A veterans' hospital in Missouri has recently started programs to include proactive care for patients.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that instead of only treating patients who complain of illness or injury, the Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital's recently constructed Patient Education Center seeks to teach people how to improve their health in the hopes of reducing the number of future hospital visits.
Program manager April Leverett says that each veteran in the weekly course develops a plan suited to their goals and ability. She says that during the course, health coaches and participants focus on nine areas that include diet, exercise and spirituality.
Management program assistant Aaron Sheley says that many veterans are used to taking care of other people, and oftentimes overlook themselves.
