Nutrition
Nutrition is the taking in and use of food and other nourishing material by the body. The nutrients contained in food are extracted, absorbed, and then used as "fuel" for growth, repair, movement, thinking, and other bodily functions. That is, nutrients are used to maintain and sustain life. Food is made up of different types of nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water.
How does nutrition relate to Mental Health and Wellbeing?
Maintaining good nutrition will:
- give you more energy
- help you to feel good
- help you maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle
- improve your sleep quality
Feeling good, having energy, and being independent are all important factors in promoting good Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Why is it important?
Good nutrition is essential for your health as it underpins healthy growth and development. It contributes to your general wellbeing and plays a key role in preventing disease and disability.
Eating well can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity and other health conditions.
Everyone benefits from good nutrition. Healthy eating is essential to the maintenance of good health and wellbeing. Healthy eating benefits almost every aspect of our health, throughout our lifetime. While many Australians enjoy a varied and healthy diet, there is still room for improvement. Health problems that are linked to poor eating patterns, such as heart disease, Type II diabetes and some cancers, place an enormous burden on individuals, families and society as a whole.
What does DVA do to help?
DVA Community Advisers are able to refer members of the veteran community to nutrition information programs available in the local community, where these are available.
What programs do DVA offer?
Men's Health Peer Education Program
The MHPE program trains volunteers to provide health information to their veteran peers to assist them in making informed lifestyle choices around their health, including nutrition. The program is open to all veterans or partners of veterans.
For further information about the program or training courses for peer education facilitators contact DVA or email menshealth@dva.gov.au.
Cooking for One or Two
Cooking for One or Two is a course designed to assist participants improve confidence in preparing a variety of healthy meals using easy cooking techniques. The program is run for small groups over six sessions and a facilitator's kit is available from DVA.
If you are considering running a Cooking for One or Two course for a group of veterans, Veteran & Community Grants funding may be available to assist you with associated costs.
For further information, please read the Veteran & Community Grants Guidelines and then contact your local DVA Office.
Should I see a Health Professional?
You may wish to talk with your health professional next time you visit about your nutritional requirements.