Linda S. Kinsinger, MD, MPH
Director

VA National Center for Health Promotion
and Disease Prevention

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• Initiative sponsored by Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services
• Focus on improving health of veterans and family members by encouraging healthy eating and physical activity
• Aim to reduce risk of obesity and diabetes

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• National and VA-specific rates of obesity and diabetes are high and increasing
• Over 70% of veterans who receive health care from VA are overweight or obese; over 20% have diabetes
• Veterans and families make up ¼ of US population (approximately 70 million)

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• HHS has excellent strategies, programs, research to address obesity & diabetes
• VA is "lab" with large patient population & significant community presence
• "HealthierUS Veterans" brings these together

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Program Components

• VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program
• Prescription for Health
• Fitness Challenges
• Partnerships between VA medical facilities and community-based programs funded by CDC
• Fit for Life Volunteer Corps

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• Patient-centered, comprehensive focus on behavior, nutrition, and physical activity
• Helps veterans lose weight, keep it off, and improve health
• Basic MOVE! Program components can be used by veterans, family members, and non-VA providers

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• States BMI and notes health risks if high
• Prescribes daily physical activity to reduce risk
• Encourages use of a pedometer or an odometer
• Includes a recommended number of steps to walk or distance to roll if in a wheelchair

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• Can be done in a group or individually
• Group challenges can be set up within or between facilities or VISNs
• Register for the President's Challenge and track fitness activities on-line
• Encourage co-workers, veterans, and families to take the challenge

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• Steps to a HealthierUS programs in 40 communities address physical inactivity and poor nutrition to reduce obesity and diabetes
• VAMCs will partner with Steps to a HealthierUS communities

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• Open to veterans, family members, and VSO groups
• Corps members may promote HealthierUS Veterans special events, Fitness Challenges and the President's Challenge

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• My HealtheVet offers tools for tracking food intake and physical activity
• Website: www.myhealth.va.gov

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• Establish walking trails on facility grounds
• Post reminders about taking the stairs near elevators; brighten/enhance stairwells
• Sponsor "lunch & learns" with healthy food and information about good nutrition and physical activity
• Organize farmers' markets

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Possible activities

• Community and VAMC "Walk and Roll" events
• Share partnerships with groups such as YMCAs/ YWCAs, etc.
• Join walks sponsored by Volksport clubs
• Promote healthy eating ideas and teach shopping tips (reading nutrition labels, etc.)

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• Track events and participants to measure outreach for the HealthierUS Veterans initiative.
• VA National Center for Prevention will evaluate various initiative components to understand best approaches.

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Web Site and Web-based Materials:
www.HealthierUSVeterans.va.gov
www.move.va.gov

Linda.Kinsinger@va.gov

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