The 9 Healthy Living Messages
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The VA is now adding a new twist to its approach to patient health care. We are now focusing more on preventing disease and keeping our country’s Veterans healthy. The foundation for doing this is “The 9 Healthy Living Messages”. Our goal is to have these messages integrated into all the health care services the VA provides. The VA believes every Veteran deserves a lifetime of being as healthy as they can possibly be.
Below are the messages, and the steps you can take to partner with the VA to help keep you healthy. At your next appointment, ask your health care team to help you identify ways you can improve your health.
Be Involved In Your Health Care
-Take an active role
-Work with your health care team to improve your health
Be Tobacco Free
-Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health
-Don’t use tobacco in any form
Eat Wisely
-Eat a variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains
-Limit salt, fat, sugar and alcohol
Be Physically Active
-Avoid inactivity
-Aim for at least 2 ½ hours of aerobic activity each week
Strive for a Healthy Weight
-If you need to lose weight, losing even a little will help
-If you are normal weight, congratulations, maintain it
Limit Alcohol
-If you choose to drink, limit to no more than 1 drink a day for women, 2 drinks a day for men
-Avoid “binge drinking”
Get Recommended Screening Tests and Immunizations
-Recommendations for screening tests depend on your age, gender, health status and family history
-Ask which screening tests and immunizations are recommended for you
Manage Stress
-Learn how to recognize stress and pay attention to stress
-Learn ways to help you manage and reduce stress
Be Safe
-Find out how to prevent sexually transmitted infections, falls and motor vehicle crashes
-Take action to protect yourself, and those you love, from harm
