An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 18, 2010

Fitness first for 50 Team Randolph members

By Sean Bowlin 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

A $16,000 Air Force "health promotion community initiatives grant" applied for by a base dietitian and won by the 12th Flying Training Wing will mean prizes for 50 Team Randolph families who undertake a two-month challenge to become permanently healthier.

Families involved in the "Fit Families Challenge" will earn points for prizes by eating healthy foods like while grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and undertaking physical exercise -- thereby reducing "screen" time spent together watching television, working on computers, or playing video games, said Dr. Jennifer Sides, Randolph Health and Wellness Center dietitian.

"This is not a weight-loss challenge - it's a lifestyle challenge," she said, adding that Team Randolph was the only Air Education Training Command base to earn such a grant.

"It focuses on the health of the whole family," Dr. Sides said further, "and anyone who completes it earns a prize."

Dr. Sides added the eight-week-long challenge is open to all active duty Airmen, retirees, and their dependents. Only 50 families may participate. To register on a first-come, first-served basis, visit the HAWC, located next to the Rambler Fitness Center, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Jan. 29.

Prizes include gift cards, sports equipment, t-shirts, backpacks, Wii Fit game systems, and more.

The 12th FTW commander said the Wing was "very fortunate" to receive funding from the Air Force for the Fit Families Challenge this past year.

"As a result," said Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, "the HAWC has some great activities lined up and I encourage everyone in the Randolph community to participate. During this 'Year of the Air Force Family,' I can think of no better way to celebrate the family unit than for families to enjoy fitness activities together. A healthy lifestyle ensures the long-term well-being of our children and provides an example for them to follow into adulthood."

For more information on the Fit Families Challenge, call Dr. Sides at 652-3644.