The Army Wellness Centers are an actionable platform delivering evidence based programs that improve individual and unit performance and readiness, utilizing advanced testing technology to provide immediate feedback to improve Soldier readiness delivered by highly trained health & human performance professionals. Beneficiaries include all service members, their families, retirees and DOD civilians.
All appointments include a review of current health habits, analysis of risk factors, exploration of personal health/wellness goals, and an identification of any barriers that may get in the way of inconsistent health habits.
To view important measures such as utilization rate, number of visits, ratio of services per visit, and demographic data of the Army Wellness Centers, please visit the AWC Quarterly Program Monitoring Report.
Core programs
Army Wellness Center services
Sleep Education
Sleep education services include general information about healthy sleep habits, impact of sleep on health and wellbeing, tools, tips and positive action steps to improve sleep. AWCs’ two part Sleep Education class with the addition of health coaching covers the basics of healthy sleep hygiene and walks clients through a self-assessment process to increase awareness of their own sleep habits. The class provides tools for sleep tracking and highlights the latest technology to assist with healthy sleep habits. Clients will craft healthy sleep goals and create a basic sleep plan to improve both quantity and quality of sleep.
Weight management and metabolic testing
Metabolism is the medical term for the rate at which the body burns calories.
Weight management involves a delicate balance between calories burned and
calories consumed. Metabolic testing results provide the exact number of
calories required for weight loss, gain, or maintenance. The Upping Your
Metabolism class will teach clients how to use their metabolic test results to
reach their health goals.
Exercise testing and exercise prescription
Exercise testing is an assessment of biometrics (height, weight, body mass
index, blood pressure, heart rate) and the four components of health related
physical fitness:
- Aerobic fitness (VO2 Submax)
- Body composition (Body fat %)
- Muscular fitness
- Flexibility
Health Educators use exercise test results as a planning tool for exercise
prescription and motivation to assist clients in establishing and meeting
reasonable physical activity, fitness and health goals.
Stress
Stress and strong emotions can cause or worsen health problems like heart disease, hypertension, headaches, stroke, depression, and sleep disorders. AWC services include stress management education and individual stress management session that utilize biofeedback to practice stress relief techniques, and coping skills.
The goal of the individual stress management session is to teach clients to control functions like heart rate to reduce stress and build resilience. AWCs use a state-of-the art computerized stress relief system called emWave®. This non-invasive system helps clients learn to practice self regulation of their heart rhythm and improve energy management skills and work to reduce overall stress.
Body Composition
AWCs use various methods to determine body composition including the BOD POD®, ultrasound or bioelectrical impedance. Body composition goes beyond the number seen on a scale and determines if weight comes from fat or fat-free mass. Fat-free mass includes everything the body is made of that is not fat, such as muscle and bone. There is a strong correlation between high body fat percentage and increased risk for diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Health Educators use those body composition results and based on the client’s goals will provide tailored education and coaching.
The best part is… AWC services don’t cost you anything!
These services would cost you approximately $3,000 at a fitness center or civilian provider, so take advantage and schedule an appointment with your local Army Wellness Center today!
Army Wellness Center services are available to all service members, their families, retirees and DOD civilians.
