Air Force health professionals help Airmen soar into shape Published Jan. 7, 2008 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- -- "Weight creep" caught up to you? Need that extra motivation to stay fit during the winter? Is one of your New Year Resolution's to eat healthier and to lose weight? If so, then Soar into Shape is just what the doctor ordered! Soar into Shape addresses the physical and environmental demands faced by active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians, retired members, base contractors, reservists and beneficiaries that hindered their ability to improve health and well-being. Soar into Shape is a 12-week initiative developed by the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) and the Nutritional Medicine Clinic (NMC) here. It is recognized as a Healthcare Innovation by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. The program encourages healthy lifestyle practices during the winter months by increasing fruits, vegetables, and water consumption and exercising at least 45 minutes four or five times a week. Members are encouraged to participate in biweekly weigh-ins, wellness challenges, health and wellness classes, and record food and water consumption and fitness in a weekly log. The HAWC and NMC staff set a goal to recruit 120 teams and overall weight lost of 1,200 pounds in 12 weeks. Last year, 343 individuals and 70 teams registered and 965 pounds were lost. More than 90 percent of participants were satisfied with the program and a 25 percent increase in knowledge was achieved regarding nutrition and motivation to change current lifestyle practices. Also, a decrease in body mass index from the start of the program moved the Soar into Shape population from the obese to a healthier range. Eligible individuals and teams (four people per team) are encouraged to register by Jan. 18. The next round of competition begins Jan. 22 with an orientation held at the Talkeetna Theater on base. The HAWC and NMC staff will brief active-duty members, DoD civilians and beneficiaries at meetings, and coordinate fitness and nutrition activities around base to promote Healthy Weight Week, Jan. 14-18. For more information or to register for the program, call 552-9959 or 580-4310.