Programs in place to help you achieve your goals

For those who wish to kick the nicotine habit, the wellness center not only offers the smoking cessation class but stocks several nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches, gums and lozenges. Personnel can also receive Zyban after a consult and prescription from a doctor. Danny Woodard, Tobacco Cessation Program manager at the Naval Hospital Wellness Center says, "if people really want to quit they will have a much higher success rate if they go to a cessation program of some type."

A group of Sailors enjoy a game of basketball at the NAS Jacksonville Gym. "Basketball is a great way to exercise," said ACC J.R. Hill, center, right.

"You must treat an addiction to nicotine just like any other addiction, which means continue follow up, lifestyle change and stress management," he added.

If weight loss or just overall fitness is your goal, the wellness center, base gym and fitness center can help. The wellness center offers dieticians who will teach healthy eating habits and guide you in planning a diet to best fit your individual needs. The fitness center offers daily fitness classes from yoga to kickboxing. Also offered are periodic incentive programs, such as the recent Fall into Fitness program.

Fitness Director Chris Crossman said that most people who resolve to lose weight quit trying after about six weeks. "Don't stop. Right when people stop is when their body is starting to adapt to the workout. Body adaptation comes about six to eight weeks in training and that is when the body needs a new stimulant. People should then try to change their workout and incorporate some new activities," he stated.

Personal Trainer Ernest Washington (left) of the fitness center, instructs AD2 Dave Hand on the proper weight lifting stance.

"People want magic right away. They think by doing three classes they should reach their goal, but it takes more than that. It takes perseverance. Don't step on the scale too much, just come in and work out," said Fitness Instructor Wendy Tappan. "If you are struggling, take it down to your speed. Don't give up, just modify your workout accordingly."

The fitness center also has fitness trainers who can help make weight loss goals a reality. There are two fully certified personal trainers who can design a workout and set up a program based on individual goals. Ernest Washington, one of the fitness trainers, feels that not enough Sailors are taking advantage of this program. "We can definitely help those looking to change their lifestyle. When people come in to see us, we have them fill out a questionnaire to ensure they are able to work out and to get a better idea of where to start."

Fitness Instuctor Wendy Tappan (second on left) leads a yogalates class at the NAS Jacksonville Fitness Center.

The trainers also walk the floor to ensure people are using the equipment correctly, so there is a reduced chance of injury.

Another popular New Year's resolution is to save money or get out of debt. "I'm starting out the new year by starting a college fund for my daughter," said QM3 Danny Herrea of the NAS Jax Quarterdeck.

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has counselors who can help. "The best way to increase wealth and decrease debt is to pay off miscellaneous debt such as a Navy Exchange card or low balance credit and high interest credit cards," said Rufus Bundrige, a personal financial manager at FFSC. "Don't forget to pay yourself first, saving money is equally as important as getting out of debt."

CS3 James Schulte works out at the Fitness Source. Schulte's resolution this year is to get his body back to 100 percent after a recent surgery.

Whether your goal is to get out of debt, save money for retirement or get fit for the physical fitness test, there are some great programs offered on base to help reach it.

For more information on programs at the FFSC, call 542-2766. The Fitness Source can be reached at 542-3518 and the gym's phone number is 542-3239. For Naval Hospital Jax Wellness Center programs, call 542-5292.