VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Men and women learn to incorporate excercise in their daily routine in the MOVE! program at a VA medical center.

LEEDS, Mass., Jan. 4, 2012 -- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is kicking off the New Year with goals for Veterans and employees to lose one half ton of weight and for at least 50 smokers to kick the habit. 
 
In 2012, the healthcare system for Veterans in the five counties of central and western Massachusetts is challenging both Veterans and VA employees who care for them to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.
 
The first VA CWM goal is having an aggregate weight loss of 1,000 pounds, or a half ton, among all Veteran patients and employees enrolled in VA health care’s Move! program in the central and western Massachusetts service area by Dec. 31 of this year.  
 
The second goal is having 50 tobacco users kick the habit by Dec. 31. 

The goals include both patients and employees. 

The MOVE! program is offered to VA patients who are at risk for obesity and offers treatment options tailored to their needs and preferences.   Last year, nearly 200 Veterans participated in the central and western Massachusetts program.  The program has met with great success nationwide. 

Quitting smoking lowers the risk of diabetes and cancer, and improves the function of the heart and lungs. Quitting at any age is beneficial.  VA programs offered include individual counseling, support groups and medication.
 
Accomplishing the two goals will help both Veterans and VA staff members reduce their risk of developing chronic illnesses, many of which are the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. 
 
Although there are many health-related goals that can be the focus of one’s new year’s resolutions, losing weight and quitting smoking can have the most profound impact on a person’s heath, said Mary Rodowicz, a registered dietitian and VA CWM health promotion and disease prevention program manager.
 
“We are challenging every patient and every employee to take the pledge for better health in 2012,” said Rodowicz. “VA wants employees to lead by example.  If we are challenging our patients to lose weight and be healthy, we, as employees, need to be conscious of our own lifestyle choices, especially with regard to eating, exercise, and tobacco use.”
 
About 700 employees work in VA CWM locations, including the VA medical center in Leeds and outpatient clinics in Fitchburg, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester.

VA staff who oversee the nine-week MOVE! program emphasize it is not a “diet,” but rather emphasizes life-long behavior modification that improves a Veteran’s quality of life.
 
“We’re talking about a comprehensive approach to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight,” said Mark Schneider, VA CWM health behavior coordinator and a doctor of psychology.  “Our program is focused on healthy nutrition, physical activity and psychological well being.”
 
MOVE! is based on guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and Research.  It includes self-management support, individual nutritional counseling with group support, exercise options, and clinically supervised weight-management medications.
 
Currently, about 35 percent of VA primary care enrollees are estimated to be obese and, therefore, at higher risk for chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and osteoarthritis.
 
Positive health changes are common to successful MOVE! program participants.
 
The program not only focuses on weight management, but also looks at other key indicators of healthy living such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Veterans enrolled in VA health care who would like to participate in either the MOVE! or smoke cessation programs at the VA can contact their Primary Care Team.
 
Information about the MOVE! program can also be found at www.centralwesternmass.va.gov/MOVE.asp for a complete list of MOVE! program class dates (for media – see below for classes offered in your area).
 
Veterans not enrolled in VA health care are encouraged to visit the VA benefits page at www.va.gov/healthbenefits or can contact the VA Benefits number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The schedule for MOVE! classes follow.

MOVE! – Northampton VA medical center, Leeds
Time: Friday, 9 to 10 a.m.
Location: Building 1, Creative Thinking Room on the Northampton main campus, 421 North Main St., Leeds.
Veterans who are interested in enrolling should contact Seth Maas, RD, at (413) 584-4040, extension 2711 to register.

MOVE! – Springfield VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Time:   Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m.
Location:   Springfield Outpatient Clinic - 25 Bond St., Springfield
Veterans who are interested in enrolling should contact the clinic at (413) 731-6014 to register.

MOVE! – Pittsfield VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Time:  Thursday, 1 to 2 p.m. (ongoing)
Location: Pittsfield Outpatient Clinic - 73 Eagle St., Pittsfield.
Veterans who are interested in enrolling should see their primary care provider.

MOVE! – Greenfield VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Time:  Tuesday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Greenfield Outpatient Clinic - 143 Munson St., Greenfield.
Veterans who are interested in enrolling should contact Patricia LaRiviere, RD, at (413) 584-4040, extension 2151 to register.

MOVE! – Worcester VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Time:  Classes are held every other week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Location: Worcester Outpatient Clinic – 605 Lincoln St., Worcester
Veterans who are interested in enrolling should contact their Primary Care Provider for a referral.  Contact Suzanne Burchman, RD, at (508) 856-0104, extension 17022, if you would like more information on Worcester MOVE!

About VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System:
VA Central Western Massachusetts provides psychiatric, substance abuse, and PTSD services as well as primary and secondary levels of medical care to a veteran population in central and western Massachusetts of more than 120,000 men and women. The medical center has 85 psychiatric beds and a 66-bed nursing home care unit located on the Northampton campus, and a 16-bed substance Abuse, Compensated Work Therapy, Transitional Residence located off-campus.  Care is also provided at Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Worcester, Fitchburg, Springfield, Greenfield and Pittsfield.