Fort Cavazos has introduced a proactive Civilian Health and Wellness program, allowing Army civilians to take administrative leave for health activities. The initiative aims to improve fitness and overall well-being among employees, fostering a productive work environment. With opportunities for various fitness activities, the program encourages a healthier lifestyle, camaraderie, and reduced sick leave among participants.
In a bid to shake off the monotony of endless emails and lengthy meetings, the vibrant community of Fort Cavazos is stepping into a paradigm shift with its dynamic Civilian Health and Wellness program. Established as a voluntary initiative, it extends its embrace to Army civilians, offering them up to three hours of administrative leave weekly to engage in healthy activities. This initiative resonates powerfully with employees, who can now break the mold of sedentary workdays and take charge of their fitness journeys. Virginia Sanford, a passionate advocate for the initiative and supervisor for the Directorate of Public Works Endangered Species Management Team, proclaimed, “Part of the reason the military has adopted this program is because they’ve seen results in terms of the health of their employees… employees that maintain their physical health often use their sick leave less.” This encapsulates the essence of the program—strengthening both individual wellness and the collective spirit of the workplace. Across the installation, various command-sponsored activities await acceptance, offering a treasure trove of options from health fairs to aerobic sessions. Employees can access fully-equipped wellness centers where fitness professionals deliver engaging programs: applied functional fitness, spin classes, glute camp, and holistic education, all laid down on a silver platter for eager participants. Emily Cox, a fitness program specialist, indicated the center as an ideal starting point, noting its Bod Pod for body composition analysis, stating, “They have a lot of different technology that can give you biomarkers.” Countless stories emerge from those who’ve ventured into this health expedition. Edwin Rivas-Colon, a civil engineer, fondly reminisced, “I attended the Army Wellness Center from 2020 to 2022… it was excellent, so now I’m in a come-back mode after leaving my routine for two years.” Such narratives echo across the halls of Fort Cavazos, as employees navigate the bustling paths of work-life transitions, often motivated by camaraderie and a drive for self-improvement. Structured yet flexible, the program enables participants to tailor their workouts to their schedules, gaining permission from supervisors to incorporate fitness into their workweek. “Usually at the beginning of the week, I take a look at all of my meetings… and then I submit my request to my supervisor,” shared Sanford, emphasizing the program’s adaptability amidst a busy work culture. With an overarching mission to enhance health, fitness, and the quality of life for all civilians while bolstering organizational efficacy, the Fort Cavazos workforce embarks on this wellness journey together, aiming to cultivate a thriving, health-conscious community at every corner. The future glimmers bright for those eager to embark on this transformative journey towards better health, with clear guidance provided through the garrison’s SharePoint page offering all necessary procedural information and resources.
The Civilian Health and Wellness program at Fort Cavazos is designed to promote health and wellness among Department of the Army civilians. As a response to the sedentary nature of many office jobs, the program grants civilians time off to partake in health-promoting activities, emphasizing the military’s commitment to fostering a healthier workforce. The initiative not only supports individual fitness but also aims to enhance overall workplace wellness and productivity, reflecting a forward-thinking approach in the military’s management of civilian health.
In conclusion, Fort Cavazos’ Civilian Health and Wellness program serves as a beacon of health, encouraging civilians to break free from sedentary routines and embrace physical activity. Through structured support, engaging activities, and community encouragement, this initiative aims to enhance both the personal lives of participants and the collective mission of the Army, forging a path toward a healthier and more productive work environment.
Original Source: www.army.mil
