Veteran’s Health Week reinstated

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, has delivered on an election commitment to reinstate Veterans’ Health Week, announcing that it will be held from 24 to 30 August 2009, for the first time in eight years.

Mr Griffin said the Australian Government had re-established the initiative because of the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle for veterans and their families.

“In a study of the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans, war widow and widowers, almost half (49%) said they tried to make at least one change to improve their health in the past 12 months,” Mr Griffin said.

“Veterans’ Health Week is an opportunity to take a positive step to improve health and fitness, which can have significant long term benefits.

“Department of Veterans’ Affairs and its local Veterans’ Affairs Network and VVCS – Veteran and Veterans Families Counselling Service offices are partnering with ex-service organisations and community groups to develop Veterans’ Health Week programs at a local level and organise local events”.

Mr Griffin said the theme of this year’s Veterans’ Health Week was physical activity – encouraging members of the veteran community to think about their health and wellbeing and take part in regular exercise to live a stronger, healthier and happier life.

“Veterans’ Health Week highlights the importance of including physical activities as part of a regular routine, regardless of age or fitness level,” Mr Griffin said.

“During the Week, the veteran community can participate in walking groups, dance classes, laughter workshops, team sports and concerts as well as gain access to information on safety and health issues”.

“Veterans’ Health Week is only a few weeks away so I encourage veterans, war widows and widowers, their families and carers, to mark the Week in their calendars and look out for activities in their area”.

For more information on activities in your area, visit the website http://www.dva.gov.au or to find out how to organise an event, contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers). Northern Territory callers please call 1300 551 918.