Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) Program

 "Keeping Veterans Well and Well-Informed”

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP) has developed the Preventive Care Program to ensure a more holistic, Veteran-centered system and greatly improved access to and coordination of care.

The Preventive Care Program is designed to promote healthy living among Veterans, provide facility support for preventive care, train clinical staff in patient-centered communication, and develop a number of resources for Veterans to receive health promotion and disease prevention services.

The OKC VAMC HPDP Program staff is committed to raising awareness and improving the life of Veterans by providing comprehensive health education, clinical services and support for health-related behaviors. Together with the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and other specialty programs, such as MyHealtheVet, MOVE! and Women Veterans Health, the HPDP Program provides resources that support health promotion and disease prevention needs and interests, which are the key to improving health and preserving life. 

Get started on the road toward optimum health and wellness today by following these 9 Healthy Living Core Messages: 

Click on each message for more information about that topic or visit the NCP at www.prevention.va.gov

We are here to inform, encourage and support you to live a longer and healthier life!

Points of Contact:

For more information on MyHealtheVet please visit www.myhealth.va.gov.

To find out more about MOVE! please visit www.move.va.gov.

MONTHLY PREVENTION TOPIC

May 2012: Be Physically Active

FACTS:
 Less than half of U.S. adults get the amount of physical activity recommended in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
 27%  of the U.S. population is obese according to the 2008 BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
 36% of Veterans are obese according to the same study.
 The World Health Organization estimates that at least 80% of all heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes and more than 40% of cancers would be prevented if people were to stop smoking, start eating more healthfully, and get into shape.
 
What does "get into shape" mean?
Getting into shape does not always mean joining a gym. Increasing your physical activity is one way to "get into shape". Physical activity is anything that gets the body moving. Start at a comfortable level. Once this begins to seem easy, add a little more activity each time. Then try doing it more often.

Some physical activity is better than none and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks. If you do not have a chronic condition (such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis) and you do not have symptoms (e.g., chest pain or pressure, dizziness, or joint pain) you do not need to talk to a health care provider before you become more active. If you have a concern regarding a health condition, talk with your health care team about the types and amounts of activity that are best for you.

Every 10 minute session counts!!!
 For important health benefits, you should do at least 2.5 hours each week of moderate-intensity (when you can talk but not sing during activity), or
 1.25 hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity  (when you cannot say more than a few words without pausing for a breath), or
 an equivalent combination of both.

Click the links below to read more about Physical Activity 

The Four Elements of Fitness 

Types of Physical Activity  
Planned Physical Activities  
Strength Training Benefits 

REMEMBER: Avoid inactivity! Some activity is better than none!

For more information about how to Be Physically Active visit these sites:

VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention- http://www.prevention.va.gov/Be_Physically_Active.asp

Healthwise® Knowledgebase- Exercise for Health
www.healthwise.net/myhealthevet (enter codes Z704,  G736, or A687 to see different topics)

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:
www.health.gov/paguidelines*

President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN), HHS:
www.fitness.gov*

The President's Challenge:
www.presidentschallenge.org*

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS:
www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity*

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, HHS:
www.odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov*

Healthfinder- Exercise and Physical Fitness (with links for pregnant women and helping loved ones) http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=657

* Indicates that the link leads to a non-VA website. The VA is not responsible for content on the site.