HAWC helps Airmen maintain healthy weight Published Feb. 1, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Erika Brooke 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape. RAF Lakenheath Health and Wellness Center can help Airmen stay healthy all year long. "It's an Air Force-wide initiative to promote population health," said Maj. Cathy Snowball, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotions flight commander. Finding a healthy weight is much more than just what meets the eye. "I truly believe that if someone tries to focus solely on their weight they will fail. Their focus needs to be on good health overall, when someone accomplishes good health their weight will fall in line," said Staff Sgt. Natalie Gatewood, 48th AMDS nutrition therapist. According to Sergeant Gatewood, the point at which most people allow themselves to give up is directly affected by the point at which they began. Achieving mental wellness is the first step in rejuvenating the entire body. A person must decide if they are committed to changing their lifestyle and be aware of what a healthy lifestyle really means. "When you are mentally well you don't make so many excuses for yourself, you have greater self-confidence and you're less prone to give up," said Sergeant Gatewood. The HAWC calls it 'readiness to change' and they offer all the resources to help Airmen get started. Sergeant Gatewood said there are courses available for every step of the way. The HAWC offers a wide range of fitness, nutrition and cooking classes from one-on-one losing weight healthfully to emotional eating group sessions to suit all individuals' needs. They even offer a grocery shopping tour to help people achieve their goals. Once Airmen are prepared for change they can take advantage of the HAWC's dedication to keeping Airmen healthy--free of charge.