Increase Your Physical Health and Wellbeing through Veterans Health Programs in Australia

1. Increase Your Physical Health and Wellbeing through Veterans Health Programs in Australia Veterans have helped to form part of Australia ‘national identity through their courage and commitment to serving our great nation. All Australian citizens should acknowledge and recognize the value of their invaluable contributions to our society. It is our responsibility to treat veterans with respect, understanding, and dignity. Contemporary veterans, both men and women, face different health needs to those of previous generations. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) works for veterans, their families and the veteran community for meeting the unique healthcare needs of veterans in Australia. DVA provides support to current and former serving members of the armed forces and their families through Veterans health programs, services, and payments. These programs and services are carefully designed for assisting veterans to manage their health and lifestyle. These programs cover a range of topics including nutrition, setting health-related goals, physical activity, chronic conditions, eating healthy, responsible alcohol consumption, back care, maintaining a healthy heart, and stress management. Veterans’ health care programs are provided by many committed and dedicated organisations in Australia. It is vital that these organisations work together with each other to provide quality, person-centered care, which meets the health and wellbeing needs of veterans. Veterans face unique health issues and challenges as a result of their service. The profile of veterans is changing. A contemporary group of veterans has emerged over the past 10-15 years. They may have been involved in peacekeeping activities or services in the

2. Middle East. As compared to previous generations, the proportion of women has also increased in armed forces in Australia. These differences are forcing the healthcare system in Australia to rethink their traditional approach to providing health care for veterans and their families as well as the broader veteran community. Some of the veteran rehab and therapy programs aim to help veterans to increase their overall wellbeing and health through practical exercise, lifestyle, and nutrition management support. Psychology Programs As a part of a mental health initiative for military veterans, the veterans social support groups provide group activities and psychology services. It is essential to understand that these services are not to replace any current veteran therapies but simply aims to compliment them for the best health outcomes possible. These programs aim to help veterans by providing high-quality care with a focus on improving psychological wellbeing, long-term recovery, and increasing social networks. Physiotherapy program Latest therapy and clinical exercise are used by an experienced and well-trained physiotherapist for helping veterans move well without experiencing any pain. These programs believe in a holistic approach to health care. It aims to carry out the assessment and diagnosis of injury, pain, and movement dysfunction of entitled veterans. Physical exercise program Entitled DVA veterans may be referred for clinically effective exercise program by their general practitioner on a valid D904 referral form. DVA will pay for the clinically necessary treatment upon diagnosis and referral of a specific medical condition.

3. The entitlement provided by DVA includes: ü DVA health cards, both gold, and while, are accepted as payment upon a referral provided by your general practitioner ü White cardholders are entitled to clinically necessary treatment for an accepted disability ü Gold cardholders are entitled to clinically necessary treatment covered by the health care arrangement of DVA for all health conditions Nutrition Programs Dietetic services are precisely designed to provide veterans with the skills that are necessary for helping them improve their physical and mental health. In addition to this, these programs aim to reduce the burden of any chronic disease they might face. Nutrition programs also assist veterans in creating and achieving their health goals within the stipulated time frame. Trained and experienced professionals provide realistic advice to improve the overall health and wellbeing of veterans.