Washington, D.C. is a busy metropolis that at all times has lots occurring. You may drive by way of any half and see lots is going on directly, whether or not it’s in politics, sports activities, enterprise, or the navy.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) hosted a vital occurring on Feb 13, 2025. America Air Power Honor Guard hosted the inaugural Wellness Symposium: Empowering Energy, Stamina, and Resilience. The target was to offer data and academic instruments that can assist American navy members maximize their bodily health potential so they’re in the most effective positions potential to finish their missions.
M&F Army Editor and 26-year Air Power veteran Rob Wilkins, Air Power Employees Sergeant Joshua Alvord, and Grasp Sergeant Chase Griffin have been the masterminds behind this occasion that befell. Wilkins’ imaginative and prescient was to emphasise the significance of wellness for everybody within the navy as a result of the wellness of America will probably be influenced by those who defend freedom.
“This occasion marks an thrilling alternative to return collectively as a neighborhood to give attention to the very important position wellness performs in navy readiness, recruiting, efficiency, and nationwide safety,” mentioned Wilkins.
The day-long occasion featured a number of shows by famend consultants and leaders inside and out of doors of the navy neighborhood. Matters that have been highlighted included recruitment, coaching, diet, supplementation, and sleep, and psychological well being.
Griffin spoke concerning the significance of health from the attitude of a recruiter that’s on the bottom serving to recruit potential future Airmen. He was right here to clarify to the individuals in attendance that their bodily presence and interplay is usually a constructive affect on the following era of People that can put on the nation’s fabric.
“These are influencers, and so they can assist inspire and encourage future recruits to arrange for the navy by educating them on the advantages of understanding.”
Different branches of the US Armed Forces have been represented as nicely. Military Lieutenant Colonel and IFBB Skilled League Males’s Physique athlete Charjo Grant emphasised the significance of maximizing human efficiency not solely to allow them to succeed throughout their time on energetic responsibility, however as an early funding into their futures after they transition out.
Grant defined, “I’m talking as an affidavit and instance to share what I’ve completed and present them what they are often able to. Even on energetic responsibility, I can nonetheless get the outcomes I would like.”
LTC Sean Donohue represented the Military and spoke about the significance of Holistic Well being and Health (H2F), the system that the Military has instituted to assist troopers enhance on 5 totally different fronts, bodily, psychological, dietary, sleep, and non secular. Donohue felt that the chance to work with different branches of the navy on this style couldn’t be missed as a result of all branches can and can elevate one another.
“This can be a very particular factor,” Donohue shared. “I hope it’s the first of many.”
Different audio system for the symposium included famend bodily therapist and Tim Vitale, diet scientist and Operation Complement Security director Andrea Lindsey, JBAB Army Household Life counselor Amanda Gill together with Michelle Yanniello, Dr. Michael Jarka of the Military Public Well being Heart, and sleep consultants Dr. Tina Burke and Dr. Sara Alger.
By the top of the day, attendees have been capable of depart with extra data that might be utilized to allow them to and will probably be higher for themselves, these they work with, and their family members. Occasions like this don’t get the eye within the nation’s capital that they could deserve, however it’s trainings like this one which might be making People safer. This was the primary version of this specific symposium, however Wilkins is assured that it’ll not be the final. On the finish of the day, it’s about serving to heroes be higher for his or her nation and their very own futures.
“We wish to change lives. We wish to make individuals more healthy and happier. That is the primary of many initiatives.”
4 Key Takeaways From The Inaugural Wellness Symposium
This occasion was centered on the navy, however there was knowledge shared that each one individuals centered on well being and wellness can implement into their very own lives.
The within issues too
Grant mentioned that as nice many individuals might look, they don’t know what’s going on inside their our bodies. That’s an important half as a result of on the finish of the day, well being issues extra. Grant ask the viewers to put money into themselves by ensuring they’re checking up on the within in addition to the surface.
“Be sure you get your checkups in so you possibly can maintain observe of 1 possibly lacking. Maintain your self so that you will be there for these you’re keen on later in life.”
Don’t depend on dietary supplements
Lindsey spoke about knowledgeable use of efficiency merchandise, which she emphasised having nothing in opposition to. As fashionable and efficient as dietary supplements could also be, she wished these in attendance to know what issues essentially the most, what you eat.
“Complement the weight loss program,” she said. “We are going to at all times say meals first.”
She shared that the Operation Complement Security (OPSS) web site can assist these decided whether or not components in dietary supplements they’re contemplating are authorised or not authorised for consumption by navy requirements.
Be versatile together with your neck
Vitale lectured the group about frequent bodily points, together with within the neck due to frequent habits such wanting down at telephones a number of occasions a day whereas scrolling social media or texting, He supplied a easy stretch referred to as the Higher Lure Stretch, which can assist fight this or assist with frequent neck ache.
“Sit on one hand, take the opposite and place it in your hand, after which pull the pinnacle in the wrong way of the arm you might be sitting on. You are able to do this daily.” This stretch can be utilized on each side and takes lower than one minute to finish. Vitale mentioned you are able to do two units per aspect as typically as wanted.
Be Disciplined to Make Health a Precedence
Former Sergeant at Arms for the Home of Representatives, Main Normal William Walker, Ret. gave encouraging phrases originally of the occasion. He shared that train is a giant a part of his life now, even at 69 years younger. Being match to serve served him very nicely, any hopes these attending will observe his lead.
“Being in nice form was at all times a key to my success. Hit the health club. Be sure you do one thing each single day.”
M&F Army Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
