Team Pete is losing -- and it's a good thing

Published July 31, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Most people don't like to lose things: keys, identification cards, their minds - but the loss of pounds or a few unwanted inches are often much more desirable.

That's exactly what participants in the 21st Space Wing's Health and Wellness Center's 'Lighten Up' program are doing. In fact, their recent group has lost over 100 pounds.

The Lighten Up Program is an Air Force initiative derived from a program developed by the Diabetes Institute to prevent diabetes and help people make healthy life choices. The 12-week program covers a variety of subjects, like healthy eating, motivation, exercise and overcoming issues. Peterson is the first base in the Air Force to offer the class and it's quickly gaining popularity.

"I wanted to try something new," said Staff Sgt. Tiffani Ball, 16th Space Control Squadron supply operations specialist. "I like that it's low threat and voluntary. The support is great."

"There is a lot of good info, and checking in every week keeps you motivated," said Michele Gaudreault, Air Force Space Command A9 Chief of Technology Assessment, who has lost two percent of her body fat so far.

Weight loss has been a great indicator of the success of the program. However, you don't have to be overweight, diabetic or a gym novice to benefit from the Lighten Up Program. The program is open to any adults who have access to Peterson and has attracted people of all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness.

"The group is a good mix of active duty members, dependents, and civilian staff," said Terri Fisher, HAWC health education program manager.

During the course of the program, the group meets one day a week to receive a lesson, share achievements and frustrations, gain guidance and weigh-in if they choose. An encouraging atmosphere is the foundation of the class.

"I want people to feel comfortable and safe in this program," Ms. Fisher said. "They have control and they can make a choice to lead healthy lives."

Ms. Fisher highly values the program and sees its lessons as an essential tool for anyone to use to live a healthy life.

"This is my passion," she said. "My mother died as a result of diabetes. I don't want others to experience that loss."

The Lighten Up Program is one of many programs offered by the HAWC and fitness center that compliment the Fit-to-Fight emphasis of the Air Force. By encouraging people to do more than just workout, the Lighten Up program brings vital knowledge to the Fit-to-Fight force.

"This is a well-rounded approach to wellness and fitness," said Ms. Fisher. "It shouldn't be about just passing a test, but making it a way of life."

Thus far, the HAWC has offered the program twice and is gearing up for a third session starting Sept. 8.

Ms. Fisher encourages people to overcome their hesitation and join the Lighten Up program. After all, there is nothing to lose, except a few pounds or inches.

Peterson ‘Lightens Up’