Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. -- Taking the steps to a heathier lifestyle can be difficult and leaves many individuals with endless questions, not knowing where to start.
What should I eat to help fuel my body?
What is considered an effective workout?
How do I become the fit and healthy person I know I can be?
Health Promotions, previously known as the Health and Wellness Center, helps individuals take steps to answer those questions.
“So many people walk in to Health Promotions and think they are going to get shamed for their lack of healthy food choices or physical activity,” said Jill Hinsley, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron registered dietitian. “That won’t happen. We are here to help you succeed.”
Health Promotions develops and cares for those who are enrolled at the base clinic by providing a variety of programs and classes.
“We provide nutritional and physical education,” Hinsley said. “Free appointments with a registered dietitian are available. The individual can learn about different nutrition options for not only weight loss, but for sports performance, energy problems or ways nutrition can best fit their personal needs.”
In addition to personal appointments with a registered dietitian, Health Promotions offers their clients Vital 90; a high intensity, group fitness program held at the Fitness Center. The class focuses on exercises that help Airmen improve their official physical testing scores.
“With our classes, such as Vital 90, there’s definitely a social aspect to it,” Hinsley said. “There’s something about suffering and sweating right alongside someone else. That hard work brings people together.”
Upon request, Health Promotions hosts fitness and nutrition briefings; the importance of superfoods, supplement safety, gut health, and more.
“Being physically and nutritionally fit is like preventative maintenance,” Hinsley said. “Your body acts like a machine. The type of nutrition you put into your body is going to directly relate to the output. If you put junk into your system you’re going to get junk out. That is why it is important to use resources like Health Promotions.”
Nutrition counseling and education is by appointment only and no referral is necessary.
For more information, visit Health Promotions located at the Fitness Center or call (501) 987-7288.