Deployed medics keep eye on wellness, nutrition

Published Jan. 9, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen deployed with the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group at a non-disclosed base here are on a mission -- a mission of wellness every day.

To keep deployed members at their best both physically and mentally, the 380th EMDG's medical Airmen are equipped with not only the latest equipment and technology, they have the expertise that covers a wide range of fields from mental health to dietary nutrition.

Col. Kathleen Concannon, 380th EMDG commander, said in the deployed environment, the prevention of illness and injury is as important to the mission as flying a plane.

"The most complex weapons system the Air Force has is the Airman, and just as our maintenance group partners take pride in maintaining their aircraft, we take pride in keeping the human body tuned and ready for any contingency."

Capt. Kieran Dhillon-Davis, chief of mental health for the 380th EMDG, said being "fit to fight" is more than a slogan, it's a way of life that helps every Airman be at their best.

Maintaining a high level of fitness enhances our ability to carry out the tasking order without interruption due to health complications resulting from poor lifestyle choices," Captain Dhillon-Davis said. "In addition, wellness is something we can take with us beyond our dedicated time with the Air Force."

Every week, the 380th EMDG holds a wellness and nutrition class to further aid deployed members on improving their health.

"During the class I talk about personal choice and how in the end we have to get past our resistance to make change that the Air Force has identified we need to make," Captain Dhillon-Davis said. "We need to take ownership of our bodies and our behaviors so that we are fit and ready to perform our duties as warriors and retire with a healthy body and mind."

Capt. Melinda Williamson, chief nurse for the 380th EMDG, said it's during deployments where many Airmen work on making changes in their lifestyle, such as dietary changes and getting more exercise.

"Making lifestyle changes is not an easy task, especially when it comes to diet modification," Captain Williamson said. "Food is tempting for a reason and many people are aware of what they should be doing. We help service members with how to make those changes in a manner that the member finds reasonable."

Captain Dhillon-Davis said change comes about when a person's perception changes and they are truly motivated. She used food as one example.

"We are promoting wellness by highlighting the need to change the way we perceive food on a daily basis," Captain Dhillon-Davis said. "We need to modify the perception of food as a reward or source of entertainment and start seeing food as a source of fuel to power the most complex piece of machinery on Earth -- the human body. When a healthy lifestyle is adopted, having the occasional splurge is not so dangerous, but it should be occasional."

Taking care of the human body also means stopping bad habits not directly associated with eating, such as smoking.

"Tobacco cessation is another big thing people do when deployed," Captain Dhillon-Davis said. "I work one-on-one with service members trying to quit by coming up with a personalized plan to help them in conjunction with nicotine replacement."

For all deployed Airmen with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Colonel Concannon said her group will continue to help them on a path to a healthy future.

"Medics are responsible for the health of the base, and whether it's healthy eating, enhanced wellness or a safe environment," said Colonel Concannon, "that's our responsibility and we're proud to do it."

380AEW Article