 pounds, others 10 or 15 and everyone feels better and has more energy throughout the week."

The group meets for 30 to 45 minutes when they meet and share challenges and successes. The group is open to all and they look forward to more members.

"We share what is and what is not working for us," said Tuohy. "On occasion we bring in a guest speaker. They often share something new with us and usually a few of us will try it to see how it works. It is a mom and pop type of support and we are excited to have any new members."

For more information call Maj. Melissa Gould at 298-3886 or the Losano Fitness Center at 298-5326.