New Leaf

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO., —Col. Kathleen Dunn-Cane, 509th Medical Group commander, rides a spin bike during part of a New Leaf assessment Feb. 5, 2010. The Whiteman Health and Wellness Center recently received the New Leaf equipment, which helps HAWC staff members provide an accurate caloric intake for base members. The assessment is an active metabolic analyzer that looks at how well a person’s body utilizes oxygen. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Cory Todd) (Released)

New Leaf program takes the guess work out of fitness

Published Feb. 9, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The pursuit of efficiency is a hot topic these days, as busy lives and a stressed economy leave people looking for ways to save time and money.

The Whiteman Health and Wellness Center's New Leaf metabolic assessment program shows people how to efficiently exercise, and get the best result in the least amount of time.

"The first step is to make an appointment with the HAWC to discuss your fitness goals," said Dr. Nita Hawk, Health Promotions director. "The HAWC staff will provide a six-week fitness and nutrition program for you to follow."

Step two is up to the individual. If positive results aren't seen in the 6-week period, the HAWC staff will review and tweak the plan, and schedule a three-week follow-up.

When the individual sees personal fitness improvement, he is scheduled for a metabolic assessment via the New Leaf machine for further dietary and fitness fine-tuning.

"The metabolic profile is based on the individual's physiology," said Dr. Hawk. "The New Leaf assessment will determine the efficiency of your aerobic engine, how well your body utilizes oxygen."

The assessment provides two important pieces of information: the individual's aerobic base, or the fastest pace at which a person can exercise while breathing normally; and the anaerobic threshold, or the intensity of exercise at which an individual's body makes energy without oxygen.

"From there, we will be able to tell the Airman at what heart rates to train in order to see optimal performance and fitness results," said Dr. Hawk.

As Airmen eliminate the guesswork from their exercise routines, they will ultimately save time and energy as they reach their fitness goals.

"This method is specific to the individual and will build a program that if followed appropriately, will give the individual an enhanced their aerobic base, allowing them to run farther and faster with less effort," said Dr. Hawk.

There is a monetary efficiency aspect to the New Leaf program as well. While the same program can cost up to $200 off-base, the HAWC provides this service for free.

For more information, call (660) 687-7662.