20th Annual Women’s Health Seminar and Luncheon offers tips for a healthy lifestyle

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TAMPA, Fla.-- --  In honor of the 20th Annual Women's Health Seminar and Luncheon men and women from Team MacDill gathered in the auditorium of Memorial Hospital, Tampa, Florida for the "Cruise to a New Destination: Gateway to Health and Wellness" themed event, May 24, 2016.

The main goal of the event was to educate and encourage people to take control of their physical and mental health. 

Dr. Jamie Winderbaum, Medical Director of Psychiatric Service at Memorial Hospital and Dr. Stacey Robinson, doctor of concierge medicine and Air Force veteran, were the keynote speakers. They spoke on how clean eating can savelives and how to find a balance, beat burnouts and create a happier work environment. 

"Baby steps, its small habits that you change every day that is going to alter your ultimate destination," said Robinson.

Since 2006 the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) has teamed up with Memorial Hospital to coordinate the event. More than 130 people attended the complementary luncheon, catered by a local restaurant.

Over the years the seminar has evolved into a gender neutral health inspired informational event.

"Twenty years ago the women's health seminar started in a small conference room that sat 50 people in what used to be the MacDill hospital," said Joan Craft HAWC director with the 6th Aerospace Medical Squadron (AMDS). "Our focus was breast cancer awareness and to our surprise we filled that room the day of the event and educated women."  

After receiving positive feedback the seminar became an annual occurrence.

"The Air Force surgeon general's vision is to have the healthiest, highest performing segment of the population by 2025," said Col. Jay Allen, commander of the 6th AMDS. "It's tough to get there without the big steps, however these small steps the speakers provided us with today to change and incorporate into our daily routine will greatly assist in achieving the lofty goal. Thank you again to the HAWC and the staff of memorial hospital for hosting the event. I hope all of you start taking steps to a healthier lifestyle."