JB MDL Health Expo Published Jan. 14, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Health Expo was held at the McGuire Fitness and Sports Center Jan. 13. This event was open to all community members but geared towards all servicemembers, dependents, dorm residents and retirees. The purpose of the health expo was to provide community members with the tools needed to stay fit and eat healthy as well as introducing them to the many trained professional. Booths were set up in the front lobby and were filled by representatives such as the Health and Wellness Center, Physical Therapy, Life skills, Fit teen and several other 87th Medical Group program representatives set in place to help community members achieve health and fitness goals. "This Health Expo gives community members better insight on the tools needed to get healthy," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Upshur, 87th Force Support Squadron fitness craftsman. All community members received pamphlets and contact information with all the services present as well as learned the steps they need to take to start a healthier life style. "The expo offered different ways for community members to get in shape and the chance to meet with HAWC representatives to learn about healthy eating while meeting with trained professionals in fitness as well," said Fitness and Sports Director of the Center, Billy Irions. Using tobacco is very unhealthy and was stressed during the expo with physical diagrams like the different products sold and the harmful effects each one has on the body. Smoke Cessation classes for quitting smoking are held at the HAWC each week and sign up information was available for those trying to kick the habit. Diagrams of how fat builds up in the body were brought to the expo to show community members how excess fat can be detrimental to the human body. "With all the diagrams and information as well as trained professionals to instruct community members on healthy lifestyles, the Health Expo presented a great forum to promote an overall better lifestyle for the joint base community," said Fitness and Sports Director of the Center, Billy Irions.