Health Promotion

September is Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Month

You’re Not Alone—Support is Always Within Reach

In recognition of Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Month, MCCS Okinawa reaffirms its commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our service members, families, and civilian community. This observance encourages open dialogue, early intervention, and awareness of the many resources available to help build resilience and prevent suicide.

Throughout September, MCCS Health Promotion will conduct outreach efforts, share educational materials, and engage the community in conversations about mental health, stress management, and suicide prevention.

Mental Fitness Is Mission Readiness

Mental health is an essential part of operational readiness and personal well-being. Service members are often exposed to high-pressure environments, frequent transitions, and unique stressors. Recognizing and addressing mental health concerns early can enhance performance, prevent long-term issues, and save lives.

MCCS Health Promotion will provide tools and strategies for:

Stress and sleep management
Identifying signs of emotional distress
Reducing the stigma around mental health
Supporting peers and encouraging help-seeking behavior

Helpful Information About Mental Health & Suicide Awareness

Mental health is health. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common—and treatable. Support and resources are available for all.
Suicide is preventable. It’s often the result of unrecognized or untreated mental health issues combined with overwhelming stress.
Know the warning signs. These may include withdrawal, hopelessness, changes in behavior or mood, talking about death or being a burden, and risky or reckless actions.
Talk and listen. One sincere conversation can be the turning point for someone in distress. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you okay?” or “How can I support you?”
Encourage action. Helping someone connect to professional support can make all the difference.

Confidential Support Is Available

No one has to go through a tough time alone. The following Marine Corps resources are available to provide professional, confidential, and culturally competent support:

MCCS Health Promotion
- Offers briefings and resources on stress management, emotional well-being, and lifestyle behaviors that support mental health.
Chaplains
- Available 24/7 for confidential support—faith-based or not. Chaplains offer a safe, judgment-free space to talk.
Community Counseling Program (CCP)
- Offers short-term, solution-focused counseling for individuals, couples, and families. No referral required.

Community Counseling (Foster)

Address:

Building 439

Behavioral Health

Camp Foster, Okinawa

Phone: (098) 970-2915

DSN: 645-2915

OCONUS Base Phone: 81-98-970-2915

Community Counseling (Hansen)

Address:

Building 2631

Camp Hansen,

Phone: (098) 969-1458

DSN: 623-1458

OCONUS Base Phone: 81-98-969-1458

Alt DSN: (315) 623-1453

Embedded Preventive Behavioral Health Capability (EPBHC) Specialists
- Located within operational units to offer prevention, early intervention, and coordination of care for behavioral health concerns.
Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC)
- Provides support for substance use concerns and education on coping strategies.

Building 440

Camp Foster, Okinawa

Phone: (098) 970-3009

DSN: 645-3009

OCONUS Base Phone: 81-98-970-3009

DSTRESS Line – 1-877-476-7734
- Available 24/7, staffed by veteran and active-duty peer counselors. Anonymous and confidential.

MCCS Group Fitness Supports Mental Wellness

In observance of National Yoga Month and Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Month, MCCS Group Fitness will host special yoga classes throughout September. Yoga can be a powerful tool to support mental health, helping reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve emotional balance. Be sure to check your local fitness center schedule and join us for these rejuvenating sessions open to all SOFA personnel.

Together, We Can Prevent Suicide

Every Marine, Sailor, family member, and civilian plays a role in suicide prevention. Know the signs. Check in with each other. Speak up. Your support could be the lifeline someone needs.

Join Us This September

Stop by MCCS Health Promotion events throughout the month to learn more, pick up resources, and connect with the professionals who are here to help. Be sure to check your local fitness center schedule and join us for these rejuvenating sessions open to anyone with base access. Whether you’re supporting someone else or taking the first step for yourself, you are never alone.

