The New Year means different things to different people. Whether it’s a fresh start in life or just a chance to improve your overall heath, New Year’s resolutions can be fun. However, no matter how good your intentions are, most resolutions fail within the first month.
Let’s make sure this year is different. Whether your goal is to eat healthy, lose weight, exercise more or stop smoking or drinking, there are many VA programs available to help.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs exists to make your life easier as a veteran. And that includes keeping your New Year’s Resolution. Here are four resolutions the VA can help with.
- Stop smoking/drinking: If you’re goal for 2017 is to finally put out your cigarette or put down the bottle, the healthcare professionals at your local VA hospital or clinic are ready and willing to put together a plan to help you succeed. You can find your local VA clinic here.
- Lose weight: The average American gains 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The VA has numerous programs to help veterans lose weight and improve their health. Plus, you can use websites such as http://www.move.va.gov for online help, support and tips and to keep a diary to help you stay on track.
- Get a new job: If you’ve been itching for a new job, 2017 is your year. As the economy continues to improve and the national unemployment rate continues to drop, employers are looking harder and harder for qualified workers. Here are some VA career events for January.
- Buy a home: Saving money is tough, especially since wage growth has not kept up with inflation. But the VA makes buying a home easier than ever. With zero-down-payment programs and highly competitive interest rates, a VA loan makes perfect sense for 2017. For more information on a VA loan, click here.
Whatever your New Year’s resolution may be, check out www.va.gov for more information on programs available to help. Happy New Year.
References:
http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20111229a.asp
http://blogs.plos.org/obesitypanacea/2014/12/17/the-truth-about-holiday-weight-gain-2/
http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/34132/january-career-events-for-health-care-professionals/