Exercise, Physical Fitness, and Weight Control

education and prevention, lower back injury prevention, and alcohol/drug abuse prevention. Exercise, Physical Fitness, and Weight Control Each command is required to ensure personnel meet the Navy’s physical readiness standards. All personnel must pass a semiannual Physical Readiness Test (PRT) that consists of meeting height/weight or body fat standards, doing a minimum amount of sit-ups and push-ups, and running a 1.5 mile run within a set time. Personnel who do not meet the Navy’s standards or fail the PRT are required to participate in a command remedial program. Command remedial programs are coordinated by each command’s fitness coordinator and vary from command to command, but the basic program is controlled through the Physical Readiness and Personal Excellence Program, OPNAVINST 6110.1. Counseling and assistance centers and residential rehabilitation centers are available to help personnel conform to Navy PRT standards. Personnel who continually fail the PRT may be ineligible for promotion or reenlistment or administratively separated from the Navy. All personnel are responsible for maintaining an acceptable state of physical readiness at all times. Participation in a personal physical conditioning program should occur at least three times a week. The individual physical conditioning activities should be at least 40 minutes in duration during which at least 20 minutes is continuous aerobic activity. Commands provide physical fitness and nutrition education through General Military Training (GMT). GMT should stress healthy food choices, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Each base has a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department that coordinates an intramural sports program for all commands attached to the base. The intramural sports program promotes morale and helps personnel obtain and maintain an optimum fitness level. All personnel are encouraged to participate in their base’s intramural sports program. Nutrition Education The primary goal of this program is to help Navy personnel become more fit and healthy. We have Navy remedial programs at the command level, counseling and assistance centers, and naval drug rehabilitation centers. These programs educate, counsel, and treat individuals who do not meet standards. A comprehensive plan guides Navy personnel concerning proper nutrition. Improved training for mess specialists, menu analysis, and increased food options in chow halls are a part of the nutrition education plan. High Blood Pressure Identification The Navy’s goal is for all active-duty personnel, dependents, civilians, and retirees to be aware of the risk factors associated with high blood pressure. The Navy recognizes that high blood pressure is a health problem; Navywide health fairs and some medical sites provide mass screening, education, and referral. Active-duty members receive a high blood pressure screening as a regular part of all medical and dental exams. Navy medical units will provide the control (prescription/medication) and follow-up. Stress Management Stress is a real part of Navy life, and learning to cope effectively is essential. The goal is for 100 percent participation in stress awareness and education programs for service members, dependents, and civilians. Programs exist in medical units, host commands, and FSCs. Smoking Education and Prevention The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that the smoking of tobacco is the most preventable cause of illness and death. The Environmental Protection Agency states that involuntary/passive smoking poses a public health risk larger than the hazardous air pollutants from all industrial emissions combined. Medical evidence shows overwhelmingly that the use of tobacco products adversely impacts on the health and readiness of the entire Navy. Tobacco use impairs such critical military skills as night vision and eye/hand coordination. It increases susceptibility to disease. It also impairs cardiorespiratory endurance, exercise tolerance, and stamina. The Department of the Navy (DON) supports the concept that each person has an obligation to preserve one’s health. Additionally, the DON recognizes its responsibility to enact and enforce appropriate environmental protective measures to ensure a safe, healthy, and unpolluted work and living environment. 3-15