The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is making it easier for service members and their families to take a holistic approach to their health by bringing wellness services to military installations. Through the Exchange's BE FIT program, you will begin to see expanded services such as durable medical equipment shops which carries everything from crutches to CPAP (sleep apnea machine) supplies. Most Exchanges already have optometry offices but expect to see cryotherapy and dental services coming soon.
"It can be difficult to fit regular wellness appointments into a busy schedule," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. "The Exchange brings these services right onto the installation to make access easy and convenient."
Exchange wellness services include:
- Optical and optometry clinics in 151 locations worldwide
- Durable medical equipment shops in 18 locations (five locations projected to open in 2020)
- Dental offices in four locations (10 locations projected to open in 2020)
- Cryotherapy at two locations (two locations projected to open in 2020)
The Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Exchange has three optical/optometry offices available to the community. A durable medical equipment shop -- which sells items like knee braces, crutches, CPAP supplies, breast pumps and more -- opened in 2018 at the McChord Field Exchange mall. The Exchange is also pursuing a dental office to open in 2020.
"The JBLM Exchange is working to become a one-stop destination for all the community's needs," said JBLM Exchange General Manager Michael Einer. "Wellness services are a critical part of that. Our multiple optical centers and the durable medical equipment shop means that soldiers, airmen, retirees, disabled veterans and military families can get what they need without having to go off the installation."
More than 4.1 million Purple Heart recipients, veterans with service-connected disability and their eligible primary caregivers now have access to the Exchange as of Jan. 1. They will now have access to the wellness services the Exchange now offers. The Exchange's wellness services accept TRICARE and most insurances for covered items and services.
In addition to wellness services, the Exchange's BE FIT program has healthy dining choices at their restaurants. The retail stores carry all the latest fitness equipment and gear. Head to shopmyexchange.com and scroll to the bottom and you can access the BE FIT section where you will find wellness tips, products and solutions. You can also find more information on their social media Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
The Exchange is the 62nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years.