Let the Peterson HAWC ‘WIP’ your squadron into shape Published Oct. 4, 2010 By Julie Anderson Health and Wellness Center dietitian PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- WIP is the HAWC's new mobile Wellness Improvement Program, which was developed to improve Peterson Air Force Base's active duty members' overall fitness test scores and to decrease incidence of overweight/obesity and tobacco usage rates. WIP is unique in that it is a four week lifestyle change program including components of nutrition, tobacco cessation and fitness that the HAWC brings to the squadron. Weekly workshops include targeted fitness improvement, a "lose five pounds in four weeks" nutrition series, and tobacco cessation classes, which members can continue to attend at the HAWC after completing the 30 day program. The HAWC will tailor WIP to meet the unique needs and challenges of each individual squadron, as well as work with leadership to offer as many classes as necessary at convenient times to ensure maximum participation. In addition, the HAWC will provide weekly donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to squadron snack bars to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and assist in "re-vamping" the snack choices to promote flavorful, healthy options. So what is the benefit of participating in WIP? The squadron will receive pre- and post-program metrics showing their initial improvement after one month and again after a six-month time period. Additional return on investment will include improved Fitness Readiness Rates and overall improvement in health, quality of like, and work performance. Research shows that it takes approximately one month to establish a behavior change, so it is the HAWC's belief that participating in WIP for 30 days will lead to long-term lifestyle improvements. Contact the HAWC at 556-4292 to enroll your squadron in WIP.