JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The military as a whole, has always been focused on the health of its members. On any given morning on military bases throughout the world, you can hear motivating cadences rising out of the dawn as members perform their organizational physical training.
But what about the health of the civilian workforce, who support the military as they complete their missions?
Now there’s the Civilian Health Promotions Services (CHPS), a program provided through a partnership between the Air Force Material Command and Federal Occupational Health, whose goal is to “sustain a safe, healthy, fit and ready workforce.”
The program hopes to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of preventable health conditions through increasing awareness of positive nutrition and health practices.
CHPS provides a number of services to joint base civilians, including cardiac-risk profiles (that measure your cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure), body composition analysis and health classes that range from understanding your CRP numbers to diet improvement to preventing common cancers.
The AFMCS Wellness Support Center, at www.afmcwellness.com provides additional tools to help achieve your fitness goals and track your process towards a healthier lifestyle.
Michele Jones, the joint base CHPS health promotions coordinator and nutrition specialist, said the program is mobile, so she can bring the tests and classes to workplaces for groups. She can also facilitate wellness challenges, where groups work together, or compete with one another, to achieve health goals.
Improving ones health can have positive benefits for individuals, as well as, the workforce as a whole. Some of those benefits can include an increased well-being and self-esteem, improved coping skills, improved job satisfaction, and a safer and more sustainable work environment.
To find out more about the program, view the calendar of classes, or make a screening appointment, go to www.afmcwellness.com and create an account.
You can also contact Michele Jones at Michele.l.jones40.ctr@mail.mil or 609-754-9686.