48th MDG Cares for the Care Giver

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Medical Group came together at the Child Development Center West to ensure the mental and physical wellness of the base care givers Sept. 18.

Three main stations were the basis of the effort. The first station was run by 48th Medical Operations Squadron immunizations. Here the workers from both CDCs got their annual influenza shot and a briefing from Maj. Judith Baillie on cholesterol awareness.

Station two was run by multiple clinics from the 48th MDG. The mental health clinic briefed on current programs and let the workers know they have support.

"If you need someone to talk to about your stress, there are Military Family Life Consultants, that will meet you anywhere and don't keep a record," said Airman 1st Class Rebecca Nelson, 48th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Clinic.

Maj. Gerald Hall, 48th Medical Operations Squadron Pediatrics flight commander, talked about stress prevention and staying involved in the community.

"On-base organizations provide programs that cannot be found elsewhere. Stay involved to keep healthy and busy," he said.

Finally, The 48th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapists ran the safety station which focused on proper lifting and back safety. Master Sgt. Jene Quinn, 48th MDOS Physical and Occupational Therapy flight chief, demonstrated back relief and strengthening techniques.

"Make sure that you keep your back and abdomen straight as possible to take as much pressure as possible off your back. Think 'good posture'," said Sergeant Quinn.

After the three groups had rotated through all the stations and received their flu shot, everyone gathered in the lobby to thank those who arranged the successful training. They also received a personalized autographed photo from the 1998 Nike Masters Games 100m and 200m world champion, Maj. George Onyenyeonwu, 48th MDG group practice manager, who spoke at the back/lifting safety station, and gave closing remarks.

Maj. Onyenyeonwu gave closing remarks.

"Kudos to Ms. Stephanie Hern, CDC West chief, for initiating contact with me to establish new programs at the Child Development Centers. We are all in this together, and the future is in the hands of our children. So what a better way to kick off our new collaboration efforts with the caregivers that we entrust the care of our children day-in and day-out."

Maj. Onyenyeonwu also thanked the 48th Medical Group for joint efforts.