Employee Wellness, Civilian Fitness Program a holistic approach

Beth Waller Chief, Workforce Development Division
Thursday, July 19, 2012

The garrison Civilian Employee Wellness and Civilian Fitness Program enables employees to get fit on the job. It is an installation program that offers a one-time opportunity for three hours each week of administrative leave to full-time civilian employees for a six-month period to participate in a fitness program on post.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hood teamed up with the medical center and the III Corps Health Promotion Office to implement an Installation Employee Wellness and Civilian Fitness Program at Fort Hood in April 2011. Since its inception, 142 employees have participated in the program.

The program is a combined effort incorporating both the civilian fitness program, existing wellness classes and health programs on Fort Hood. It not only incorporates the fitness aspect, but gives civilian employees information on current wellness programs on the installation.

The Employee Wellness and Civilian Fitness Program addresses the five pillars of fitness: physical, emotional, social, Family and spiritual. Employees can enroll in classes conducted at post gyms, such as Zumba, yoga, or water aerobics, just to name a few.

However, it’s not just exercise. The program is a holistic approach to employee wellness. Employees can tailor their program to meet their needs and may choose to attend existing wellness classes or programs on Fort Hood, such as nutrition classes, meditation, smoking cessation or weight-loss courses.

Getting involved in the program is easy. Enrollment this quarter began Monday and ends July 23. The enrollment packet can be downloaded at

www.hood.army.mil/dhr/Wellness_Program.htm.

In order for a garrison employee to be enrolled, they must have approval from their first-line supervisor and director. The packet includes a participation form, health history, liability waiver, pre-assessment survey and, if needed, a doctor’s consent form.

Employees must participate in the pre-assessment and post-assessment portion of the program in order to successfully complete the program.

For additional information, email usarmy.hood.usag.mbx.dhr-wfd@mail.mil.