National Women’s Health and Fitness Day devoted to get women into shape Published Sept. 16, 2008 By Cydney Gaines 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- National Women's Health and Fitness Day September 24th, is helping women take control of their health and fitness by promoting a healthy lifestyle. Many women don't know about National Women's Health and Fitness Day which has become a commitment to women by organizations across the country who are dedicated to healthy living. The Day is also a part of the National Women's Health and Fitness Week held annually during the last week in September. The national day is a public and private good health partnership organized by the Health Information Resources Center which is a national clearinghouse for consumer health information professionals. The goal of the event is to promote health and fitness for women of all ages by focusing on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women. Several organizations across the country are participating in the event by sponsoring many activities at hospitals, recreational parks, service organizations and other community locations. These activities include exercise demonstrations, health screenings and informational workshops as well as walking events. Officials with NWHF Day state that in trying to achieve their goals, they want to "encourage women to take control of their health." Sponsoring organizations have acknowledged that they want women to learn the facts so they are equipped to make smart choices including making time for regular physical activity. The event also gives community organizations a chance to showcase health resources that are available for women's services. An organization that is available for military personnel and their family members is the Health and Wellness Center. The HAWC is located in the Offutt Field House and offers a variety of services and specialists which includes free blood pressure testing, physical therapy, nutritionists, dieticians and exercise physiologists. Kristine Sorenson, a Health and Fitness Specialist for the HAWC, likens the importance of fitness to the maintenance of a car. "If you service your car regularly so you can keep it for a long time, the same should go for the body: It needs regular service so it can function properly." She also recommends that in order to have a good fitness regimen, women should include aerobic training three to five days per week for 30-60 minutes, strength training two to three days per week, and a stretching program after each workout session. All of the HAWC's services can be used as part of individual commitments to women's health and fitness on a daily basis. Contact the HAWC at 294-5977 for more information. Participating organizations have registered at FitnessDay.com to provide a list of events and activities that will be held in the local area. For more information about how to register your organization for next year's NWHF Day, call 1-800-828-8225.