(KNSI) – The St. Cloud VA Health Care System asks veterans to return a survey on their health to improve their quality of life. The Personal Health Inventory survey is part of the St. Cloud VA’s push toward a more holistic approach to health.
St. Cloud VA Whole Health Director Doctor Sean O’mara says the VA has spent a lot of time, effort and taxpayer resources to address the issues of whole health for veterans.
“And that’s a popular approach that’s being taken by a lot of healthcare systems because it saves money. It improves the quality lives of patients, and it really eradicates disease.”
O’mara says Whole Health is probably the most cost-effective program to improve the quality of life of veterans. He says the VA has been pushing for alternative treatments for a few years instead of traditional therapy, which he claims are based on companies making money.
“I think in the private sector, the revenue is completely driven, or too much driven in the direction of pharmaceuticals and procedures. And there’s just no compensation, sadly, for physicians and providers to help a patient make a lifestyle change.”
He says those lifestyle changes include how a veteran eats, sleeps, and manages stress are critical to overall health. O’mara says a veteran’s mental health is just as important as their physical well-being.
“Your thoughts and your attitude about yourself and how you’re living your life are a powerful factor and influence in how your condition is and the life you’re living.”
He says vets need to understand that mental attitude and how they feel about things are critically important to their health and decision-making.
The Personal Health Inventory survey will be sent to every veteran enrolled at the St. Cloud VA. Around 2,000 of the Personal Health Inventories will be shipped per week. Veterans can expect one to show up in their mailbox in the next few weeks.
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