Since 05-14-06
VA Initiative against Obesity
and Diabetes Advances
Since 05-14-06
From: VA Media Relations [va.media.relations@VA.GOV]
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 10:46 AM
To: VANEWS-L@WWW.LISTSERV.VA.GOV
Subject: VA Campaign against Obesity Adds Registration
Recent VA News Releases
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address:
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VA Initiative against Obesity, Diabetes Advances Internet Harnessed for
Veterans' Health FORT MONROE, Va. (May 12, 2006) - Setting his sights on the
twin maladies of obesity and diabetes, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs today
announced the launch of a national registration campaign to let veterans and
their families tailor their diets and exercise programs into a healthful
lifestyle.
"Good nutrition and physical activity can help millions of Americans preserve
the independence that would be threatened by diabetes and being overweight,"
said the Honorable R. James Nicholson. "We want everyone to know that they can
act now, before it is too late, and VA has the tools to help."
The new health care assessment is part of a campaign called MOVE - Managing
Obesity/Overweight for Veterans Everywhere - which is part of the HealthierUS
Veterans program sponsored by the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and
Health and Human Services (HHS) to reduce obesity and diabetes, a disease often
associated with being overweight.
Patients enrolled in VA's health care program can complete an interactive
on-line questionnaire about their health status, nutrition and exercise. Based
on their information, veterans and family members receive a custom report with
health information and instructions for follow up with the staff of a VA medical
center.
"Our prescription for America's veterans is simple," said Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin,
VA's Under Secretary for Health. "We want them to eat healthy, be active, and
get fit for life. Their service in uniform taught veterans what it takes to
achieve a high level of fitness. We're helping them stay that way."
People not enrolled in VA's health care program can log into
www.move.va.gov/move23 and
answer 23 questions. They will receive an individualized report giving them
suggestions about making changes in their eating and physical activity and
referring them to materials on the Web site.
Nicholson said VA medical centers nationwide are starting an aggressive effort
to counsel and follow up with patients who express interest in managing their
weight.
The VA secretary spoke at the annual National Veterans Golden Age Games in
Hampton, Va., where nearly 600 veterans aged 55 and older tested their mettle in
competition at the nation's largest sporting event for older veterans. The Games
are co-sponsored by VA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Launching the program at the Golden Age Games allows participants to register
for MOVE on computers set up for them in Hampton.
VA estimates that 70 percent of its patients are overweight, compared to 64
percent of the U.S. population. Diabetes also affects a greater percentage of
veterans in VA's health care than the general U.S. population.
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