Prescription for Health

VA primary care providers give each veteran enrolled in MOVE! a pedometer, a brochure that explains how to use the pedometer, and an exercise prescription for recommended physical activity, such as a number of daily steps to walk. All providers have been encouraged to give their patients similar physical activity guidance.

For HealthierUS Veterans, physical activity prescription pads have been developed to tell patients their Body Mass Index (BMI); explain that an elevated BMI puts them at risk for health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease; and give them a recommendation to increase physical activity. Providers have the option to use a prescription for pedometer use with a goal of number of steps to walk each day or a prescription for odometer use for wheelchair users and a goal for miles rolled.