Patrolling your own health...

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You've heard that one before, right? Patrolling your own health is an investment in your future and that of your family. As a civilian soldier, you are the best protected species in the world. Medical readiness is the most important tool a commander has and force health protection has emerged as one of the most important issues in the Army today. Data from the civilian sector describe investment in preventive health measures as returning between $1.49 to $4.91 (median of $3.14) for every dollar invested in health promotion and wellness.1 Wellness, prevention, and managed care initiatives have created great benefits for individuals and their families through military and civilian health partnerships. -- PREVENTION Resources -- Men's Health Women's Health Disease Prevention Injury and Trauma Prevention Putting Prevention Into Practice - A Guide to Good Health Best Protected Species What is Wellness? Moderation

Click on the soldiers above for information on Men's and women's health issues.

Prevention is the Best Way to Health Health is an essential element of military readiness, and prevention is and always will be the best way to health. Preventing diseases and conditions that threaten the health of the warfighter is more operationally sound since it maximizes available manpower. Read More >>

"A unit cannot afford to lose key personnel because of dental emergencies." Click on General I.M. Information to learn more about the military implications of dental disease (HQDA GTA 8-9-1/AR 40-35 & AR 600-8-101).

Health Risk Assessments are designed to help individuals target areas for health improvement or maintenance. Please take a few minutes to complete an interactive Health Goals Checklist designed by the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. This tool is designed to help you assess your health risk areas and determine where you might like to make changes.			Helping Adults Stay Healthy Which preventive services do you need and when do you need them? Find out in The Pocket Guide to Good Health for Adults, a free publication from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). An update to the Put Prevention Into Practice program's Personal Health Guide, it includes resources, charts, questions for health care providers, and information on tests, immunizations, and good health habits.
Health Promotion & Prevention Initiatives Newsletter Click here to view the latest issue and here for the archives.			The USACHPPM Toolbox contains web-based tools for USACHPPM health promotion programs such as Targeting Fitness, Suicide Prevention and Spiritual Wellness, among others. Requires the Flash plug-in.
Medical Surveillance Summary Report The Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR) is prepared monthly by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC). Data in the MSMR are provisional, based on reports and other sources of data available to AFHSC. To read the latest issue, click here.			Healthy People is a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative that brings together national, state, and local government agencies; nonprofit, voluntary, and professional organizations; businesses; communities; and individuals to improve the health of all Americans, eliminate disparities in health, and improve years and quality of healthy life.

Pocket Guide to Good Health for Children This guide was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help parents keep their children healthy and safe.

Prevention and Force Health Protection Healthy People 2010 is the prevention agenda for the Nation. It is a statement of national health objectives designed to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and to establish national goals to reduce these threats. Healthy People 2010 builds on initiatives pursued over the past two decades and is managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The Department of Defense (DOD) has established its own goals relating to health force protection and readiness. A healthy soldier is the most valuable resource in the Army's arsenal. Source: Leading Causes of Death, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FastStats How do you stack up? Which of the leading causes of death play a role in your life? Which of the DOD health goals have you met? Which health and wellness changes could you make to enrich and lengthen your life span?

Do you know the basics of a healthy lifestyle? Did you know that implementing some very simple, self-care tips could cut health risks and prolong your life? Exercise regularly - Just 20 minutes of exercise a day is beneficial--exercise not only burns calories, but relieves stress. Eat right - Review the elements and portions suggested by the Food Guide Pyramid. Take time to manage stress - Even a 15 minute breather can reduce tension. Visit your physician and dentist regularly - Americans saved over $100 billion last year because they practiced preventive dentistry. Practice safety - Buckle up even on short trips…three out of four car crashes occur within 25 miles of home. Practice good dental hygiene - Flossing your teeth every day can reduce your risk of heart disease and infections. Don't smoke - Smoking is still the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. and the number one cause of home fires. Get enough sleep - Too little sleep can lead to workplace accidents and stress. Embrace life - Laughter and love are good for the body, mind, and spirit. Make moderation a motto - Moderation is a lifestyle balancer.