| The
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today
delivered on an election commitment to reinstate Veterans’
Health Week, announcing that it will be held from 24 to
30 August 2009, for the first time in eight years. Mr
Griffin, joining veterans in Brisbane today for a game
of indoor bowls, said the Australian Government had re-established
the initiative because of the importance of promoting
a healthy lifestyle for veterans and their families.
“In
a study of the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans,
war widow and widowers, almost half (49 per cent) said
they tried to make at least one change to improve their
health in the past 12 months,” Mr Griffin said.
"Veterans’
Health Week is an opportunity to take a positive step
to improve health and fitness, which can have significant
long term benefits.
“Department
of Veterans’ Affairs and its local Veterans’
Affairs Network and VVCS – Veteran and Veterans
Families Counselling Service offices are partnering
with ex-service organisations and community groups to
develop Veterans’ Health Week programs at a local
level and organise local events.” Mr
Griffin said the theme of this year’s Veterans’
Health Week was physical activity – encouraging
members of the veteran community to think about their
health and wellbeing and take part in regular exercise
to live a stronger, healthier and happier life.
“Veterans’
Health Week highlights the importance of including physical
activities as part of a regular routine, regardless
of age or fitness level,” Mr Griffin said. “During
the Week, the veteran community can participate in walking
groups, dance classes, laughter workshops, team sports
and concerts as well as gain access to information on
safety and health issues. Veterans’
Health Week is only a few weeks away so I encourage
veterans, war widows and widowers, their families and
carers, to mark the Week in their calendars and look
out for activities in their area.”
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