Cover Story: Veterans at Higher Risk of Diabetes, Veterans Advantage Launches Fitness Initiative

With obesity and deadly diabetes at significantly higher levels among America’s veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced a coordinated campaign across several branches of the government to educate veterans and their families about ways to combat these health issues.

"Inactive lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits can cause needless suffering for America's veterans," said the R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Obesity and diabetes are major threats to the health and lifestyles of our veterans, deserving a robust campaign to better educate them on healthy habits."

Veterans are more likely than the general population to have diabetes, one of the major complications associated with being overweight. According to the American Diabetes Association, 7 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, and the rate increases with age. Among veterans receiving VA health care, who are on average older than the general population, the rate is 20 percent.

"Central to our goal of controlling the cost of heath care is the promotion of wellness, fitness and the prevention of chronic disease. We are working to encourage Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to take responsibility for making wise choices to improve their fitness and health," said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt.

In a news conference last month, Secretary Nicholson, HHS Secretary Leavitt, Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona (and a Veterans Advantage HeroVet) and VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin announced the start of a campaign called "HealthierUS Veterans" – a multi-pronged educational effort to spawn healthy eating and physical activity among veterans, their families and members of their communities.

VA medical centers will promote nutrition and exercise with local groups in 40 communities that receive grants from HHS in a program called "Steps to a HealthierUS."

"Our service men and women are known for their extraordinarily high levels of fitness," said Perlin. "We want our veterans to be identified the same way."

Overweight patients receiving VA health care may participate in weight loss programs tailored to their needs. Veterans can expect to hear about regional educational campaigns this spring in four cities where VA and HHS Steps programs collaborate. Local celebrities and members of veterans service organizations will be invited to participate. The program will also play a part in the President's Council on Physical Fitness annual rally in Washington this coming May.

Veterans Advantage: Securing a Healthier Future for You
Veterans Advantage is doing its part ensuring a healthier future for Veterans and their families. As part of our "Health & Wellness" benefits package, Veterans Advantage card members have a host of options for financial assistance in achieving their fitness goals:

• FREE Prescription Drug Plan: All members get this bundled with your Veterans Advantage card at no extra charge. It's good for use at over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide, with savings up to 65% on many brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, including treatments for diabetes.
• Health Clubs: Members can save up to 50% on their monthly health club dues and over 1,500 fitness chains nationwide, from neighborhood gyms to large clubs such as Bally's Total Fitness, Gold's and World Gyms.
• Long Term Care Insurance: Special rates protect you against unexpected health care costs from industry leader John Hancock.
• Golf Equipment & Accessories: Sports fans would appreciate special discounts on golf equipment, apparel and accessories.

"We applaud the government's role in sponsoring a healthier America, and there is no one out there who deserves it more than those who have served our nation with honor," said H. Scott Higgins, founder of Veterans Advantage. "Our members have literally saved millions on the Veterans Advantage program because of our benefits are applicable to their daily lives, especially ensuring optimal health."

To get all these special health and wellness benefits, all U.S. Veterans and active duty who have served in any branch or period of service, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are eligible to join Veterans Advantage online as part of a SPECIAL 30-DAY TRIAL at www.wesalute.com or submit your request at our contact page.

Existing members can also get information on access to the benefit from the "Members Only" portion of www.wesalute.com.