PLAYGROUNDS/OUTDOOR AMENITIES:
Play Takes Flight at Dover AFB
Dover AFB, Del., continues to show its commitment to families on base, with programs, facilities and support services that are second to none. As our nation struggles with obesity, and parents fight to get their children to forgo video games for physical activity, Dover AFB is finding new ways to get children and youth more active, while giving them the skills and knowledge they need to live a healthy lifestyle — complete with good nutrition and a daily dose of physical activity.
One of the ways the base is getting children outside and more active is by adding new playgrounds on base. In addition to three new playgrounds that opened at the Child Development Center (CDC) in October 2011, the base completed a massive volunteer-led project to create the new Auxiliary Field/Liberty Park playground in April 2011, and, most recently, opened the new Friends of the Fallen playground in June.
What is even more impressive than these new playgrounds and amenities — including gardens, shade structures, safety surfacing and more — is the dedication and spirit of the Dover AFB Flight team, which includes the CDC, Youth Center, Family Childcare program and Airman and Family Readiness Center.
“We have a large Flight group here, and together have an overarching initiative to take care of children and families on base, which is an initiative the Air Force is committed to,” says Marti Hosterman, chief, Airman and Family Services. “We answer to the Air Force Personnel Center now because of the Force Support Squadron transformation, and we feel very comfortable working with leadership there, and they understand our dedication to our program, and support and fund our programs as needed.” ...
PHYSICAL/AQUATIC THERAPY:
October is National Physical Therapy Month
National Physical Therapy Month was started by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to raise awareness of the many ways physical therapists can help improve quality of life by restoring and improving a person's ability to rehabilitate and get fit through the numerous forms of therapies available, including physical, aquatic and recreational.
“If you are one of many people who experience low back pain, for example, a physical therapist can help,“ says Paul A. Rockar, Jr., president, APTA. “If you have had a running injury or want to maintain your ability to run as you age, a physical therapist can help. If you are experiencing Bell's palsy, diabetes, frozen shoulder or pelvic pain, to name but a few conditions, a physical therapist can help.”
Rockar noted that beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through Nov. 19, APTA will host its “50 Days 50 Ways” challenge. “During this challenge we will be providing 50 days worth of tips to boomers on how to prevent injury and get and/or stay fit and mobile with the help of a physical therapist. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter!” he says. ...