ASC develops new private fitness and wellness programs with a holistic approach.article

Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois – It’s never too late to get in shape. The Army Maintenance Command’s new and improved Army Civilian Fitness and Wellness Program will help the ASC workforce achieve such goals with a new, integrated, holistic approach to well-being. is intended for

Following the latest Army guidance issued in July, the ASC has made several improvements to the existing CFHPP to provide additional health and fitness opportunities for employees across a wide range of areas.

“This is a big step forward,” said Linda Ottman, Health, Wellness and Resilience Program Specialist at ASC.

The new CFHPP Policy, signed by ASC Commander Maj. Distributed throughout the footprint. Productivity and organizational health.

“The previous program was only available once for six months in a career,” says Ottman. “The new policy changes the program to an ongoing, year-round program and applies to both Army civilians and non-allocation fund employees who participate subject to supervisor approval.”

Civilians may now use up to 3 hours per week of up to 80 hours of managed leave per year to participate in Command-supported fitness and wellness initiatives, such as physical activity, holistic wellness sessions, and nutrition education. I can. class.

According to Ottman, defense organization climate surveys, federal employee perspective surveys, and multiple health surveys have shown that ASC workers are interested in health and wellness information and strategies for mitigating health concerns. was shown to have

These results reflect documented employee needs and will help align future ASC wellness program initiatives, she said.

“Our predominantly sedentary workforce presents serious health concerns,” Ottman said. “Chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, accounting for more than 75% of healthcare costs.

“Forty-five percent of Americans have at least one chronic condition, many of which could be prevented, delayed, or alleviated by simple lifestyle changes,” she said. “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that eliminating three risk factors (poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking) could prevent her 80% of heart disease and stroke. Type 2. 80% of diabetes; and 40% of cancer.

“Add the stressors of the pandemic and you have a recipe for an unhealthy workforce,” she added.

Nick Osterhaus, ASC Wellness Program Specialist, began participating in CHFPP in April.

“When I entered the program, my main focus was on being able to stay in shape,” he said. I have found something.”

Osterhaus said being able to hit the gym, put on his headphones, block out everything that was going on in his life at home and at work, and have the extra time to focus on his workout was a big deal for him. He said it was really helpful.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation that has resulted in several changes, including changes in working arrangements for thousands of private sector employees. Over the past 18 months, many employees have had to adapt to new situations and different environments, including telework.

Some believe that working from home can easily fit into their daily routine, while others find it impacts their health and fitness.

For some people who were accustomed to getting up and going to work with simple activities such as walking up and down the stairs each day or walking to a meeting in a nearby building, working from home significantly reduced the number of steps they took each day. I have noticed that my daily calorie consumption has decreased.

Ottman said the improved CFHPP is the boost many need to get back on track.

“Throughout June, there were 49 private sector employees who participated in the CFHPP, logging 364 hours of fitness,” she said. and reported 910 hours of fitness,” highlighting a 218% increase in participants and a 150% increase in fitness hours in just eight weeks.

Ottman said CFHPP is a great opportunity to improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle and create a better life-work balance. She said she has received hundreds of inquiries from employees who are eagerly waiting for the new policy to go into effect.

“To date, our biggest complaint has been the six-month limit. Now that this has been lifted, participation rates are steadily rising, indicating that the program is valued by our employees.”

Overall, CFHPP aims to provide workplace benefits that result in more physical health through increased energy, improved focus for increased work productivity, and reduced absenteeism. a healthier workforce. Said.

“I feel great after each session,” said Osterhaus. “When I returned to my desk with my head held high, I was able to focus more on the task at hand.

“Being able to go out to work out several times a week has helped me focus more on my work,” he said. “It’s been more effective than I thought when I started.”