American Veterans Face New War: Diabetes

Filed in archive News on February 28, 2006

Obesity and diabetes rates have soared among veterans. Though skilled in survival, they still need all the help they can get to combat this enemy.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services is stepping in to join the fight.

From American News:With obesity and deadly diabetes at significantly higher levels among America's veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday a coordinated campaign 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 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."

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.