Proper human performance equals good health

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chuck Broadway
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., --  Physical training, healthy eating, ample rest, operational risk management ... All these things lead to a healthy lifestyle. Many people take part in these activities, however sometimes they don't execute them correctly, which could lead to other issues. The 9th Physiological Support Squadron's Operational Physiology flight studies the human performance of Beale members, while researching ways to improve lifestyle and eliminate hazards. 

Flight members talk to the community about how performance can be optimized by going into the squadrons and observing the work environment. Recently, the flight conducted a study to improve mission manning by implementing shifts for certain squadrons. Currently, there are many Airmen who work night shifts each day and have done so for several years. According to flight personnel, this leads to serious problems at home and also doesn't allow them time for physical training or give them the best nutrition available. 

"We sat down and said 'how can we fix these problems?'" 1st Lt. Kasey Moore-Ritchie, 9th PSPTS Operational Physiology team chief said. "Usually a solution can be reached within a week depending on how fast an approval can be made." 

Another problem the team studied is the number of arm injuries occurring while life support and physiology technicians were installing seat kits into aircrafts. After research, the team found a protective sleeve Airmen could wear which doesn't cause discomfort or alter their work while still protecting them from injury. 

Finding solutions to problems which plague Airmen on the job is only part of the team's duties. They also find ways to optimize performance off duty by researching fitness and dieting routines. 

A major problem in the Air Force is the use of supplements. Supplements are used for many reasons, from weight alterations, to muscle building. Many of these supplements however are extremely overused and cause serious side-effects. 

"The big thing now is people looking for a quick fix weight loss," Lieutenant Moore-Ritchie said. "People seem to over-exceed dosage recommendations, which can lead to negative effects such as insomnia and heart problems." 

Before taking any supplements, the lieutenant recommended a consultation with a health professional to make sure it's the right product. 

"Look at nutrition and what you're taking in," she said. "Sit down and have a good plan and stick with it. You don't have to diet, just have a plan and do everything in moderation. It's all about putting in the effort." 

Senior Airman Mary Tanner, a 9th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist, also believes that good nutrition and hard work are the best ways to enhance performance. She stated a major problem at Beale is Airmen taking too many supplements and mixing them together. 

"The proper way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise," she said. "Most people aren't reading labels, doing research or asking questions. A lot of supplements aren't approved by the Federal Drug Administration and taking them can cause serious consequences." 

Many products on the market today are banned or contain substances which are prohibited by the military. These substances can be detected in drug tests and can also lead to serious health consequences. 

Not all members of the Beale community believe in taking supplements. Herman Roberto, a 9th Support Division Hazardous Materials handler, spends several hours a week in the gym improving his physical fitness. He has stayed away from supplements altogether and sculpted his physique through years of hard work. 

"I don't believe in it," Roberto said about using supplements. "Natural weightlifting is the key and a lot of people are going (that direction). There's so much stuff out there nowadays and a lot of people are self-conscious about what they put in their bodies." 

Another one of the flight's concerns is the popularity of energy drinks and combining them with supplements. 

Lieutenant Moore-Ritchie said energy drinks with a caffeine base are ok, but some people "stack" the drink with other supplements. This causes negative side-effects such a heart palpitations. Energy drinks should be taken in moderation and consumers should read the ingredients before drinking them, she said. Nobody should exceed 600 milligrams of caffeine in 24 hours. 

"Each person is different," Lieutenant Moore-Ritchie said. "Something may work for one person but not for someone else. It's best to sit with a trainer and devise a personal plan. You may have some trial and error and your routine may have to change to prevent a plateau, but anytime you can get aerobic or anaerobic conditioning it's going to be beneficial." 

For additional information on human performance and enhancement Airmen and their families can contact the Health and Wellness Center, Harris Fitness Center or the Operational Physiology Flight.