For more information on available services and resources, visit:

Prevention & Counseling – MCCS Okinawa

MCCS Health Promotion

DSN: 645-3910

Email: mccshealthpromotions@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

October is Know Your Numbers Month

Take Charge of Your Health—One Number at a Time

This October, MCCS Okinawa invites you to focus on the numbers that matter most for your health. Know Your Numbers Month is all about helping you understand key health indicators, like blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and body composition, that can help you prevent serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

What Are the Key Health Numbers to Know?

Blood Pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other chronic conditions, even when there are no symptoms.
- Source: American Heart Association, 2025
Cholesterol
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher is protective
- High LDL and low HDL levels are major risk factors for heart disease.
- Source: NIH - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Triglycerides
- Healthy range: Less than 150 mg/dL
- High levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL.
- Source: CDC - Cholesterol
Blood Sugar (Glucose & A1C)
- Fasting Blood Glucose: Less than 99mg/dL
- Hemoglobin A1c: Less than 5.7%
- High fasting glucose can indicate signs of insulin resistance or early diabetes. The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It's a key marker for diagnosing and managing diabetes.
Body Composition (BMI, Waist Circumference, Body Fat)
- Body Mass Index (BMI) can help assess if one’s weight is in a healthy range relative to their height:

Category	BMI Range (kg/m²)
Underweight	Less than 18.5
Healthy Weight	18.5 - 24.9
Overweight	25.0 - 29.9
Obesity Class I	30.0 - 34.9
Obesity Class II	35.0 – 39.9
Obesity Class III	40.0 or higher

Waist Circumference is a way to measure the presence of abdominal fat and its association with health risks—often more telling than BMI alone.

Group	Normal Range	Increased Risk
Men	Less than 40 inches (102 cm)	Greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
Women	Less than 35 inches (88 cm)	Greater than 35 inches (88 cm)

Healthy body fat percentages vary by age, sex, and fitness level, but the table below indicates the optimal ranges for males and females:

Males
Classification	Body Fat %
Essential Fat	2 - 5
Athletic	6 - 13
Fitness	14 - 17
Acceptable	18 - 25
Obese	Greater than 25

Females
Classification	Body Fat %
Essential Fat	10 - 13
Athletic	14 - 20
Fitness	21 - 24
Acceptable	25 - 31
Obese	Greater than 32

Why These Numbers Matter

Over time, elevated numbers—even slightly—can silently lead to chronic diseases. According to the CDC and NIH:

Nearly 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, but many don’t know it.
90% of adults with prediabetes are unaware of their condition.
Early awareness and simple lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, stress management, sleep) can cut your risk of chronic disease in half.

Come See Us!

Throughout October, our MCCS Health Promotion team will be tabling at MCCS Fitness Centers across MCB Butler. Stop by to:

Learn how to understand your health numbers
Pick up free educational materials
Get referrals for screenings or briefings
Ask questions about nutrition, exercise, and more!

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness & Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness: Early Detection Saves Lives

Start annual mammograms at age 40 (or earlier based on risk factors)
Perform regular breast self-awareness checks
Know your family history and talk to your provider
Breast cancer caught early has a 99% 5-year survival rate (American Cancer Society)

Domestic Violence Awareness: Know the Signs. Reach Out.

Abuse is not always physical, it can be emotional, verbal, or financial
Support is confidential and available 24/7 through MCCS’s Family Advocacy Program
Call 645-SAFE (7233) or 098-970-SAFE (7233) for immediate help
Learn more: MCCS Victim Advocacy Program

Dance for a Cause

Join us for a special event in honor of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
October 18
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Camp Foster Community Center
Come out for a high-energy morning of Zumba® and MixxedFit®, community support, and survivor recognition.

Take the First Step This October

Knowing your numbers isn’t just about labs, it’s about taking ownership of your health, honoring survivors, and building a stronger, more resilient community. Let’s move, measure, and support each other all month long.

For additional services and support, visit:
Prevention & Counseling – MCCS Okinawa

Related Stories