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  • Body Fat and PT test performance

    With the Air Force physical fitness assessment on hold until October 2020, and the abdominal circumference (AC) component delayed until 2021, there may be a temptation for some Airmen to exercise less and eat more, assuming they can still pass. That’s not a good idea as 99.7% of Airmen who fail the

  • Getting back into the gym

    Gyms are opening up again, and exercise-starved Airmen are eager to lift more than furniture or performing endless push-ups/sit-ups. It’s important to be cautious and patient when transitioning back to the gym, in order to avoid injury and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

  • Hydration Strategies for Optimal Performance

    Optimal hydration supports daily training and recovery. When you are dehydrated it can take hours to days to recover properly. There are many ways you can stay on top of your hydration so that you can perform at your best and recover optimally.

  • A warning against phone scams

    Phone-based financial scams have recently grown as a major problem affecting many people. It is important for everyone to be aware of how these scams work and the steps that can be taken to avoid them.

  • The Science of Sleep

    The more we learn about sleep, the more we realize how important it is to overall health. Sleep deprivation has economic effects; a recent study concluded that lack of sleep costs the U.S. economy up to $411 billion per year in low work productivity and mortality. According to the report, the U.S.

  • Eating Healthy for Better Lipids and Heart Health

    Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is made in your liver and also comes from some food we eat. Too much cholesterol in your body can put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is a mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet. For

  • It’s not just cardio anymore; the health benefits of resistance training

    The health benefits of aerobic training are well documented. People who regularly engage in aerobic exercise have higher levels of cardiovascular fitness. They have lower blood pressure, body fat %, blood cholesterol and blood sugar. They also exhibit lower rates of heart disease, hypertension,

  • Third-hand Smoke and Your Health

    Most of us are familiar with secondhand smoke (tobacco smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe). Third-hand smoke (THS), by contrast, is not as well known. Third-hand smoke is the toxic residue that remains on clothes, furniture or in dust after tobacco use. Third-hand smoke is also the smelly

  • E-cigarettes: What Does the Science Say?

    An increase in e-cigarette popularity is also observed in active duty populations. In the Air Force, e-cigarette use increased from 4.3 percent in 2017 to 5.4 percent in 2018. Kirtland is no exception to this trend with a 4.6 percent use in 2017 increased to 6.7 percent use in 2018. Some squadrons

  • Health Effects of Smoking that Don’t Make the News

    Cigarette smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. Most of us are familiar with the major negative health effects of smoking; cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking causes damage to our health in