Expo focuses on healthy living

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • U.S. Air Fore Academy Public Affairs

Airmen sampled healthy snacks, participated in fitness classes and competed in a brush truck pull at the U.S. Air Force Academy's second Health and Fitness Expo May 1.

The event, hosted by the 10th Force Support Squadron, took place at the base fitness center and included over 15 information booths, a three-mile run, free massages and agility tests to promote comprehensive fitness.

"We want to connect Airmen to resources to make them healthy and stay healthy," said Dave Gray, sports director for the 10th FSS. "Vendors today offer information on mental, physical and social health which is what we're trying to target."

Representatives from the 10th FSS's Airman and Family Readiness Center, Outdoor Recreation, Whole Foods Market, Inc., and the Academy commissary, passed out program flyers, group fitness schedules, fruit and more to advocate health and wellness.

"We want Airmen and retirees to know we're here for them," said the commissary manager here, Diana Robles. "We also want them to know they can always purchase half of a food item at our store instead of a whole one, such as half of a lettuce head instead of a whole one."

Health tips at Robles' table included looking for whole-grain ingredients on food labels such as whole wheat, oat, rye and oatmeal and limiting added sugars in one's diet, such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose and syrup.

"One small step can make a difference to your health," she said.

Interns from the Academy's Human Performance Laboratory allowed attendees to test the FitLight, a visual training exercise to improve hand-eye coordination.

"It's a way for individuals or an athletic team to rise above their competition," said Stephen Martin, an intern at the lab. "The goal is to broaden your peripheral vision, so your eyes match your physical ability. Precision and reaction time is essential for athletes. The women's tennis team here visits the lab twice a week to enhance their performance."

Attendees participated in Pilates, Zumba and spin classes. Six teams of Airmen competed in the brush truck pull.

Competitors from the 10th Surgical Operations Squadron took first place, pulling the truck across the finish line just under 16 seconds.