Nutritionists lead Gunfighters to healthy lifestyles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chester Mientkiewicz
  • 366 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Eating a balanced diet is not only vital for good health and wellbeing but it can also lead to higher physical training test scores. Food provides our bodies with the energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals to live, grow and function properly.

Mountain Home has two dietitians to help Airmen live heathy lives.

Tracy Green, Health Promotions registered dietitian, and Rachelle Ausman, Healthcare to Health registered dietitian, are here to help Gunfighters live healthy lifestyles.

“We work with people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, food sensitivity, diabetes, obesity and more,” Green said.

The health and wellness center offers a class called “Unstoppable” which includes sessions that cover a wide variety of topics including motivation, physical activity, sleep and more.

“The classes can prepare you for your [physical training] test which will make it easier to pass,” Ausman said.

Their classes are small, giving people one-on-one time with a registered dietitian. This can save Airmen money in the long run.

“I enjoy seeing people improve,” Green said. “It shows that what we teach can change your life.”

The Group lifestyle balance program is a diabetes prevention program. The goal is to prevent or manage diabetes. This is for those with pre-diabetes or diabetes, which is held at the medical center.

“It’s free for those registered with the 366th Medical Group,” Ausman said.

The dietitians also host story time on the first Thursday of every month at the library. During story time the dietitians read to children about nutrition and physical activity.

Setting goals and managing weight are also things that Green and Ausman can help customers with.

“Our job is to encourage and support Airmen and their families to live a healthier lifestyle,” Ausman said.

If a class doesn’t sound like it’s for you, call one of the dietitians to set up personal meetings to work with your individual needs.

“We are here to answer questions and provide evidence-based information to apply to real life situations,” Ausman said.

Those with questions can call Tracy Green located in the Health and Wellness Center at 208-828-1238 or Rachelle Ausman located in Family Health at 208-828-7127.