Robins HAWC offers tool kit for health and wellness Published Aug. 1, 2008 By Kendahl Johnson 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- Robins is working overtime to help its members live healthy lives. Joining in the effort is a trio at the Health and Wellness Center, who have the task of educating and motivating the base population on such topics as health, nutrition, diet and exercise. The HAWC sponsors numerous classes, many designed to help active-duty members pass the Air Force physical fitness test. Three educators work together to ensure the Airmen here have all the right tools to be successful. April Howard, a registered and licensed dietician, is the newest member of the HAWC team. She teaches a healthy weight class, providing valuable nutrition and diet plans for those with a desire to shed a few extra pounds. Ms. Howard, who earned a bachelor's degree in nutrition and food science from Georgia Southern University, spent some time in Food Services before moving to the HAWC in June. She said she loves nutrition and loves teaching, so working at the HAWC is a perfect fit, although there have been challenges. "I know nutrition well and I know how to present it, but it is a totally different population than I've ever dealt with," she said. "The military has different protocols, formalities and guidelines and there seems to be a different mentality of how they wish to be treated and educated. That has been the biggest learning curve, but I love what I am doing." Ms. Howard said the classes being taught are invaluable to anyone who is looking to improve health and comes to the classes with an open mind. "If your goal is weight loss or weight maintenance, I will teach you something that will make your life easier. I have information that will assist you in being healthy, if you listen," she said. The second member of the trio is Annalea Celio, a nurse and health educator. Mrs. Celio was stationed at Robins in 1989 as active-duty military and when she retired, she moved back to the area. She has more than 30 years experience as a nurse. She teaches several health class, including the tobacco cessation and diabetes management classes. Mrs. Celio said people often don't take advantage of the HAWC simply because they are unaware of the services and classes offered. Others don't realize the HAWC is willing and able to work around busy schedules. "A lot of our classes are both in the day and in the evening. We are trying to be accessible, to accommodate everyone," she said. "We encourage people to attend our classes, but we also work with individuals on a one-on-one basis. We know this is a military installation, so we try to be flexible and work around schedules." The third HAWC instructor is Jamie Martin, a fitness program manager who teaches fitness fundamentals, healthy living and Fit to Fight, among others. Mr. Martin, who has a degree in exercise science, enjoys the challenges of helping those at Robins pass physical fitness tests or improve health. "I enjoy working here; it's what I went to school to do," he said. "I enjoy working with all levels. It's challenging working with leadership in resolving issues on fitness and promotion. We have many success stories which make the hard work worth it." The team of educators encourages people to sign up for classes in advance as space is limited. To view the class schedule or for more information on the HAWC, visit https://78mdg/hawk_index.asp.