Leading healthier lifestyle improves your quality of life Published Dec. 1, 2006 By Maj. Rose Popovich Health Promotions Manager Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- One can't escape reading or hearing everyday something related to fitness and nutrition. There is so much information available about how to improve our health that it can be overwhelming. Some military members are just like other Americans and look for that miracle diet or crash fitness regimen. The military has recognized the importance of our physical and nutritional status and the impact it may have on our readiness posture. AETC has incorporated a physical component into the four dimensions of human wellness. Fitness has become a mainstay of the Air Force culture and part of our daily routine. Everyone has their own personal vision of their fitness and dietary goals. While working in the Health and Wellness Center, it has been rewarding to see success stories from our dependents, retirees and active duty population. All of us are at different stages of our journey to better health. Whether you are just starting or striving to maintain your current level there are basic principles all of us can follow. Overcome barriers to physical activity and healthier eating Common concerns are trying to fit time in for exercise and healthier meals. The key is to preplan your day. There are misnomers that eating healthier is more expensive or time consuming than picking up fast food or other high-calorie packaged food. It only takes a few minutes to pack a healthy lunch and snacks the night before work. Whether you are single or married, exercise can be incorporated into your lifestyle. Even with children, there are physical activities you can do in your own home that will greatly benefit your health. Establishing realistic goals Many times people will give up on a healthier lifestyle because they set unrealistic goals for themselves. Start with small steps. You can't expect crash diets or exercise will have positive long lasting results. Do not count on performing well on your fitness test if you have not been exercising. Building confidence By establishing realistic goals this will allow you to see positive results. When you receive that positive reinforcement you feel more confident and are ready to strive towards your next set of goals. Staying motivated Everyone has different sources of motivation and it may be a challenge to keep yourself engaged in your healthy routines. It is ideal to have a support system that will encourage your efforts. Even if your routine gets disrupted (leave, temporary duty, illness, special events) don't let that be an excuse to stop. Get right back on your plan. You may have to start off slow and build up again to your current levels. Don't feel discouraged, the end results will be well worth your efforts. All of us have different fitness and nutritional goals. The Air Force has established certain standards the active duty must meet. More importantly though is we establish a healthy lifestyle now that can be followed after our service commitment. There are resources available to all Vance beneficiaries that can help you on your journey. The Health and Wellness Center has nutritional and fitness professionals available. They offer individual diet and fitness counseling and assessments. The HAWC will assist you in establishing a personal plan and follow your progress. All of these services are free! Contact the HAWC at 7968, for further assistance. We all make personal choices on how we prioritize our health. Leading a healthier lifestyle will improve your quality of life. Isn't that what we all would like?