We are committed to providing you the highest quality health care. We also want to help you take care of yourself. At Hines and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), we have a program focusing on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP). This program works to educate you and your Health Care Team about how to best to improve your health in these areas.
There has been a lot of research in recent years on the best ways to maintain health and well-being. The behaviors listed below are among the ones that have the most impact on your health. We encourage you to make these behaviors part of your daily life.
Get Involved in Your Health Care
The VA has developed a new way to provide primary care to you, the Veteran. It is called Patient Aligned Care Teams or PACT. A team of health care staff will be working with you to provide high quality care. Your core team, which we call a teamlet, consists of your provider, nurses and a clerk. You will also have social workers, dietitians and clinical pharmacists to take care of your needs. YOU are the center of your team. Your team members become your health partners. We want to provide you with the best care, based on your individual needs. There are many ways to take an active role. Work with your healthcare team to improve your health.
Get Recommended Screenings and Immunizations
Talk to your provider about the preventive services you should have. The recommendations are based on your age and health status. They include immunizations and screening tests for potential health problems.
Manage Stress
People have stress in their lives. It’s important to learn how to manage the stress in your life because stress contributes to your risk for physical, social, financial, emotional, and cognitive health problems. You may not be able to remove stress from your life, but you can learn what stresses you and how to take care of yourself during periods of stress. Click here for a list of area resources that may help you manage stress.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
To stay at a healthy weight, balance calories from what you eat and drink with calories you burn off by your activities. To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.
Eat Wisely
Healthy eating habits can make a big impact on your health. Everyday food choices affect your body and how well it works. We should all eat a wide variety of foods to get the daily nutrients that we need. Click here for a list of resources near Hines and the clinics. This list includes farmers’ markets, food pantries, support groups, and other resources to help you Eat Wisely!
Be Physically Active
Staying active is central to a healthy lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about starting an exercise program that is right for you.
Be Safe
There are actions you can take to protect yourself and those you love from harm. Common safety issues are sexually transmitted infections, falls, and motor vehicle collisions. Speak with your provider if you have questions or concerns with safety. Click here for a list of area resources for staying safe.
Be Tobacco Free
Smoking and other tobacco products can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. All adults should avoid tobacco products.
Limit Alcohol
If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation (women no more than 1 drink a day; men no more than 2 drinks a day). Avoid "binge drinking." If you are concerned about your drinking, talk to your VA health care team about getting help.
This list provides resources for helping you Be Tobacco Free and Limit Alcohol.
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