Building a healthier force

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Covey and Airman 1st Class Jacob Rosko
  • 509th Medical Group
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Every May, National Nurse Week is celebrated throughout the Air Force in honor of Florence Nightingale. 

Born in 1820, Florence Nightingale was famous for her work in military hospitals and has become known as the founder of modern nursing. 

Whiteman is celebrating National Nurses Week May 6 through 12 to celebrate the nurses and technicians who help keep the 509th Bomb Wing's mission intact. 

As we move forward into the 21st century with the leading edge of medical knowledge, we can look forward to a healthier future. This process doesn't happen overnight, it is contributed by many throughout the healthcare profession. Medical professionals across the spectrum, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, medical technicians, public health technicians, dental assistants and lab techs, all play a role at Whiteman preparing Airmen for the mission and to maintaining the continued health of their dependents. 

The medical professionals of the 509th Medical Group work together to build a healthy population here. If a disease can be prevented, then there is no need for treatment. This is done through tests such as blood samples for cholesterol, prostate cancer screening, mammograms and pap smears as well as immunizations to prevent diseases such as influenza. 

Since we can't prevent all disease, there are programs in place to manage chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. 

For active duty members, there is a continuous process in place that prepares our force for a pending deployment. Every year, active duty personnel undergo a physical health assessment to capture any problems prior to deployment. The PHA also includes blood screenings for HIV and cholesterol and updates to immunizations required for each deployment location per the public health office. 

When military nurses and medics deploy, they go forward in support of the war fighters on and off the battlefield. Embedded with Army on their convoy missions or at the field hospital, whether here or there, we care!