Improve nutrition for veterans in care
Veterans across Australia, including those in residential aged care, are encouraged to improve their health and wellbeing during Veterans’ Health Week, from 13 to 20 October, by taking part in a week of fun and informative activities centered around improving their nutrition.
Veterans across Australia, including those in residential aged care, are encouraged to improve their health and wellbeing during Veterans’ Health Week.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, says given evidence of increasing rates of obesity and decreasing levels of exercise, we need not only to develop a stronger understanding of the issues surrounding poor nutrition, but also to put an emphasis on the importance of the overall physical and mental health of veterans, their families and friends.
There are about 160 Veterans’ Health Week activities planned nation wide, including fresh food markets, health expos, a nutrition themed family day in Adelaide, and free surfing lessons in New South Wales and Queensland.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will work closely with ex-service organisations and community groups in encouraging veterans to focus on healthy eating and good nutrition, not only during the week, but longer term as well.
“Eating well is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing at any age. Healthy eating helps prevent and manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes, and benefits mental health by increasing self-esteem and motivation,” Minister Ronaldson says.
Veterans’ Health Week is also an opportunity for strong support networks to be formed. Networks that will not only ensure that healthy eating practices learnt during the week are more sustainable and successful in the long term, but that also provide an opportunity for current serving members to build relationships with the veteran community, allowing them to connect through a common cause.
DVA has a range of programs in place to promote the health and wellbeing of the veteran community which can help veterans and their families to make informed lifestyle choices. These programs cover both mental and physical health and can be accessed through the DVA website and also via DVA’s mental health and wellbeing web portal At-Ease.
To find out more about Veterans’ Health Week, including information on local and Australia wide events, visit the Veterans’ Health Week webpage or contact your local Veterans’ Access Network office.
