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CHAPTER 10

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM

   I. Introduction

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Completing 3 full years in an Air Force JROTC program meets the Cherokee County Health and Physical Education requirement and provides the cadet with the necessary graduating credit. On designated Physical Training (PT) days, all cadets are required to participate in a physical fitness program called the AFJROTC Health and Wellness Program. Physical fitness is an integral part of the AFJROTC curriculum. All cadets must participate in the Health and Wellness Program on designated PT days, unless temporarily excused by a signed medical doctor’s note due to injury or illness.  

Each student is required to complete and turn in a “Health Screening Questionnaire” on file prior to participation in the Health and Wellness Program. This questionnaire can be found in a cadet’s Forms Folder. Should a parent/guardian choose not to allow a cadet to participate in Health and Wellness; he/she will be removed from the AFJROTC program at the end of the fall semester due to the fact that 20% of the cadet’s grade is Health and Wellness, and failure to participate will result in a zero grade each week for the entire semester.

 

   II. Objective

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The primary objective of the Sequoyah High School AFJROTC Physical Fitness program is to encourage the cadet to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced and well-constructed diet, and pursue activities determined to improve their physical health and well-being. The AFJROTC program strives to promote the total fitness concept in its curriculum and activities. A cadet’s physical fitness is often a direct reflection of their mental fitness. The curriculum addresses topics that include general health guidelines, stress and time management, and concepts affecting self-esteem. It, alone, is not sufficient to guarantee a healthy lifestyle. Instead, it tries to help the cadet understand the value and means of good physical conditioning, and then encourages the cadets to pursue activities which they have determined will best meet their needs.  

The Health and Wellness Ribbon is an incentive program applicable to every cadet and will be awarded to each cadet who actively participates in the Health and Wellness Program. Additional stars are awarded to cadets who achieve an 80% or better during the testing phases of the Wellness Program. Health and Wellness assessments are given four times throughout the academic year. Only one award is authorized per academic year.

 

   III. Procedure

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On a designated Friday in August, we will initiate the program with a baseline fitness assessment in order to gauge each student’s current fitness level. The baseline test consists of 3 exercises (sit ups, pushups, and mile run). Pushups and sit ups are accomplished on (exercise mats optional) for 60 seconds. In the following week, we will require each student to run, jog, or walk one mile around the track. The baseline testing must be completed by mid-September each year. After the baseline testing is complete, the PT Officer will work with each cadet to develop personal PT goals.

After baseline testing is complete, on designated Fridays, students will participate in a fitness program consisting of warm-up exercises and a workout program designed to enable cadets to meet their fitness goals. Cadets must wear issued PT gear on every Friday (NO EXCEPTIONS). One Friday each month we will go outside for a different activity (i.e.; soccer, Frisbee football, etc.). We will notify the cadets before we schedule an outside Health and Wellness activity, and they are required to bring clothing appropriate for that activity, including athletic shoes. If a cadet fails to bring/wear clothing appropriate for a Health and Wellness activity, he/she will not be permitted to participate, and will receive a zero score for that week.

At the end of the year, a final fitness assessment will be conducted using the same exercises comprising the baseline test.  

 

   IV. Physical Fitness Examination

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Health and Wellness is a cadet-led activity. One cadet will be chosen as the Health and Wellness NCOIC that will assist the Health and Wellness Officer with scoring and any activity relating to the Health and Wellness administration. One cadet in each flight will be appointed the PT leader. He or she will lead the class in the exercises/activity planned for the day.

At the beginning of the school year, the Health and Wellness Officer (PT Officer) will ensure all cadets in their class have a completed Cadet Health/Wellness Program Cadet Participation Consent Form and administer a diagnostic test/initial assessment to each member of the flight. This will be done over multiple days depending on class schedule. Results will be recorded in the Health and Wellness Flight Form provided by the SASI/ASI. The Wellness Training leader will provide the scores to the Wellness Training Officer, who will enter them in the WINGS database.

On designated wellness training days, usually on Fridays, the Health and Wellness Training Officer will select the five core exercises or an activity to be performed and will ensure the class Wellness Training leaders are properly trained and informed.

Flight Wellness Training leaders will direct all training activities. On these days, the Wellness Training leader will do the following:

  • Ensure all cadets are properly dressed and hydrated before beginning the exercises.

  • Conduct Warm-up exercises for at least five minutes prior to the beginning of the designated standard exercises.  

  • Direct the five designated exercises ensuring students perform and complete required repetitions according to their workout plan.

  • Direct Cool-down/stretching exercises.

  • Ensure results are recorded in the Health and Wellness Class training report.

 

   V. Award of the Physical Fitness Ribbon

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All cadets actively participating in the Health and Wellness Program for the year will receive the Health and Wellness Ribbon. Additional stars are awarded to those cadets who excel in the Health and Wellness Program. If they receive a percentile score of 80-89, they have earned a Bronze Star to be worn on their Health and Wellness Ribbon. If they receive a percentile score of 90-99, they have earned a Silver Star to be worn on their Health and Wellness Ribbon. And if they receive a perfect 100 %…they have earned the Gold Star to be worn on their Health and Wellness Ribbon.

 

   VI. Safety Considerations

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Safety and caution are paramount. When exercising, cadets need to be aware of the following heat disorders:

 

Heat Cramps:

Painful spasms in skeletal muscle. Pupils often dilate with each spasm.

 

First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscle with warm wet towels. Gentle stretching of affected muscle is also helpful. Re-hydrate with cold electrolyte (Sports Drink).

 

Heat Exhaustion:

Profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, skin cool and wet, body temperature usually elevated. Possible nausea and vomiting, headache. No Central Nervous System impairment.

 

First Aid:

Move to cooler environment to avoid further dehydration through sweat losses. Administer cold electrolyte drink. Reduce body temp if elevated. Seek medical attention for serious cases.

 

Heat Stroke:

Body temp greatly elevated, Central Nervous system impaired, including confusion, amnesia, ataxia (loss of balance), incoherent speech, syncope (dizziness), delirium, loss of consciousness. Contrary to public perception, hot dry skin is not always seen in exertional heat stroke. The individual is often sweating profusely.

 

First Aid: Heat Stroke is a life and death situation. Obtain emergency first aid care immediately. Move victim into cooler environment; reduce body temperature as quickly as possible with ice cold water and ice packs. Monitor pulse and respiration, administer CPR if necessary. The standard of ordinary care upon arrival to the emergency room is to immerse the victim in ice water.

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   VII. Acceptable PT Uniforms

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Physical Training Day is as much a team building exercise as it is a workout, so it’s important that cadets present themselves as a team. It is for this reason that cadets wear PT g

During physical training days, cadets are authorized to wear the following exclusively:

  • Grey Air Force PT shirt OR black unit t-shirt

  • Athletic shorts, sweatpants, or leggings

  • Appropriate athletic footwear

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