Easy Road to a Healthy Life
MyHealtheVet is a click away. Find out how you can maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
VA Boston Healthcare System aims at making healthy living as simple as possible. Providing such a wide range of programs and activities allows Veterans to receive the maximum amount of care, guidance and mentorship through their healthcare.
As part of this effort, explore the five simple ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
1. Maintain a healthy diet
Eating a healthy meal can have a major impact on weight loss and maintenance. The key recommendations to eating wisely according to MOVE! are:
• Consume 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
• Eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, oats, crackers, rice or bread per day.
• Eat less than 1 teaspoon of salt per day.
• Eat lean meat and poultry.
• Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk products.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help increase energy level, and decrease the chances of depression, heart diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and some cancers.
VA Boston Healthcare System has a variety of physical activities in place to connect its diverse population.
The amount of exercise one should engage in depends on health conditions. Discuss your physical fitness options with your healthcare provider to find an activity at VA BHS that is right for you.
3. Keep up with medications
Organizing medications and requesting refills in a timely manner can eliminate some of the stress that comes with managing medications. VA BHS’s pharmacy processes thousands of prescriptions and refills per day. Refill requests have been made more accessible through an online request system on My HealtheVet and the automated prescription refill line—857-364-4419.
If maintaining medications has become a challenge, consider scheduling an appointment with the PILL Program to discuss concerns and possible ways to simplify medication.
4. Visit your doctor/specialist regularly
Honoring primary care and specialists appointments allows Veterans to keep an accurate record of their health and health concerns. Medical appointments are a key step in leading a healthy life. VA BHS clinical providers will help Veterans come up with a health plan suitable for their unique needs. He
5. Adequate Sleep
Getting 8 hours of sleep every night can help prevent high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression. This can be an automatic mood changer, and can help the brain function properly.
If you aren’t satisfied with the amount of sleep you receive, consult with you healthcare provider. It’s important to have this issue corrected.
Department of Veteran Affairs and VA BHS recognize the importance of resource accessibility and the role it plays in healthy living.
My HealtheVet gives Veterans resources and guidelines to fulfill these five steps, as well as access to health benefits, appointments and healthcare history.
Visit MyHealtheVet to explore its benefits and learn more about the online resource center. Registering is a simple, 5 minute process.
