The 2019 Health of the Force reported several unhealthy trends in our community, to include high alcohol use, poor nutrition, obesity and poor mental health, are negatively impacting overall community readiness.

In response to this assessment, USAG Bavaria launched segment two of the Bavaria Health Initiative and incorporated the hashtag #BetterInBavaria. The Bavaria Health Initiative (BHI) aligns existing best practices with new strategies intended to promote a healthy lifestyle culture. 

The intent is to have a holistic approach to combating the negative health and wellness trends by encouraging healthy lifestyles.

USAG Bavaria Sports & Fitness hosts the Bavaria Health Initiative (BHI) #BetterInBavaria VIRTUAL 5K RUN to promote a healthy lifestyle culture by engaging community members in self-directed health, fitness and wellness activities. This virtual run is March 3-14, 2021.

Open to U.S. ID Card Holders 18+ (high school students not authorized to participate). Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks, Hohenfels and Garmisch are authorized an unlimited number of individual runners.

Online registration ends March 12 at 5 p.m. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email with details to record run time/distance.

Download and send the registration form by clicking here.

To receive a t-shirt, participants must submit a screen shot of their results that includes: name, distance run in “kilometers” and overall time of run.

Click here to email results by 5 p.m. on March 14. T-shirt sizes are limited and not guaranteed.

To review the official MOI click here.

The “Owning My Own Readiness” program promotes gradual involvement in regular physical activity, healthier eating patterns and good nutrition, improved sleep patterns and positive mental well-being. This self-guided reporting program tracks goals and acknowledges achievements with a certificate upon conclusion.

After developing healthy regular life-style patterns, participants will be ready to transition into the Sustain Milestone Points phase of the campaign. In this phase of the Initiative, participants are rewarded for achieving wellness milestones (1,000; 1,500; 2,000; 2,500; 3,000; 3,500; 4,000; 4,500; 5,000). Units and community agencies are encouraged to host events that meet the criteria for awarding milestone points.

Click here for registration form. To submit registration form, click here. 

Click here for program tracking form. 

NUTRITION GOALS: 
Include the following items in your diet at least four times per week:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain foods
•  Lean protein/seafood
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy items
• Water in place of sugar-based drinks
• Limit saturated fat, sodium, added sugars and alcohol consumption

Make healthier food choices by selecting fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein items at least four times per day to get the most nutrition and meet your personal calorie needs. Aim for a variety from each food group and limit saturated fat, sodium, added sugars and alcohol consumption.

SLEEP GOAL:
Stick to a sleep schedule at least four times per week.

Having good sleep habits is critical to your health.  Seven to nine hours of sleep are recommended each day. Remove distractions from the room that will interrupt sleep and create a quiet, dark, comfortable sleeping environment. Do not exercise or drink alcohol before bed and do not go to bed hungry.

MIND GOAL:
Identify a relaxing activity you enjoy such as reading, journaling, listening to music or meditation and relax with this activity at least four times a week. 

Having a healthy and strong mind allows you to handle the challenges life serves. It also improves concentration and focus to handle stress more effectively. Spiritual connectedness can increase personal peace, happiness and well-being. Breathing and relaxation exercises help reduce blood pressure and mental tension.

FITNESS GOAL: 
Work out at least four times a week for a combined total of 180 minutes.

Physical activity is more than just “exercise” or “working out.” It’s living an active lifestyle. Regular movement throughout the day inspires positive health outcomes over time. Endurance can be improved by eliminating tobacco use. Exercise can help prevent and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

REGISTER>TRACK>SUBMIT

Earn Certi­ficates of Achievement & milestone patches!

Click here for program tracking form. To submit tracking form, click here. 

NUTRITION
Daily Nutrition Goals
All goals met = 4 points per day
Goals not met = 2 points per day but attempted

Goals:

• 4 servings per day of fruits & vegetables
• 2 servings of lean protein per day (beans, non-fat dairy, chicken breast, etc.)
• 5-6 servings unprocessed carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables & whole grains)
• Minimum 64 oz. of water

Negative Points
Saturated fats & added sugars = -1 point
Excess alcohol = -1 point

MIND
Log moods = 1 point for each
Relaxing activity = 1 point

SLEEP
7-9 hours per night = 2 points
<7 hours per night = 1 point

FITNESS
Steps
7,000 = 1 point
10,000 = 2 points
15,000 = 3 points
20,000+ = 4 points
(max 15 points per week)

Aerobic Exercise
30 minutes = 1 point
60+ minutes = 3 points
(max 15 points per week)

Strength Training
30 minutes = 1 point
60+ minutes = 3 points
(max 15 points per week)

BONUS POINTS = 1 point
These points can be earned through special events and classes provided across USAG Bavaria. Stay connected for activities that offer these points!