How FIT2WINN Empowers Your Team to Thrive and Stay Healthy

Winn Army Community Hospital has a clear mission: to keep soldiers healthy and ready. But caring for these essential warriors can take a toll on both the medical staff and the soldiers themselves. That’s where the FIT2WINN wellness program comes in. Launched in January by Col. Margaret Berryman, the program blends physical and mental health support to create a happier, healthier workplace.

“We aim to boost morale, which can lead to a more productive team,” says Lt. Col. Tracey Williams, who oversees public health at Fort Stewart. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, attending to both mind and body. By focusing on wellness, the staff can better serve the 3rd Infantry Division and their families.

Each month highlights a different wellness theme. For example, May focuses on mindfulness, offering meditation classes and activities aimed at mental health. Other themes have included fitness challenges and healthy eating initiatives. The ideas for these themes often come from the staff themselves, making everyone feel involved.

One participant, Joshua Castillo, is a licensed clinical social worker who has seen personal transformation through FIT2WINN. Last fall, he struggled with weight, feeling the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. After researching health tips, he shifted his approach. “I started walking after meals and tracking my sugar levels,” he says. This simple change made a significant difference in his health.

Castillo used a continuous glucose monitor to further understand his diet and exercise relationship. He aimed to walk for at least 10 minutes after each meal, leading not just to lower glucose levels, but also to a boost in his overall well-being. “Any step counts,” he says, highlighting how small adjustments can result in big changes.

The competitive edge of FIT2WINN adds excitement. Each month, participants compete based on the current theme. Castillo won the “heart health hustle” in February after increasing his walking distance. Tyrone Singletary, another participant, also found value in the program. He won the healthy eating challenge in March, motivated by a desire to recover from an accident.

Both Castillo and Singletary emphasize the support the program offers. “FIT2WINN provides guidance to improve overall health,” Singletary notes. By engaging in the challenges and team spirit, participants gain a sense of community, making wellness a shared goal.

Looking ahead, the program promises new themes like hydration in June and stretching in July. Williams believes this structured support is vital for healthcare professionals who may struggle to prioritize their own health amid demanding schedules.

The importance of wellness can’t be overstated. According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, stress and health struggles are common within the healthcare field, highlighting why programs like FIT2WINN are essential. “Taking care of ourselves helps us take care of others,” Castillo adds, recognizing the positive impact on both work performance and family life.

In a nutshell, the FIT2WINN program is fostering a culture of health. Small, actionable steps can lead to significant changes, as evidenced by Castillo’s journey. Walking, he says, is something everyone can do. Health doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as taking that first step forward.



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