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Troops at CFB Gagetown get HIP
By Capt R. Martell Thompson
HIP Award recipients Cpl Phil Embrett (middle left) and WO Dan McGee are congratulated by CWO Ron St-Amour, RSM (left) and Col Ryan Jestin, BComd, for making significant personal health improvements. |
Representatives from 42 Health Services gathered at 3 ASG HQ as Cpl Phil Embrett and WO Dan McGee were presented with the Base Commander Health Improvement Award for showing a significant improvement in physical health and lifestyle.
The program is intended to place more emphasis on soldiers’ health and the health of their families. It consists of four criteria: quit smoking for six months; lose 10 per cent of your body weight and keep it off for six months; attend at least three health promotion programs with 80 per cent attendance; or be nominated by your unit for health related volunteer work.
Programs eligible for volunteer work include smoking cessation, stress management, weight wellness, suicide intervention, anger management, addictions education and the relationship enhancement program.
Only health initiatives that commenced subsequent to April 1, 2005 are eligible for the HIP awards.
“An emphasis on health is a win/win situation for the individual soldier and the organization,” says Col Jestin, Base Commander. “Health is looked upon as a force multiplier since virtually any task assigned to a soldier will be impacted by their physical and/or mental health. Clearly, we want that impact to be a positive one.”
LCdr Greg Haley, Base Surgeon, applauds placing more emphasis on preventative measures. “Chronic disease related to lifestyle choice accounts for 70 per cent of health care spending in this country. We need to consistently reinforce the message that our lifestyle choices have a direct impact on our health,” he says.
Neil McKenzie, Health Promotion Director, notes that behavior modification can be challenging, especially with respect to weight loss or smoking cessation. Lifestyle improvement efforts are frequently abandoned in the first few months.
“Our aim is to encourage participants to reach the six month milestone—to better their chances of lifelong success,” he says.
HIP is sponsored by the Base Fund, CANEX and SISIP FS. Participants can qualify to win a limited edition knapsack or kit bag.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the Oromocto Post.