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Public Health

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National Public Health Week

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Five days to health

April 2–8, 2018 is National Public Health Week. Throughout the week, VA challenges you to take the Five Days to Health challenge. Each day brings a new focus to help build a healthier you, one step at a time. Here is the challenge:

  • Monday: Get Vaccinated
    Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. Talk to your provider to learn about which vaccinations you may need.
  • Tuesday: Quit Smoking
    Create a plan to quit smoking for good. Quitting will help you live a longer, healthier life, with more time to spend with family and friends. VA has resources to help you quit. Call 1-855-QUIT-VET or text VET to 47848 to get started.
  • Wednesday: Join a Health Registry
    VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans. Find out if you’re eligible to participate.
  • Thursday: Develop Healthy Habits
    Eating balanced meals and exercising regularly can help protect your health long term. Start small—try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or take a walk around the block. Over time, turn these actions into habits for your health.
  • Friday: Enroll in Health Care
    VA encourages all Veterans to access health care benefits. Check your eligibility and apply for VA health care.

Share your story

Tell us what you are doing to stay healthy during National Public Health Week by sharing your experiences on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #NationalPublicHealthWeek and tag VHA Facebook and Twitter profiles in your posts.

Be informed

A key part of taking charge of your health care is being able to actively participate when making decisions about your health. VA has resources to help you become, and stay, an informed health care consumer.

National Public Health Week is sponsored by the American Public Health Association.

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