Army says fitness plan cut injuries and drug use, aids mental health
Army says fitness plan cut injuries and drug use, aids mental health ArmyTimes.com
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Early Data Shows Positive Impact of Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness Program
The Army’s new all-encompassing fitness program, known as Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F), has shown promising results in reducing injuries, behavioral health problems, and substance abuse among soldiers. It has also led to quicker recovery times and faster return to duty rates for injured soldiers. These findings are based on early data analyzing Army brigades with program staff compared to those without.
Key Next Steps for the H2F Program
As the Army continues to implement the H2F program, there are several important next steps to consider:
- Managing data effectively
- Educating new commanders about the program
- Adapting the program for the National Guard and Reserve
New Approaches to Benefit the Entire Army
In addition to the ongoing implementation of the H2F program, there are three new approaches that could benefit the entire Army:
- Incorporating a full day of H2F program at the Army’s School for Command Preparation’s Chief of Staff of the Army’s Core Course
- Introducing an additional skill identifier and possible special qualification identifier for H2F trainers
- Launching a wearables pilot at Fort Moore, Georgia to collect data on new recruits throughout basic training
Positive Impact of H2F Program
The Army began fielding H2F teams and fitness equipment to close combat brigades in 2021. The program aims to improve the overall health and performance of soldiers. Early data analysis has shown significant positive impact in several areas:
- 14% lower increase in musculoskeletal injuries
- 30% lower increase in musculoskeletal injuries lasting more than 90 days
- 22% lower increase in behavioral health reports
- 20% lower increase in behavioral health reports lasting more than 90 days
- 502% lower increase in substance abuse profiles
- 23% greater Army combat fitness test passing rate
- 27% more soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification
*These improvements were observed in brigades with H2F teams compared to those without.
Future Plans and Expansion of H2F Program
The Army plans to continue gathering data on the effectiveness of the H2F program. A wearables pilot will be conducted to collect additional data on soldier performance and health. The program is also expected to expand to include the National Guard and Reserve.
Conclusion
The H2F program has shown promising results in improving the overall health and well-being of Army soldiers. By implementing this program, the Army is working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being, such as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs as they involve improving the health and well-being of soldiers, enhancing their physical and mental fitness, reducing injuries and substance abuse, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to quality education and training.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
The article’s content aligns with these targets as it focuses on reducing injuries, improving mental health and well-being, providing education and training, promoting gender equality, and ensuring equal opportunities for soldiers.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Reduction in musculoskeletal injuries
- Indicator: Decrease in behavioral health reports
- Indicator: Lower increase in substance abuse profiles
- Indicator: Increase in Army combat fitness test passing rates
- Indicator: Increase in soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification
The article mentions specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the reduction in musculoskeletal injuries, decrease in behavioral health reports, lower increase in substance abuse profiles, increase in Army combat fitness test passing rates, and increase in soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Reduction in musculoskeletal injuries Decrease in behavioral health reports Lower increase in substance abuse profiles |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Increase in Army combat fitness test passing rates Increase in soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | N/A |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | N/A |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | N/A |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | N/A |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: armytimes.com
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